Owings rallies D-backs to win

Randy Johnson clearly did not have command of his slider today, and when he is reduced to throwing his less than stellar 44 year-old fastball, it's not going to be pretty. And it wasn't. The Big Unit gave up six earned runs in only four innings (nine hits as well...). But, it's a fine line he's walking now. If he doesn't have command of all of his pitches, he is very average. So, I expect much of the season will be like this....inconsistent from one start to the next.

But the big story was Micah Owings tying up the game in the sixth with a pinch-hit two-run dinger off of Houston reliever Dave Borkowski to bring the score to 7-7. Owings' homer was his first of the year (hear I am talking like he's a regular position player who we all expect to hit more...wow) brought his season average up to .421. Eric Byrnes then came up and banged an RBI single which figured to be the final run as the D-backs scratched back for an 8-7 victory.

Ahh...another series win....amazing. Arizona now goes to 20-8 on the season. 20 wins in April...normally a club will shoot for winning 15 games every month, which brings your season total to about 90. A month at 20 is outstanding.

Astros manager Cecil Cooper was positively pissed after the game for his team letting leads of 4-0 and 6-2 escape.

"We can't get the stinking pitcher out, we're in trouble," Cooper said after the game. "My goodness, a two-run lead and we can't even get out of the stinking inning. That's unacceptable, and it won't happen again, I can promise you that. You get these guys down, you've got them 4-0, 6-2, and we let them back in the game. It won't happen again. It definitely won't happen again."

"All [Borkowski's] got to do, he's got one right-handed hitter to get out, and that happens to be a pitcher," Cooper said. "And we can't make a pitch to get him out. And on the first pitch. It's unacceptable. And I won't stand for it no more."

Gotta love that.....I love the candor of Cooper.

Owings' pinch hit homer was the first by a pitcher in four years. He is still expected to make his scheduled start on Friday, but he was noticeably limping as he rounded the bases just doing a home run trot. So, sure hope he gets that worked out by then.

Another good day for Conor Jackson at the plate today as he went 2-for-4 and hit his fifth homer of the year (solo shot) in the third. Conor is clearly a different guy this year...so much more confident, you can just see it in the way he's handling himself.

Well deserved off day for the guys tomorrow. With Byrnes and Owings dinged up, it'll do both of them a world of good. The Mets are in town on Friday and really looking forward to it. Actually anyone outside of the NL West is appealing right now...not from a potential win standpoint, but 22 straight games against the NL West was just a bit much so early.

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Glad the front office read my plea yesterday to move Max Scherzer into the rotation :-)...The D-backs announced today that he will be in the starting rotation from this point forward and will make his debut Monday against the Phillies. That's a potent lineup to get your first major league start...but I think Scherzer will be up for it. Nothing seems to phase this guy. As expected, Edgar Gonzalez will move to the pen.

Scherzer impressive in D-backs loss to Astros

Edgar Gonzalez literally and figuratively handed the ball over to newcomer Max Scherzer in the third inning tonight. Gonzalez was completely ineffective in his 2 2/3 innings of work, giving up six earned runs on eight hits.

Then Mr. Scherzer took over and in his major league debut, pitched 4 1/3 innings of no-hit, no-run ball. He also had an impressive seven strikeouts and not a single walk. Wow....not bad for a major league debut :-). That my friends is getting it done. But Gonzalez had put the D-backs in too much of a hole by then, and Houston held on for a 6-4 victory at Chase Field. The D-backs fall to 19-8 on the year but still lead the NL West by 5 1/2 games.

As I mentioned this morning, Scherzer seems certain to replace Gonzalez very soon. I would be absolutely shocked if Scherzer and Gonzalez don't immediately flip-flop with Scherzer going to the starting rotation and Gonzalez doing long relief from the pen. In fact, that better happen because the D-backs front office certainly didn't call up Scherzer to do mop up and long relief...they want another stud in this starting rotation, and by the looks of it, they're getting it.

Former D-back Jose Valverde (Papa Grande) closed out the ninth with some serious gas. He looked absolutely bent out there and just blew them out of there. He hit 99 on the gun against Byrnesey...

Day game tomorrow at 12:40 PM local time, as the Big Unit will take on Shawn Chacon. The D-backs will try to win another series tomorrow...in fact the only series they've lost this season was the first one of the year against the Reds.

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The D-backs indicate that Micah Owings will in fact make his normal start on Friday against the Mets. He had sprained his ankle over the weekend against the Padres, but his side session looked good today, so he's good to go on Friday. Great news.

Chris Young needs new approach at the plate

Looking closely at Chris Young's numbers so far this year, it's interesting to note the trends being seen through the first month. The obvious stats are walks and punchouts. He currently has 16 base on balls and 34 strikeouts. 16 is good....34 is awful. If we extrapolate that out over a season (we're now 26 games into the season, so not terribly early to project yet), 16 turns into 99 and 34 turns into 211. His numbers last year were 43 walks and 141 K's.

So, he's definitely being more patient at the plate, but he's frankly swinging right through the pitches he's trying to hit. His average is at .225 compared to last year's .237, but his additional walks have pushed up his OBP from .295 last year to .336 this year. His power is good with 6 dingers and 13 RBIs isn't too shabby.

So, what's going on here? How can Young reduce his strikeouts and get that average up where it needs to be? Right now I don't see him doing anything to change his approach. I think he needs to shorten up his swing a bit (I know....they always say not to have a young hitter change his approach...but...) in order to make more contact. He's got good speed, so if he can simply put the ball in play more often, he's definitely going to raise his BA and OBP.

It's simply not acceptable to have your center fielder hitting this close to the Mendoza Line for a prolonged period of time. I think it's in the team's best interest to sacrifice a bit of power for fewer punchouts and better on base percentage. Since he is such a potent lead-off power threat, let him take his hacks early in the count. But, after that, shorten up a tad and concentrate on putting the ball in play or looking for a walk. I know...I'm no hitting coach...just a guy trying to pass on some free and mostly useless advice ;-)

Haren and Co. take down Astros

Dan Haren looked more like himself last night against the Astros, going 7 2/3 and giving up three runs on five hits in the D-backs 5-3 victory. It was a much smoother ride this time for Haren compared to his previous start against the Dodgers last week. Only a couple of hiccups, otherwise an excellent outing.

"That was, absolutely, without a doubt, the best I've felt. I caught a bit of the flu going around early on, and I'm just now getting back to my usual routine," said Haren, whose routine Monday night was pretty extraordinary.

Haren also helped himself at the plate with an RBI double in the third to put the D-backs up 1-0.

Chad Qualls and Brandon Lyon then came in and quickly shut the door on Houston, as Arizona now goes to 19-7 with a 6 1/2 game lead in the West. Qualls only faced one batter, Lance Berkman, but it was a critical out....Qualls has been money for this team so far...still has not yielded an earned run. Lyon now has eight saves on the season...didn't think I'd be saying that the way he was rocked the first week of the season. But, he obviously figured out his mechanical issues, and is now throwing 4-5 MPH faster and back to his old self.

Conor Jackson continues to rake...2-for-3 with a run and a steak (.345 on the year).

Back at it tonight with Edgar Gonzalez (soon to be Max Scherzer :-) ) taking the hill against Houston's Jack Cassel.

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.

Tough loss for D-backs in extras

The Diamondbacks certainly had their chances yesterday, but ended up on the losing side of a 13-inning, 8-7 game in San Diego.

Micah Owings was looking to go 5-0 on the season, but was roughed up early on. Owings gave up five earned runs in his five innings of work. Of course, Owings did his best Alex Rodriguez/Albert Pujols impersonation by going 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI double. But, it was Owings' double in the sixth that ended up taking him out of the game. As he was running into second, it looked like a freak roll of his ankle as he touched the base. The ankle was sprained, and he began immediately receiving treatment for it in the clubhouse.

"Actually, all things considered and what it looked like, it's not too bad," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said. "It's not out of the question that he can make his next start."

So, that's good news....but Justin Upton looked to have tweaked his hammy trying to leg out a ground ball in the seventh. The extent of the injury is not known yet, but could have just been a leg cramp. Hope so...can't afford to lose the D-backs' best two hitters in Owings ( :-) ) and Upton.

We've got ourselves a dream matchup today in the rubber game of the series. The D-backs Brandon Webb (5-0, 2.31 ERA) against the Friars Jake Peavy (3-0, 2.00 ERA). The Cy Young winners from the two previous years will go mano y mano today at 1:05 PM. Webb still leads all of the major leagues with five wins, and will hopefully extend that to six.

I'm just hoping that if the D-backs are down in the ninth, that the Padres bring in Trevor Hoffman and his gas can to put out the fire, because Arizona will light him up. Hoffman is struggling big time this year, and he is 1-3 in his career against them. But, hopefully the offense can get to Peavy (good luck...), and it won't come to down to the ninth.

The Big Unit very large tonight

Randy Johnson picked up his first win of the season tonight, as he pitched a superb game and came out a winner over the Friars 5-1 in San Diego. The Unit went six in the victory, giving up only one run on three hits. That's the Randy we all know and love. But...it was the Padres...so...they hit about as well as a decent AA team. But...we'll take take it.

Johnson's season ERA is now down to a nasty 2.70. He really should be 2-1 right now...that's one heckuva start to the season for the 44-year old red ass :-)

The key hit offensively was Mark Reynolds' three-run bomb in the third. It was Reynolds' seventh of the year.

D-backs now to to 17-6 on the year...can we please play the rest of the season's schedule in the N.L. West please?

D-backs ugly in loss to Dodgers

Some games just have that ugly feel about them. Last night's 8-3 loss to the Dodgers definitely had that feeling from start to finish.

Dan Haren got roughed up for the first time this year. The Dodger hitters just beat him down in the first few innings, causing Haren to throw 106 pitches in 4 2/3. That's one heckuva lot of pitches for less then five innings. He gave up six runs (five earned) and nine hits in that time.

It was a three hour and 31 minute game...so, not only was it ugly, it was looooonnnngggg and ugly too. It seems many games in Los Angeles have American League time of games...not pretty.

The only real positive offensively was the solo shot that Stephen Drew hit off of Dodger starter Derrek Lowe in the fifth, and a Drew double in the eighth to drive in another run.

Poor defense by the D-backs as well...Chris Young and Justin Upton (third of the year) both had miscues in the outfield. Not sure what it is about Dodger Stadium, but Upton missed a routine fly ball in a very similar fashion to the one he misplayed in his major league debut there last season. I just think Upton is not concentrating 100% out there all the time, and takes too much off a lackadaisical approach many times on routine fly balls.

Back at it again tonight to try and right the ship...Edgar Gonzalez up against Chad Billingsley (can't believe he's 0-3, 6.14 - he's a much better pitcher than that, so the D-backs will have their hands full).

D-backs take sixth straight series

Brandon Webb struggled out of the gate tonight, but he figured it out enough to hold on for six innings and give up only three runs in route to the 5-4 win over the Giants tonight.

Webb now goes to 5-0 on the season, his ERA going up a tad to 2.31....but he's still the best pitcher in baseball right now....period. Webby also torched the Giants with his stick, hitting a laser to left-center in the fourth for a two-run double. Nice....Micah Owings is doing his best Webb impression on the mound, and now Webb is doing his best Owings impression at the plate.

This team is now 15-5....best team in baseball hands down. They just seem to have so much confidence right now, that they truly believe that they are going to win each and every time out there. It's now six consecutive series that the D-backs have won. They have a 14-3 record against teams in the NL West right now....6-game lead....wow...

Why Owings isn't hitting higher in the lineup

Interesting story today on UmpBump.com, that asked the question: "Why the heck is Micah Owings still batting 9th". Here is basically how UmpBump summarized their view on Owings:

The point is that the Diamondbacks have a rare two-way player on their hands, and if they are smart the should do everything in their power to get him as many at-bats as they can. One way to do that is to put him higher in the lineup, which is so obviously a smart move that it is baffling they haven’t done it already. In addition, they should also probably be pinch hitting him just about every game, and should maybe even consider sneaking him in at first base from time to time. And he should almost certainly be their DH in interleague games.

Obviously they don’t want to risk injury to him by making him play a demanding position in the field, because oh yeah he is also a pretty good pitcher, off to a 4-0 start this year with a 2.42 ERA.

But batting him 9th just because that is where all other pitchers bat is just stupid.

I think there has been much consideration by Bob Melvin as to where exactly Owings should be hitting in this lineup. He is obviously an enormously talented "hitting" pitcher. Melvin did experiment with hitting him seventh and eighth during Spring Training and did have some success there.

As for him making any appearances at first base this year, Melvin squashed that speculation early in the spring. He wanted Owings to concentrate strictly on pitching this year, and not make hitting be as much of a focus for him. He obviously has had a tremendous start out of the gate this year at 4-0, and much of it appears to be due to his drastically improved changeup that has been getting hitters off balance.

On the surface it would appear obvious to move Owings higher up in the order on the days he pitches. But, I think it might be a bit more delicate than it seems. I think that egos actually come into play here, and maybe some position players may not necessarily react positively to such a move. I know they're all professionals and want to do what's best for the team, but they also have a heckuva lot of pride too, and that might be part of the reasoning behind leaving him in the ninth hole.

Owings has made his share of pinch hit appearances thus far, and I expect Melvin to use him whenever necessary. It's a nice luxury to have as a manager, knowing that you have that one extra bat on the bench in the late innings.

As good as Owings has been at the plate, the Diamondbacks wouldn't mind if he hit .150 as long as he keeps putting up the numbers from the bump that he has to this point.

Disappointed in Melvin yesterday

I was very disappointed in Bob Melvin yesterday. Randy Johnson was obviously spent, and he chose to leave him in there too long. And no, hindsight is not 20-20 here...if it seemed obvious to me at the time that he should have been pulled, then the coaching staff should have seen it as well.

It was another case of Johnson having too much control (not pitching), and the staff not treating him like others in terms of when they believe he's finished. He's obviously a five-time Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer, but he's still a pitcher that has to be monitored like all others.

Late offense propels D-backs over Padres

The number 13 might be Eric Byrnes' favorite number.

The most important part of last night's game against the Padres was that the Eric Byrnes porn 'stache watch is still on. And it was one heckuva of stroke of luck that he did it. With two out in the bottom of the eighth, and Byrnes still hitless, Chris Young hit a routine grounder to Khalil Greene who let it go right through the wickets. Byrnes than came up and promptly smashed the first pitch up the middle to extend the 'stache/hitting streak to 13 games.

D-backs ended up crushing the Padres 10-3 to take the first two games of the series. The Big Unit will go for the sweep this afternoon.

D-backs pound the Friars

Sure wish the D-backs could face future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux every night. He came into this game with a lifetime 2-10 record and 4.88 ERA against the D-backs. Tonight didn't help those numbers any bit. In fact, an interesting graphic was shown during the game that showed just how dominate the Diamondbacks have been over the years against Maddux. The D-backs had scored 17 runs in 18.1 first innings in his career.

Because of that 22-inning nightmare last night with the Padres and Rockies, San Diego was forced to leave Maddux in the game and take his lumps. And lumps were taken: nine earned runs on 13 hits, raising his season ERA from 2.00 to 4.68....yikes....that's taking one for the team.

Now, the really important stuff...the Eric Byrnes porn 'stache watch is still on....Byrnesie went 2-for-4 to extend his mustache/hitting streak to 13 games.

Lost in the ineptitude of Maddux was the dominance of Dan Haren. Haren went seven innings, giving up only three hits and no runs. Now granted, the Padres hitters were obviously a bit listless after that marathon last night...but still...His season ERA is now down to a minuscule 1.80 with his record at 3-0. That brings the dynamic 1-2-3 punch of Webb-Haren-Owings to 10-0. Wow.

Conor Jackson was a monster out there....4-for-5 (.364 now on the year) with three runs and four RBIs. He was a double short of the cycle. He ended up with two triples on the game however....he's gotta slow down on that last one and take his double....:-).

Then there's Justin Upton going 3-for-4 to raise his average to .377.

Hopefully this game sets the tone for the rest of the series. The D-backs' Edgar Gonzalez will take on the Padres' Chris Young at 5:10 PM local time tomorrow evening.

Stephen Drew grew up a righty

Good piece yesterday from Steve Gilbert on dbacks.com on how Stephen Drew started out as a right-handed hitter growing up.

He started switch-hitting since his older brother J.D. was left-handed, so he figured he'd give it a try. He would throw the ball off of the garage roof, let it bounce, then hack away.

Jeff Cirillo even thought Drew was a switch-hitter after watching him hit from the right-side in the batting cage last year.

Drew gave it up in the tenth grade due to the dearth of left-handed pitching.

"It was kind of tough, because there were not a lot of left-handed pitchers that we faced," Drew said. "And my dad was right-handed, so I didn't really have any lefties to practice against, either. So I decided halfway through 10th grade to just go left and see how it went against lefties. It became just as easy, so I stuck with it."

So far this year Drew is hitting .294. The D-backs will take that if he can sustain it over the rest of the year.

Would love to see him get up there right-handed in a blowout game....c'mon Stephen...you know you want to...

NOTE: A reminder that the 12-game Eric Byrnes porn 'stache streak is still on and going for 13 tonight

"Big Unit" on list of best nicknames

Randy Johnson, a.k.a "The Big Unit", was eighth on a list of the nine best nicknames in Major League Baseball. Here's the excerpt:

8. Randy "The Big Unit" Johnson, P, Arizona Diamondbacks: Such a perfect way to describe a man who broke into big-league baseball with a never-before-seen 6-foot-10 frame, a 98-mph fastball, a sick slider coming from a wayward left hand, a magical, mystical mullet, a mustachioed scowl and a Hall of Fame career in front of him. The fact that Tim "Rock" Raines gave him his nickname makes it even more legendary.

Number one on the list is Boof Bonser from the Twins (he actually legally changed his name to Boof...so not really a nickname anymore). "Big Papi", "The Big Hurt", and others made the list as well.

Great Chris Young radio interview on Jim Rome

Chris Young did a radio interview today on the Jim Rome Show, and

Some notes from the interview:

• On the subject of Justin Upton, Chris says he calls Upton Ken Griffey III
• He says he's happy to be hitting leadoff, even with the power numbers he puts up. Rome said he thought Young should be further down in the order. I disagree. I think the leadoff spot suits him just right, and that he probably wouldn't hit as many homers from a traditional power slot in the lineup.
• Young wasn't a starting player in high school until his senior year. Wow...I would not have guessed that was the case. He is such a good all-around athlete...and those are the guys that normally start three sports in high school.

More on 4-1 D-backs win

The Eric Byrnes porn stache watch is now at 12 games....Byrnes went 1-for-4 with an RBI double in the fifth to center field that bounced over the wall.

I said it before, but Webb was brilliant out there today...now granted...it was the Giants, but allowing only one earned run in eight innings brought down his season ERA to 1.86. Webb says that the Giants hitters were aggressive out there:

"I was able to locate pretty well on the fastball," Webb said. "I threw some good offspeed pitches, some good curveballs. They were really aggressive today."

Webb had 104 pitches after eight innings, and I thought BoMel was going to run him out there again in the ninth to try to get the complete game...but he figured it was Lyon's turn.

"Really, he had the pitch count to where we could have potentially let him go out for the ninth," D-backs manager Bob Melvin said. "But [closer Brandon] Lyon's got a job to do, too. It was good to get him eight and good to get Lyon a clean ninth."

David Pinto over at Baseball Musings says Webb has a decent chance to win 25 games this year....

The way Brandon Webb is pitching, and the way the Diamondbacks are generating offense, you wonder if he has a chance at 25. Webb defeated the Giants 4-1 today, driving in two runs himself. That lowered his ERA to 1.86 and his batting average allowed to .147. You need the combination of a great pitcher on a high scoring team to have a shot at this, and right now this looks like it.

He could be right...I'd settle for Webb and Haren both getting right around 20...just like the "old" days with Johnson and Schilling.

Well deserved off day for the team tomorrow...then it's time to bang some heads with the second place Padres on Friday for the first game of the three-game series. The second in the 1-2-3 punch, Mr. Haren will go on Friday against the Friars' Chris Young.

Masterful Webb becomes MLB's first four game winner

Brandon Webb is a stud...no doubt about it. How's eight innings, giving up only one run on three hits as the D-backs win the series against the Giants today 4-1. Webb also had a two-run single in the second inning...sweet.

The D-backs are now 11-4, with the 1-2-3 punch of Webb-Haren-Owings a combined 9-0. That's gettin it done.

More to come....

Owings looking like Webb in D-backs win

Micah Owings....holy cow! What happened between the end of Spring Training and the start of the regular season?? This guy has been an absolute stud out there in his first three starts of the year...The 1-2 punch of Brandon Webb-Danny Haren is now the 1-2-3 punch of Webb-Haren-Owings.

Owings went six full innings today and gave up only one run on three hits as the D-backs slammed the Giants 8-2 in the Bay Area. He also punched out six Giants and only allowed a couple of walks.

One of the reasons for hit quick start is the vast improvement in his changeup this year.

"He's throwing strikes and getting ahead," D-backs manager Bob Melvin said. "He's got a better changeup this year, a better slider."

He was able to make the adjustment to his changeup after talking with Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter in the offseason. He's holding it with the same grip, but in a rotated position in his hand.

Today was Jackie Robinson Day around the major leagues (61st anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball), and several D-back players (Eric Byrnes, Justin Upton, Chris Young, Orlando Hudson, and first-base coach Lee Tinsley) wore the number 42 in honor of Robinson. Hudson was clearly emotional talking about Robinson.

"It's definitely an honor for all that my man went through for us," said Hudson. "Not just African-Americans, but for baseball. There's so much you can say about Jackie Robinson. It's eye-dripping to sit here and talk about him. There aren't words. I can't put it into words."

Conor Jackson must have been impressed that I named him earlier to my All $500k-per-player team :-), as he hit his second dinger in two days in the first inning and ended up going 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs (he now has 13 RBI on the season and hitting a lofty .333). Considering how dinged up he's been thus far, Jackson has been a mad man out there. Very nice to see his confidence noticeably up this year.

And, the ever important Byrnes porn stache watch is still in full effect, as Byrnesie went 2-for-4 today to bring his average up to .305. His hit/stache streak is now at 11 games...

Mark Reynolds was a scratch from today's lineup....recovering a bit from that big-time tumble he took in last night's game going after that foul ball.

Young also homered on the day, to bring his season total to five...matching that of teammates Reynolds and Upton and all tied along with three others for the major league lead.

Rubber game of the series tomorrow....as Webby takes on Zito at 12:45 PM local time.

My All $500k-per-player team

Got to thinking the other day about what kind of team you could put together using only guys who are making $500k or less this year (salary info courtesy of USA Today). There's actually a ton of talent out there right at or just above the league minimum (for 2008 it's $390,000).

Here's my starting lineup for the underpaid and overachievers in major league baseball:

Conor Jackson 1B $419,500
Dustin Pedroia 2B $457,000
Hanley Ramirez SS $439,000
Ryan Zimmerman 3B $465,000
Russell Martin C $500,000
Nick Markakis OF $455,000
Jeff Francoeur OF $460,000
Ryan Braun OF $455,000
Fausto Carmona P $457,800

Many others, mostly outfielders, could have been included in this starting lineup, but I'm going with this group.

Unit impressive in first start, but D-backs fall

Randy Johnson certainly wasn't a finely tuned machine out there, but nobody should have expected that in his first start of the season after rehabbing from his back surgery last year. But, his results certainly were very impressive, but not enough to hold off the Giants, as the D-backs went down 5-4 tonight in the opening game of the series.

It's tough to give up five unearned runs and win a game, as they found out tonight.

The Unit threw five full innings tonight, and only gave up three hits and three runs. However, all three runs were unearned. The three runs were given up in the second inning, with Mark Reynolds misplaying a ground ball hit by Jose Castillo for an error to start the inning. A Randy Winn single and Aaron Rowand double later drove in those runs.

Johnson was noticeably out of sync in the first few innings. He was consistently missing his spots, but generally in the same area. As a result, he ended up walking four, but he also had seven K's as well. So, he's obviously still working through some mechanical issues at this point. But, have to say, I was very impressed with his outing. Was hoping to get six innings out of him, but after hitting 90 pitches (49 for strikes) after five, that was it for the night. Bob Melvin and the rest of this team will gladly take that kind of outing from Johnson every time out this year.

Conor Jackson provided most of the offense, hitting a two-run smash (first of the year) in the top of the first to set the tone for the night. That had to ease the tension somewhat for Johnson getting those quick two runs. Jackson ended up going 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs.

Orlando Hudson also had a good game, going 2-for-4 with a couple of runs scored. O-dog almost hit one out in the third, as he pounded one off the right field wall for a double.

The seventh inning was quite eventful. Chad Qualls came on and gave up a bloop single to start it off. Then, Stephen Drew couldn't handle a hard shot right at him, and the D-backs missed a big double-play opportunity. Two runs ended up scoring and the Giants took a 5-4 lead.

The Padres were idle today, so that puts the D-backs lead in the West back to two games. Early start tomorrow, as the teams square off again at 1:34 PM with Micah Owings taking on the Giants' Kevin Correia.

D-backs finally show they're human

As I talked about yesterday, it was a run that was bound to end soon as the D-backs were playing such good all-around baseball. They finally took it on the chin today, 13-5 against the Rockies.

The game had that feeling right away as starter Edgar Gonzalez gave up two quick runs in the first on a two-run homer by Clint Barmes (he ended up going 3-for-6 with four RBI filling in for the struggling Troy Tulowitzki). That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the game. Gonzalez only lasted three innings, giving up three runs, but he had Rockies all over the base paths while he was out there.

The D-backs bullpen was basically emptied out after that...giving way to Jailen Peguero, Brandon Medders, Juan Cruz, Doug Slaten, and Tony Pena. All except Medders gave up at least two runs.

Offensively there were a couple of bright spots in Stephen Drew and Chris Snyder, each going 3-for-4 on the day. Snyder looks to be taking off now, just as you'd expect he would. He'll be trickling back up the order here as the season moves along.

Justin Upton had a bit of a tough day. One key play was in the sixth when he was picked off of first base. The D-backs went on to score two runs after that in the inning to bring it to 5-3, but had Upton been smarter there, it could have brought them at least within a run while the game still mattered.

So, the D-backs drop to 9-3, but still have a nice 2 1/2 game lead in the West. I'll take it.

Bring on the Giants tomorrow in San Francisco. Randy Johnson makes his first start of the year tomorrow at 7:15 PM local time. Seems like a good situation for the Big Unit to get his first start....playing the offensive challenged Giants in a pitcher friendly park. It'd be great to get a solid six innings out of him and pick up that first win...then only 15 more to 300....

A.J. Hinch on Baseball Digest Daily

Nice interview over on Baseball Digest Daily with D-backs Director of Player Development A.J. Hinch...worth a listen

And the D-backs fun continues...

So, much for wondering if the black uniforms would be a jinx on the D-backs winning streak. The Diamondbacks have yet to slow down this year...winning their eighth consecutive game today in a 10-3 blowout of the Rockies. The D-backs are 9-2 now on the season...the best record in the majors.

Dan Haren pitched a beauty of a game, going six innings and giving up only one run on five hits. He also had seven punchouts and two walks. He is now 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA on the young season.

At the plate, Justin Upton had a monster game...going 3-for-3, with a three-run dinger in the fifth, and ending the day with four RBIs. His season average is now up to .415...wow....this kid is playing spectacular baseball right now...

Mark Reynolds also picked up another RBI for his major league leading 15 on the year.

I have to say, this team is playing too well right now. I mean, both the pitching and offense are hitting on all cylinders. The downside is that we know it can't continue, but it sure is nice right now.

The team goes for their third consecutive sweep tomorrow at 1:10 PM as the D-backs' Edgar Gonzalez takes on the Rockies' Aaron Cook.

D-backs & Rockies early

I'm not a big fan of the alternate home black unis the D-backs always sport on Saturday. I'm a bit superstitious I guess, but they've been playing so well this year and this is the first time they're donning the black ones. But...it is 1-0 D-backs now... so...

Also, noticed that Troy Tulowitzki was miffed after striking out in the first...and when Chris Snyder dropped the ball, Tulowitzki didn't even both running to first...was just pissed and went back to the dugout. I know he is struggling big time to start the season, but you have to run those ones out. That's definitely a sign of immaturity on his part.

Webb brilliant again over Rockies

For a guy who historically has had problems with the Colorado Rockies, Brandon Webb sure has turned the page this year. Webb got his second win in two outings against Colorado tonight, as he went eight innings and gave up two runs on only four hits in the 8-2 victory. Unfortunately for the Rockies' Jeff Francis, he is now 0-2 against the D-backs having faced Webb both times.

The D-backs have now won seven straight games...all against N.L. West opponents.

Webby is now the National League leader in wins at 3-0 (Livan Herandez and Chien-Ming Wang in the A.L. are also 3-0.....wait did I say Livo was 3-0?? Wow...).

The D-backs treated their fans to an offensive display as well on this festive 10-year anniversary celebration night. Speaking of which, why didn't the team put on some throwbacks for the game?? It would have been hysterical to see them in those god forsaken white caps they wore on Opening Night in 1998. I guess that was one memory that didn't want to resurrect.

Three more dingers for this long-ball team of '08. They now have a major league leading 20 on the season. Eric Byrnes, Orlando Hudson, and Justin Upton all hit two-run homers. As I mentioned after Wednesday's game, Byrnes is really starting to light it up now, raising his average back up to a respectable .286 now. Upton is still up at .368.

Mark Reynolds picked up another steak tonight to raise his season RBI total to 14 to lead all of baseball (12 is next closest).

Nice to see Chris Young go 2-for-5 as well. I think he's come back down to earth after signing for his $28 million big ones earlier this week.

But, the story of the night was Webb. He had six strikeouts and one walk in his 104 pitches. His season 2.14 ERA is also looking quite nice at this point....not quite Jake Peavy nice....but I'll take Webb over any other N.L. pitcher hands down.

The Diamondbacks hold their 2 1/2 game lead in the West over San Diego. Tomorrow, it's more Rockies (they're hating the D-backs at this point...) with Dan Haren taking on Franklin Morales at 12:55 PM local time.

Doug Davis surgery goes well

Great to see the news that Doug Davis' thyroid cancer surgery went well yesterday.

"The surgery that was completed this evening by Dr. Bob Evani was very successful. Doug is awake and doing well," team physician Dr. Michael Lee said in a statement released by the team. "The only complaints he had was a mild sore throat, which is expected. He will likely be released [Friday] and will begin follow up treatments at that point."

Stay strong Doug and we'll see you in about a month.

Off day D-back tidbits

- The Diamondbacks are planning to honor the members of the original 1998 team before tomorrow night's game against the Rockies. It was those same Rockies that the D-backs played in their first ever game. Many of the members from that team are expected to be there, including Matt Williams, Jay Bell, Buck Showalter, Brent Brede (sweet!!), Damian Miller, Jorge Fabregas, Travis Lee, Brian Anderson, Andy Benes, Gregg Olson and more. Thom Brennaman will also be back to host the ceremony...pretty cool.

- Conor Jackson is hoping he'll be ready to play on Friday, after being hit on the left wrist in Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

- Jailen Peguero took Doug Davis' spot on the roster as Davis was put on the DL while he undergoes cancer surgery and recovery. It will be a short stay for Peguero however, as he is expected to be sent back down on Monday when the Unit makes his first start of the year.

- Good piece in the East Valley Tribune yesterday about D-backs CEO Jeff Moorad and COO Tom Garfinkel and the NASCAR team they own. The team is call Hall of Fame Racing and was purchased a year ago from former Dallas Cowboys stars Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach. They currently have one driver, J.J. Yeley, who is from Phoenix. They haven't had a lot of success yet this year, but they know it's a work in progress.

- DbacksBuzz.com is now available on Twitter! Check it out at http://twitter.com/DbacksBuzz

Dodgers blue after D-backs sweep

It was an absolutely beautiful day at the ballpark today in Phoenix. Game time temperature: 73 degrees. Roof was open. Nice breeze. Hardly a cloud in the sky. My six-year old son and I were in heaven. I know...I know...shouldn't a six year-old be in school today....you're right...but, some things are more important than a day in Kindergarten.

A D-backs-Dodgers day game on a Wednesday in April qualifies as being more important.

It was another outstanding pitching performance from a Diamondbacks starter today. Micah Owings went seven innings and gave up three runs as the D-backs nipped the Dodgers 4-3 to sweep their second consecutive series. At 7-2, the D-backs are tied with the St. Louis Cardinals for the best record in all of baseball. They also now have a full two game lead in the West over San Diego.

It was a game typical of what we saw most of last year out of this team. Doing the little things...getting key hits. None being more key than Eric Byrnes hitting a two-run go-ahead single in the sixth. As I mentioned yesterday, Byrnesie is really starting to hit his stride now. He went 3-for-5 today to raise his average up to .256.

Also, Augie Ojeda really filled in nicely for Stephen Drew, who was scratched today with a bruised right quad, and went 3-for-4 with a run scored.

The Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda came as advertised. He pitched 5 2/3 before Byrnes' hit knocked him out of the game. He's a quality starter...he's now 1-1 and win an ERA of only 2.13.

The most anxious part of the game was the top of the ninth, when Brandon Lyon came in trying to make amends for blowing his last two save opportunities (in Cincy and Colorado). But, after a long fly ball out to Blake Dewitt, he easily retired the next two in order and Lyon and the D-backs were in business. This should give Lyon a bit of a boost here and get him rolling again.

Off day manana for your D-backs...Conor Jackson will need it have getting plunked once again today. That was the third time he'd been hit in the last two games. This time he suffered a bruised left wrist. X-rays were negative thank goodness, but that fact that the D-backs were hit five times vs. the Dodgers once in the last two games is ridiculous. I know this was a close game, and it was probably smart not to retaliate quite yet...but there are many games left with these Dodgers this year, and the D-back pitchers will remember....just a matter of where and when.

Brandon Webb is on the bump on Friday against the Rockies at Chase....Sheeesh...the Rockies again...play these guys all spring...and now we get them six out of the first 12 games.

Randy Johnson back to normal in last AAA start

In Randy Johnson's last AAA start in Tucson last night, he pitched much more like the Unit we know than in his previous outing.

The Unit went six full innings, giving up three runs on three hits with seven punchouts and only one walk. He definitely felt better this time around:

"It's a lot easier to say, 'You know what? I can pitch a major-league start and feel comfortable because I had a game like today,' " Johnson said after his 85-pitch outing.

"I'll wait and see what they (coaches) say. But I do feel a lot more positive about this start."

He also finished up the game strong, retiring 13 of the last 15 batters, including the last eight.

Looks like he'll be back up to the D-backs for his next start.

Davis' last start before surgery a beauty

Imagine yourself getting ready to have cancer surgery two days from now. Now imagine yourself going out and pitching a major league game tonight with that in front of you. Well, that's what Doug Davis did tonight, and he did an exceptional job as he contained the Dodgers to two runs in six innings of work, and got the win in the D-backs 10-5 victory.

In what obviously had to be a tremendously emotional game for Davis, he also went 2-for-2 at the plate with an RBI. That's something. Davis gave up six hits, struck out seven and walked two in his six innings. That was the Davis we saw the second half of last year...very solid. The starting pitching for the D-backs this year has been outstanding. It seems every game the starter has given them six quality innings. That's exactly what you want this early in the season...nobody expects to go seven, eight, or nine at this point.

The Diamondbacks were able to rock Dodger starter Chad Billingsley (that's only a bad thing because he's on my fantasy team...doh....). He only lasted 2 1/3 and gave up five runs and five hits.

Mark Reynolds was back to his old tricks again, hitting a three-run long ball in the first inning (fifth of the year) as he leads all of the major leagues now in home runs.

Speaking of home runs, I had mentioned a few days ago that Eric Byrnes and Chris Young had the two longest dingers in the majors. Well, those two have now been replaced at the top....by Justin Upton and Mark Reynolds! Hit Tracker lists the longest to Upton at 466 feet and the second to Reynolds at 463 feet. Byrnesie is now in fourth place. How two D-back players were surpassed by two different D-back players is astounding.

The day that Chris Young finalized his new five-year extension worth $28 million (many congratulations to Chris), he had a tough day at the plate. He went 0-for-6 with three punchouts....I'm sure he was pressing just a bit.

Conor Jackson was on-base five times in the game, including two hit-by-pitch, a single, and a three-run triple in the seventh that broke the game wide open. That put the D-backs up 9-2 and it was basically over.

But, Brandon Medders decided to bring his gas can out to the mound in the eighth, and quickly gave up two runs before he was jerked out of there and replaced by Tony Pena with two outs. Pena was able to get out of it unscathed.

The D-backs will go for their second consecutive series sweep tomorrow with an early 12:40 PM start. Micah Owings will take on the Dodger's Hiroki Kuroda. I'll be at the game tomorrow and am pumped to get a chance to see Kuroda - he's going to be a good one.

What a grand home opener for D-backs

The Arizona Diamondbacks played as big as their new 46-foot-high, 136-foot-wide screen, high definition scoreboard tonight in beating the Dodgers 9-3 in the home opener.

Dan Haren had a tremendous outing, going six innings and only allowing a single earned run (three total). He also had 5 K's and did not allow a walk. The bullpen of Chad Qualls, Tony Pena, and Doug Slaten then came in and shut out the Dodgers in the final three innings.

At the plate, the D-backs had a field day out there. Mark Reynolds continues to pore it on as he hit two dingers: a two-run shot in the first off Dodgers started Esteban Loaiza, and then a solo shot in the sixth off of Chan Ho Park. That gives him four on the year. Since that hair cut, Reynolds has been on a tear and has now raised his average to a lofty .333 on the year.

Chris Young must have been happy about his five-year extension that runs through 2013, as he delivered his fourth long ball of the year leading off the seventh inning. Orlando Hudson also went yard in the seventh, his first of the year, and knocked in three for the game.

Hard to believe that the Diamondbacks lead all of major league baseball with 16 home runs as a team...but boy have they relied on the long ball so far this year.

Justin Upton also continued to scorch the ball tonight, going 3-for-4 to bring his season average to .393.

One guy who continues to struggle is Chris Snyder (.105). But, when some of the other guys cool off, Snyder will be sure to start making his mark again. Another guy really struggling is Eric Byrnes. But, it was nice to see Byrnesie start to get back into tonight. He went 2-for-5 including a triple.

Tomorrow the D-backs will continue their three game set with the Dodgers at Chase Field, as Doug Davis will make his last start before his cancer surgery. The Dodgers will start Chad Billingsley.

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The D-backs made a minor trade today with the Reds, acquiring left-handed reliever Jon Coutlangus in exchange for outfielder Daniel Perales. Arizona does not have much depth at all in left-handed relief, and that was the primary reason for the deal. Coutlangus was subsequently sent to AAA Tucson.

Perales is currently on the disabled list, but hit .282 at Class A South Bend last year. Coutlangus actually got quite a bit of action for the Reds last year, going 4-2 with a 4.39 ERA.

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Here's the latest in the West:

West	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	East	Cent	West	Streak	L10
Arizona Diamondbacks	5	2	.714	--	1-0	4-2	0-0	1-2	4-0	Won 4	5-2
San Diego Padres	5	3	.625	0.5	4-3	1-0	0-0	3-1	2-2	Won 1	5-3
Los Angeles Dodgers	4	3	.571	1.0	2-1	2-2	0-0	0-0	4-3	Lost 1	4-3
Colorado Rockies	2	5	.286	3.0	1-3	1-2	1-0	1-2	0-3	Won 1	2-5
San Francisco Giants	1	6	.143	4.0	0-1	1-5	0-0	0-3	1-3	Lost 4	1-6

D-backs' Chris Young working on long-term deal

Nick Piecoro from the Arizona Republic is reporting that Chris Young and the D-backs are very close to coming to agreement on a long-term deal. The announcement could be this week.

Piecoro indicates that the terms may be close to that of fellow second-year shortstop Troy Tulowitzki of Colorado, which is for six-year and $30 million.

While I agree in certain instances with the idea of locking these type of guys up early before they are arbitration and free agency eligible, not sure I want to back up the Brink's truck so soon on Young. While he has shown to have all of the necessary tools to be an outstanding fixture in the D-backs outfield for many years, I think he needs another full year for us to get a more clear picture of his future.

That said, I really like Chris Young, so if he's able to get a deal done here, great for him.

Lyon blows another save, but offense bails him out in win

Stephen Drew's solo home run in the top of the 10th was the go-ahead run and led the D-backs to a 5-2 win today against the Rox in Denver. That gave the D-backs a three game sweep of their arch rivals in the West.....woohooo!

The Rockies were leading 1-0 going into the ninth inning, as both Arizona's Edgar Gonzalez and Colorado's Franklin Morales both pitched six strong innings. Gonzalez gave up only the one run and had four strikeouts and no walks.

Now let's go back to the ninth inning. Mark Reynolds hit a two-run blast (second of the year) in the top half to give the D-backs a 2-1 lead. Brandon Lyon was then brought on in the bottom half, and subsequently gave up a solo shot to Matt Holliday to tie it up.

Normally you just tip your cap to Holliday in that situation. But, why on earth was the game plan between Lyon and Robby Hammock to throw him outside in this at-bat, when they had been successful all series long by jamming him in?? Holliday loves to extend his arms....you can't put one out over the plate to this guy...he'll kill you...and he did here. Lyon's leash has got to be getting shorter now, but I'm sure Melvin will stick with him and let him try to work his way of this funk.

But, thankfully Stephen Drew came through in the top of the 10th, followed by two more runs for insurance. Chad Qualls then came in was a bit shaky walking two, but got a nice double-play ball and closed it out for his first (and I'm guessing the first of many) save of the year.

Danny Haren will get the start tomorrow in the D-backs home opener against the Phoenix favorite Los Angeles Dodgers. It would probably be close to a sellout without the Dodgers in town, but should be for sure now. Game time 6:40 PM local.

So, here's how the NL West standings look as of now:

West	W	L	Pct	GB	Home	Road	East	Cent	West	Streak	L10
Los Angeles Dodgers	4	2	.667	--	2-1	2-1	0-0	0-0	4-2	Won 1	4-2
Arizona Diamondbacks	4	2	.667	--	0-0	4-2	0-0	1-2	3-0	Won 3	4-2
San Diego Padres	4	3	.571	0.5	4-3	0-0	0-0	3-1	1-2	Lost 1	4-3
San Francisco Giants	1	5	.167	3.0	0-0	1-5	0-0	0-3	1-2	Lost 3	1-5
Colorado Rockies	1	5	.167	3.0	0-3	1-2	0-0	1-2	0-3	Lost 5	1-5

Webb delivers another beatdown of Rockies

Brandon Webb picked up right where Micah Owings left off yesterday, pitching another gem at Coors Field to take the Rockies 7-2 tonight.

Webb went seven complete innings, giving up only one earned run with five hits, five K's and a walk. His only real blemish was the first inning solo shot from Todd Helton. Webb is now 2-0 in his first two starts of the season. What makes tonight's great outing more impressive is the well known fact that Webb has historically struggled against the Rockies, especially at Coors Field. Not tonight.

The bats were out in full force as well...15 hits and seven runs. And really should have been more than seven, as they stranded 13. Chris Young was outstanding, hitting two dingers - a solo shot to lead off the game (ho-hum for him now), and a two-run shot in the sixth. As I mentioned yesterday, the D-backs have been quite the solo-homer artists thus far. Young's non-solo homer broke the D-backs streak of eight straight solo-homers to begin the season - not sure if that was a record or not..some stat head out there may know.

Jon Heyman may want to rethink his top 10 rookies again, as Justin Upton hit another home run tonight (three straight games now going yard), going 3-for-5 to raise his season average to .400. He just looks so much comfortable out there this year.

Conor Jackson came back from his illness and also went 3-for-5, and he too raised his season average to .400. He still did not sound real well during his post-game interview with Todd Walsh. Despite his sickness, his success wasn't totally unexpected as Jackson has hit well against the Rockies' Jeff Francis in the past (.304 career coming in).

Hope the guys will come out there strong tomorrow and not settle for just winning this series. Edgar Gonzalez will get his first start of the year, while the Rockies will trot out Franklin Morales. Game time: 12:05 PM local.

D-back Tidbits

SI.com's Jon Heyman just had a piece listing his top 10 rookies for this year. Well...no D-backs on the list. Many other journalists and media have picked up on Justin Upton as a guy who could have a breakout year. I agree. He's had nice back-to-back games now, lifting his average to .333 with two dingers. He certainly looks more comfortable at the plate thus far. He certainly does have some holes in his swing...but he is only 20 :-) ... he'll get them filled soon enough.

Here are Heyman's top 10:

1. Kosuke Fukudome (Cubs)
2. Joba Chamberlain (Yanks)
3. Evan Longoria (Rays)
4. Colby Rasmus (Cards)
5. Clay Buchholz (Red Sox)
6. Johnny Cueto (we know this guy)
7. Manny Parra (Brewers)
8. Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox)
9. Geovany Soto (Cubs)
10. Daric Barton (A's)

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Hit Tracker has an interesting stat for D-back fans, and one quite unexpected. The two longest home runs so far this season come from 1.) Eric Byrnes (458 ft), and 2.) Chris Young (443). But, that Cincy ballpark is such a bandbox that either Adam Dunn or the next visiting team there will surely take out Byrnesie soon. Speaking of home runs, former D-back and current Padre Scott Hairston has started out the year strong. He's hitting .368 with two home runs playing center field for the Friars.

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Byrnes has a new video channel on livevideo.com....check it out....it's got a bunch of video on Byrnes, including his 'Eric Byrnes Show'. He will also do live shows occasionally during the season as well.

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Is it just me??....but I have seen enough Spring Training games and plenty of regular season games thus far...and I just can't get used to the base coaches wearing batting helmets. I keep thinking that the bat boys are out there...I understand it's for safety...but if that's the case put one on the pitcher.

Owings impersonates Johnny Cueto in shutting down Rockies

Micah Owings pitched perhaps the best game of his young career today against the Rockies, going 6 2/3 and giving up only two hits and one run in beating the Rockies 8-1.

Today was the home opener for the Rockies, but was more like a Grand Opening for Owings. He was Johnny Cueto-esque (that has to be the first such Cueto comparison - side note on Cueto and his mispronounced name...check out UmpBump for the various versions) in this beauty of a game. He struck out nine and walked only two.

After taking the day off yesterday against Cueto, the D-backs offense lit up big time and hammered Rockies starter Mark Redman for three quick runs in the top of the first. They ended up with 13 hits on the day, with Mark Reynolds, Justin Upton, and Orlando Hudson all having banner days at the plate. Reynolds went 2-for-4 with a two-run double and a solo home run. Upton went 3-for-5 and Hudson was 2-for-5 with 2 RBI.

Of note....all D-backs home runs this year (seven) have been solo shots. Apparently, it took a new haircut for Reynolds to get him going this season. Prior to last night, he was looking nearly identical to teammate Eric Byrnes. With his fresh lid in place, he came out hitting laser beams, breaking out of his previous 1-for-10 with 5 punchouts start to the season.

But, the day really belonged to Owings. The D-backs really needed a strong outing here to turn things around, and boy did they get it. At one point Owings had retired 17 straight Rockies. Owings was really fooling the Rox hitters as he located his blazing 89 mph fastball well enough to keep them off balance.

D-backs take on the Rox tomorrow at 5:05 PM with a beauty of a pitching matchup: Brandon Webb v. Jeff Francis. Should be a dandy.

Randy Johnson does not fair well in AAA start

The Big Unit had a tough rehab outing in Tucson last night, as he pitched the first of his expected two starts for the Sidewinders. At least the Sidewinders drew a big crowd, 11,765, for its season opener. Having Johnson pitch will always have that effect.

This is the last year for the Sidewinders in Tucson, as they pack their bags and head to Reno next year.

Johnson gave up five runs on eight hits in four innings of work. Fortunately, all of the runs given up were in the first and second innings, so he was able to settle down a bit and pitch a scoreless third and fourth. His pitch count got up to 78, so he continues to build endurance.

"You want to see some results and I really didn't start getting that until the last couple innings, and by that time I was already at my pitch count," Johnson said. "I got some work ahead of me starting tomorrow."

Johnson seemed a bit concerned about his innings pitched with that amount of work, but is hoping to get it in his next start.

"We'll make a decision after that start, but I'd like to think things will improve a little bit from a pitching perspective and I get my amount of work in that I need to get in spread over six innings or five innings because if I'm pitching that way in four innings, there's no way I can go five," Johnson said.

No pressure Randy.....but the big club really needs ya.....

Reds' Cueto blows D-backs away

Turns out that the weather wasn't a concern at all today....but instead it was Mr. Johnny Cueto. Cueto did what most rookie pitchers do when they face the D-backs: make them look foolish. The Reds right-hander made his major debut today....and boy what a debut it was. He went seven innings, giving up only one hit and run (solo home run by Justin Upton in the sixth), and had 10 strikeouts and no walks as the Reds beat the D-backs 3-2 today.

For whatever reason, the Diamondbacks historically have really struggled against rookies, especially guys they have never faced.

How the D-backs kept it this close was quite amazing. Starter Doug Davis lasted only 3 2/3, surrending three runs (two earned) on four hits...but had six walks. The bullpen then came in and shut the Reds out the rest of the game. Yusmeiro Petit, Brandon Medders, Doug Slaten, and Juan Cruz only allowed one more hit the rest of the game, but it wasn't enough. Davis is notorious for starting the season off slow, so that combined with his health concerns are reason enough to give him a pass here...although he's not one to ever want a free pass.

It was a good thing that Upton hit that dinger in the sixth....shades of last year were seen here as they just could not get it going offensively.

So...the D-backs are out of Cincy going 1-2...should have been 2-1...but...

Micah Owings will get his first start of the year tomorrow against the Rockies at Coors Field. It's another early start: 1:00 PM local time.

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Randy Johnson will start tonight with the Sidewinders in what is expected to be the first of two starts in AAA. The D-backs are now reporting that the Unit will most likely then be called up on April 14 to take Doug Davis' spot in the rotation, as David will undergo thyroid cancer surgery on April 10.

Gonna have a game today?

Weather in the Queen City not so great this morning...good chance this game may start on time, but rain coming soon....

One interesting note on Conor Jackson from D-backs radio broadcaster Greg Schulte in the pre-game show, when he indicated that Jackson had actually passed out down in the tunnel during yesterday's game because of his illness. He was then replaced by Chris Burke for the rest of the game. Schulte indicated that Jackson is fine now.

Current Weather in Cincy:

Temp: 49
Conditions: Cloudy
Humidity: 46%
Chance of a complete game today: 30%

Lyon blows save....Reds win on 3-run homer in ninth

It was only fitting that Edwin Encarnacion, who gifted the D-backs a run in both the opener and tonight's game by his poor fielding, ended up hitting the game winning three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth off of Brandon Lyon to lift the Reds over the D-backs 6-5.

As Thom Brennaman used to say....boy...oh boy....

Just like on Opening Day, the standard D-backs recipe was holding to form perfectly: starter went six; seventh and eighth by Qualls and Pena; and closing it out with Brandon Lyon. Everything went exactly as planned until the ninth, when Lyon went south. As I've said before, Brandon Lyon is a big question mark. He's certainly showed he can fill this role before, but I don't think Melvin will have a very long leash on him with Qualls and Pena in the same pen.

Good outing by Dan Haren tonight. Very similar to Brandon Webb's of a couple of days ago. He pitched six complete innings, giving up three earned runs on four hits. He also had four K's and only one walk. He did give up a couple of long balls in the fourth to Corey Patterson and Brandon Phillips...but other than that, looked very solid.

Once again Qualls came in and only gave up one hit while whiffing two Reds. Pena then came in and also gave up a hit, but then got Ken Griffey to fly out to Brynes to end the inning...money... Boy has Griffey looked poor at the plate here these first couple of games. He really looks lost out there...

The D-backs had a chance to blow 'em away in the ninth, when they loaded the bases off of struggling Reds' reliever Jeremy Affeldt, who had given up an infield single to Justin Upton and then a couple of walks. Eric Byrnes had a swinging bunt that he ran into for the second out, and then Chris Burke struck out to end the inning.

I love Byrnes to death...but in bases-loaded situations, he is a career .228 hitter with zero home runs....ouch...gotta turn it up a notch here Byrnesie....

Their failure to capitalize on the opportunity proved to be very costly tonight.

Stephen Drew had a nice offensive performance, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo shot in the second. Haren also had a double, with a run scored and an RBI.

D-backs are back at it tomorrow against the same Reds with an early start, 12:35 PM in Cincy (9:35 AM local time) with Doug Davis taking the mound. Double-D needs to give the guys a quality start and hope that the series momentum hasn't swung totally to the Reds now.

D-backs and Haren ready to take on Reds

The D-backs take on the Reds in about an hour in Cincinnati, the second game of the three games series. Our second number 1 guy Dan Haren will the hill against Cincy right-hander Bronson Arroyo.

Arroyo took a step backwards from his 2006 year, adding nearly a full run to his ERA (3.29 to 4.23). If you're a Reds fan, not sure you'd like to have him as your No. 2 guy, but he is an innings eater, having thrown more than 200+ innings in each of his last three years.

Haren looked strong to finish up the Cactus League, so let's see if it carries over this afternoon.

BTW - did you catch the latest "Eric Byrnes Show" on Fox Sports? Great one....will probably be available soon on Byrnes' livevideo.com channel.

Ok...off to do some painting of the bedroom....man I hate that....but, only until first pitch.

Current Cincinnati weather:

51 degrees
Wind E to NE at 10 mph
36% humidity

D-backs trade Eric Byrnes to Brewers for Corey Hart

In a move that is surprising almost everyone, sources close to the D-backs have indicated that a trade that would send outfielder Eric Byrnes to the Brewers for outfielder Corey Hart and a player to be named later is now imminent.

Byrnes, a fan favorite in Phoenix who just recently signed a 3-year, $30 million contract last August, seemed to be locked up here. But, the club appears to like the youth and potential power that Hart would bring to the team.

More details will follow when the official announcement comes...possibly later today.

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APRIL FOOLS!