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Arizona May Have To Rethink Their Team Salary In The NL West With High Spending LA + SF

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn't have the type of year in 2013 that they had wished for, however the future looks really strong.  Aided by a slugging 1st Baseman (Paul Goldschmidt), and great young Staring Pitching like Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, added with Veterans Miguel Montero, Martin Prado and Aaron Hill, with prospects A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton being the future core, this team should see some heavy duty improvement from year to year.

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t have the type of year in 2013 that they had wished for, however the future looks really strong. Aided by a slugging 1st Baseman (Paul Goldschmidt), and great young Staring Pitching like Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, added with Veterans Miguel Montero, Martin Prado and Aaron Hill, with prospects A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton being the future core, this team should see some heavy duty improvement from year to year.  Having said this, they compete with the two most expensive payrolls in the NL – in their Division with the Dodgers and Giants.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

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Chase Field is a pretty cool ballpark.  The Diamondbacks have been often voted as one of the better organizations in the MLB for how they treat their fanbases for guest services, value and overall baseball experiences.

While the D’Backs finished in 14th for NL Attendance this year, they cracked the 2 Million fan barrier for the 15th straight year since entering the league.

Over the last 8 years, the team has kept comfortably between 2.0 MIL and 2.5 MIL.

Back in the first few seasons of MLB in the desert, the franchise was drawing well over 3 Million fans..

Paul Goldschmidt 2013 Highlights

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Arizona Diamondbacks Roster in 2014: State Of The Union

Patrick Corbin pitched like the ace of the staff for Arizona and gave them a chance to win every time he pitched. The DBacks went 23-9 in the games that he started. He used the combination of a good fastball and a devastating slider that confused when they came up to the plate against him. The southpaw won 14 games and pitched over 200 innings in his first full season in the rotation. He struck out 178 batters and only walked 54 with a 1.16 WHIP.  Corbin held opposing batters to a .240 average and left-handers only hit .203 against him. He did struggle in the final month, as it looked like he ran out of gas.  The rotation for Arizona is promising with him leading the way.

Patrick Corbin pitched like the ace of the staff for Arizona and gave them a chance to win every time he pitched. The DBacks went 23-9 in the games that he started. He used the combination of a good fastball and a devastating slider that confused hitters  when they came up to the plate against him. The southpaw won 14 games and pitched over 200 innings in his first full season in the rotation. He struck out 178 batters and only walked 54 with a 1.16 WHIP. Corbin held opposing batters to a .240 average and left-handers only hit .203 against him. He did struggle in the final month, as it looked like he ran out of gas. The rotation for Arizona is promising with him leading the way.

By Chris Lacey (Lead Baseball Columnist/Minority Website Owner)

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The Arizona Diamondbacks had some expectations that the team would play better in 2013 and they made some moves to ensure that this would happen.

However this did not happen, as the team finished for the second consecutive season at 81-81. They ended up finishing second in the National League West division behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects, Depth Charts, (MLB + MiLB) Fall 2013

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn't have the type of year in 2013 that they had wished for, however the future looks really strong.  Aided by a slugging 1st Baseman (Paul Goldschmidt), and great young Staring Pitching like Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, added with Veterans Miguel Montero, Martin Prado and Aaron Hill, with prospects A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton being the future core, this team should see some heavy duty improvement from year to year.

The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t have the type of year in 2013 that they had wished for, however the future looks really strong. Aided by a slugging 1st Baseman (Paul Goldschmidt), and great young Staring Pitching like Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin, added with Veterans Miguel Montero, Martin Prado and Aaron Hill, with prospects A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton being the future core, this team should see some heavy duty improvement from year to year.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and  Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the better run franchises in the MLB  In fact, they are in a constant battle with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, for the best record ALL – Time for an expansion team.

The club has made the playoffs in 5 of its 15 years existence.  While they won’t make the Post Season in 2013, they have been competitive for yet another campaign.

One of the best things they could have done was to lock down Paul Goldschmidt to a a lengthy (team friendly contract, that will see the big First Baseman be the pillar behind the offense for the next several seasons.

Kevin Towers and his scouting staff are always on top of the mark for player development, and it will probably result in the team having a chance every year in both the NL West Race and for a Wild Card Birth.

For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the D-Backs Organization click here.

Paul Goldschmidt  Highlights 2013

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MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 21

42 - 8, 25 - 3, 19 - 1, 10 wins in a row.  These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988.  No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez.  Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!

42 – 8, 25 – 3, 19 – 1, 10 wins in a row. These are all significant numbers put up with a team with deep pockets, the ability to outdraw everyone for park attendance, and owners willing to do whatever it takes to bring home the 1st World Series Title since 1988. No one can touch these guys right now. Best 3 Starters in the NL and hottest 2 NL Hitters in Puig and Ramirez. Oh yeah, the Bullpen has been lights out for the last 50 contests!

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

It is time for the MLB Power Rankings.  These are based on my thoughts on whether who has the best chance to win the World Series.

A lot of these positions are based on who has the toughest Strength of Schedule left, who their competition is for the Division, and possibly even the League they are in,

The races for the Divisions (AL East, AL West and NL Central are starting to tighten up, while the NL West, AL Central and most notably NL East are looking to be foregone conclusions

The Braves have rattled of a 18 – 3 stretch, and have been ousted by the Dodgers for the #1 spot in the MLB Rankings .

The Rangers are trying to ricochet off of a couple of great deals, in order to flame down the Oakland Athletics.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.18th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo: Michael Dwyer - AP

Photo: Michael Dwyer – AP

Alex Rodriguez homered, reached base 4 times, scored twice, drove in a pair and seemed to effect every single aspect of the game, sparking the Yankees past the Red Sox in Fenway, 9-6.

Max Scherzer improved to 18-1 by throwing 8 solid innings against division rival Kansas City. He surrenders only 5 hits, 2 runs and no walks as the Tigers prevailed 6-3.

Adam Eaton went 4-7 and broke the tie in the 16th inning with a 2 run double, setting up the Diamondbacks’ 4-2 win it Pittsburgh.

Homer Bailey mystified the Brewers over 8 innings, letting up just 1 run, 3 hits and 1 walk. He got the decision in Cincinnati’s 9-1 thrashing of Milwaukee.

They all owned baseball on August 17, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (August.12th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo: Matt York

AP Photo: Matt York

Adam Eaton singled home a run and then crushed a walk off homer in the 9th ending a wild game for the Diamondbacks over the Orioles, 7-6.

Cole Hamels tamed the best team in baseball, the Atlanta Braves, with a complete game victory. The Phillies’ left hander let up only 6 hits and one run while striking out 9, getting the decision 5-1.

Alberto Callaspo doubled home the go ahead runs in the 9th inning to break open a tense match up with the Blue Jays, giving the A’s a 5-1 win. 

Yu Darvish  threw a no hitter into the 8th inning, finishing with 1 hit (a solo homer), struck out 15 and walking only one as the Rangers topped the Astros, 2-1 .

They all owned baseball on August 12, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry

MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 18: Trade Deadline Edition

Click The Link Below For A Great MLB Reports Podcast On The Trade Deadline

Triple Play Podcast Trade Speculation

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Sunday July.28/2013

The Dodgers have won 25 out of their last 31, play in the weakest division in the MLB right now, and other than Arizona, do not have much competition right now.  Solid Pitching and a revamped healthy lineup has led the charge.  They climbed all the way up to 5th in this weeks rankings.

The Dodgers have won 25 out of their last 31, play in the weakest division in the MLB right now, and other than Arizona, do not have much competition. Solid Pitching and a revamped healthy lineup has led the charge. They climbed all the way up to 6th in this weeks rankings.  The Dodgers have a 230 Million Dollar Plus payroll, and have no plans to slow down in this offseason.  It may actually be a blessing in disguise if this team makes a long run in the playoffs.  It has been speculated they will pursue Robinson Cano this winter.  I have predicted they will offer him a 7 – 8 year deal worth $30 MIL per annum.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

The Detroit Tigers finds itself back on top of our rankings.  It was a hard decision between them and the Atlanta Braves.

The prevailing thought is that I am more confident in the “Motown Boys” to make the World Series.

Since starting the year 12 – 11, the Braves have only gone 47 – 44.  Lets just say the should finish the season with about 89 wins.  That would force Washington to go 38 – 19 in their final 57 Games.

I fully expect the Nationals to take off at any part in the season, so this is not a foreign concept.

In contrast, I don’t believe in either the Indians or Royals to near 90 wins like the Tigers should have by seasons end.

With a bypass to eliminate the Wild Card Game, Detroit is our #1 team.

Clip is Francona talking about Fielder – (There are 2 more clips of C.Fielder +  P.Fielder at end of this blog)

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Arizona Diamondbacks’ Kirk Gibson Managing Style

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Tuesday, June.25, 2013

Kirk Gibson has the Diamondbacks in the right direction and they have a three game lead in the NL West Division.

Kirk Gibson has the Diamondbacks going in the right direction and they have a three game lead in the NL West Division. They have the best record in MLB in one-run games at 17-10, and also have the best in extra-inning games at 8-2. They have withstood numerous injuries to key players on their roster, and are finally getting healthy which is bad news for the other teams in their division. Gibson expects plenty from his players, and he commands respect with how he manages the team. He also has the team believing that no lead is insurmountable.

By Chris Lacey (Featured Baseball Columnist)

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in first place and this is big surprise considering that they did not have their starting second baseman for about two months, they were without a true closer for the past month, and the player that was expected to play center field has yet to play a game this season.

Gerardo Parra Highlights- So Parental Guidance Is Advised

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30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Week 13

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Monday June.24/2013

EE continues to show his metal this year - by clutching up for 21 HRs thus far .  He has a 3 Slash Line of .274/.355/.900 for the year.  EE had an OPS of 1.326 with 3 HRs and 3 Doubles over the last 6 games.  He was part of key rallies that led to the clubs 6 - 0 week.  Encarnacion is now tied with Miggy Cabrera with 63 HRs since the start of the 2012 year.  He is the MLB Reports hitter of the week!

EE continues to show his metal this year – by clutching up for 21 HRs thus far . He has a 3 Slash Line of .274/.355/.900. EE had an OPS of 1.326 – with 3 HRs and 3 Doubles over the last 6 games, and also scored 7 Runs. He was part of key rallies that led to the clubs 6 – 0 week. The 1B only Struckout 1 time for the 6 Games.  Encarnacion is now tied with Miggy Cabrera with 63 HRs since the start of the 2012 year. He is the MLB Reports hitter of the week!

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Another Week has come and gone in the MLB.

(MLB Reports) AL Hitter Of The Week –  Edwin Encarnacion (See Picture Above).

Runners up were: Chris Davis (BAL) – (1.357 OPS, with 4 HRs and 10 RBI), Nelson Cruz (TEX) – (.379 BA, 3 HRS and 11 RBI) and Miguel Cabrera (.536 BA, 20 times reached on base in 7 Games, 15 Hits – with 2 HRs and 6 RBI).

(MLB Reports) AL Pitcher Of The Week–  Max Scherzer – who went 2 – 0 with a 2.08 ERA in 2 Game Starts and 16 SO in 13 IP.

Runners Up were: Casey Janssen (1 – 0, with 3 Saves – while only yielding 1 Hit and 1 Walk in 4 IP), Jarrod Parker 2 GS (1 – 0, with a 0.79 WHIP in 14 IP.)

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2 And A Hook Podcast Episode #6: Fantasy, Phillies And Rangers Expert Interviews + Notes

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Friday, May.31/2013

MLB reports and The Benchwarmers Show present 2 and A Hook Podcast

MLB reports and The Benchwarmers Show present 2 and A Hook Podcast.

‘2 And A Hook’ is an expression from Baseball:  ‘Throw the guy 2 Fast balls and then a Hook’ (AKA Curve Ball, Wiggly one, Chair etc..)

By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran) 

People in this Podcast:

On today’s show, brought to you by MLB Reports (www.mlbreports.com) & The Bench Warmers Show (thebenchwarmers.podomatic.com), I started by paying respects to a follower of mine on twitter (the great late Kiley)   who passed away last week…not only she was a great Yankee fan who loved Derek Jeter – but also was the most sweetest giving person ever, R.I.P….

I start to talk about the Subway Series then I interviewed my first guest Derek Jackson (10 Minute Mark  – 20 Minute Segment.   who is a fantasy expert for MLB Reports! We talked about which callups to watch midway through the season,a look at the rookie crop of players & second year players…check out his latest fantasy article here Read the rest of this entry

Down On The Farm: A Look At The D’Backs Top 5 Prospects

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Friday, May.17, 2013

Archie Bradley was the 7th pick in 2011 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is in his 2nd season of professional baseball and is off to strong start. He 4-0, 1.05 ERA , he has 63 strike outs in 43.2 innings pitched. The opposition only has a .193 batting average against him. He projects to be a top of the rotation starter. MLB.com has him ranked as the 18th prospect in all of baseball.

Archie Bradley was the 7th pick in 2011 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is in his 2nd season of professional baseball and is off to strong start. He is 4-0, 1.05 ERA, and he has 63 strike outs in 43.2 innings pitched. The opposition only has a .193 batting average against him. He projects to be a top of the rotation starter. MLB.com has him ranked as the 18th prospect in all of baseball.

By Chris Lacey (Baseball Writer)

The Arizona Diamondbacks have a Minor League farm system that is strong with pitching, and up until now their pitching was the only highlight in their minor league system. They have some position players that can not only hit, but play some stellar defense as well.

The pitching is from the minors already helping out the team this season with Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin leading the starting rotation. They have more pitching on the way in the form of Archie Bradley, Tyler Skaggs and David Holmberg.

RHP  Archie Bradley Mature Lyrics – Parental Guidance Is Advised

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Granderson Is Out For 10 Weeks: What Can Cashman Do?

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Monday, February.25, 2013

Granderson has back to back 40 HR years with the Yankees. New York can ill afford to be without a productive LF for the 1st quarter of the year.  I believe they should make a trade to bolster their team.  When Granderson comes back, you could always have an extra player for depth still.

Granderson has had back to back 40 HR years with the Yankees in 2011 and 2012. New York can ill afford to be without a productive LF for the 1st quarter of this season. I believe they should make a trade to bolster their team. When Granderson comes back, you would always have an extra player for depth still.

Chuck Booth (Yankees Correspondent/Website Owner):

The start of the season is starting to look extremely bleak for the Yankees so far.  Derek Jeter is coming off of a broken ankle, A-Rod is out indefinitely with (insert whatever ailment here) until after the ALL-Star Game, Mariano Rivera is 43 – and trying to make it through one more season after tearing up his ACL last year, Phil Hughes is having back spasms, Joba Chamberlain seems healthy – (but you never what freak injury is going to happen to him next,) Michael Pineda is still recovering from shoulder Surgery, so what else was going to happen?  Add Curtis Granderson and a fractured right forearm to the walking wounded list.

This injury should alarm the Yankees and their fans.  The team is not strong depth-wise, as they have been in decades, so “The ‘Grandy Man’ not being able to play until early May should cause New York GM Brian Cashman to explore all of his options.  Like I have said in previous articles – ‘Financial Armageddon’ is coming for the club in 2014, plus the team is rapidly becoming older by the year.  It is safe to say that this year might be the last kick at a championship for some time.  What may the Yankees do to replace Granderson for the 1st quarter of the season?

Juan Rivera hits a Walk-Off for the Dodgers:

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Arizona DiamondBacks Roster In 2013: State Of The Union

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Saturday, February.16, 2013

The Diamondbacks will look to regain the the magic that aided them in winning the division in 2011.

The Diamondbacks will look to regain the magic that aided them in winning the division in 2011.

By Chris Lacey (Diamond Backs Correspondent)

Arizona Diamondbacks fans had some high hopes coming into the 2012 season after winning the division in 2011 and making their way back to the playoffs for the first time 2007. The 2012 off-season saw them bring in free agent OF Jason Kubel. The season started off great with a three game sweep of the San Francisco Giants, but when CF Chris Young went crashing into the wall to catch a deep ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates the team was never the same. The Diamondbacks are in tough division the NL West, which is known for pitching. They will have to rely on their young starters if they hope to compete with San Francisco Giants & Los Angeles Dodgers. The offense will have to get better with manufacturing runs and instead of depending on the long ball to score runs. They traded away RF Justin Upton and 3B Chris Johnson, but they brought in versatile player Martin Prado and pitching prospect Randall Delgado.

Game #7 of the 2001 World Series – Gonzalez Game Winner – Can the 2013 DBACKS get back to the WS?


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Arizona DiamondBacks Payroll In 2013: And Contracts Going Forward

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Thursday, February.14, 2013

Arizona has won 5 Division Titles in just 15 years of existence.  They could not get both of the hitting and pitching going at the same time in 2012 - will 2013 be any different?

Arizona have won 5 Division Titles in just 15 years of existence – including winning the World Series in 2001. The franchise consistently is rated as one of the top rated front office organizations – and routinely rank as the most fan-friendly team in the MLB.   The Franchise is 2nd amongst Expansion Clubs for Winning Percentage (.498) behind the Angels (.499.)  The DBacks are only 10 games below .500 for their ALL-Time record (1210-1220). Will they be able to compete with the Dodgers and Giants in future years by increasing Payroll?

By Chris Lacey (Diamond Backs Correspondent)

The Diamondbacks finished the 2012 season with disappointment as they struggled to get over .500 for much of the season. They lost the last game of the season to the Rockies that summed up what happened during the year. When they got good starting pitching, the defense would make a costly mistake, and then the offense would struggle to score any runs. The Diamondbacks enter the 2013 camaign with plenty of new faces on the club.

General Manager Kevin Towers has changed the makeup of this team these past two off-seasons. He has put an emphasis on players who can make consistent contact, rather than hitting the long ball. The Dbacks GM is always looking to improve upon the bullpen. He did this by taking a risk on Heath Bell who had a bad year with the Marlins, but Towers believes a change of scenery will help. Towers not only brought in bullpen help, but also signed some key players’ to long-term contracts that will aid the team to not only contend now, but for the future.

2011 DiamondBacks Post Season Highlights.  Lyrics May Contain mature content so Parental Guidance is advised:

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Arizona Diamondbacks Gerardo Parra Will Try To Hold Onto His OF Spot In 2013

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Monday, February.11, 2013

Gerardo Parra is an underrated player.

Gerardo Parra has a Career 3 Slash Line of .280/.332/732.  He is an exceptional defender.  He won a Gold Glove in 2011.  He hits best at Chase Field – with a 3 Slash Line of .300/.353/.804.

By Chris Lacey (Diamond Backs Correspondent)

Gerardo Parra was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent in 2004. Parra received the call up to the show on May 13, 2009 from Double AA Mobile Baybears when Left Fielder Conor Jackson was placed on the disabled list. He was put into the starting lineup the same day, and in his first Major League  At-Bat,  he became the 100th player in MLB history to hit a Home Run in his first at bat. Parra recorded at least one RBI, in his first five games, by doing this he became the second player since Mike Lansing (1993) in the last thirty years to accomplish this feat.

He was also named NL Rookie of the Month for May and reached base in each of his first 17 games. Parra broke out in 2011 by hitting with a .292 Batting Average, 8 Home Runs, and 46 RBI. He also showed that he could a defensive weapon with his powerful arm by throwing out runners on various occasions; he recorded 12 Outfield Assists in 2011. He capped off this stellar year by winning the Gold Glove in the National League for Left Field.

Gerardo Parra Highlights:

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MLB Player Profile: DiamondBacks OF/DH Jason Kubel

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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Jason Kubel is one of the better RBI OF/DH in the last 4 years with 343 RBI in only 1904 AB.  This works out to be about 108 RBI for every 600 AB.  This is great production yet he doesn't see that much respect.

Jason Kubel is one of the better RBI OF/DH in the last 4 years – with 343 RBI in only 1904 AB. This works out to be about 108 RBI for every 600 AB. This is great production yet he doesn’t see that much respect.  His 162 Game Average is 24 HRs and 94 RBI.  Kubel had a career high 30 HRs with the DBacks in 2012.  He also had a career best in Runs Scored with 75.

By Chris Lacey (Diamond Backs Correspondent)

Jason Kubel was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 12th Round of the 2000 Amateur Draft, after playing high school ball at Highland High School in California. Kubel received the call-up to the Majors in 2004. He would suffer a knee injury in the Arizona Fall League – that would cause him to miss all of the 2005 season. He would have his most productive season as a Twin in 2009, when he would have a Batting Average of .300, drive in 103 RBI and hit 28 Home Runs.  He has his best 3 – Slash Line for his Career at .300/.369/.907.  His efforts even saw him net 24th in AL MVP Voting.  That season also saw Kubel hitting for cycle against the Los Angeles Angels, and would do in dramatic fashion by hitting the go-ahead Grand Slam in the 8th inning.

Jason Kubels hitting mechanics:

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The MiLB Player and Pitcher of the Month for July 2012

Sunday August 5th, 2012

Codey Harrison: In an effort to bring you the excitement of the minor leagues’ best players and how well they are performing on the field, we are introducing a monthly minor league players of the month feature. From the very well-known prospects, to the not so well-known: if they are raking at the plate, or dominating on the mound for an entire month, they have a chance of winning our monthly honor. Now it’s time to find out who we feel dominated the MiLB in the month of July:

MiLB PITCHER OF THE MONTH:  JULY 2012 Read the rest of this entry