Arizona Diamondbacks Links: Goldy With Best Hit Tool?
By Joseph Jacquez
Good Afternoon Arizona Diamondbacks fans!
Last night’s win over the Reds at Great American Ball Park to start the final leg of the road trip was very satisfying. After two innings this team was down and out. Patrick Corbin was out of the game after getting hit hard, having given up four runs, and the offense to that point couldn’t do anything against rookie starter Jacob Lamb.
Instead of just giving up, this team won for just the 2nd time after trailing after seven innings this season defeating the Reds 5-4 thanks to clutch two out hitting, and a great performance by the bullpen.
I have a couple of thoughts from last night’s game before we get into links from around the web.
First, if you believe Bill James, then there is no definition of a clutch hitter or a clutch moment in the game of baseball. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
When there are runners in scoring position with two outs and your team is down a run or the game is tied, and a player comes through, that is hitting in the clutch. Any hitter would tell you that it’s much harder to perform in those conditions, and there is a lot of pressure on them. It’s also the most satisfying moment for any hitter.
The Diamondbacks have been the best in the majors this season in clutch situations, specifically with two outs and RISP, leading the majors with 210 two out RBI hits and a major league best .269 average.
Second, just because Brad Ziegler doesn’t throw 100 mph like Aroldis Chapman does, doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. Ziegler saved his 20th consecutive game last night, the third longest streak by a D-back, and the second longest active streak in the majors.
Ziegler and Chapman’s numbers are similar this season.
Chapman: 1.81 ERA, 24 saves, 100.70 FB velocity.
Ziegler: 1.55 ERA, 22 saves, 84.94 FB velocity.
The Diamondbacks are just fine with Ziegler as the closer, and they don’t need Chapman.
I’m done ranting for now. Here are today’s Diamondbacks and MLB stories from around the web for your reading pleasure!
Diamondbacks Links:
Baseball America releases best tools in the majors for 2015-Baseball America
My Thoughts:
Baseball America released their annual best tools list for the Major Leagues last Monday, and it is always a great read! Our guy Paul Goldschmidt is all over this list and for good reason. He was named as the best hitter in the National League, and the best defensive first basemen in the Senior Circuit. I’m so glad that the national media is recognizing how good this guy is. Congratulations Goldy!
Diamondbacks bullpen does heavy lifting in win over the Reds-Dbacks.com
My Thoughts:
The Diamondbacks bullpen once again did their job, and gave Chip Hale exactly what they need cooling off the Reds offense.
Josh Collmenter looked like the pitcher we have come to know and love, pitching three scoreless innings. The Diamondbacks are going to need more length out of their bullpen for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, this rotation just can’t give this team innings, so the D-backs will rely heavily on the pen.
I think they can get it done.
Jake Lamb doesn’t get many plate appearances against lefties-azcentral.com
My Thoughts:
Jake Lamb has only made four starts against a southpaw this season despite having a .310 average against them during his minor-league career.
That limited exposure has allowed him to hit just .214 (6-for-28) against them this season. Lamb is still confident facing a left-hander, but he doesn’t get to face them.
Chip Hale wants to watch his foot after he spent the six weeks on the disabled list, and it allows Aaron Hill to get some regular at bats.
However, while both of those reasons are logical, Lamb is never going to get better against major league left-handers if he doesn’t get regular reps against them.
David Peralta is the best example of that. He has gotten a ton of at-bats against lefties in 2015, and he has gone from hitting under .200 last season to hitting over .280 against them this season.
Hale needs to give Lamb more chances against lefties.
Who leads the N.L. in runs scored: yep its the D-backs-Just a bit Outside
Why A.J. Pollock is a superstar player-Beyond the Box Score
Diamondbacks trip to Japan was unforgettable-azcentral.com
Around the MLB:
Four teams must make trades in August-MLB.com
Five questions as division races heat up-MLB.com
Nationals call up top prospect Trea Turner-District On Deck