Image: US Presswire

Collmenter, performing in a long-relief role not many teams utilize anymore, was impressive in the emergency start as he showed flashes of the dynamic starter he was for long stretches last year. He threw four innings and only allowed the one run on a solo shot by Geovany Soto in the fourth inning.

Brad Ziegler relieved Collmenter and threw two shutout innings for the win. It was Ziegler’s first two-inning outing since August 11 of last year. The parade of relief pitchers continued with Craig Breslow, Bryan Shaw and David Hernandez, who worked in unison to complete the final three innings of the game.

Jason Kubel provided the lead with a two-run blast to left center in fourth. Ziegler and Hernandez contributed their own offense as they each recorded their first career major league hits. Ziegler also came around to score on Aaron Hill’s single.

It was a good win considering Saunders was scratched so close to game time. With that in mind, the circumstances seemed a bit weird before the game. The broadcast crew showed video of Saunders walking off the field a bit distressed but I, for one, am not entirely convinced that is the real reason Saunders was scratched.

Many times, when a player is being considered for a trade, especially a starting pitcher, a team will hold him out of games fearing injury. With Trevor Bauer looming in the shadows, seemingly ready to dominate the major leagues, it would make sense that the D-backs brass would look to create a spot in the rotation while fortifying other needs on the roster (i.e. third base).

I’m not saying this is for sure the reason that Saunders was scratched. It’s entirely a guess. But it IS a possibility. Either way, if Saunders is getting shipped out, or needs a DL stint, Bauer may be getting called up over the weekend.

In other weird news preceding the game, D-backs play-by-play TV announcer Daron Sutton was reportedly “suspended indefinitely” by the team, according to Bob McManaman of azcentral.com here. However, Sutton rebutted that report, claiming it was a personal matter and he had asked the D-backs and the media to respect his privacy.

Both the Saunders and Sutton news are surrounded by strange circumstances. Will we see either of them again as part of the D-backs?

May 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully at press conference to announce their sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Guggenheim baseball management team at Dodger Stadium. Image: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

When we watch baseball on television, the game is the most important part of the broadcast.  Almost as important is who is announcing the game from the booth.  If you have more than option, life is even better.  For example, if I am driving and the Yankees are playing the Mets and I have to choose radio teams, it’s a no-brainer.  I will be tuning in to the Met two man crew of Howie Rose and Josh Lewin.  And if the Diamondbacks are playing the Dodgers and MLB Extra innings is carrying the feed for both teams, you can be sure I will be listening to the one and only Vin Scully.

This is not meant as a slight to the Arizona duo of Daron Sutton and Mark Grace.   I happen to think they are very good at what they do.  They are entertaining but not silly.  They are knowledgeable about the game but are not condescending.  In short, watching a D-Back game with those two at the mikes is a quality experience.   But they are not Vin Scully. No one in baseball, heck no one in broadcasting is like Vin Scully.  He is a living legend, now in his 62nd year calling games for the Dodgers.  When men and women decide they want to enter the field of television or radio be it in sports or news, they should be forced to listen Scully’s work every day for at least a month.   He never tries to make himself a part of the game, he just calls the game.  Many announcers today would be well-served to follow Vin-Man’s lead.

As the season continues, I will try to make a point to catch at least one inning a game of each Dodgers game.  I am not a fan of those Boys in Blue, I just want to hear Vin Scully tell another story about Sandy Koufax, Duke Snider or  Steve Garvey.  One never knows if 2012 will be the finale on one of the most storied careers we will see in our lifetimes.

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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?