» Jose Valverde

Listen close, Arizona Front Office:

No more saying our current bullpen will come around because it’s not going to happen. Why? Because a few, er, a majority of the pitchers need to go to the minors and work on control or just are unable to handle the pressure.

After witnessing it in person in Seattle tonight, I will be EXTREMELY upset if Arizona does not move at least five or six people from their bullpen. “But that’s such a high number!” Yes, but that is what it’s going to take to help Arizona from blowing games.

To give Seattle credit, Griffey’s two-run home run sent chills down my back, especially since his entrance song was that old Chicago Bulls warmup theme. But still, after being annoyed by Seattle sports talk radio claiming “Griffey changed our season,”  I feel it was Tony Pena screwing up more than anything. He’s a mental case and was probably thinking, “Oh Gawd, it’s Ken Griffey Jr. What am I suppose to do?”

If I were the GM of the team, here’s what I *think* I would do:

1. Give Schoenweiss more time to work mechanics. Yeah, he’s old and he hasn’t been that reliable, but his wife just died (I’m weak, I know). Just need to drill in his head that he needs to pitch for her.

2. Send Esmerling Vasquez and Dan Schlereth to the Minors. They both have crazy speed and potential, but horrible command. They are not ready for the big league level.

3. Trade Qualls, Gutierrez, and Pena for José Valverde. Wait, didn’t we trade FOR two of these three guys two years ago, sending Valverde to the Astros? Yes, but there is a need for an intense and flashy closer on the team. Even though he blows a few saves he makes things exciting.

4. Even if we don’t get Valverde, we need some bullpen guys. Clay Zavada can be our new closer and Leo Rosales can be our setup man. No one is more consistent in the pen than these guys.

Super Stache: Zavada Can Save the DBacks Pen Whoas, One Mustache at a Time.

5. Cut Byrnes. Who cares if Arizona owes him money; they’re paying for little to nothing as is, so why not get him off the team and let someone more deserving help them win.

If Arizona’s bullpen blows another game, which with the current setup they will, I may have to send Josh Byrnes an email asking why he won’t make moves in his bullpen and hope to God I get a response.

It’s a been a while since I’ve written, yet again. I’m working a on a few (8) mid-scale projects and barely have time to think.

Peh…

Anyhoo, DBACKS BABY!

First off, I’d like to make a shout out to Felipe Lopez: Way to help Puerto Rico kick the crap out of the USA (I’m an American. I Love the USA Baseball WBC team, but when a DBack is on the opposing team and hitting well, things change for me).

Focusing more on the team, now, it seems as if the Dbacks are looking decent right now. Chad Tracy apparently isn’t having any knee issues, which is GOOD. He’s been hurting for a while, it seems, but being able to be agile and run around without pain is a great step for him… and his trade value.

TRADE VALUE?! Say What?!

Like I’ve stated before, the DBacks are a little bloated when it comes to players that should be playing. Eric Byrnes was out most of last year with injury which helped alleviate issues with playing time. Now that he’s coming back, however, the issue lingers. How should this problem be solved?

Trade Chad Tracy.

Chad Tracy Doesn't Even Look Like he wants to be in AZ. Solution: TRADE HIM.

I know, I know, he’s a decent player and I like him. But looking into the best interests of the team, we need a BETTER CLOSER.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Back in December 2007, Arizona traded Jose Valverde to the Astros for Juan Gutierrez, Chad Qualls, and Chris Burke. And who got the better deal? At the beginning of last season, with Qualls throwing lights out, I thought we did. But no, Qualls tanked, Burke SUCKED (don’t try to tell me otherwise), and Gutierrez has yet to make an appearance in the Majors. Valverde had how many saves last year? Try 44. Brandon Lyon was no where near that.  The ability to win close games was a huge trait in the 2007 season, and he was a huge part. Who cares if it was a money issue; when he came in, fans were excited. He has an intensity that exists in two or three pitchers in the Majors. Arizona claimed it was a money issue (he wanted a bigger contract, which he should get), wanting nothing to do with it. I give them props for “wanting to believe,” but, like the X-Files I Want to Believe movie, it was absolute garbage. Trading Tracy for a respectable closer or any big minor league bat (throw Qualls in the deal) might make me feel better.

Until then, I’ll just be bitter and do my homework for class.