January 1, 2006 Phoenix, AZ - In a shocking announcement the Owner of the Phoenix Suns, Robert Sarver, has managed to purchase the other three pro teams in Arizona; MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks, NFL's Arizona Cardinals and NHL's Phoenix Coyotes. Mr. Sarver brokered the deal and got approval from all the commissioners and owners of the respective leagues in record time. While some teams are still in "mid-season" the owner ship change won't take effect until the new season starts.

MLB season begins today Jan. 1, 2006 (OOTP9)
NFL season starts Aug. 12th (FOF2k7)
NHL season starts Aug 30th and (EHM 2007)
NBA season starts Oct 4th (DDSPB)

Mr. Sarver has hired one man to be the GM of all four pro teams in Arizona an unprecidented move that if successful should spur a trend across other teams.

"The people of Arizona deserve better and I'm gonig to provide them that," said Sarver. "The Phoenix Suns have been to the NBA Finals twice in their history coming up short both times and the Arizona Diamondbacks have a World Series Trophy from five years ago, but other than that the people of Phoenix and Arizona want a winner and that is my goal. I will continue to make the Suns and Diamondbacks winners and bring along both the Coyotes and Cardinals."

Diamondbacks

The baseball offseason is under way.

I take a look at my roster first.
I'm fine with my starting Pitching with Webb, Orlando Hernandez, Miguel Batista as my 1-3 guys. My # 4 & 5 might need to be upgraded, but both are young (Claudio Vargas & Enrique Gonzalez) so I'll let them try to earn the spots. Valverde is my closer and I'm happy with him there. My relievers could be a concern. I go from an ageing Grimsley to on time started Russ Ortiz to young guys in Lyons and Medders. We'll see what we can do here.

My Outfield has Jeff Devanon, Shawn Green, Luis Gonzalez, Eric Byrnes & Chris Young. Chris Snyder and Johnny Estrada are behind the plate.
3B will have to be manned by Craig Counsell unless I get a good trade somewhere. Orlando Hudson will be my 2B with Stephen Drew at SS and Chad Tracey at 1B backed up by Tony Clark. Daminon Easley is my backup 2B and 3B.

***ADDED****

Coaches:

Manager: Ron Miller is a 19 year veteran coach who is under contract until 2009. He's a very average coach and the bench coach is actually better suited to be the manager in his skill set.

Bench Coach: Antonio Freitas is also a 19 year veteran. He is signed until 2008 and actually makes more money than my manager. He only rates lower in handling veterans and handling rookies, but not by much. If Miller is fired at any point he is more than capable to be the new manager.

Hitting Coach: Jose Perez is a a first year coach who only has a two year contract. He's not bad overall and is very good at teaching hitting so he'll probally be resigned for next year...unless I can find someone better and cheaper.

Pitching Coach: Alex Cox is a 9 year veteran witn one year left on his contract. He's average or below in pitching categories so I'd expect him to be replaced at year end.

Scouting Directon: Jean-Sebastien Guilb is a 3 year veteran signed through 2008. He is very average...we'll just leave it at that.

Team Trainer: Enzo Gutierrez is the youngest person on our staff and has no experience. He is also signed through 2008. I won't really know how good or bad he is until someone gets hurt, but his ratings aren't too bad.

The Phillies offer me an aging C and minor league 2B with cash for Byrnes. I decline right away.

I do however offer Grimsley to Texas for 20-year old reliever Fabio Castro.

Castro is a lefty with a fastball & splitter and my scout rates him as a 5 star prospect who is at 4 stars now...if true a major upgrade and I save about a million bucks on payroll too.

Busy day for the D-Backs today.

I'm looking to shore up my pitching staff today and hopefully have a future 3B too.

I Contact the Tigers and inquire about SP Dan Haren whom they just got from the A's. They will straight up trade Chad Tracy for him. I think no problem I have Conner Jackson in AAA who is about ready to be brought up so I make the deal.

Next, I shop Easley out there. I don't want him so we'll see what someone offers. The Rangers offer AAA 3B Brent Mosley so I jump on it. I may have my future 3B here.

Now I need to see if anyone wants my weakest starting pitcher since I have Haren on board. I again shop Claudio Vargas...to my suprise San Diego offers up the best closer I think there is in Trevor Hoffman. I have to think about it a bit as Trevor was a former Wildcat, but I let my college loyalites lie and make the deal.

Finally, I put several players "on the block" who are too old to be in the minors or washed up to be in the bigs still. I'll take a bag of balls for most of them as long as I don't take a hit $ wise. With the shuffling of players I demote Castro down and put in a claim on SS Juan Uribe from the White Sox to be my backup SS/2B/3B, we'll see if I get him.

My claim for Uribe failed as Seattle got him. Oh well I'll just call up someone from AAA now.

Mr. Sarver thinks we should play .500 ball this year after going 10-14 in the preseason.

The good news is I didn't suffer any injuries in the preseason (knock on wood)

Diamondbacks April 3, 2006

Opening Day!

After Spring Training here's what our starting rotation and lineup looks like.

Webb, Haren, O. Hernendez, Batista & Gonzalez

1B Jackson
2B Hudson
SS Drew
3B Counsell
C Snyder
LF Byrnes
CF Young
RF Davanon

We open the baseball season with a 3-game series at Colorado.

In game #1 Webb goes 8 innings giving up only 1 run as we win 5-1. My #2 & #3 hitters (Hudson & Drew) go 5 of 10 with 3 RBIs and pace our team along with Counsel going 3 for 3 with 1 RBI.

In game #2 after taking a quick 4-0 lead at the end of 3 innings the Rockies battled back to send it to extra innings where we won 7-5. Valverde blew the save and allowed the game tieing run in the 8th only to have Hoffman close it out in the 10th after Counsell & Young got a run each in out half of the 10th.

In game #3 we close out the three game sweep with a 5-1 win as Hernandez proves to be too much for the Rockies' hitters allowing only 3 hits in 8 and 1/3 innings.

Our road trip continues with a 3-game series vs. the Brewers.

Game #1 we suffer our first loss of the year and we get killed 9-0 as Batista only goes 4 innings in the route.

Game #2 started much better as we took a quick 2-0 lead in the 1st and held a 2-1 lead until the bottom of the 8th. Webb had 2 outs before giving up a solo HR to R. Weeks, a single to M. Lamb and then a 2-run HR to C. Lee to suffer his first loss of the year 4-2.

Game #3 couldn't end soon enough as we suffer our third straight loss and head home licking our wounds after a 9-5 pounding by the Brewers.

Lucky for us we get a day off before hosting the Rockies for three games and the start of a 10-game home stand.

Wait, Arizona has pro sports????







;)

Wait, Arizona has pro sports????







;)

ya the Rattlers and the Mercury ;)

Home stand vs. Colorado

Game #1 Dan Haren give us a solid performance as we hold on to win 3-1. We only got 5 hits in the game, but we made them count.

Game #2 saw a pitchers duel as Orlando Hernandez left the game tied 1-1 after 7 and 1/3 innings for Jose Valverde...who proceeded to blow the game in the 9th. We lost 3-1. At 4-4 we are 2.5 games back of the Dodgers sitting in 3rd in our division.

Game #3 Brandon Webb, the ace of the rotation, gets us back on the winning track as we win 4-0. Webb pitched 7 shutout innings for us.

We are playing a lot of small ball with only 4 HRs thus far.

Next up is Houston and we won't be facing Clemens

Game #1 well just when I thought we'd only play small ball we hit 3 HRs and cruise to an 8-4 win behind Miguel Batista's pitching. Jackson, Drew & Snyder all get HRs in the game.

Game #2 Enrique Gonzalez is a very poor 5th starter. I don't want to demote him so quick, but he's have two poor outings now. We lose 6-2

Game #3 Harren and Valverde were both horrible, but we only lost 7-5. The middle of my lineup went only 2 for 11 at the plate...we need to score more runs. We may just be a .500 team after all.

The homestand will end for a 4-game series vs. The Giants.

The Giants sit at 4-9 and in 5th place coming into Bank One Ballpark, but they are on a 3 game winning streak.

Game #1 The Baby Backs are struggling at the plate as we fall 3-2. We're getting the hits just not the runs in this game. I think I'll suggest to the manager to "alter" the lineup a bit.

Game #2 Our losing streak hits four as we fall 7-4 in 12 innings. Medders gives up 3 runs in 2/3's of an inning for the loss.

Game #3 Batista gets shelled for 6 runs in 1 and 2/3's innings and we never have a chance to get into the game. Our losing streak hits 5 as we lose 10-2

Game #4 another loss 10-1, but the bad part is Jose Cruz gives up 6 runs in the 9th. Time to alter the roster a bit.

Finally, we unload Russ Ortiz to the Cleveland Indians for minor league pitcher Jeremy Guthrie. Ortiz was a clubhouse cancer and was bogging down the payroll so it's a wash in my book.

In roster moves we sent Chris Young down to AAA and brought up Carlos Quintin. Also Juan Mateo was brought up to replace Edgar Gonzalez in the rotation. Medders was sent down in favor of Brandon Lyons and Andy Green (2B) was brought up to take Mosley down.

We also put in a trade request to the Boston Red Sox.

Up next is the Division leading Dodgers at 9-7 they hold a 3 game lead over us.

vs. Dodgers

Game #1 Webb gets his 3rd win and Hoffman his 3rd save as we break our losing streak and win 2-0.

Game #2 Juan Mateo gets his first start of the year and goes just 2 innings giving up 5 runs as we lose 7-3. This loss falls on the starting pitcher.

Game #3 the bats go cold again as we lose 4-1.

next up is a trip to San Diego

Our trade with the Red Sox is still a work in progress.

The initinal offer was rejected: We send RP Luis Vizcaino, minor league SP Carl Washington and SP Enrique Gonzalez. They send in return SP David Wells, and minor leaguers SP Jon Lester and hometown hero 2B Dustin Pedroia.

We've added per the Red Sox request RP Juan Cruz, but ask for some cash in return...now we cross our fingers. Wells would give us a starting left hander and Pedroia will be our 2B of the future. Lester could be a starter down the road too or trade bait in the offseason.

vs. San Diego

Game #1 a recurring theme is happening...our pitchers are keeping us in games, but our bats aren't helping us....we drop the game 4-1

Game #2 Former D-Back Claudio Vargas lead the Padres to a 4-2 victory over Webb. Did I mention we need more runs?

Game #3 a 3-2 loss hurts...but it looks like Boston accepted our trade. We get a much needed day off before heading to San Francisco for a 3-game series.

Game #1 I guess a little trade gets the juices flowing as we win 5-2. Jackson goes 3 for 5 with a 3-run HR in the 7th to win the game for us.

Game #2 we have a back and forth game as both teams blew a save before we lost 4-3 as Hoffman gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th.

Game #3 Webb again pulls us up with a 5-0 8 inning shutout win. Johnny Estrada (C) was injured while running the bases...he'll be out for a week.

We end the month 9-16 and trail the Dodgers by 7 games. I know we're in it for the long haul now. With a 2-game series coming up vs. LA we have a shot to make that lead shrink.

vs. The Dodgers

Game #1 we open a 7 game homestand with a big 3-1 win over LA as Dan Haren pitches 8 innings of great baseball holding the Dodgers batters in check.

Game #2 Newely aquired pitcher David Wells pays off as he pitches 8 shutout innings in a 2-0 win. Hoffman gets his 6th save of the year.

Next is a 2-game home series vs. the Cubs

Game #1 Carlos Quinton goes off vs. the Cubs going 3 of 4 with a solo HR and 3 RBIs. O. Hernandez got lots of run support picking up his 3rd win of the year as the D-Backs won 7-2.

Game #2 We delt Ryan Demptser his first loss of the year as we kill the Cubs 11-2. It was a total team effort as we got 11 hits to the Cubs 3.

The Reds come to town for a 3-game series. Cincinnati is 10-19 on the year so far and 5th in the Central Division 11 games back.

Game #1 Webb picks up win # 6 as we win 8-5.

Game #2 It was a 1-1 game until the bottom of the 8th when Byrnes hits a RBI triple and Snyder comes behind him to hit a 2 RBI HR to give the D-Backs the 4-1 win and Hoffman his 8th save.

Game #3 David Wells gets his 2nd win for us as C. Jackson goes 3 for 4 and we extend our winning stream to 7 games and win 4-2.

We get a day off before heading to Pittsburg for 3 games then St. Louis for 3 games.

We've improved to 16-16 on the year and sit 4 games back of the Dodgers.

Pittsburg is up. The Pirates are 11-22 on the year 11.5 games back in the Central in 5th place.

Game #1 Well the streak had to end at some point. Brandon Lyon blew a 4-3 lead in the 7th as we fall 5-4.

Game #2 Ouch! Webb gives up 3 runs as we fall 7-1. The bats just are cold again. Game 3 is a must win now.

Game #3 Quinton hits a Grand Slam as we win 6-4 to end our skid.

St. Louis here we come.

St. Louis is 20-15 sitting 4 games back in the Central

Game #1 Chris Carpenter put on a pitching clinic and the magic of Wells has worn off as we get shelled 19-2. Wells gave up 7 runs in 2/3s of an inning.

Game #2 We outplayed St. Louis but still fell 4-2. A 3 run 7th was the difference in this one.

Game #3 We drop this game 5-2 and it appears my 10 man pitching group is in need of some more arms as we couldn't hold the lead. Time to tinker again.

Flores, Young & Pedroia were all called up from AAA while Marte was sent down along with Green placed on waivers and sent to AAA. I was actually at a 24 man roster for a while there and didn't notice it so now I'm back to 25.

I noticed I didn't review my coaches so I added their info to my 2nd post.

We open up a 9 game home stand starting with a 3-game series vs. San Diego.

The Padres are a game and a half behind us and 9.5 behind the Dodgers. San Diego is 16-23 on the year.

Game #1 Brandon Webb was solid giving up only 4 runs and the bats were hot as 5 players hit HRs and every player in the starting lineup got a hit too. We won 10-5.

Game #2 5 more HRs and a solid outing by Dan Harren leads us to an 11-5 victory. Drew goes 4 for 5 with 4 RBIs.

Game #3 David Wells gives up 6 runs in just over 5 innings. At the same time the bats go cold against Jake Peavy and we drop this one 10-2, but take the series.

In other news the Dodgers have lost Brad Penny for a month, he was 7-0 for them thus far.

In D-Backs news Shawn Green wants to be starting over Devanon...we'll see what the manager has to say as I don't really have a say in that at all.

Instead of keeping Shawn Green as my 6th outfielder and paying him $20 mil over the next 3 years I've decided to trade him to Seattle for two minor league pitchers. I bring in potential future starter John Puckett and reliever Mark Lowe. I'll also call up minor league pitcher Santiago Arias who is a lefty.

Atlanta is up next with a 21-21 record

Game #1 we lose 6-4...we just got beat by a better team, it wasn't anyone's fault in this one.

Game #2 we lose a heartbreaker in 12 innings 10-9. Again I can't put this one on anyone person.

Game #3 Haren pitches 6 strong innings and Hoffman gets his 10th save as we win 6-4

next up Pittsburg for 3 games

We currently sit 8 games back of the Dodgers in 3rd place in the NL West. We are 4 games below .500, but we've made a ton of moves on the roster to get where we are.

Pittsburg is coming to town for a 3 game series. The Pirates are 15-30 so this is a chance to sweep a series and hopefully gain some ground on LA. If we don't sweep then I'm not sure what I'm going to tell the team and manager.

Game #1 This one went extra innings and my bullpen blew it as we took and early 4-0 lead after the 1st inning, but Pittsburgh battled back and scored 4 in the 9th and one in the 10th to steal this one from us.

Game #2 Another extra innings game and another heartbreaker. We lose 4-3 in 10 innings, but we battled back to tie the game with 2 runs in the 8th and one in the 9th before Pittsburgh added one in the top of the 10th to beat us again.

Game #3 We snap the losing streak, but had to make it interesting as we score 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th to win 4-1.

A trip to Cincinnati starts off our 10 game road trip.

The Reds are 21-26, but as we saw during our last series it doesn't mean much.

Game #1 One run games are killing me. A 6-5 loss in the bottom of the 9th kills me. I put the manager on notice...shape up this team and soon.

Game #2 Finally, a one run game and extra innings even goes our way in a 5-4 win as Luis Gonzalez hits a scarafice fly in the 10th to score the winning run.

Game #3 A batters game as we win 14-11. David Wells didn't fare so well though giving up 5 runs in 3 innings.

A trip to the Mets is up next to end the month.

The Mets are 24-26 sitting in 4th place in the NL East

Game #1 Webb pitches 7 great innings of baseball when Flores gives up 2 runs in the bottom of the 8th to lose the game 3-1. Pedro Martinez got the win and it was # 200 for his career. Glad I could be a part of history.

Game #2 Batista had a horrible game giving up 5 runs in 6 and 2/3 innings with only 2 strikeouts. We lost 5-4.

Game #3 The losing streak hits 3 as we drop another one run game 5-4

Stephen Drew was named Rookie of the month in the NL.

In the 28 games this month he batted .324 with 36 hits in 111 at-bats with 2 HRs adn 13 RBIs.

The NL West isn't very impressive this year. Thus far the standing look like this.

LA Dodgers 33-20
Colorado Rockies 27-26
San Francisco Giants 24-30
Arizona Diamondbacks 23-30
San Diego Padres 20-34

A 4-game series vs. the Braves is up next as we face a team that is 29-25 on the year and has already gone 2-1 vs. us this year.

Game #1 A disappointing 10-3 loss has caused me to make a change. Ron Miller has been fired and I will try and fill in for the rest of the year. Miller just wasn't getting the job done.

Game #2 Wells bounces back with 8 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball as we win 9-2.

Game #3 At worst we'll get a split in the series as Webb carries us to a 3-2 win and Hoffman picks up save 11 for us.

Game #4 We close out the series on a high note picking up our 3rd win in a row. A 6-5 win paced by Connor Jackson's 2 run HR in the in the 4th inning lead the team.

a 10 game homestand starts for us next as the Phillies, Mets and Giants come to town.

The Phillies are just under .500 at 27-30 so this could go along way for either of us.

Game #1 what looked like a 2-0 loss ended up a 4-2 win as we rallied in the bottom of the 9th to score all 4 runs (3-run HR by Snyder and solo HR by Hudson) and pull off the win.

Game #2 O. Hernandez struggled to get anyone out as we drop this one 8-4

Game #3 Wells seemes to have broken out of his funk as we took an early lead and held on to win 8-7

The Mets are up again at 31-28 and are 3-0 vs. us this year already.

Game #1 This game got ugly, but only after the brawl between Pedro Martinez and Conor Jackson. Stepehn Drew hit a 2 run HR in the first and Jackson was plunked as the next batter by Martinez. Both players were ejected and later suspended for 9 games by MLB. The outcome of the game wasn't much better for us as Hoffman blew a 7-6 lead in the 9th to lose 10-7.

Game #2 We fall back into the 1-run, lose the game in the 9th curse as we drop this one 5-4

Game #3 A nice bounce back 5-0 shutout win by Dan Haren.

Game #4 ....followed by a 4-1 loss. We miss Jackson's bat in the lineup today.

A 3 game series vs. the Giants is up. San Francisco is only one game behind me at 28-36, they are also on a 3 game losing skid.

Game #1 This might sound like a broken record, but we lose 11-7. The cause is a 5 run 9th where we were tied 6-6. Medders is the man behind the loss again and will be sent to Triple A tonight.

Game #2 Jon Lester was brought up in place of Medders and was put in as the starter moving Wells to the bullpen. Lester does well in his major league debut giving up 4 runs in 5 innings pitched, no decision, and we win the game 6-4

Game #3 Haren loses a 5-1 game to Jason Schmidt as we are held to just 3 hits.

June 15, 2009 - MLB Draft

I picked 11th in each round.
In the first round I picked a left handed starting pitcher Kane Pye.
In the second round I picked a right handed starting pitcher Marcos Rosales.
In the third round I picked catcher Sergio Escamilla
In the fourth round I picked first baseman Miguel Bennett
In the fifht round I picked right handed middle reliver Jason Lee.

I won't bore you with the other 15 rounds, but I looked for some left handed pitching whenever I could as I believe in developing my pitching in the minors and filling out my lineup with free agents or trades if I don't have the talent coming up from the minors.

A 3 game trip to the Texas Rangers is up next. Texas is 36-32 leading the AL West with a 5 game winning streak. In a bit of odd news Texas shipped off Phil Nevin to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (my next opponent). Nevin has hit 20 HR this season alone which is 2nd in the AL to his future Tampa Bay teammate Russell Branyan.

Game #1 Looks like Texas could have used Nevin's bat as they lose in extra innings 4-3 in 11. They also didn't hit a HR. Nevin didn't help his new team though going 1 for 4 with an error as they lost 8-4.

Game #2 O. Hernandez pulled out of his slump for one game pitching a seven hit, 2 run, 6 and 1/3 innings of baseball to lead the team to a 6-2 win.

Game #3 A 4 run 5th inning does us in as Webb struggles in the loss 7-3. We do take the series however.

Next up is a day off then a 3 game series to Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay is a struggling team at 25-45 they sit in last place in the AL East and are 20 games behind the leader. I'm hoping for a series sweep.

Game #1 There goes the sweep as we lose 4-3 and Nevin hits a 2 run HR off Haren for his 23rd of the year.

Game #2 This one was in the bag until Hoffman blew the save in the bottom of the 9th to send it to extra innings and a 7-6 loss. Nevin hit another HR against us too.

Game #3 This one hurts as we lost 5-4 and got swept by the Devil Rays...guess our guys took them too lightly.

We host the Angles for a 3 game sereis. They are 37-36 on the year in 4th place, but only 1.5 games out of first.

Game #1 Webb takes the loss giving up 4 runs, 1 earned, and our bats go cold in a 4-2 loss.

Game #2 Good news, our bats are back as we win this one 8-5. However, we lose Orlando Hernandez to a torn leg muscle for 2-3 months. We Place him on the 60 day DL and call up pitcher Juan Mateo. Pitcher Fabio Castro is also ailing a bit so we put him on the 15 day DL and call up pitcher Brandon Medders, which I may regret

Game #3 A 6-3 win and series win helps us out. Haren pitches great and picks up win number 5 on the year.

Seattle now comes to AZ for a 3 game series. the Mariners are 39-38, losers of their past 3 games and sit in 3rd place in the division 1 game back of the leader.

Game #1 A blown save by Hoffman giving up 4 runs in the top of the 9th casue us to lose 5-3.

Game #2 I may regret the 1 year extension I gave Miguel Batista as he has struggled to a 3-7 record as we lose another one 6-2.

Game #3 Santiago Arias got only his 3 start ever, but improved to 3-1 on the year as he pitched over 7 innings of 1 run ball and help us win 12-1.

We prepare for a 9 game road trip before the All Star break with a 3 game series at Oakland, LA Dodgers and Colorado. This will either make or break us from here on out.

Oakland is 41-38 on the year leading the AL West.

Game #1 We did very well against Barry Zito losing 6-4 as Jon Lester picks up his first loss on the year.

We end June at 35-45, 10.5 games back of the Dodgers as we sit in 4th place in the division. I knew we wouldn't contend for the World Series, but 10 games under .500 is not what I was wanting either.

Game #2 Haren put the team on his back in this one leading us to a 7-0 shutout win as he pitched a complete game 6 hit game.

Game #3 Webb did his best to keep us in this game, but Oakland scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th to take the win 8-7.

games vs the LA Dodgers

Game #1 We battled, but 2 runs on 5 hits won't do it as we lose 5-2

Game #2 Batista is making me look like a fool as he costs us the game in an 8-6 loss.

Game #3 It's time to start shopping the large salries around as we lose in the series sweep 4-2. I'm not sure if I need a bat or better pitching at this point.

Hey it's the Rockies who are in 2nd place at 43-41, but are only 1-5 vs. us this year.

Game #1 Haren pitches back-to-back shutouts as we win again vs. Colorado 9-0.

Game #2 Webb will crawl into the All-Star break with a 7-7 record as he loses this one 3-1.

Haren is named the lone Diamondback to the All Star team.

Game #3 Gosh I hope my team plays every game after the All Star break like they did this one. A 22-1 thrashing of the Rockies gives us a high.

Before we start the second half of the season we make some more moves to free up money and allow some younger palyers to get some time.

We ship RF Jeff DAvanon to Florida for struggling, but high potential left handed SP Dontrell Willis. This will allow me to start both Chris Young and Carlon Quintin in the outfield at RF & CF.

In our second move we disgruntled 2B Orlando Hudson to Detroit along with reliever Brandon Medders for reliever Todd Jones. This forces Pedroia to be the everyday 2B and helps shore up my bullpen which has cost me several games.

Next up is the Milwaukee Brewers at 49-41. They are in 3rd place in the Central Division 5 games out on a 4 game losing streak. They are 3-0 vs. us this year.

Game #1 Webb and the team seems to have some new energy after the all star break as we win 6-3

Game #2 Willis gets a win for the D-Backs in his AZ debut as we win again 12-6

Game #3 A one run extra inning game and our newest bullpen addition get us the 3-2 win as Todd Jones proves his worth in the trade.

Our win streak is now at 4 and the Dodgers come to town now.

The Dodgers are 56-36 still leading the NL West. They are 5-3 vs. us this year and are in town for a 4 game series.

Game #1 Another one run extra inning game and again we win 7-6 in 10 innings.

Game #2 Wells struggled and Rafael Furcal hit for the cycle as we lose this one 11-5. I've been in trade talks to ship out Wells to Washington for about a week now...we'll see if this effects the trade.

Game #3 The bats continue to produce and the pitching has picked up as we win 9-2 behind Webb.

After the game the D-Backs announced a 3 team trade involving 10 players.

Arizona sends to Washington David Wells, Brandon Lyon, Terry Mulholland, Mike Koplove, Johnny Estrada and Jeremy Guthrie and gets in return 3B Ryan Zimmerman, reliever Jon Rauch and reliever Mike Stanton.

Arizona then sends Stanton to Cincinnati for C Javier Valentin who was very unhappy with the Reds.

The fan reaction to Zimmerman was great as he will jump right into the starting lineup replacing Counsell.

Game #4 The trades didn't pay off in their first game, but we're in it for next year now. We lost 10-4.

Thre Rockies are in town for 3 games sitting at 48-46 on the year 9 games back, but only 2-7 vs. the D-Backs this year.

Game #1 Haren picks up win number 8 as we cruise to a 13-4 win.

Game #2 In my last game as acting manager Jon Lester leads us to a 16-0 win as he tossed a complete game shutout giving up 4 hits and striking out 7.

In other D-Backs news I have signed a new bench coach. David Santiago signed a 5 year $240,000 contract and promoted current bench coach to manager.

Game #3 we drop the last game of the series 5-7 as Jamry Carroll goes 4 for 5 in the game

A road trip to Philadelphia is up next for 3 games. The Phillies are 48-50 on the year having a 1-2 record vs. us this year.

Game #1 Webb continues to win as he picks up number 10 in a 6-2 win. Young goes 3 for 5 hitting lead off and hitting a solo lead off HR to start the game.

Game #2 Jimmy Rollins tried to will the Phillies to a win, but our revamped bullpen held the lead and won us the game 8-6

Game #3 we take the series, but fail to get the sweep losing 6-5 just a good effored by the Phillies so no one can take the blame here.

Another 3-game series another road trip. We make our way to Houston vs the 56-46 Astros. Houston is 2-1 vs. us this year.

Game #1 A pitching battle ends in a loss for us 2-1.

because we are pretty much out of it we've been bombarded with trade requests. Teams are asking for Byrnes & Counsell mostly, but I'm happy with my team right now and see no reason to make anymore more moves this year unless.

Game #2 we battled back down 9-3 to come up just short in a 9-7 loss. The 5 runs given up in the first 2 innings by Arias were just too much to overcome.

Game #3 The Astros sweep us in a 4-2 loss

a 4 game trip vs. the Cubs is up next as the trade deadline comes upon us.

The Cubs are 0-2 vs us this year and have an overall record of 54-50. The sit 6 games back in 3rd place in the NL Central.

Game #1 Nothing like winning to get the spirits back up. A 5-3 win by Willis brings his record to 9-9 on the year. As the month ends we find ourselves at 48-57 on the year 18 games back of the Dodgers in 3rd place. The Dodgers hold a 13 game lead over Colorado so they will take the NL West unless they choke it down the stretch.

Game #2 Haren has an off night allowing 5 runs in 2 and 2/3 innings as we lose to the Cubs for the first time this year 8-2.

Game #3 Lester pitches us to a nice win over sturggling Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux. Quentin hits 2 HRs in the game to help us earn a 6-5 win.

Game #4 Ryan Dempster throws a 8 inning no-hitter, perfect game...until the Cubs manager pulls him in the 9th to preserver a 1-0 win.

a 6-game homestand is up next with 3 vs. the Astros and Giants each.

I like the idea of this dynasty. I'll be watching :)

SI

I like the idea of this dynasty. I'll be watching :)

SI

thanks, I'd appriciate any feedback too. especially once I get into all 4 teams here in a bit.

MLB League Update

Probally should have done this at the end of July, but August 4th will do.

Starting with the AL

The New York Yankees lead the AL East with a 9.5 game lead over the Baltimore Orioles with the Blue Jays 13.5 back. Both Boston & Tampa Bay are more than 20 games back and all but out of the race for the pennent.

In the AL Central Minnesota has a 12.5 game lead over Kansas City, but Cleveland, Detroit & Chicago are all within 17 games so this one isn't out of reach just yet.

The Angels will have a fight on their hands to maintain their 1 game lead over Seattle. While Texas is 4 back and Oakland is only 5 back.

Seattle currently holds the wildcard spot by a half a game over Baltimore.

In the NL:

Just like the AL West in the NL East Florida has a slim .5 game lead over Atlanta with the Mets 4.5 back, Washington 6.5 back and the Phillies only 9 back so this one will go down to the wire too.

In the NL Central right now it's still a 4 team race as St. Louis has a 4.5 lead over Houston, 7.5 over the Cubs and 8.5 over Milwaukee. Both the Pirates and Reds are 19 or more games back and all but out of it.

Finally, the NL West where the D-Backs reside. The Dodgers sit 12.5 games ahead of Colorado and will probally continue to keep a double diget lead barring a total choke job or major injury bug hitting the team. Arizona sits 18 back followed by the Giants at 19 and the Padres at 20.

In the NL wildcard race Atlanta holds a .5 game lead over Houston.

A 3-game home stand vs. the Astros heads up next.

Houston is 59-49 overall, but is also 5-1 vs. us this year.

Game #1 Webb picks up win #11 & Hoffman save #21 as we win 10-7. Valverde almost blew it giving up 5 runs in the 8th inning and getting no one out in the process.

Game #2 A gutting come from behind 6-5 win as we had to score 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th to win this one. We did it in pretty dramatic fashion too as Chris Young hit a 3 run HR to end the game.

Game #3 Pedroia goes 3 for 5 as we cruise to an 11-5 win and get a sweep of the Astros.

Even though the Reds are out of the playoff race, they keep offering me players in trades...again I reject them.

San Francisco still sits only a game behind me at 51-60, but they have taken 7 of 10 from us this year.

Game #1 A pitchers dual as there was only 7 hits between both teams, but we won 2-1.

Game #2 An 8 run first inning put this one away and we were on cruise control from there on out getting a 12-5 win behind Pedroia going 4 for 5 and a Young grand slam.

Game #3 A 2-1 win as Webb pitched a gem of a game going 8 strong innings and got win #12 and Hoffman save #23

we get a day of rest before hosting Florida for 3 games.

Florida has a 63-51 record this year and leads the NL East. This is our first meeting this season.

Game #1 Willis goes 9 innings vs. his former team and picks up win #10 on the year with a 11-1 win. Aimmerman had 4 RBIs on 4 of 5 batting. Pedroia did injury his foot and is day-to-day for 2 weeks.

Game #2 My pitching is picking up as we keep a 4-2 win with only Haren and Hoffman.

Game #3 Our 8 game winning steak comes to an end as we lose 9-6. This one falls on Lester who gave up 6 runs in 4 and 1/3 innings.

Cardinals

It's football season finally. As I watch our young baseball team struggle to .500 football season kicks off.

Let's take a quick look at what the Bidwills have left us to play with.

QB - We have veteran Kurt Warner, rookies Matt Leinart and Freddie Crawford and 2nd year player John Navarre. Leinart has lots of potential as long as he leaves behind his "hollywood perona" in LA. Warner is a solid veteran and could be a starter in this league. Navarre is a good 3rd QB, but if we have to depend on him our season is in the tank. Crawford will be a practice squad player at best.

RB - I have 3 solid backs and an undrafted rookie. Edgerrin James leads the group followd closely by Marcel Shipp & JJ Arrington. Rookie Steven Demar will be lucky to make the team behind these 3.

FB - Obafemi Ayanbadejo is a fun name to say and is an average FB. Rookie Mario Fauria won't do so I might have to see if there is a free agent to be my backup.

TE - Rookie Leonard Pope leads this weak group followd by veterans Nathan Hodel & Adam Bergen.

WR - The strongest position on my team with future All Pros in Larry Fitzgeral & Anquan Boldin locking up the starting spots. Their backups are too bad either with Troy Walters, Bryant Johnson, LeRon McCoy and Todd Watkins looking to contribute just a little bit.

OL - I have an average line that really is pretty young, but only two players probally will be in the league for a long time period. My starting center Alex Stepanovich could be great for us with a decent backup in Nick Leckey. Left Guard is manned by rookie Deuce Lutui and Reggie Wells. Left Tackle had Leonard Davis and Fred Wakefield, two veterans of the league. Right Guard could hurt me with a combination of right tackle. At right guard we have Milford Brown starting with Elton Brown as the backup. Finally, Oliver Ross starts at right tackle with Brandon Gorin as his backup. If the OL can open some holes for the RBs we might not be a one dimensional team.

P & K - Scott Player is one of the best punters, that's good we might be doing a lot of that, and Neil Rackers is a solid kicker.

DL - Chike Okeafor and Bert Berry will both start at DE and should really help the pass rush. They are ahead of Antonio Smith and Will Diaz. Darnell Dockett and Alvin McConnell are my DTs right now, but McConnell doesn't have a firm grasp on the spot as a rookie and could easily be replaced by someone else. Canidates for that other spot are Gabriel Watson, Jon Lewis, Kendrick Clancy and Langston Moore.

LB - The only player who will for sure be starting here is Karlos Dansby, the others, Gerald Hayes, Lance Mitchell, Leland Harmon, Calvin Pace, Darryl Blackstock, Brandon Johnson, James Darling & Orlando Huff will battle it out for the other spots.

DB - A fair group of CBs lead by Antrel Rolle and Eric Green will probally cost us a lot of long passing plays. Their backups are Robert Tate, David Macklin and Matt Ware. At SS we have All Pro Adrian Wilson who unless he gets injured won't be leaving the field for either of the other two players, Jack Brewer or Hanik Milligan. Robert Griffith will be pushed by Aaron Francisco for playing time at FS.

Coaches - Head Coach Kent Sinclair has a 2-year contract to right the ship in Arizona although his reputation isn't great so I doubt he'll get both years.

OC - Jerome Gomez also has a 2 year deal and is average for an Offensive Coordinator...guess it goes along with the Bidwills spending in the past.

DC - Ricky Phelps is even worse and has a 3-year contract.

Lead Scout - Mitch Humphries has a 5-year deal and just like everyone else on staff he isn't much help.

Cardinals

We have sold 51,000 tickets out of a capacity of 70,000

we don't have a game this first week of the season so our first game is August 19th.

Diamondbacks

Back to the baseball team as we travel to Colorado for a 4-game series vs. the Rockies.

Colorado is now in 3rd place in the NL West, we are in second with a 1 game lead over the Rockies. Colorado has a 56-61 record and is 3-9 vs us this year.

Game #1 Webb pitches all 9 innings giving up only 2 runs as the bats allowed him to stay in the game. 7-2 was the final score as Drew hit a 3 run HR in the 2nd to pace us to the win.

Game #2 What was heading to a 4-3 win in 9 innings ended up a 6-5 loss in 12 innings. Todd Jones gave up the tying run in the 7th and after scoring one in the top of the 12th we gave up 2 in the bottom of the inning to drop the game.

Game #3 After going down 3-1 in the 1st we rallied to win this game behind Willis' arm and won 9-6.

Game #4 Aaron Cook had our number today as we lost 12-0 and only got 4 hits.

San Diego is our next 3-game road trip. The Padres are 56-65 on the year and 4-2 vs us.

We actually have an outside shot at the wildcard spot as we are only 6.5 games out of it.

Game #1 A total team efforf behind the arm of Lester as we win 5-2

Game #2 Peavy outduals Webb 6-3 and Cirillo goes 4 for 4 on the day.

Cardinals

(note: in pre season I'm not going to go too much into detail)

Pre-season game #1 vs. Pittsburg

Turnovers decided this game as Pittsburg had 3 and we had none. We only rushed for 73 yards on 26 attempts, but our passing game kept us moving the ball as we had 227 yards in the air on 24 of 43 passing. The game moved back and forth as we scored first on a E. James 8 yard reception for a TD in the 2nd quarter. The Steelers answered back with their own passing TD. We then added a Rackers 28-yard FG to hold the lead for a bit. Pittsburg got their own FG to tie the game again to only see Rackers kick his second FG with just over 2 mins left in the game to be the game winner 13-10.

Diamondbakcs

Game #3 An extra innnig one run game that the new and improved Bullpen holds onto. We win 5-4 in 11 innings after giving up 4 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning.

Another Divisional road series this time in San Francisco. The Giants are 53-71 and in last place in the division, but they have a 7-6 head-to-head record vs us this year.

Game #1 Willis picks up win #12 and helps us to a 9-3 win.

Game #2 The one run extra inning bug is back and we drop this one 4-3 in 12 innings. We almost snuck it out, but not quite.

Game #3 We were so close to reaching .500 until back-to-back losses. An 11-3 loss hurts because we gave up 2 runs in each of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th innings.

The Mets and Rangers have offered me trades for Chris Snyder in the last few days. I reject them all as nothing of value is offered in return and Snyder is a fairly decent catcher.

I'm only 5.5 games out of the wildcard spot and 18 back of the Dodgers who come to town sporting an 80-47 record. They have a 7-5 record vs us this year and this series will feature both teams 1-3 pitchers.

Game #1 The battle between Penny & Webb goes to Penny as Webb only lasts 3 innings giving up 5 runs in a 10-7 loss.

Saturday August 26,2006

Diamondbacks

Game #2 vs. LA Dodgers - A much better battle and a better result for us. Willis goes 6 innnigs giving up 2 runs vs Billingsley who went 7 with 3 runs. The outcome was decided on a Gonzalez grand slam in the 8th off giving us a 7-2 win.

Cardinals

Preseason Game #2 at New England - Neil Rackers was the difference again for the 2nd straight week. The teams traded TDs and were tied at the half 14-14 until Rackers added a 52-yard FG in the 3rd quarter and 2 4th quarter FGs to push us to the 23-14 win. We again struggled to run the ball with only 79 yards on 23 attempts, but the passing game was still good for 216 yards.

August 27,2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 vs LA Dodgers - A 5-3 loss isn't the biggest news of the day. We lost Counsell for 4 weeks due to a broken hand. I decide to place him in the 15 day DL and bring back up from AAA Brent Mosley. In the game we came back to tie the game down 3-1 in the bottom of the 9th, but gave up 2 runs in the 12th to lose.

Next up is a 3 game homestand vs San Diego.

Aug 28 & 29, 2006

Diamondbacks

San Diego is 59-71 on the year and are on a 3 game losing streak. Against us they are 5-4.

Game #1 Lester pitches a gem of a game and our bats got hot at the right time as we win 10-4

Game #2 It seems lately if we lose a game we also lose a player. This time it's reliver Jon Rauch who pulled a back muscle and is out for 2 weeks (a 15-day DL stint for him too) and a 7-2 loss as Claudio Vargas kept our batters off balance all night. I call up AAA pitcher Tony Pena.

Backup catcher Javier Valentin is mad that he's not starting and demands a trade. He's got another year on his deal and I'm not looking to move him so I guess I'll have to deal with him for the rest of the year.

August 30, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 vs San Diego - we end the series getting shelled by the Padres 12-2. None of my pitchers were effective and Peavy was awesome for San Diego. We get the last day of the month off before heading down the home stretch starting with a 3 game road series at Washington.

Coyotes

NHL season begins on October 5th so I have some work to do before then. I'm the least familer with hockey fo the big 4 sports so that's my biggest challenge.

Robert Sarver just expects me to improve my roster this year. If he looks at the Diamondbacks as an example I should be okay :).

Currently on the team I have a few stars to build around and a few good young players too.

G- Curtis Joseph is a very good, but older goalie who should save a lot of shots for us. David LeNeveu is his young backup

Defensemen - This unit is lead by Ed Jovanovski and has several quality players rounding out the team.

Forwards - Captain Shane Doan leads this group and is one of the best RWs in the game. He has lots of help up here with the likes of Jeremy Roenick, Mike Ricci, Tyson Nash and Ladislav Nagy.

I have a preseason game on September 17th vs. Nashville as my first step as GM of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Coaches -

Head Coach - Wayne Gretzky was probally the best NHL player ever, we'll see if he's even a half way decent coach. He has the skills to do it, but has surrounded himself with alot of his friends and if they fail he fails too.

Asst. Coaches - Grant Fuhr, Ulf Samuelsson & Barry Smith round out Gretzky's crew of friends that will help him out.

Head Scout - Greg Malone has a keen eye for talent and he has 10 other scouts below him to get us some players here in Phoenix.

August 31,2006

No news

September 1, 2006

Diamondbacks

Roster expansion has happened so I call up several players to help in the playoff push; SS Augusto Gomez, and pitchers Juan Mateo and John Puckett.

We begin a 6 game road trip with a 3-game series vs. Washington then a 3-game series vs. Florida. This is our first meeting vs. Washington. There is no way we can win the NL West, but we still have an outside shot at the wild card.

Game #1 vs. Washington - Haren pitches a gem of a game and leads us to a 5-3 win.

Coyotes

We've decided to see what this team shows us in the pre-season before making any moves.

Saturday September 2, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #2 vs Washington - Jon Lester gets hammered for 4 runs in 4 innings and we lose 8-1.

Orlando Hernandez is all healed up and ready to come off the DL so Lester can be replaced in the starting rotation. Maybe Lester will get some confience back coming out of the bullpen.

Cardinals

Preseason Game #3 at Chicago - Well Neil Rackers has gotten the most preseason work and is already in midseason form. This was an ugly game to watch. Chicago kicker Robbie Gould kicked 3 FGs and an extra point off a Cedric Benson rushing TD to give the Bears 16 points, but all we could muster is a 40-yard FG by Rackers. Niether of the QBs who played for us (Leinart & Navarre) were any good going a combined 17 of 47 and 3 INTs thus the Bears keyed in on our rushing attack allowing only 47 yards. One more preseason game left next week.

Sep 3, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 at Washington - My starting pitching seems to be having trouble getting out of the 4th inning as Willis struggled this time. David Wells, whom I traded to Washington a few months ago had us figured out though and got the 5-3 win and hurt our wildcard shot even more. We now sit 8 games out of the wildcard and are a big longshot.

Monday Sept 4, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #1 at Florida - It's Webb's turn to get killed by the other team and he didn't even make it out of the 1st inning as we lose 7-3. Brent Mosley was also injured for 2 weeks and placed on the DL.

Tuesday September 5, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #2 at Florida - The losing streak reaches 4 games as we lose 9-6, but Orlando Hernandez in his first game back goes longer than 4 innings so thats a bright spot.

Wednesday September 6,2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 at Florida - My Bullpen gets in on the blowing the game deal as they cough up 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th to lose 7-6.

Next up is a 10-game homestand; 4 vs. St. Louis, and 3 vs Washington and Colorado each.

September 7th

Diamondbacks

Game #1 vs St. Louis - Hoffman blew the game in the top of the 9th and we lost again 10-9. Our pitching staff is in a major slump right now.

Sept 8, 2006

Game #2 vs St Louis - The starting pitching is kept us in the game, but we still lose 6-4 and our losing streak hits 7 games.

Sept 9, 2006

Game #3 vs St Louis - The slump is over as Webb pitches us to a 6-2 win. We have fallen to 4th in the division however, and there is no hope of getting the wildcard for sure now.

Cardinals

Preseason game #4 vs Denver - What a great way to close out the preseason shutting out the Broncos 23-0, but Rackers scored 11 of those points on 3 FGs and 2 XPs. Next week we start the regular season in division vs. the 49ers.

Sunday September 10, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #4 vs St Louis - Hernandez has another good outing leading us to a 9-3 win.

Monday September 11, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #1 vs Washington - Haren regains his form throwing 7 shutout innings as we win 7-0

September 12, 2006

Game #2 vs Washington - Hoffman blew another save giving up 2 runs in the top of the 9th to cost us the win 6-5

September 13, 2006

Game #3 vs Washington - Willis has gone 6-3 for us since the trade and picked up win # 7 today as we held on to win 4-3. Better yet David Wells suffers the loss.

Jon Rauch came off the DL today too.

Friday September 15,2006

Diamondbacks

After enjoying a day off the Rockies come to town for 3 games

Game #1 vs Colorado - Good news we won 6-3. Bad news...we lost Brandon Webb for 7 months due to a ruptured disk in his back. Ouch!!

Coyotes

Training camp has started for the 'Yotes

Cardinals

We make a minor trade. We send a 6th round pick in 2009 to Oakland for QB Andrew Walter. Walter will be our 3rd string QB while John Navarre will be the man on the inactive list now.

Saturday September 16, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #2 vs Colorado - Since coming back from his injury Orlando Hernandez has pitched 3 great games including this one. He allowed only 1 run in 6 plus innings of work and we win 4-3.

Sunday September 17, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 vs Colorado - We battled back to score 4 runs in the 9th inning to send this game to extra innings, but the Rockies got the better of us in 11 innings 9-6.

Cardinals

Game #1 vs San Francisco - Well if it weren't for all the preseason practice Rackers got we might have lost this game. Our team started out strong with 2 rushing TDs one by Edgerrin James and the next followed up by Marcel Shipp to give us a 14-0 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. At halftime we lead 17-14 and never looked back as we added a Kurt Warner TD pass and 2 more Rackers FGs to win the game 30-21.

Coyotes

In our first exibition game we killed the Nashville Predators 6-2 as both Laraque and Nagy got 2 goals each.

Tuesday September 19, 2006

Diamondbacks

A three game series vs the Padres starts today. We're still in the wildcard race, but I don't see us taking it.

Game #1 vs San Diego - Jon Lester pitches 8 innings giving up only one run and our bats go off on Claudio Vargas as we pick up the win 10-1. Chris Young has extended his hitting streak to 20 games as well.

Wednesday September 20, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #2 vs San Diego - Jake Peavy was hot tonight as he turned the tables on us in a 10-1 loss and Chris Young's hitting streak came to an end as well. The rubber match is next.

Been a while!

Thursday September 21, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 vs San Diego - A nice bounce back win 6-2 over San Diego, but we lost Orlando Hernandez for 2 weeks with an injury.

Friday September 22, 2006

Diamondbacks

After closing out the three game series at San Diego we travel up to face the LA Dodgers in 3 games.

Game #1 at Los Angeles - Dan Haren pitches 8 shutout innings and we pull off the win 1-0.

Saturday September 23, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #2 at Los Angeles - Derek Lowe controls us in the game and our depleated pitching staff gives up 6 runs as we lose 6-4.

Coyotes

In a weird quirk we go almost a week between exibition games. We invite the Ottawa Senators to Glendale and send them home with a 5-2 loss.

The NHL preview came out and we are predicted to be the 20th best team in the league....out of 30. The Devils are expected to win the cup this year.

Sunday September 24, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 at Los Angeles - Jon Lester pitched well for us in the 3-0 loss, but the Dodgers are just too good. Odalis Perez was lost by LA for the year, it will really hurt them in the playoffs as he was 20-3 on the year.

Cardinals

Game #2 at Seattle (0-1) - It was a tough loss for Seattle as they had a 17-13 lead at halftime and the looked ahead for their first win of the year, but it wasn't ment to be. After both teams scored again it was 20-20 heading into the fourth quarter. Both teams got TD passes, but Neil Rackers was our MVP hitting the game winning 26-yard FG with 2:44 left in the game. A fumble by Seattle almost sealed it, but we missed another FG to give the Seahawks the ball back with 1:05 left. Matt Hasselbeck threw his lone interception of the game with 5 seconds left to preserve the win for us. Pope, Fitzgerald and Boldin all had recieving TDs and Warner went 21 of 32 for 285 yards with 3 TD and 1 INT. James rushed for 141 yards on 24 carries.

Coyotes

The Atlanta Thrashers came to town for our third exibition game and left with a 4-1 loss. If we play as well in the regular season as we do in the exibition season we'll make the playoffs.

Sunday September 24, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 at Los Angeles - Jon Lester pitched well for us in the 3-0 loss, but the Dodgers are just too good. Odalis Perez was lost by LA for the year, it will really hurt them in the playoffs as he was 20-3 on the year.

Cardinals

Game #2 at Seattle (0-1) - It was a tough loss for Seattle as they had a 17-13 lead at halftime and the looked ahead for their first win of the year, but it wasn't ment to be. After both teams scored again it was 20-20 heading into the fourth quarter. Both teams got TD passes, but Neil Rackers was our MVP hitting the game winning 26-yard FG with 2:44 left in the game. A fumble by Seattle almost sealed it, but we missed another FG to give the Seahawks the ball back with 1:05 left. Matt Hasselbeck threw his lone interception of the game with 5 seconds left to preserve the win for us. Pope, Fitzgerald and Boldin all had recieving TDs and Warner went 21 of 32 for 285 yards with 3 TD and 1 INT. James rushed for 141 yards on 24 carries.

Coyotes

The Atlanta Thrashers came to town for our third exibition game and left with a 4-1 loss. If we play as well in the regular season as we do in the exibition season we'll make the playoffs.

Been a while!

ya the twins are almost 1 so it's getting tougher, but I'm trying to get back into it.

I understand!

Monday September 25, 2006

Diamondbacks

We sit 8.5 games out of the wildcard spot, but there are only 7 games left so we are out of it. The Cubs, Marlins & Braves all are tied for the wildcard spot, but either the Marlins or Braves will win the NL East, most likely. The Mets do sit 2.5 games behind the Marlins and Braves so they have an outside shot at the wildcard or the NL East as well. The Cardinals' magic number is 2 with a 5.5 game lead over the Cubs and the Dodgers clinced a long time ago. In the AL the Yankees and Twins have clinched with the Mariners' magic number at 3 and a 4.5 game lead over the Angles. The Royals will probally lock up the AL Wild Card with a 4.5 game lead over the Tigers in that race.

Our last road trip of the year vs. the Giants for three games.

Game #1 at San Francisco - It's nice to finish strong even against a poor team. We win 6-3.

Tuesday September 26, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #2 at San Francisco - Not what I wanted to see in game number two as Dontrel Willis gives up 6 runs and we get no runs in a 6-0 loss.

Coyotes

another exibition game as we beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-1

Wednesday September 27, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 at San Francisco - After falling behind 5-0 in the 6th we put on a late rally, but fell just short losing 5-4.


Coyotes

this exibition game we played the New York Islanders. Nagy gets a hattrick as we win 4-2

Thursday September 28,2006

Diamondbacks

We close the season at home with four games vs. San Diego

Game #1 vs San Diego - Hoffman picks up save #33 as we win 5-3

Coyotes

we get another home exibition game vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning. I hope our exibition season carries over into the regular season. We do lose this one though 4-2 giving up all four goals in the third period.

Friday September 29, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #2 vs San Diego - Claudio Vargas whom we traded away to aquire Trevor Hoffman has gone 2-2 against us in the last two months. One of those wins was today as he kept his former teammates off balance holding on to a 4-3 win. Pedroia does have a 20 game hitting streak going though.

Saturday September 30, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #3 vs San Diego - four games seperate 2nd from 5th in the NL West so I'm trying to keep 3rd or move up to 2nd. Colorado has a one game lead on my right now. We squeek out a 2-1 and defeate Jake Peavy.

Coyotes

We claimed LW Donald Brasher off waivers from the Washington Capitals and placed several players on waivers as well to get down to the 23 man roster limit.

Our second to last exibition game is up this time at the Pittsburgh Penguins. We win the game 6-2.

Sunday October 1, 2006

Diamondbacks

Game #4 vs San Diego - Final game for us this season. We take down the Padres with an 11-3 win. Pedroia got named rookie of the month for September as well. Not that it matters, but we finished in 2nd all alone one game ahead of Colorado. Our record for the year was 73-84 while the Dodgers were 23 games ahead of us at 101-61.

In the NL the teams in the playoffs are the Dodgers, Marlins and Cardinals. The Mets & Cubs will have a one game playoff for the Wildcard spot. In the AL the Yankees, Twins & Mariners clinched their divisions and the Royals got the Wild Card spot.

Coyotes

We aquired two Defensemen in trades. From the San Jose Sharks we got Scott Ferguson for an '08 4th round pick and an '11 5th round pick. From the Atlanta Thrashers we got Steve McCarthy for an '09 3rd round pick.

We play our final exibition game against the New Jearsey Devils tomorrow.

Cardinals

Game #3 vs St. Louis Rams - The Rams came into the game 2-0. We didn't need Neil Rackers in this game as we held the Rams to only 3 points, but he decided to contribute anyway kicking 4 FGs and 2 XPs along the way to a 26-3 victory. It was a pretty boring game for the fans as all the scoring was in the 1st or 4th quarter. We travel next week to Atlanta who is also 3-0 on the year.

Monday October 2, 2006

Coyotes

In our final tuneup we crushed the Devils 7-0. Hopefully a sign of things to come. Now we must trim our roster by a few players.

Thursday October 5, 2006

Coyotes

It's opening day for the Coyotes as we host the Islanders.

We dominated this game everywhere but the final score. We lost 3-2 and gave up a shorthanded goal in the 2nd period that might have cost us the game. Mike Ricci suffered a minor injury in the loss.

Saturday October 7, 2006

Coyotes

We're playing host to the Ducks of Anaheim tonight.
We lost again 5-4 (3-2 on shootout) due to the fact we gave up another shorthanded goal and a goal 33 seconds into the game. I'm not too upset as we again dominated the stats so it's just bad luck right now.

Sunday October 8, 2006

Cardinals

There is a theme to the Cardinals this season thus far and it's Neil Rackers. In the battle of unbeatens we rely on the kicker's leg yet again as we win 16-6 thanks to 4 Racker's FGs. Neither team ran the ball well, but Kurt Warner did throw a 7 yard TD to give us some breathing room.

Next week Kansas City at 2-1 comes to Arizona.

Monday October 9, 2006

Coyotes

Our first road trip of the year takes us to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Comrie & Nagy both score 2 goals and we win 6-4 for our first win of the year. We did give up 2 shorthanded goals though just over a minute apart.

Wednesday October 11, 2006

MLB

The AL first rounds both went 5 games as the Twins and Yankees advanced, while in the NL the Cardinals and Dodgers took care of business in 4 games.

Coyotes

We continued our road trip to Detroit and dropped one to the Red Wings 4-3 (2-1 on shootouts) but we at least didn't give up a shorthanded goal.

Saturday October 14, 2006

Coyotes

The road trip continues again as we play Nashville. We killed them 6-2 in the exibition season, but that was then. We lose 3-1.

Sunday October 15, 2006

Cardinals

The Neil Rackers show continued, but this game was over before it started. We got killed and suffered our first loss 35-13. Andrew Walter got a garbage time TD to Fitz in the 4th quarter. Warner threw 3 INTs and one was returned for a TD.

Diamondbacks

We pulled off a trade with the White Sox for disgruntled C AJ Pierzynski for throw away players Andy Green and Robby Hammock. Chicago wanted to get rid of him bad and AJ was done with the Windy City too. I got a steal if he plays up to his potential next year. He has a year left on his contract.

MLB

St. Louis swept the Dodgers 4-0 to advance to the World Series. The Twins and Yankees are tied at 2-2.

Tuesday October 17, 2006

Coyotes

The road trip concludes with a trip to St. Louis. We drop another game and are showing our true colors in a 4-2 loss.

Thursday October 19, 2006

Coyotes

The Kings came to town and the team woke up with a 6-0 win over the 2nd place team from LA.

MLB

The Yankees beat the Twins 4-2 to advance to the World Series vs the Cardinals.

This is a cool idea, thought about doing something like this with Detroit.

This is a cool idea, thought about doing something like this with Detroit.

the hardest part is the NHL as that program (EHM) takes forever to advance each day.

BREAKING NEWS

The Phoenix Coyotes have undergone new ownership effective today October 20, 2006. "After careful anaylsis and consideration we realized we were in over our heads trying to run a hockey club and have transfered ownership to someone who can give the fans, players and the NHL the time and effort that is needed to turn this team around."

Friday October 20, 2006

Diamondbacks

3B Ryan Zimmerman has agreed to a 3-year $22 mil contract extension. Along with SP Santiago Arias taking a 1-year $1.1 mil offer. Both Stephen Drew & Dustin Pedroia turned down my 1st offers.

Saturday October 21, 2006

MLB - The Yankees take a 1-0 lead in the World Series beating the Cardinals 9-1 in game 1.

Sunday October 22, 2006

Cardinals - We get back on the winning wagon as we beat Chicago on a late Warner to Bolden TD to win 20-13. Both of our TDs came after Griese threw an interception.

MLB - St. Louis evened the series 1-1 winning 7 to 3

Wed. October 25, 2006

Diamondbacks - Stephen Drew signed a 3-year $3.7 mil contract extension. Pedrioa is still working on a contract.

MLB - New York takes a 2-1 lead winning 7-5

Thur October 26, 2006

MLB - New York moves to within one game of winning the World Series with a 9-0 clubbing of St. Louis

Fri October 27, 2006

MLB- New York wins the World Series 4-3 to take their 27th title.

Sunday October 29, 2006

Cardinals - We travel to take on 3-2 Oakland. The Raiders should lose this one as we are favored by 6. Well we weren't ready and Oakland beat us with a late TD to win 27-20. The killer was a 29-yard interception return for a TD by Oakland in the second quarter to tie the game at 17.

Monday October 30, 2006

Diamondbacks - Pedroia finally signs a 2-year $5.4 mil contract.

Suns - We are picked to finish 1st in both our division and conference.