Another ho-hum win for D-backs Webb

Brandon Webb has taken the 2008 season to a new level. In today's classic pitchers dual between Webb and Jake Peavy, the D-backs scratched out a 2-1 win over the Friars of San Diego to go to 18-7 on the season.

Webb was his usual ho-hum, masterful self today. He went six innings, giving up five hits and no earned runs to take his record to a major league leading 6-0. His only blemish was the four free passes he surrendered. Peavy wasn't too shabby as well...he only gave up four hits in seven innings, but gave up the big two-run dinger to Chris Snyder in the second which was the only offense the D-backs needed today.

It truly is amazing how well this pitching staff of the D-backs has performed this year. Brandon Lyon is finally back on track as well, getting his seventh save of the year today. The way the starters are going, there hasn't been any need for any long, middle relief. And if what they have isn't enough, the D-backs brought up the much heralded Max Scherzer from AAA Tucson before today's game. They sent down Yusmeiro Petit to free up the spot for Scherzer. The move was quite unexpected, at least for Scherzer. This one hits home because I was planning to head out to the park to see Scherzer before he was called up...

"It definitely caught me by surprise," said Scherzer, who caught an early flight and arrived in San Diego at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

"Primarily, the next few days, the thing that he brings is if we do have a long game he can pitch some innings," Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes said. "He also has some experience pitching in a shorter role, most recently in the Fall League."

Sorry, but there's no way in #%$#@% that the front office brought his guy up for some long relief. He may have a couple of trips out of the bullpen to get his feet wet, but you can bet your bottom dollar he will be in the starting rotation right away. Guessing Edgar Gonzalez (went way out on a limb there...) will the be casualty when that happens....and it will definitely happen.

Justin Upton was not in the lineup today (leg cramp/strain) ...listed as day-to-day...good chance he'll be back in there tomorrow when Arizona heads home to take on Houston for a 3-game series.