Out are Conor Jackson (illness) and pitcher Bobby Korecky (sent down to Reno – and not a second too soon).  In are Stephen Drew, returning from the disabled list and Clay Zavada, pitcher called up from AA Mobile. Look for more moves tomorrow, including the addition of starting pitcher Bryan Augenstein.

I imagine that there will be more to come.  With as many different lineups as this team has sported lately and all the young AA and AAA players making their way to Phoenix early in the season, it is clear the Diamondbacks are trying to do two things at once, shaking up the lineup to try to spark some wins out of this team meanwhile getting a look see at the younger talent.  Trying to do both at the same time probably spells the end of any possible chances for this team in 2009, but could bode well for 2010.

Chad Tracy‘s days have got to be numbered.  After sitting for five consecutive games, Tracy was inserted into the lineup against the Cincinnati Reds, a game the Dbacks eventually lost 13-5.  However after just two at-bats, he was pulled in favor of Josh Whitesell.  That move spoke volumes.

As for the rest of the team, they can’t hit.  They can’t score runs when in scoring position.  By watching the game this evening against the Reds, they almost look like as they are resigned to giving up.  I’ve heard some of the same comments being made about last night’s game too.  I just watched Justin Upton, with runners on first and third, leave his bat on his shoulders for three consecutive strikes.  Unbelievable.  Or is it?

I wish I had the answers.  However it is clear the Diamondbacks front office wants to do the right thing to keep fans in the seats, but the players clearly are in some kind of funk and that appears to be both physical and mental.  The mental side of things is hurting the physical side of things.  They say this game is mostly mental.  Last night, the Dbacks bullpen was so spent, they used utility player Josh Wilson in the 9th inning as a pitcher.  Was it really that bad?  Then tonight Daron Sutton and Mark Grace said the Dbacks needed started Dan Haren to go the distance and complete the game.  So the bullpen is spent huh?  Well, I’m spent watching this team squander scoring opportunities, make mental mistake after mental mistake on the base paths, and striking out when the at-bat means the most.

It sure is difficult to be a fan right now.  I keep trying and trying to give this team chances.  How do you suppose I continue to do that as these paid professionals go out and act like they don’t care.  Most of them will tell you they do care and I’m sure some do, however their play tells me something else.

I’m not asking for a World Series Championship here.  I just want the team to provide the illusion they care about the game they play.  They don’t have to win them all.  Wouldn’t a few be fun though?

The usual suspects are to blame for another poor outing by a bullpen that is more fit for Class A ball than the majors.

It all started just fine, with the Dbacks getting to Rockies reliever Glendon Rusch and taking a three run lead after a two-run homer by Mark Reynolds in the fifth inning to give the Dbacks a three run lead 6-3.

Dbacks starter Yusmeiro Petit was serviceable on Tuesday night.  Not great, but kept his team in the game for five innings.  Unfortunately, as usual, he found himself in a a couple of jams, which lifted his pitch count and had to be removed after five innings.

First up was Bobby Korecky.  I know, you are probably asking who?  Well, Mr. Korecky came into the game in the sixth and could only manage two outs while giving up two earned runs.  He threw 18 pitches, only seven for strikes. His ERA: 10.12

“Nobody like to hear it, because it’s dull, but the reason you win or lose is darn near always the same, pitching” – Earl Weaver

Next up was our friend Doug Slaten.  The left-handed “specialist”, was anything but special on this evening.  Slaten failed to record an out.  He managed to double his ERA to 6.00 with five pitches.

“To be hated cordially, is only a left-handed compliment” – Herman Melville

Well said Mr. Melville, well said.

Next in line, Juan Gutierrez.  He has been hot and cold, mainly cold, however had been solid the last couple of times out.  Tuesday night, he managed to record four outs, all the while giving up a run on two hits.

“One can not live without inconsistency” – Carl Gustav Jung

The human wonder, Jon Rauch, came in after Gutierrez and pitched just like himself, giving up two runs on two hits, including a center-field blast by Todd Helton.  Colorado’s outs were also hard hit against Rauch.  Let’s face it folks, he isn’t fooling anyone but himself and obviously the Diamondbacks.

“What’s unfortunate about buying a pitcher….is that he carries no warranty.” – Bob Verdi

The Dbacks should have gotten the extended extended warranty on this guy.  You know, the one where you are protected up to an ERA of 15.00 or 3 years, whichever comes first?  Too bad the ERA is closing in, currently at 12.00.

Scott Schoeneweis did actually have a decent ninth inning, giving up one hit, no runs, striking out one.

It is a quick turnaround today with a 12:40pm game.  The Dbacks still have the opportunity to win their first series of the year.  Dan Haren is on the mound.  What do you think the over/under is on run support, negative 1?