It’s 2004 all over again.
Remember the “Baby Backs”? A collection of Diamondbacks that didn’t win much (51-111). Robby Hammock, Matt Kata, Jose Valverde, and Oscar Villarreal, but they played hard and in some cases developed. I’m now ready for the 2025 version. Let’s see if the hype surrounding Jordan Lawler and Druw Jones (the 2nd overall pick in 2022 with an $8 million signing bonus) is justified or just PR and marketing from media partners.
Knowing when to retool and rebuild is a skill. The Diamondbacks trading Gino Saurez and Merril Kelly isn’t the popular move, but it’s the right move.. A team that made the World Series just two seasons ago ran it back here in 2025 with the belief that the postseason window wasn’t closed. 
Sports owners say they care about the fans, but actions speak louder than words. There are more bad leaders than good in that club. I’ve covered many of the lousy ones through the years. Ken Kendrick is not a bad owner. I’d say he’s one of the better ones that have come through my 32 years in Valley sports. I’d have to believe that he would be wondering what his GM was doing if there were no trades at the deadline. Mike Hazen had to do something, and he did.
Fans don’t want to hear about the Suarez contract, but the facts are that the 66 home runs he hit while in Arizona are unlikely to be repeated at this stage of his career (yes, you can argue with me on that). His fielding was adequate, but nothing that can’t be upgraded. The contract number will be much higher. The organization has secured significant contracts and has been smart in letting free agents walk away (Christian Walker). A fan favorite shouldn’t be the first metric in deciding to keep a player. I’ve seen that game played, and it’s not the way good franchises are run. It’s just business. Rather than waiving the white flag on the 2026 season as some in our industry are already doing, this is about retooling for another extended run with most of the players who are already in the organization. Resets, pivots, and tear downs are part of the drill. I’d call this a pivot into “reload” mode. Smart…
I’m more than a bit skeptical we will have a 2027 Major League Baseball season. The labor piece is ending. Not just Bryce Harper skewering the commissioner in front of his Phillie teammates last week. A salary cap not called a salary cap isn’t the way to win the sanctity of an MLB clubhouse…
How is it that the San Diego Padres can figure out how to add to the best bullpen in baseball, while we’ve been left with one of the worst here in Arizona? Who is going to take the fall at the end of this season? I am also not naive to the business of “the message needs to be changed, we need a fresh voice.” Until the Owner says through the team president that change is not going to happen with either the GM or the manager, I’ll remain with my arms crossed and head tilted, waiting for an answer.
This and that…
Diamondbacks are going to play a couple of 2026 Spring Training games in Tucson. I believe the Dodgers may join them…
Jordan Montgomery, we hardly knew ye. Look at big contract pitchers that didn’t work out for the Diamondbacks for whatever reason. Russ Ortiz, Mad Bum, and Montgomery. A lot of money gets flushed on pitchers who can’t get it done…
Eight wins would be an excellent season for the Arizona State football program. A bowl appearance should keep Brent Brennan on board in Tucson for 2026, but the T-Cup may once again come down to an Arizona Wildcat head coach who needs to win that game just to keep his job. Seen that movie more than a few times through the years…
In 2026, I am expecting Arizona State to play a few baseball games in Mexico. I believe Sun Devil football will have an overseas game next year, too. Start saving your nickels…
RIP Dan Cozzetto – A good football man…
Snoop Dogg and the Arizona Bowl have something good going. While some bowl games will disappear once the College Football Playoff format is figured out, Snoop Dogg is as hot a commodity as there is in our country and Tucson has done a great job of creating a local event, with the power of Snoop behind it. I expect other bowls to fold, but not the one played on the campus of the University of Arizona…
How is it that Sophie Cunningham wasn’t a media star while playing for the Mercury? She did participate in some game broadcasts, but the reality is she was off the map in Phoenix. Now, she’s arguably the second most popular player in the WNBA…
What’s wrong with sports? Our industry reaches new depths when analyzing anything related to preseason NFL Football. Easily the biggest rip-off in all of pro sports…
Legalize sports gambling, they said. None of the players will ever put the outcome of a game in jeopardy. So here we are now, on an almost weekly basis, having stories come out of investigations into college and pro players in all sports. I guess if you put a billboard on the centerfield wall or have a gambling sponsor for the video board, the participants are just not going to see what all of the fuss is about. It’s only going to get worse, but some of you are happy that preseason football is back so you can get your bet on…
Played Chaparral Pines earlier this week. Even though my game is up and down, the views and cool temperatures beat all. Even the scorecard…