Sep. 25, 2011; Phoenix AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks fans hold up a poster before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-US PRESSWIRE

I was scouring the sports section of the Arizona Republic today and I came across a Phoenix Suns ticket holder that sent a complaint to the editor about being a season ticket holder who misses out on discounts and promotions just for people who buy single-game tickets.  I immediately had a couple of thoughts.  First, would an Arizona Diamondbacks fan complain too and, secondly, what’s he complaining about?  He has season tickets and us single gamers don’t.  I think he should take a long hard look at the reasons why he is complaining.

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Oct 5, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielders Gerardo Parra (left), Chris Young (center) and Justin Upton celebrate following the game against the Milwaukee Brewers during game four of the 2011 NLDS at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Brewers 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The Arizona Diamondbacks outfield was already considered pretty strong defensively and for the most part offensively in 2011.  That was before the arrival of Jason Kubel.  With Gerardo Parra in left field, Chris Young in center field, Justin Upton in right field, and now Kubel, the D-backs have a fairly good balance between offense and defense from the outfielders.  How they mix it up will be up to spring training performances and match-ups with others.  Kubel is now the assumed starter in left over Parra, you know, the guy that won the Gold Glove.  That’s how deep this outfield is.

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July 12, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; American League outfielder Josh Hamilton (32) of the Texas Rangers before the 2011 All Star game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

When I heard the news last night that Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton had a relapse in his fight with alcohol addiction, it saddened me tremendously.  Hamilton, who has has the assistance of an accountability manager in the past, did not have one recently when he apparently had a few drinks at a Dallas area bar.  The previous accountability manager had joined another organization.  To see that the Rangers even hired such a person says volumes what the Rangers think about Hamilton.  Oh and the millions they spent on him.  For his part Hamilton came out today and said he was wrong.  No doubt.  It wouldn’t be called a relapse if it was right.  I’ve seen what alcohol addiction can do to a person first hand, so take away baseball all together and it is still a very disappointing story.  It is one the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball should pay more attention to.

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