What do you consider our late, shock signing of Jordan Montgomery.
Spencer: It’s PHENOMENAL! I by no means imagined we’d truly signal Montgomery. He was second on my practical need record behind solely Yamamoto (lol looking back…). Unfortunate it’s solely a single season, however I’ll take it!
Wesley: I believed it was bullshit when Jim Bowden tweeted it, and even after having affirmation from a supply within the know, I nonetheless thought it was unlikely. It’s a pleasing shock, and actually modifications the dynamics of the rotation. I believe we should always actually credit score Ken Kendrick right here for following via along with his phrase, and going all in after the world sequence. Michael and I talked about it the opposite day on the podcast, right here’s a hyperlink if you’re all for listening to that.
Preston: It was arduous to consider. My response was considerably akin to when the Diamondbacks signed Greinke; sure, Montgomery is just not the pitcher that Greinke was, however this was a case of the Diamondbacks signing the very best pitcher in the marketplace. And whereas he was definitely the very best pitcher left in the marketplace, there’s an argument to be made that he was the very best pitcher in the marketplace from the very starting. In reality, when the Diamondbacks signed Randy Johnson in December of 1998, he was not essentially the very best pitcher in the marketplace; Kevin Brown, who can be signed by the Dodgers two days later, had been price almost 9 wins extra over the earlier three seasons. I believe we like how that one labored out.
Steven: Kendrick simply continued to shock me this low season. I used to be shocked when the Rodriguez and Gurriel numbers got here out, and outdoors of the one-year offers thought they have been completed spending. Considering the final time they went for it it went down in a blaze of glory, I suspected they’d play it conservatively. But to each go this excessive in expertise and money this late within the sport is such a shock.
1AZfan1: Echo the above statements of shock and shock. Only thought we have been in it to drive up the worth for a extra properly endowed suitor, however lo and behold, he we’re!
Makakilo: Great signing for a number of causes:
- The rotation was improved. Jordan Montgomery is probably going the second finest pitcher within the Diamondbacks’ rotation.
- Four starters within the high 50 is superior! Executives, scouts, and analysts ranked the Diamondbacks starters as follows: Gallen 9-10 tie, Montgomery 31-35 tie, Rodriguez 44, and Kelly 45.
- Adding Montgomery to the rotation provides the Diamondbacks 5 pitchers who will thrive within the playoffs.
- Eduardo Rodriguez will miss a month attributable to damage, and he could must slowly improve his innings.
- The one/two yr contract prevented paying for years six and 7 when Montgomery will possible be in decline.
Dano: I used to be pleasantly shocked, and glad we didn’t spend a silly quantity of money for him. I hope he settles in properly pitching at Chase. Some pitchers have problem adjusting.
Ben: Honestly, I used to be extraordinarily shocked. I’ve to provide Ken Kendrick much more credit score than I already did for opening up the pockets and permitting Hazen and Co to signal a well-suited free agent like Montgomery.
Jeffern51: Surprised and elated! Things like this normally havent occurred with this group traditionally. I used to be a giant believer in Kendrick on the very starting of the offseason and the way rather more he was going to take a position than folks thought, however this shocked even me.
Where do you rank the D-backs rotation when totally powered-up?
Spencer: I believe we now have the ceiling of going toe-to-toe with the likes of Los Angeles and Atlanta. I additionally assume we received’t fairly make that tier in 2024. Somewhere across the Phillies and Orioles feels proper. Solidly good with splashes of nice/wonderful.
Wesley: IIRC Fangraphs has the Dbacks rotation projected to be 4th in WAR, tied with the Padres. I believe high 5 sounds about proper, though I do assume that there’s an argument to be made for our rotation now having probably the most inning consuming starters. I’m undecided what different rotation goes to provide you as many innings. Our young starters and pitching prospects like Henry, Nelson, Jarvis, Cecconi, and Yu-Min Lin give us a number of depth too
Preston: Potentially a top-five rotation in all of baseball. Potentially, if everybody stays wholesome and performs at or above expectations, the very best in baseball. While Los Angeles and Atlanta have some larger names, in addition they have larger well being considerations (Glasnow, Paxton, Sale) and a few huge query marks (Yamamoto, Stone, Morton, Elder). I wouldn’t count on the Diamondbacks to be higher than the Braves; there’s a purpose Fangraphs tasks the Braves to have the very best rotation in baseball. But Elder had an ERA and FIP over 5 from July on final yr, and struggled within the spring. Morton is 40 and has seen his walks balloon the final couple of years.
Steven: It’s a top-5 rotation in baseball. A rotation with 4 established starters and a young man who confirmed he belonged within the MLB with a top-10 protection behind them has the potential to win a number of video games you’d usually lose simply out of your offense struggling that day.
1AZfan1: Everyone else appears to be saying top-5, and I don’t assume I can disagree. Fully consider that our rotation can maintain its personal towards anybody else in a playoff sequence, and might even climate an damage *knock on wooden* and nonetheless be aggressive.
Makakilo: I ranked the Diamondbacks rotation as no less than fifth finest, primarily based on the next:
- Starting with these projected rotation fWARs, I adjusted the Diamondbacks’ estimated fWAR to account for my views and the addition of Montgomery. Their rank improved to quantity 5.
- With a view in the direction of the playoffs, the rankings of individual pitchers will make a distinction. Comparing groups with no less than 3 pitchers within the high 50, for my part the Diamondbacks barely edged out each the Dodgers and the Mariners for second finest in-the-playoffs rotation within the Majors. Best was the Braves.
Dano: I’d name it a particular supply of energy for the ballclub, which I didn’t count on can be the case going into 2024 again when the Hot Stove began warming up. As for a way we examine with different rotations, I suppose we will see. I’m inclined to agree with Spencer’s evaluation.
Ben: That’s a reasonably large if. I haven’t heard a lot of an update on Eduardo Rodriguez since he was placed on the IL on the twenty eighth and starters are notoriously damage inclined. But assuming that occurs sooner or later within the season, I can’t disagree with a top-five rating. It has simply the proper mixture of veteran presence and youth potential to essentially excel. It’s arduous to consider how a lot of a energy this may very well be, however we received’t know for sure till October when that weak spot was totally uncovered final yr.
Jeffern51: I’ve the braveness to say it, finest rotation in baseball. This isnt a reputation contest. The stats say all of it. 15 MLB starters final season who threw 150 plus innings had an ERA+ of 125 or greater, and now the Dbacks have 4 of them. And the fifth was arguably the very best beginning pitcher within the postseason final yr. I’ve all the time been bullish on Pfaadt and after how he completed the postseason and pitched at the moment, the argument is unquestionably there for a high of the rotation upside. Gallen might not be the very best Ace in baseball, however 2-5 may simply slot in at almost some other groups 1-2. Also obtained to acknowledge the depth with Ryne and Henry.
Blaze Alexander made the roster, Emmanuel Rivera didn’t. Discuss.
Spencer: Whoop! Rivera served a goal whereas he was right here and he did so in a manner I believe few (let’s be actual – none) anticipated when he was traded for Luke Weaver. But Blaze is a part of the longer term ideally. Get him loads of at bats and let’s see how he does!
Wesley: Rivera was an inevitable casualty of the roster crunch, very like Strzelecki.. I’m shocked they stored Jace Peterson, and I’d think about he’s possible the odd man out subsequent. Jake McCarthy is extra prone to be despatched down when Grichuk comes off the IL than Peterson is, until they elect to hold 5 outfielders. Blaze has hit properly sufficient up to now that I don’t see him shedding his job throughout the subsequent roster crunch.
Preston: I used to be shocked that Rivera was DFA’d and Jace Peterson was stored. While Peterson does have extra positional flexibility, he’s not precisely a fantastic defender at any of his positions. And we’d most likely get extra manufacturing on the plate if we’d held onto Madison Bumgarner and turned him right into a pinch hitter. However, whereas I’m pleased for Blaze and count on that he’ll take pleasure in his cup of espresso, it’ll possible solely final till Grichuk is able to go.
Steven: I believe it was only a matter of upside. We’ve seen the highs of Rivera, a below-average starter and stable late-inning defender at third, however with Blaze and his efficiency this spring it’s arduous to disregard any longer. And if Blaze struggles, I believe the thought of Rivera as a participant is simple sufficient to interchange.
1AZfan1: I used to be undoubtedly onboard with retaining Rivera and sending Blaze down till an damage opened up an on a regular basis job, however I’ve began coming round to the concept, like Steven stated above, Rivera’s manufacturing is probably going simple to search out. Still undecided Blaze goes to have the ability to discover his footing when he’s in a platoon scenario with Joc. If he begins feeling like he’s solely going to get one or two at bats in a given day (see Saturday night time), will he begin to press and attempt to make one thing occur?
Makakilo: For a number of causes together with batting success, Blaze Alexander was a compelling selection to incorporate on the bench.
Preston was on-target when he appeared to trace that there was a selection between Emmanuel Rivera and Jace Peterson for a bench position. Although ZiPS projected Rivera to bat higher, as a substitute in spring coaching Jace Peterson was significantly better (.395 OBP,.417 SLG vs .268 OBP,.229 SLG). That could have been the deciding consider an in depth determination.
Dano: Good. Blaze deserved it after the spring he had. Rivera? Well. I actually may take or depart the man. I want him luck in future endeavors, however I’m glad he’s not nonetheless taking over a seat on the dugout bench.
Ben: I’m totally onboard with this determination. Even if Blaze doesn’t have the prospect pedigree of others in a well-stocked farm system, he had a unbelievable spring and appears to convey an unbridled pleasure to the sport that balances properly with the stoicism that Corbin Carroll and others can generally convey to the sport. Plus, if we’re being trustworthy, Rivera has demonstrated most of his capabilities and his ceiling lies someplace round Blaze’s flooring or center degree.
Jeffern51: I believed this was a very good litmus take a look at for administration to see in the event that they have been going to proceed what they began final season and play the very best expertise they usually did. I went again and seemed and scouting studies and there was a time not that way back the place Blaze was thought very extremely of as a 5 software expertise. Injury final season slowed his progress, however now that he’s wholesome he may come out of nowhere and shock lots of people. How loopy would it not be if the Dbacks have one other ROY candidate this season not named Lawlar? Playing time is my largest concern for him since that is possible the primary time in his life he isn’t taking part in each day and you’ve got Grichuk mashing bombs in AAA in order that DH spot vs lefties is about to go away.
How did the primary sequence go?
Spencer: After Opening Day it form of appears like a letdown to not sweep. But it via regular lenses, it’s a very good begin to a season. Nice confidence increase going into sequence with precise expertise on their rosters.
Wesley: after outscoring the Rockies 23 to 4 within the first two video games, that 9 to 4 loss in sport three was clearly a disappointment. Bouncing again and profitable sport 4 5 to 1 eases the Pain slightly on that loss. That stated, outscoring the Rockies 32 to 14 provides us a really good run differential. The group appears actually good proper now, and I’m excited to see how they do as soon as Erod and Montgomery are within the rotation and Sewald is closing out video games.
Preston: It took all of 1 sport to completely reverse the run differential from final season. In reality, that one sport took the run differential over the previous 162 video games from -15 to +6, on condition that the Diamondbacks have been outscored by six runs on opening day final yr. Taking three out of 4 is all the time good, though lack of clutch hitting stored it from being a sweep. A more true take a look at is coming to city within the type of a Yankees group that simply swept the Astros. We’ll see. For now, I’ll take pleasure in being in first place so long as it lasts
Steven: About as good as you possibly can count on. The pitchers look dialed in and the offense is buzzing together with the cupcake opponent. These subsequent few video games because the young pitchers get their first turns via the order, it’ll be crucial they proceed the sturdy play because the Yankees come to city. I do know 4-game sweeps are so tough however at this level they’ve performed so properly that that’s the expectation.
1AZfan1: Who does this sequence say extra about? As the division appears proper now, with three robust groups and one meh-team, it definitely looks as if we’re going to want to win no less than 9 or 10 of our video games towards Colorado to really feel aggressive with the remainder of the division. While the primary 2 video games have been the whole lot we may hope for, the third sport relegated this sequence to merely holding serve.
Makakilo: In the context that I boldly predicted the Diamondbacks would sweep the Rockies within the 4-game sequence (and after the primary two video games that prediction seemed prescient) the loss in sport three means the sequence went badly.
Nevertheless, it was a enjoyable sequence to look at. The 14-run inning (batting round twice) was extraordinary! There aren’t any huge weaknesses within the lineup. After three video games, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was on course for a season with 162 homers. In this case, it’s enjoyable to extrapolate from a small pattern dimension!
Brandon Pfaadt’s begin in sport 4 (one earned run in 5 innings) with 6 strikeouts and 0 walks was nice!
Dano: Satisfactory, shading over into good. Not nice, although, I don’t assume. The solely starter who had a very stable outing was Merrill Kelly (Gallen was very shaky, although that 14-run inning obscured that; Pfaadt was fairly good via 4, nevertheless it seemed prefer it was beginning to get away from him within the fifth, to the purpose the place we’re fortunate just one run was given up).
Aside from the primary two video games, in the meantime, the offense was broadly uninspiring, except for their first-inning performances. The Saturday night time sport might need been winnable if we may have superior any of our a number of late-inning baserunners, however we couldn’t, and within the rubber match the one purpose the margin was 4 runs was due to items that the Rockies gave us with their incompetent fielding. We solely had one hit after the second inning. In reality, aside from the Kelly begin, the Diamondbacks haven’t scored a single run after the fifth inning, which isn’t precisely “answering back,” which was form of our watchword final yr.
I do know it’s early but, however I actually need to see our offense play a full nine-inning sport. Not certain I’ve seen that but, and I discover that regarding.
Ben: I believe in case your metric for fulfillment is wins (which I suppose is the ultimate metric), then this was an unmitigated success. There’s loads of issues we will be involved with on the margins: the shakiness of Gallen, the boom-and-bust sample of the offense, and Pfaadt being unable to pitch deep into the sport, nevertheless it’s too early to make any definitive conclusions on the group. I believe the offense seemed particularly sturdy and the bullpen has been surprisingly efficient via the primary sequence.
Jeffern51: The first sequence went nice! Opening day was a fantastic exhibiting of what this offense is able to. They appeared to simply cross the baton to their subsequent teammate. They did wrestle slightly within the Saturday sport to capitalize, however you definitely aren’t going to count on them to be good each night time. Also Henry nonetheless appears like a AAAA pitcher, in order that sport possible ends otherwise with Rodriguez or Montgomery on the mound. The solely actual damaging I noticed was Thomas’ hamstring and his regression again to rolling over balls into double performs.
I will even embody AAA within the first sequence which was additionally a giant win with Grichuk hitting piss missiles, Cecconi and Mena being unhittable, and Justin Martinez trying like he will likely be making common appearances on the pitching ninja later this season. He is now throwing a 101 MPH sinker and he seemed completely dominant with the brand new pitch!
What’s your tackle #OhtaniGate?
Spencer: It’s an ongoing investigation. Facts aren’t recognized but. Publically all it’s, is 2 folks pointing fingers and explaining actions away. Talk to me when an unbiased third occasion has investigated (MLB doesn’t depend…).
Wesley: I’m with Spencer on all of that.. that’s not a really fascinating response so I’ll baselessly discuss this anyway. I truly assume Ohtani’s model is sort of believable. Not solely have many athletes and celebrities been defrauded by trusted buddies/household/workers over the years, however Ippei additionally was the gatekeeper for speaking with Shohei. He wasn’t “just a translator” he was a private assistant who was always by his aspect. As far as him noticing the transactions, I don’t assume anybody studying this has the form of wealth he has, and the principles for the world rich folks dwell in could be very totally different from the one all of us dwell. There’s additionally the truth that Shohei almost definitely had his money unfold out over a number of accounts, investments, and so on. It is feasible Ippei’s unique story with ESPN is the true story, however I don’t assume there’s a purpose to consider a man who has confirmed to lie about his schooling, work historical past, and who is aware of what else. It simply appears very out of character for Ohtani to gamble when he has been recognized to disapprove of playing on ANYTHING within the clubhouse or going out ingesting along with his teammates throughout the WBC. His former teammates have all stated he has ZERO curiosity in something aside from taking part in and being the very best at baseball. You additionally don’t put out an announcement like he did throughout the press convention until you’re telling the reality. The info will come out ultimately although, and if Shohei’s model is true, Ippei is severe jail time and fines from the IRS. I’ve a sense that the one factor true about Ippei’s preliminary assertion was having a playing habit.
Preston: It’s a foul search for baseball, and it’ll be a worse look if it seems that Ohtani is being sheltered by the league. Given the contract construction, it almost appears just like the Dodgers have been anticipating a suspension sooner or later, which begs the query of what the Dodgers’ entrance workplace knew and what they advised the league. That stated, I don’t assume Ohtani was playing, no less than not on baseball. For somebody who’s so cautious to curate his public picture, I’m fairly sure that if he have been playing, it might be on sports activities aside from baseball and it might be by authorized strategies. And if he preferred it to the tune of $4.5 million, he’d have signed in a place the place it’s authorized.
Steven: I discover it arduous to consider a translator is getting near a $5 million greenback line of playing credit score. I simply don’t see it. The worst half is the overall reversal in Ohtani’s response as soon as the information obtained on the market. His story modified from serving to a good friend to this good friend stole from me. It doesn’t add up.
1AZfan1: This is a foul search for baseball. Would LeBron or Mahomes’ PR groups have allowed a narrative like Ippei’s unique to return out to ESPN? Ohtani is our sport’s transcendent star and, harmless or responsible, there’s no manner any “crisis communications” spokesperson for anybody else on Ohtani’s degree permits a narrative to unfold like this.
Makakilo: I consider what Ohtani stated in his assertion (that he by no means guess on any sports activities, and he knew nothing in regards to the translator’s theft till the translator spoke to the group in Korea).
Interesting questions are: Why did the Dodgers fail to do an enough background test on the translator? How did the translator get the codes/passwords wanted to make wire transfers with out Ohtani’s participation? Why did Ohtani’s financial institution fail to speak to Ohtani in regards to the giant wire transfers? Why didn’t Ohtani’s monetary advisor(s) make a pleasant name to Ohtani to ask him in regards to the giant wire transfers?
Dano: My view at this stage is generally what Spencer articulated, with a dollop of Steven’s response thrown in for good measure. Let’s see what involves mild in an investigation, however one thing appears off each in regards to the $5M credit score line for a dude getting paid a number of hundred grand a yr, in addition to Ohtani’s shifting explanations. As for the statement that a number of of us have made about it being a foul search for MLB, after all it’s, however given the bear hug with which MLB has embraced sports activities betting, can we actually be shocked? Demetrius Bell has a bit within the SBNation mothership website that I believe is price a learn.
Wesley: I’ve performed a number of analysis into this story, Ippei and Ohtani ’s background, and the timeline of the whole lot that occurred. I don’t assume you possibly can truly say “Ohtani’s story changed” when Ippei has been the gatekeeper to speaking with him on and off the sector. It is baffling that nobody bothered doing a background test on Ippei at any level till this story broke. It is believable that Ohtani knowingly paid his playing money owed, which is a criminal offense within the state of California. It can also be believable that Ippei used his access to Ohtani and his funds to rack up a large playing debt, then defrauded him when he obtained too⁰ deep of debt. If you don’t assume the latter isn’t believable, I extremely counsel studying into this story extra. Other MLB Translators, monetary advisors, legal professionals, and different athletes all have stated it Is a greater than believable story. Some conspiracy to throw Mizuhara beneath the bus to cover the playing money owed of Ohtani is just not a believable principle. I’m not saying this as a result of I’m a fan or some other causes moreover simply attempting to take a look at it as objectively as potential. If Ippei Mizuhara isn’t charged THEN you possibly can plausibly speculate a couple of conspiracy. I hate that MLB has invested and partnered so closely with playing firms although, and this story makes the optics of that ten occasions worse.
Jeffern51: Bookies don’t give 4.5 million greenback strains of credit score to translators with 6 determine incomes. Not certain what precisely occurred, however Ohtani was undoubtedly concerned greater than he’s prepared to let on.
Wesley: First of all, the bookie (via his lawyer) has stated that he gave him that credit score line as a result of he was near Ohtani. The complete level of going via an unlawful bookie is so you possibly can place bets on credit score within the first place. The bets have been placed on worldwide soccer, Ohtani has exactly zero curiosity in that. I believe it’s a bit a lot too insinuate that there was something extra nefarious occurring than a playing debt being paid. That alone IS purpose to have the story change, since it’s unlawful in California, however to counsel that there’s greater than that occurring is bordering on libel… nevertheless it’s the web so let’s all simply seize our torches and pitchforks and type a mob to slander a person who could legitimately be a sufferer who has had zero points or scandals previous to this. (No, contract negotiations don’t depend as a scandal)
Ben: Honestly, I’ve no clue what to assume. It appears dangerous for him and baseball and until there’s full exoneration from an unbiased supply (and I’m with Spencer on MLB not being that), there’ll all the time be a cloud of suspicion following Ohtani. The irony after all is that baseball has totally embraced betting in each side of the sport whereas persevering with to chastise its gamers – former and present – for taking part in the identical exercise that the game is utilizing to rake in billions.
What would your walk-up music be?
Spencer: My style in music varies tremendously on a day-to-day foundation. Mostly, I choose instrumental variations of common songs and/or cinematic scores. So as I write this reply on Friday night time, I’m leaning towards “Time” by Jennifer Thomas. But something by Lindsey Stirling would even be possible.
Wesley: I’m rather a lot like Spencer, my style in music tremendously varies on a each day foundation. I choose rock, digital, or hip hop music, and I’ve obtained a number of songs of every style that I’d use.
“Dangerous” or “Put Me to Work” by Big Data. “Sad Sad City” by Ghostland Observatory. Or “Rumors” by Joywave. If i needed some rap music, I’ve been feeling Run the Jewels songs like “Legend Has it” or if it’s a Thursday, “Thursday in the Danger Room.” More than possible I’d simply go along with one thing with a sick bassline and beat like “Them Changes” by Thundercat. Now if I wanted walk on music as a more in-depth, theres all the time been one apparent option to me, “Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden
Preston: I’m within the Josh Collmenter college of walk-up songs and would wish to go along with one thing fully non-traditional, but in addition common. So both some pop music that I discover midway tolerable, or the Numa-Numa music for optimum weirdness. I’ll say that Gabi Moreno is lacking a chance by not utilizing a music by Gaby Moreno, however I’m undecided what music he’d use.
Makakilo: Today, my selection can be, Moves Like Jagger. The music has a fantastic beat and the opening lyric is “You shoot for the stars if it feels right…”
Dano: Haven’t we already had this query? Whatever. In honor of at the moment’s climate, I believe I’ll select “Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurythmics. The concept of Annie Lennox being celebrated in such a context makes me pleased, as a result of she’s superior.
Or maybe Pink Floyd’s “Money”….stepping to the plate whereas the syncopated samples of money register sound results feed into that wonderful bass line can be form of hilarious, particularly once we’re taking part in FTD at Chavez Latrine. In reality, I’d attempt to encourage all the lineup to make use of “Money” as their walkup songs, in order that FTD followers must take heed to that intro time and again and over and over all through all the sport. Hee. Defer that money, child!!!!!!
Jeffern51: In school I all the time ran out to Godsmack. Now would most likely be one thing slightly extra mellow.
Ben: I’ve gone via so many variations of solutions to this query, however in the intervening time I’ve been grooving to “Jet Airliner” by Steve Miller Band. I’m additionally equally satisfied that there’s a practically infinite universe of fantastic selections.
