SB Nation Arizona - D-backs Get Swept By Lowly Cubshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-07-16T07:00:47-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/29158412012-07-16T07:00:47-07:002012-07-16T07:00:47-07:00Arizona Diamondbacks Player/Pitcher Of The Weekend: Bryan Shaw Gets First Award, Aaron Hill Wins Again
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> are off to a slow start coming out of the All-Star break. Honestly, it is a bit baffling to see a team take 3 out of 4 games from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and then get swept by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> after taking the week off. But that is exactly what happened. </p>
<p>The pitching really wasn't that great this weekend in Chicago, but with no run support, how can they be? The amount of pressure on their shoulders to go out and perform must be overbearing. The only two players that played somewhat decently were <span>Bryan Shaw</span> and <span>Aaron Hill</span>. </p>
<p>The Diamondbacks were unable to register more than one run in each of the games against the Cubs, but the award has to go to someone. We can't just vacate the trophy USC-style. That is why Aaron Hill wins the batters award this week. He was the only Diamondback regular to get a hit in each of the games. He scored their only run in the third game of the series, so that has to count for something. </p>
<p>For the pitchers side, Bryan Shaw came in the game twice as a reliever and threw two shutout innings, allowing just one walk in that time. He becomes the first true reliever to win pitcher of the week this season (<span>Patrick Corbin</span> and <span>Josh Collmenter</span> have starts under their belts). </p>
<p>Honestly, this was a difficult week to hand out awards. No one deserved any sort of recognition for stellar play. Hopefully that changes after a trip to Cincinnati and a meeting with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> next weekend. </p>
<p>Here are the stats for those keeping track:</p>
<p><b>Player of the Week awards:</b></p>
<p>Parra (1), Kubel (1), Roberts (1), Goldschmidt (4), Bloomquist (1), Montero (1), Hill (4)</p>
<p><b>Pitcher of the Week awards:</b></p>
<p>Saunders (1), Cahill (3), Corbin (1), Miley (5), Collmenter (2), Shaw (1)</p>
<p><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #a82a00;" target="_blank" href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/">AZ Snakepit</a>.</i></b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/7/16/3161970/arizona-diamondbacks-player-pitcher-of-the-weekend-bryan-shaw-getsTyler Nickel2012-07-16T06:01:07-07:002012-07-16T06:01:07-07:00MLB Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates Serious About Acquiring Justin Upton, According To Report
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<p>With all the trade winds swirling around <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> rightfielder <span>Justin Upton</span>, at this point nothing might surprise anyone. However, one team name that has popped up might be a considered a surprise and that would be the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark. </p>
<p>According to Stark, the Pirates had scouts attending the game between the D-backs and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a>, and he also tweeted this:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Pirates">#Pirates</a> so serious about Justin Upton they're sending signals they could include <span>Starling Marte</span> in an Upton deal -- but not Cole or Taillon</p>
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/224545774049046528" data-datetime="2012-07-15T16:47:39+00:00">July 15, 2012</a>
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<p>Cole is right-handed pitching prospect <span>Gerrit Cole</span> and Taillon is another right-handed pitching prospect Jameson Taillon. Marte is an outfielder. </p>
<p>What is interesting is that Arizona already has pitching and outfield depth in the majors and in the minors. While any of those prospects certainly could be of interest to the team, it does not fill their needs at third base, shortstop or at catching prospects. </p>
<p>The trade deadline is quickly approaching, so these rumors will pick up speed as we get closer. Whether an actual deal comes out of it all still seems like a ways off, but you never know when teams get desperate, and Upton is the type of player that teams get desperate for. </p>
<p><b><i>Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at </i></b><a href="http://azsnakepit.com/"><b><i>AZ Snakepit</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b><b><i></i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/7/16/3161976/mlb-trade-rumors-pittsburgh-pirates-justin-uptonJess Root2012-07-15T14:50:47-07:002012-07-15T14:50:47-07:00Arizona Diamondbacks Scoring Drought Continues In Chicago
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> continue their road scoring struggles as they lose to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> 3-1 in the final game of their three-game series at Wrigley Field. Coming into the game, the Diamondbacks have averaged 5.1 runs per game at home, and only 3.6 runs per game on the road. The D-backs have lost three consecutive games since the All-Star break, and were outscored by the Cubs 15-3 in the series. With the win, the Cubs have evened the season series with the D-backs at three games apiece.</p>
<p><span>Trevor Cahill</span> started on the mound for the Diamondbacks, and went 5 2/3 innings. Cahill is known as a slow starter and averages a 6.88 ERA in the first inning. Although he only allowed four hits, Cahill struggled with his control early on. Cahill walked the Cubs leadoff batter <span>David DeJesus</span> to start the game. After a wild pitch advanced DeJesus to second, <span>Anthony Rizzo</span> hit a line drive to right field, scoring DeJesus, and giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. </p>
<p>In the second inning, Cahill again walked the leadoff batter. The walk came back to haunt Cahill, as <span>Darwin Barney</span> hit his fourth home run of the season down the left field line, scoring two. Barney's homer gave the Cubs a 3-0 lead, which was more than enough to hold off the Diamondbacks. This was the eighth home run Cahill has given up in his last five starts.</p>
<p>After giving up three runs in the first two innings, Cahill settled down and put out 12 of the next 13 Cubs batters. After Cahill walked Anthony Rizzo for his third walk of the game, and <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> followed with a single to left field with one out in the sixth, Cahill was pulled for <span>Craig Breslow</span>. Breslow, <span>Bryan Shaw</span>, and <span>J.J. Putz</span> shut out the Cubs the remainder of the game.</p>
<p>The Diamondbacks ended the game with seven hits, but left 13 runners on base. They were shut down by Cubs starting pitcher <span>Matt Garza</span>, who threw seven complete innings, striking out seven D-backs. The Diamondbacks never really threatened until <span>Aaron Hill</span> homered to left field off of relief pitcher <span>Shawn Camp</span> with two outs in the top of the eighth inning. That would be the only run the D-backs could generate on the day, as their offense continues to struggle.</p>
<p>The Diamondbacks will head to the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati for a four-game set against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> before heading back home.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/7/15/3161258/arizona-diamondbacks-scoring-drought-continues-in-chicagoTroy Erickson2012-07-15T08:00:15-07:002012-07-15T08:00:15-07:00Arizona Diamondbacks Intent On Doing Things The Hard Way
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<p>With two straight losses to the cellar-dwelling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> to start the second half of the season, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> have done exactly the opposite of what their fans were hoping they would do. They had momentum going into the All-Star Break, having beaten the division-leading <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> three straight games, and they looked like they were ready to make a move after returning to play.</p>
<p>Then they put up two stinkers of games, losing to a team that has been really bad this year. With that being said, the team is still just five and a half games out of first place in a division full of teams that don't want to pull away from the rest of the pack. </p>
<p>But if you look at it, this is exactly what the D-backs seem to like to do. They like to have adversity and overcome it. </p>
<p>Last season, they won an improbable amount of one-run games and had an improbable number of com-from-behind wins. They won the division that way. </p>
<p>This season, they have stayed in the thick of things despite getting almost nothing from their two expected pitching aces in <span>Ian Kennedy</span> and <span>Daniel Hudson</span>. Hudson went down with an injury for the rest of the season and Kennedy just has been ineffective overall. </p>
<p>But even still, they are right there. The team has thrived on having to grind away at obstacles and overcome them. </p>
<p>They believe that they will be in the postseason. </p>
<p>The only issue is that it looks like they are putting themselves in positions of adversity, and you don't want to do that on your own. </p>
<p>But I wouldn't put it past the group of players that they would subconsciously do something like that. They have a steady hand in Kirk Gibson leading the way. </p>
<p>Right now they are three game under .500. They aren't getting ace pitching from their ace. They are five and a half games out of the division lead. They have a rock to climb. </p>
<p>But that's how the D-backs play. They need a chip on their shoulder to step up. </p>
<p>Looks like they did it again, much like Brittany Spears did over a decade ago.</p>
<p>Will they turn it around? Recent history says yes, so just sit back and relax while they all get ready to have it happen. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/7/15/3160369/arizona-diamondbacks-intent-onJess Root2012-07-15T06:00:24-07:002012-07-15T06:00:24-07:00MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Upton Could Be Traded To Oakland Athletics
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<p>The <span>Justin Upton</span> trade rumors won't die down. That is due to, in part, the fact that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> general manager Kevin Towers won't let it die down. He is one to believe that everyone can be had, and even Upton could be traded. </p>
<p>In Upton's contract, he has a no-trade clause that allows him to veto four teams. Previously, those teams were the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a>. </p>
<p>However, his contract stipulates that he can change those teams each year, and, <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/arizona-diamondbacks-oakland-athletics-justin-upton-scratched-as-off-his-veto-list-071412" target="_blank">according to Ken Rosenthal</a>, Upton has changed those teams.</p>
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<p>Oakland is now not on that list. Late Friday night, I tweeted, "Justin Upton could have been perfect for the Athletics. The problem: They're on his no-trade list."</p>
<p>Correction: The Athletics were on Upton's no-trade list. They no longer are, according to sources with knowledge of his contract.</p>
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<p>Just because Oakland is off his list, though, doesn't necessarily mean a trade will happen or even is a consideration. Yes, the D-backs and A's have both been part of big trades. Following the 2007 season, the two teams made the big deal of the offseason with <span>Dan Haren</span> coming to Arizona. Then last offseason, Arizona brought in <span>Trevor Cahill</span> and <span>Craig Breslow</span> in exchange for <span>Jarrod Parker</span>, Colin Cowgill and All-Star <span>Ryan Cook</span>. </p>
<p>Oakland could use Upton in their outfield to build on and they have salary room, but they really do not have what Arizona needs. </p>
<p>So, while Upton could not stop a trade to Oaktown, as of right now it looks like that would not happen. </p>
<p><b><i>Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at </i></b><a href="http://azsnakepit.com/"><b><i>AZ Snakepit</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b><b><i></i></b></p>
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https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/7/15/3160364/mlb-trade-rumors-justin-upton-could-be-traded-to-oakland-athleticsJess Root2012-07-14T13:04:06-07:002012-07-14T13:04:06-07:00D-backs Drop Another Game To Cubs As Offense Continues To Struggle
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> knew they needed to get off to a strong start in the second half of the season if they hoped to make a run in the National League East. Against one of baseball's worst teams, they're now 0-2 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> with a total of two runs scored in 18 innings. Arizona will look to avoid the sweep on Sunday.</p>
<p><span>Joe Saunders</span> returned to the mound for the D-backs and worked six solid innings. He surrendered four runs (three earned) on eight hits and no walks, striking out four in the process. Saunders pitched well enough to win, but <span>Ryan Dempster</span> was simply too good as he tossed six shutout innings.</p>
<p><span>Starlin Castro</span> drove in the first run of the game in the third inning with a groundout. <span>Darwin Barney</span> came up with a big two-out double to drive home another run, and he was followed by an RBI-single from <span>Luis Valbuena</span>. Barney hit into a double play in the sixth inning to make the score 4-0 in the Cubs' favor.</p>
<p>Chris Young hit a solo homer in the seventh inning to finally put Arizona on the board. The club saw their first two batters reach in the ninth again wild closer <span>Carlos Marmol</span>, but a deep fly out from <span>Geoff Blum</span> and a 3-6-1 double play ended the game on back-to-back pitches.</p>
<p>The D-backs will send <span>Trevor Cahill</span> to the mound on Sunday in the series finale.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Diamondbacks and their struggles, check out </i><a href="http://azsnakepit.com" target="_blank">AZ Snake Pit.</a></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/7/14/3159444/diamondbacks-vs-cubs-scoreScott Coleman2012-07-14T09:53:47-07:002012-07-14T09:53:47-07:00MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Upton Meets With Kevin Towers To Discuss Situation
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<p>There's no denying that these next few weeks are going to be very interesting ones for the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>. The club remains on the cusp of contention in the National League West, and they've got until July 31 to decide whether or not to make a deal (or deals).</p>
<p>The biggest name swirling in trade rumors would be <span>Justin Upton</span>. General manager Kevin Towers is reportedly looking for a big haul of major league talent in order to deal Upton, and he's acknowledged that a trade is not out of the question of the right package comes along. With this news in the air, Towers took the chance to meet with his talented outfielder before Saturday's game.</p>
<p>Here are a few highlights.</p>
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<p>GM Kevin Towers spoke with Justin Upton about trade rumors. "We had a good conversation. I think he gets it."</p>
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) <a data-datetime="2012-07-14T16:05:53+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/nickpiecoro/status/224172875215679489">July 14, 2012</a>
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<p>Told him: "Should look at it in a good way that people like you, not just Dbacks, but you’re perceived very, very well throughout baseball."</p>
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) <a href="https://twitter.com/nickpiecoro/status/224173273519357952" data-datetime="2012-07-14T16:07:28+00:00">July 14, 2012</a>
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<p><i>For more on Upton rumors and the Diamondbacks, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://azsnakepit.com">AZ Snake Pit.</a> Stay tuned with <a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com">SB Nation Arizona </a>for continued updates on the club throughout the year.</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/7/14/3159148/justin-upton-trade-rumors-diamondbacksScott Coleman2012-07-13T18:32:52-07:002012-07-13T18:32:52-07:00Jason Kubel Injury: D-backs Outfielder Exits With Tight Hamstring, Might Miss Saturday
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<p><span>Jason Kubel</span> left Friday's rainy game early against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, which caused some concern among <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> fans everywhere. It was reported that Kubel left with a hamstring problem in the seventh inning, and after some evaluation it's been determined that it was simply a matter of a tight hamstring.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
<p>Jason Kubel left with hamstring tightness. He's not sure if he'll be good to go tomorrow.</p>
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) <a data-datetime="2012-07-14T01:06:02+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/nickpiecoro/status/223946422704275457">July 14, 2012</a>
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<p>With most of Wrigley Field completely swamped with water, it's for the best that Kubel left in a game that was out of hand. If there are similar conditions on Saturday, it might also be safe to keep him out of the lineup once again. The last thing the D-backs need is for the injury bug to come up and bite them again, and all it takes is one slip to do serious damage to a hamstring.</p>
<p>The Diamondbacks will continue their series with the Cubs on Saturday afternoon. It'll be a 10:05 a.m. PT start in Arizona.</p>
<p><i>For more on Kubel and the club, check out </i><a href="http://azsnakepit.com" target="_blank">AZ Snake Pit.</a></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-diamondbacks/2012/7/13/3158283/jason-kubel-injury-diamondbacks-fantasy-baseballScott Coleman