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June 21, 2013

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Reno Aces: Charles Brewer back in Reno after 'huge deal' Arizona-born has strong week with D'backs Inbox: Tackling potential roster permutations By Chris Gabel / Reno Gazette Journal Beat reporter Steve Gilbert answers Arizona fans' questions http://www.rgj.com/article/20130620/SPORTS03/306200039/Reno- By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com Aces-Charles-Brewer-back-Reno-after-huge-deal- http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=2013062 0&content_id=51249954&vkey=news_ari&c_id=ari

Taijuan Walker pitches past Mobile BayBears Stalled as player, Mark Reed reaches majors as for By Mark Inabinett / AL.com http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/06/taijuan_walker_pitches_ Detour leads to faster trip jackson.html By Bob McManaman / Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/20130620sta lled-player-mark-reed-reaches-majors-bullpen-catcher-arizona- diamondbacks.html Rawhide open 2nd half with loss By Visalia Delta Times Arizona Diamondbacks continue to find ways to win on days http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013306 when things don’t go well 210006 By Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/20130619ari zona-diamondbacks-win-over-miami-marlins-latest-example-team- finding-way-win.html Minor league : Hawks hurlers dominate By South Bend Tribune D-backs' Prado confident of offensive turnaround http://www.southbendtribune.com/sports/silverhawks/sbt-minor- By Jack Macgruder / FOXSportsArizona.com league-baseball-hawks-hurlers-dominate-20130621,0,1213073.story http://www.foxsportsarizona.com/mlb/arizona- diamondbacks/story/D-backs-Prado-confident-of-offensive- tur?blockID=913827&feedID=3607 Hops Win First Series in Franchise History Hops, Eckels Defeat Emeralds 2-1 D-backs look to get bats going against Reds By Austin Melhart / By Tyler Lockman / FOXSportsArizona.com http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130620&content_id=5 http://www.foxsportsarizona.com/mlb/arizona- 1215796&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t419 diamondbacks/story/D-backs-look-to-get-bats-going-against- R?blockID=913853&feedID=3607 1st Round Pick Added to Hops Roster By Hillsboro Hops / MiLB.com Let there be…sight http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130619&content_id=5 By Paul Calvisi / ArizonaSports.com 1119224&fext=.jsp&vkey=pr_t419&sid=t419 http://arizonasports.com/42/1643472/Let-there-besight Teen drives a hard bargain for minor league team that wants ESPN insider believes pieces currently in place for Dbacks to win historic home ball back NL West By Mike Oz / Yahoo! Sports By Eric Sorenson / Pros2Preps.com http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/teen-drives-hard- http://www.pros2preps.com/2013/06/espn-insider-believes-pieces- bargain-minor-league-team-wants-225700081.html currently-in-place-for-dbacks-to-win-nl-west/

A new generation of star has taken over Osprey Edge Helena for Victory By Tom verducci / SI.com Garcia's 3 RBI, Perez's Strong Start Key Win Over Brewers http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130621/first-base-jason- By Missoula Osprey / MiLB.com giambi-yankees-offense/?sct=uk_t11_a4 http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130621&content_id=5 1315432&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t518&sid=t518 Do We Have to Accept the Arizona Diamondbacks as a True MLB Contender? Dbacks Minor League Round-Up 6/20: Missoula Begins Title By Jason Martinez / BleacherReport.com Defense http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1679611-do-we-have-to-accept-the- By John Baragona / AZSnakePit.com arizona-diamondbacks-as-a-true-mlb-contender http://www.azsnakepit.com/2013/6/21/4451078/dbacks-minor- league-round-up-6-20-missoula-begins-title-defense

Aces Fall in Extras, 4-1

By / MiLB.com http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130621&content_id=5

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Reno Aces: Aces' Brett Butler selected to manage PCL's all-stars

By Chris Gabel / Reno Gazette Journal http://www.rgj.com/article/20130621/SPORTS03/306210026/Reno-

Aces-Aces-Brett-Butler-selected-manage-PCL-s-all-stars 2

June 21, 2013 • MLB.com http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_index.jsp

June 21, 2013 • Sports.yahoo.com http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews

June 21, 2013 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

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With Gregorious starting to struggle at the plate, what are the chances of bringing up ? Inbox: Tackling potential roster permutations -- Tylor M., Kingman, Ariz. Beat reporter Steve Gilbert answers Arizona fans' questions By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com I don't see the D-backs giving up on Gregorius at the moment, and http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=2013062 even if they wanted to demote him, they would still have 0&content_id=51249954&vkey=news_ari&c_id=ari options in Pennington and Bloomquist.

With the struggles of the starting and the fact that Daniel That being said, Owings is really having a good season for -A Hudson is not going to be back and Brandon McCarthy is hurt, will we Reno. Going into Thursday's game, he was hitting .357 with a .377 on- see Archie Bradley get called up? base percentage and slugging .481 while still playing outstanding -- Paul B., Phoenix defense.

From what I've heard, the plan is still to give Bradley this full season to Upon the return of , how do you see the playing develop in the Minor Leagues, so I would be very surprised if he were out with A.J. Pollock, Jason Kubel and ? Pollock has been to get called up. Of course, plans change, so you never want to rule it effective on defense and a spark in the lineup with speed. Kubel has out entirely. If the D-backs continue to lose pitchers to injury and are in power history, but not going well yet. Ross is solid. Not room for a race and Bradley is their best option, then maybe they could everyone. call him up. But again, that seems unlikely at this point. -- Larry P., Creston, Iowa

If you're looking for some Minor League pitchers who could make an Eaton still has a ways to go before he's ready to return. He's just started impact this year, , Zeke Spruill and David Holmberg are throwing again and will need to go out on a rehab assignment, as well, names to keep in mind. so this decision is not one that is going to be made for a while.

As the midway point of the season approaches, are you hearing of any Assuming that Eaton does return and no one else gets hurt before he trade rumors involving the D-backs? Do you think the D-backs could does, Pollock has Minor League options, so they could send him down. swing a trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter like a or They could also look into trading Kubel. While sending Pollock down ? might not be "fair" given how he's played, it would preserve depth in -- Rick D., the outfield should Eaton or one of the others get hurt.

It's still a little early for Trade Deadline talks to be heating up. With the Again, it's a question we can revisit when Eaton's return gets . additional Wild Card team, fewer teams figure to be "sellers," and when you combine that with the lack of pitching that is typically available, it What is the latest on ? Is he still incarcerated and/or makes for a really tough market. working with D-backs players? -- Mike, Portland, Ore. The D-backs have shown a willingness in the past to spend money if need be at the Trade Deadline, and last year they were said to be in on Grace has been released from prison and is still employed as a some pretty big names. It's safe to say that general Kevin working with the organization's players that are currently in extended Towers is not afraid to deal and will explore all options. The cost for a spring camp at Salt River Fields. pitcher like Lee, though, is probably going to be more than the D-backs want to spend -- both in terms of prospects and the money remaining Stalled as player, Mark Reed reaches majors as bullpen catcher for on his hefty contract. Arizona Diamondbacks Detour leads to faster trip Two years ago, with his team in the thick of the race, Towers added By Bob McManaman / Arizona Republic Brad Ziegler before the Deadline and then went out and acquired Aaron http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/20130620sta Hill and John McDonald in August. Those are more the type of moves lled-player-mark-reed-reaches-majors-bullpen-catcher-arizona- I think you would see him make this year, rather than a Lee-type diamondbacks.html acquisition. Every baseball player has his story about time he was called up With and Hill's return imminent, who will be the odd men to the majors. out in the infield? I assume is one, but who's next? Do they also send down because of Cliff Pennington's Catcher Mark Reed is no exception. He just happened to take a contract/option situation? different route. -- John O., Gainsville, Fla. “When I got drafted, I remember telling myself, ‘Yeah, I’m going to These questions are always difficult to answer, John, because so much play in the minor leagues for a couple years and then I’m going to be in can happen between now and then. It was just a few weeks ago that ,’ ” Reed said. Hudson seemed on the verge of returning from surgery and the question was who would have to be bumped from the rotation. A third-round pick of the in 2004, Reed wound up Then McCarthy gets hurt and Hudson suffers a setback in the span of a making it to Wrigley, all right. But not as a player and not after just a week. couple of years.

It would certainly make for a tough decision if Chavez and Hill both It took him nine years, and his first and only taste of life in the big return in the next week or 10 days. Keep in mind, with Willie leagues has been in a supporting role as a bullpen catcher for the Bloomquist and Martin Prado able to play the outfield, the D-backs Diamondbacks. could decide to hang onto their infielders and send down or trade one of their . “But I got to go to Wrigley Field, and it was just as memorable for me (as) playing because it was my way of doing it,” said Reed, a former 4 high-school standout from the area. “It was my first trip in the big leagues, too, and going back there, to Wrigley, having been Training ground drafted by the Cubs, it all came together and I was like, ‘This is pretty cool.’ ” Reed hopes it leads to a future as a major-league coach or manager. He’s learning from some of the best — and his staff. And Reed’s minor-league career in the Cubs’ system wasn’t going anywhere, then there is Motuzas, who continues to teach Reed the ropes of being so he opted to try his chances on the free-agent market. He signed with a bullpen catcher. the Diamondbacks in 2011 and started over, even returning to ball. “He’s been awesome,” Reed said. “Obviously, you listen when somebody like that is talking to you because he’s done it for 16 years A hand injury and crowded depth chart at the catcher position slowed and everybody loves him.” things to a crawl once again. Then, halfway through last season, a different opportunity arose. Jeff Motuzas, the Diamondbacks’ longtime They’ve warmed up to Reed pretty nicely, too. bullpen catcher, hurt his elbow and developed knee problems. “They don’t just pick anyone to do that job,” A.J. Pollock Mike Bell, the team’s director of player development, called Reed with said. “They ask for a certain person, and ‘Reeder’ has everything they’re the news and said the club might be in need of a replacement, if he was looking for.” interested. “He’s played with a lot of the guys here, so he relates to the players “I said, ‘Yeah Mike, I’m interested. I’m good with what I did in my really well,” said. “He’s just like one of baseball playing career. This could be my ticket to the big leagues,’ ” the guys down there (in the bullpen). He fits right in.” Reed recalled. “Well, Mike called me back a week and a half later and said, ‘They need you tomorrow. Are you sure this is what you want to Bullpen coach calls Reed a “baseball rat” who “works do?’ ” his tail off.” He also praised Reed’s efforts for giving pitchers constructive feedback during bullpen sessions and pregame warm-ups He was. Reed was with Triple-A Reno on a road trip in Colorado and for throwing quality batting-practice pitches and offering sound Springs at the time, and he packed his bags, said goodbye to the minors advice in advance scouting meetings. and hello to the majors. Wrigley Field was waiting. “We’ve been fortunate to have Jeff Motuzas back there for a lot of ‘Dream’ realized years, and he’s certainly a tough guy to replace,” Sherlock said, “but ‘Reeder’ does a good job back there. He’s got a great work ethic.” “I’m pretty sure it was tough for him because he’s young, and it’s always been his dream just to play baseball and to see if you can make it to the This isn’t how Reed envisioned making it to the majors, but it worked big leagues and make a career out of it,” Diamondbacks backup catcher and he’s happy. He hopes other young players can learn from his said. interesting journey.

“But it’s a good gig, man. You’re going to be in the bullpen, but you’re “I would never say give up on anything,” Reed said, “but my advice still around the game, you’re around what you love. You’re not playing, would be to watch the game and learn the game and do things the right but you’re helping the team any way you can. You’re getting the pitchers way and act the right way. That’s what led me to this. ready, throwing BP (batting practice) to us hitters, and you’re in a major-league uniform.” “Being a good teammate. Being on time. Being early. Soaking the game in. I think that’s what people saw in me and made them say, ‘He’ll be Reed, 27, liked it so much he decided to fill in for Motuzas again this fine doing this. He’ll be fine in a big-league clubhouse. He’ll be fine season, but only after participating in big-league camp as a player during traveling.’ . He was joined by his older brother Jeff, an outfielder, who signed with Arizona as a free agent last fall. “Hey, the big leagues is the big leagues. It’s the bright lights, and you have to know how to act.” “It was a great experience being there with my brother,” Mark Reed said. “After a couple weeks, though, ‘Tuz’ (Motuzas) had the knee problem. He had to keep getting it drained and he couldn’t squat anymore.” Arizona Diamondbacks continue to find ways to win on days when things don’t go well Reed knew what that meant. He could take his chances on prolonging By Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic his playing career somewhere in the minors or he could resume his role http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/20130619ari as the Diamondbacks’ interim bullpen catcher — a job that soon could zona-diamondbacks-win-over-miami-marlins-latest-example-team- become permanent. finding-way-win.html

The choice was easy. The pay is about the same, but the uniform isn’t. It was another day — and another series, really — in which a lot of things did not go the Diamondbacks’ way. Their starter left the game in “I love the game. That’s first and foremost,” Reed said. “This is my the second . Their offense registered just four hits. And yet the avenue to be in the big leagues right now. I come to the field with a Diamondbacks won Wednesday, giving them a three-game series smile on my face every day. victory against the this week at .

“I mean, going to , throwing BP at Dodger Stadium. It could be just a good team eking out wins over an inferior one, but Getting to go to and Boston later this year? To be able their 3-1 victory on Wednesday had the feel of so many others before it to go to the places that I never thought I would is a pretty cool this season. The Diamondbacks have had stretches in which their experience. You travel, get to see all the stadiums, stay in the best starters have struggled and others in which their relievers have faltered. hotels. There’s a lot of perks that go with it.” Currently it’s their hitters who are in the throes of a slump.

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And yet through it all the Diamondbacks never seem bothered. PHOENIX -- Martin Prado is at ease, at home, in the Diamondbacks' “We can win in different ways,” infielder Cliff Pennington said. “When clubhouse. He greets his teammates with a handshake and a hug every you have the ability to outhit people, that’s nice. When you have the day. On Wednesday morning, he traded hand slaps with Cody Ross' ability to go out there and put up zeros on the mound when you’re not young son. Miguel Montero made it a point to show Prado the wrist swinging, that’s what good teams can do. You’ve got to be able to win decal that his son Angel had applied that morning, a tradeoff for taking both ways. If you’re always relying on one, you’re going to be in trouble his medicine. when the bad cycles .” Prado rolled his shoulders to the music while pulling on his socks, at Right-hander took a line drive off his right hip at the end peace with his surroundings while at the same time preparing for the of the top of the first inning, and he was removed three pitches into the new opportunity that each day presents. second inning, the Diamondbacks coaching staff determining his risk for further injury was too great. The offense, meanwhile, collected a Prado has not brought his relatively slow start at the plate to the total of four hits, including just three in 71/3 against hard- workplace every day, a fact not lost on his teammates or his manager. throwing rookie Jose Fernandez. "You look beyond the numbers as well," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson Not the typical formula for a win, but the Diamondbacks made do, said. "He's been great. I think he has pressed a little bit, and maybe not getting six one-hit innings from long reliever Josh Collmenter followed as been consistent with his hitting as he was last year, but I think he'll by a three-run, pinch-hit from Cody Ross in the bottom of come around with more consistency. the eighth. "It's a big change. Different organization. Different division. It takes a The win allowed the first-place Diamondbacks to maintain their 1 1/2- little time to get adjusted. I've moved him around a lot. He's gone game lead in the West. After an off-day today, they will through a lot. He's held up to a lot. I think if you look at him mentally open a three-game series against the Reds, who entered and look at his body language, he's been great. I think a lot of guys Wednesday with the second-best record in the National League. would have cracked."

Cahill was struck on the side by a line drive, but the ball The D-backs did not expect Prado to replace in kind when caromed to Martin Prado, who threw out Ozuna to end they obtained him in in a seven-player trade with the Braves in January, the first inning. Cahill returned to the mound for the top of the second but they were hoping he would be Prado. and was visited by a trainer and pitching coach after he threw his warm-up pitches. Inasmuch as the D-backs have been in first place alone or tied for first in the NL West since May 18, they have not been particularly adversely Cahill convinced them he could get through it, but three pitches later affected by Prado's slow start -- a .242 batting average, 13 doubles and the concerned parties again emerged and Cahill’s day was over with 20 RBIs while hitting only .169 with runners in scoring position, more what the team called a right hip contusion. than 100 percentage points below his career average.

“I couldn’t really push off that much,” Cahill said. “My stride was a little At the same time, the D-backs' recent offensive struggles suggest that shorter. I was using more arm. I feel like I could have pushed through this would be a good time for a return to form. it. This early in the year, they didn’t want to risk me changing my arm slot or anything.” Prado had a .295 batting average and a .435 in seven seasons in , and he and came into his own as a regular the Said manager Kirk Gibson: “We were worried about him hurting his last four years by averaging 36.5 doubles and 61.5 RBIs a year while arm.” multi-tasking in the field, playing second base, third base and left field.

But Collmenter came to the rescue, as he so often has, becoming the The transition to Arizona was more difficult than Prado expected, and first pitcher in club history to turn in three relief appearances of at least he said it took him a good month to get his head around the trade, a four innings in a season. move that was compounded by the fact that Upton, a two-time All-Star, was on the other side of the deal. And in the eighth, Ross delivered. After two Fernandez walks put runners on first and second with one out, Marlins manager Mike "The main guy was Justin, the main guy was me. They (fans) only see Redmond went to lefty to face pinch-hitter . the two main guys," Prado said. "I’m not going to be able to do what Justin does. He brings something different to the table that is good for But Gibson countered, burning Hinske for Ross, who has torched left- the team. I am not going to compare myself. Maybe I’m not hitting well, handers this season. He had another thing going for him: improved but what else do I bring to the table. vision. Bothered by blurry vision, Ross said he spent three hours at the optometrist on Tuesday morning and wound up with different contact "I was trying to be somebody else to make the (D-backs) understand lenses and eye drops. that I could help to win games, but things weren’t going the way I wanted. Now I'm just trying to be myself, the way I was with the He did not appear to have any trouble seeing the 1-2 Dunn threw Braves, and not change anything. People are panicking about my hitting. him, launching it deep into the left-field seats. I’m not. I know what I can do. I’ve been doing it for so long. It's a long season. By the end of the season, we'll figure it out." “It hasn’t been too often this season that I’ve contributed,” Ross said, “so it feels nice.” The Braves knew what they had. On the day of the trade, called Prado to say how much he respected Prado and what he had D-backs' Prado confident of offensive turnaround done for the organization. Manager Fredi Gonzalez echoed a similar By Jack Macgruder / FOXSportsArizona.com sentiment. http://www.foxsportsarizona.com/mlb/arizona- diamondbacks/story/D-backs-Prado-confident-of-offensive- tur?blockID=913827&feedID=3607 6

"I think Prado will be fine," Gonzalez said. "He’s a strong-willed guy. WHO'S NOT: Despite notching two saves over the past four games, He was that way when he was hitting .360. He’d hit .360 and want to hit closer has allowed runs in each of those games, posting an .390. He works hard. He has the same likable characteristics that Justin 11.25 ERA in that span and raising his season ERA from 3.28 to 4.40. has. I’m sure his teammates loved him the first two days they saw him." ... Outfielder Jason Kubel is 2 for his last 12 with no extra-base hits. ... Over the D-backs' last three series, center fielder A.J. Pollock is 3 for 24 Prado has shown signs of coming out of it. His two-run home run into with two doubles but no RBI. He has been hitting below .300 since the left-field seats tied Tuesday's game at 2 in the fourth inning, and April 21. won it with his walkoff home run in the ninth. It was Prado's first home run in seven weeks; he hit his fourth on April 29. WHO'S HOT FOR THE REDS: Saturday starter has thrown back-to-back one-run outings and has not allowed more than "I'm starting to get that feeling, that balance at home plate. That's all we three runs in a game since May 8. He has posted a quality start in six of control, just having good at-bats. That's the way you get out of slumps his last seven outings, and his 2.64 ERA ranks 10th in the NL. ... Over sometimes, having good at-bats. Take the at-bat all the way to 3-2 if you his last eight games, outfielder is batting .314 (11 for 35) with can. Put a good swing on it," Prado said. five home runs and five RBI. ... First baseman is 9 for 21 (.429) with two RBI and a home run over the last five games. History would suggest that is only the beginning. WHO'S NOT: Catcher is without an RBI since June 4. "He needs to relax a little more and not put pressure on himself," In that nine-game span, he has gone 7 for 34 (.206) at the plate with a Montero said. "It’s easy to say. Like people tell me not to swing hard. .220 on-base percentage. ... Outfielder is 1 for 19 over the It’s easy to say. It’s hard to get it done. past week, and he is without a RBI or extra-base hit in that span. ... Sunday starter is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA over his last two starts. "But I know he is going to be fine. He just needs to get a little streak going, a couple of bloopers here or there, and then things are going to NOTES, QUOTES, ODDS AND ENDS: With serving a change. I’m not worried about him. I know what he is capable of doing, 10-game suspension, the D-backs are forced to shuffle the starting and I know he is going to do it." rotation a bit, and on Thursday they named the Sunday starter. "That's the way it'll be while Ian's unavailable," manager D-backs look to get bats going against Reds Kirk Gibson said, explaining the series-to-series finagling. Delgado gave By Tyler Lockman / FOXSportsArizona.com up two runs in seven innings Tuesday. ... Though the D-backs on http://www.foxsportsarizona.com/mlb/arizona- Monday lost for the first time in a game started, the lefty diamondbacks/story/D-backs-look-to-get-bats-going-against- remains 9-0 and Saturday gets his fourth shot at improving to 10-0. ... R?blockID=913853&feedID=3607 Friday starter has never lost to the D-backs. In six starts against them, he is 5-0 with a 1.66 ERA, his best against any NL team. After a sweep at the hands of the Padres, the Diamondbacks got back At Chase Field, though, he owns a 2.84 ERA over three career starts. ... in the win column with a little home cooking earlier this week, taking Reds first baseman Joey Votto is the only player standing between D- two of three games from the Marlins to maintain a 1 1/2-game lead backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and a start in the All-Star Game atop the NL West. next month. At last update, Votto led Goldschmidt in voting by about 523,000 votes. But the lead appears a bit precarious for a couple reasons. First, the D- backs have not had a starting pitcher win a game since June 5, a span of Let there be…sight 13 starts. Part of that is the pitching, obviously, but also to blame is the By Paul Calvisi / ArizonaSports.com sputtering offense. http://arizonasports.com/42/1643472/Let-there-besight

In three games against the Marlins, the D-backs batted .180 (16 for 89). See ball, hit ball. In its simplest form, baseball really can be broken They were 4 for 15 with runners in scoring position and as a team left down into a two-step sport. 14 runners on base. That was after batting .181 as a team in the Padres series. Those are the kinds of numbers many expected from the D- So, when Kirk Gibson mentioned a "contact problem" after backs this year, but the offense has mostly overachieved. Wednesday's win against the Marlins, I figured he was talking about the latter (hit ball) and not the former (see ball). The D-backs try to get everything going again with a weekend series against the Reds, who currently sit in second place in the NL Central That would be incorrect. #Buzzer. Gibby-ball wasn't talking about and also have the second-best record in the National League. Here's making contact, he was referring to wearing contact lenses. what to look for in the series starting Friday night: "He had a contact problem," Gibson explained, once again, not PITCHING MATCHUPS: Friday -- LHP (4-6, 4.64 ERA) referring to putting bat on ball. "He went to the eye doctor." vs. RHP Johnny Cueto. Saturday -- LHP Patrick Corbin (9-0, 2.28) vs. RHP Mike Leake (7-3, 2.64). Sunday -- Randall Delgado (0-0, 4.00) vs. Let's get this straight -- he can't see straight?! We're talking about Cody RHP Mat Latos (6-1, 3.20). Ross, who hits a baseball for a living. A darn good living. In the offseason, he signed a three-year deal worth $26 million. WHO'S HOT FOR THE D-BACKS: Saturday starter Patrick Corbin was dominant Monday against the Marlins, allowing just two runs on So, when Cody Ross admits that his blurry vision has "been going on two hits over eight innings, but did not get a win behind a quiet offense. pretty much all year," here's our question -- does clear vision cost extra?! His 2.28 ERA is currently fifth in the NL. ... After going hitless in three games against the Padres, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt went 3 for 10 Look, Paulie Pencilneck never wore a baseball jersey beyond high with two home runs and three RBI against the Marlins. His home run school, but I feel real confident in stating the following: unless you're Tuesday gave the D-backs a walkoff win. ... Outfielder Gerardo Parra Luke Skywalker relying on The Force inside the batter's box with a has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, going 19 for 56 (.339) with five lightsaber instead of a Louisville Slugger, you can't -- everybody now -- doubles and six RBI over that span. hit the ball if you can't see the ball.

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"Honestly, I was going up there with blurry vision half the time at the Diamondbacks in the post-season and positioned to make a run at a plate,'' Ross shared with the media. "It's hard enough to hit in this second title. league when you've got good vision, as opposed to going up with blurry vision. But it's just one of those things where you don't want to make “If the Diamondbacks were in the NL Central I’d say they’d absolutely excuses, but it's a true story. It was tough.'' be sellers,” Gomez explained to Cesmat. “Because they’re in the it’s not going to take 95 wins.” In fact, Ross attributes losing track of the count recently and being unaware he had drawn a walk to his all-consuming concern over his He cited inconsistent play from the Giants and Dodgers which has eyesight. plagued both teams. Gomez believes the young, over-achieving Padres simply aren’t experienced enough to keep up their hot play when the That's tough indeed. And, for once, I can relate to a professional post-season race gets tighter later this summer. athlete. Because, truth be told, I've been having my own "contact problem" lately. A new generation of star first baseman has taken over It's not fun. After two days, I made an appointment with an eye doctor. By Tom verducci / SI.com Unlike Cody Ross, I got ‘em fixed right away. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130621/first-base-jason- giambi-yankees-offense/?sct=uk_t11_a4 Once again, that was after two days and I don't rely on my eyes to pick up the spin on a 98-mph heater. Now, could I see dealing with blurry Over the previous five seasons, , , Justin vision for two weeks? I guess so. But two-and-a-half months? Morneau, Mark Teixeira, , Carlos Peña, Kevin Youkilis and Lance Berkman all made All-Star teams as first basemen. Don't "Sometimes you can tell on TV I'm up there rubbing my eyes trying to look for any of them this year at the All-Star Game at in New get some clarity," Ross explained. York.

Just curious, if this season had been a contract year instead of the first While you blinked, the first base position, as far as the premier players year of a multi-year deal, how long do you think Ross would've waited are concerned, was taken over by a new generation of players. Chris to correct his vision? Davis, 27, Paul Goldschmidt, 25, , 23, , 28, and Adam Lind, 29, have zero combined All-Star appearances, but most Because, now that he has his visual acuity back, I'm wondering if the D- of them could be looking at their first. backs can get their money back? JAFFE: The case for Yasiel Puig as an NL All-Star See ball, hit ball. Finally. ESPN insider believes pieces currently in place for Dbacks to win Entering Friday, of the top 12 first basemen as ranked by OPS, all of NL West them are no older than 31. You won't find Konerko, 37, Berkman, 37, By Eric Sorenson / Pros2Preps.com Peña, 35, Youkilis, 34, Pujols, 33, Howard, 33, Teixeira, 33, and http://www.pros2preps.com/2013/06/espn-insider-believes-pieces- Morneau, 32. Combined All-Star appearances for the Old Guard: 35. currently-in-place-for-dbacks-to-win-nl-west/ It's not just first basemen. Of the top 28 qualified hitters as ranked by As the calendar moves towards July it’s becoming more apparent which OPS, only three of them are older than their age-31 season: David teams will be buyers and which will be sellers Ortiz, 37, , 34, and Carlos Beltran, 36. It's just more with the trade deadline approaching. proof of what has been obvious over the past five to 10 years: The actuarial tables for player performance have returned to normal. With a For some, like the Arizona Diamondbacks, the picture is bit more few exceptions, committing big money to players as they age through cloudy. Although they a slim lead in the National League West their mid-30s is a major risk of overpayment for decline years. heading into Wednesday’s series finale at Chase Field against the Miami Marlins the verdict is still out whether the Snakes will still have bite in 2. Giambi looking like a manager already the stretch run given the second half success of teams right on their heels, particularly the defending World Series Champion Giants. Cleveland manager has a piece of paper tacked to his office bulletin board. It has the hand-written cell phone numbers of all One insider believes the division’s balance this year actually benefits the of his players. Why is it there? Francona mentioned in spring training Dbacks. that he would like to gather the players' numbers in case he needed to reach them away from the ballpark. He said "not 10 minutes later" “It doesn’t look like anybody in the National League West is capable of handed him the list. Giambi had done winning 95 games,” ESPN baseball insider Pedro Gomez told Brad the legwork himself that quickly. In short time Giambi has become as Cesmat in a recent interview on ‘Big Guy on Sports.’ “I think…88 to 90 important to Francona as a go-to team leader as and will enough to win the division this year. You look at the current roster were in Boston. the Diamondbacks have they could win 88 or so games. They absolutely could.” "I'll tell you, I've never been around anybody quite like him," Francona said. "After being around him, I know this: must have had a With that being said he was quick to point out a win total similar to that hell of an interview in Colorado. Because they talked to Jason [for the likely wouldn’t get Arizona past the first round against National League managing job], and for Weiss to get that job tells you how good he must heavyweights like the St. Louis Cardinals, or Atlanta be. Because Jason is that impressive." Braves. REITER: The redemption of Jason Giambi It’s the quandary facing who must weigh the options of trading a well-regarded prospect or possibly two Last week when the Indians brought first-round pick Clint Frazier, a within the organization in hopes of landing a key piece to get the high school outfielder, to , it was Giambi who sat down with Frazier in the for 20 minutes to give him advice and 8 his own cell . "Call me any time if you need anything," he told Hits Per Game the kid. After listening to Francona rave about Giambi's influence and baseball knowledge, it's hard to imagine that Giambi will not be 2013: 7.97 managing somewhere soon. 1990: 8.16 3. Where have you gone, Bronx Bombers? Do We Have to Accept the Arizona Diamondbacks as a True Give Yankees manager credit. For New York to be six MLB Contender? games over .500 and just 3 ½ games out of first place with this offense By Jason Martinez / BleacherReport.com and so many injuries reflects well on the job Girardi has done to http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1679611-do-we-have-to-accept-the- squeeze the most out of this team. arizona-diamondbacks-as-a-true-mlb-contender

Just how bad is the Yankees' offense? It's bad. It's The Arizona Diamondbacks are an interesting case. Alvaro Espinoza bad. The 2013 Yankees are bad enough to be keeping the statistical company of some of the infamously bad New York teams There aren't any gaping holes that need to be filled when you examine and their not-so-memorable middle infielders. their 25-man roster. But there also plenty of spots that could use an upgrade. New York is hitting .238. That's the worst batting average for a Yankees team in the DH era; you have to go back to Clarke's 1969 team to find a The problem is that most of these spots are filled by proven veterans worse hitting Yankees squad. with hefty guaranteed salaries who aren't necessarily playing so bad where they should just be released outright. They're just not exactly As far as runs per game (3.88) and getting on base (.301), only the 1990 living up to the expectations of what would be an average season. Yankees of Espinoza, guided by and Stump Merrill, have been worse since the addition of the DH in 1973. So should the first place Diamondbacks, who are 39-33, be taken serious as a legitimate contender in the National League? Let's take a That quaint early-season narrative about scrap-heap veterans keeping closer look. the Yankees afloat has long since expired. In June the Yankees are hitting .212, slugging .306 and have scored 57 runs -- all the worst such Lineup marks in the league. Injuries or not, it's strange to see New York fielding such a poor hitting team in that hitter-friendly ballpark. Aside from emerging star Paul Goldschmidt (.301 BA, 17 HR, 62 RBI, 17 2B) and a couple of other players who are exceeding expectations on Take a look at where the 2013 Yankees rank among the team's worst offense—Didi Gregorius (.791 OPS) and Gerardo Parra (.831 OPS) offenses in the DH era and you'll get an idea of the job done by Girardi: would qualify— you could argue that no other D-Backs regular has been very good. Batting Average Backup corner infielder Eric Chavez, who was getting a bulk of the 2013: .238 starts at third base with Martin Prado at second base in the wake of 's injury, was having a big season (.956 OPS, 7 HR) before an 1990: .241 oblique injury sidelined him in late May. Hill, who was one of the most productive second basemen in baseball last season, was off to another Runs Per Game great start before fracturing his hand after 10 games. Both could be back later this month, though. 1990: 3.72 The biggest disappointments, however, have come from the middle of 2013: 3.88 the lineup where Jason Kubel (.718 OPS), Miguel Montero (.612 OPS) and Cody Ross (.671 OPS) aren't giving Goldschmidt much help. On Base Percentage Martin Prado (.636 OPS) was moved down in the order after a slow start but he's continued to struggle. This has to keep general manager 1990: .300 Kevin Towers up at night, considering Prado was the key player acquired in the Justin Upton deal and that he was later signed to a four- 2013: .301 year contract extension.

Slugging Percentage Overall, they're in the middle of the pack in most statistical categories with a few alarming exceptions. They're 26th in homers, 28th in stolen 1990: .366 bases and last in percentage. They are sixth in doubles, which helps, but it still makes it tough to score runs when you don't hit 1974: .368 a lot of homers and lack the team speed to make things happen on the base paths. 1973: .378 Defensively, the team employs four of the 17 players who have 2013: .379 accounted for at least nine defensive runs saved on the season. Parra has 15, A.J. Pollock has 10 and Goldschmidt and Ross have nine each. Per Game Pollock hasn't hit enough, though, to remain in the lineup on a consistent basis. 2013: 7.38 Starting Rotation 2002: 7.27 Much like the offense, the starting rotation also has an unlikely leader in lefty Patrick Corbin. 9

While Trevor Cahill has been decent (3.92 ERA in 15 starts), Ian We do have to accept the Diamondbacks as a true contender. Kennedy (5.21 ERA), Brandon McCarthy (5.00 ERA) and Wade Miley (4.64 ERA) haven't been as good as advertised. Instead, the 23-year-old Corbin, who many thought would be in Triple-A to start the season, has Aces Fall in Extras, 4-1 been the star with a 9-0 record and 2.28 ERA in 14 starts. By Reno Aces / MiLB.com http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130621&content_id=5 I've named this organization in a few different articles as having enough 1314448&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t2310&sid=t2310 rotation depth to make a trade. But with a shoulder injury to McCarthy and the top-of-the-rotation duo of Cahill and Kennedy combining on Reno, Nev.-Fresno posted a three-run tenth inning on Thursday night just 13 quality starts in 29 outings, it would be tough to see that to claim a 4-1 victory over Reno at Aces Ballpark. happening now. Reno entered the ninth with a 1-0 edge, when former Aces outfielder Bullpen singled home the tying run. With two outs in the top of the tenth, 's RBI followed by a home run off the bat of Assembling a strong bullpen has always been Towers' strengths and gave the Grizzlies a lead they would not surrender. 2013 is no exception. Theyr'e tied for 7th in baseball with a 3.04 ERA and there isn't a pitcher in the group having a really bad season. Tyler Bortnick's RBI single to left-center in the bottom of the third plated Evan Frey for the lone run of the game. But that statement is only true if you ignore the statistic called "BS" or "blown saves." Chris Owings recorded the only multi-hit game for Reno, going 2-for-4 with a double. They're fourth in the majors with 13 blown saves, behind only the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and . Losing a lead in Reno starter Charles Brewer, in his first game back with the Aces since the seventh inning or later after the starting pitcher and offense have his stint with the D-backs, gave up just six hits and struck out three done their jobs can devastate a team's confidence. And that's what has through 5.0 innings of work. Brett Lorin threw 2.2 innings of stellar happened too many times in 2013. relief, giving up just one hit and one walk, while striking out two through 2.2 innings following Brewer's exit. J.J. Putz, who has been out since early May with an elbow injury, began a rehab assignment on Wednesday and could return before the All-Star Reliever Evan Marshall was charged with a blown after he gave up break. But he wasn't exactly pitching well before the injury (five-for- the tying run, and Matt Gorgen took his first loss after giving up three nine in save opportunities). Bell, who would likely move back into a runs in the tenth. setup role when Putz is ready, has allowed a homer in four consecutive appearances. Hernandez has allowed three earned runs in two of his last The series wraps up Friday night at Aces Ballpark, as Reno looks to five appearances. Those are the three guys they'll rely on most to hold a secure their second series victory of the season. RHP Zeke Spruill (3-3, late-inning lead. 4.06 ERA) gets the nod for Reno, while the Grizzlies will counter with RHP Boof Bonser (2-6, 5,67 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. for If they're not able to close out games on a consistent basis, they'll have a another Saint Mary's Fireworks Friday presented by KRNV News 4 hard time keeping up in a division that isn't even that good. Reno Aces: Aces' Brett Butler selected to manage PCL's all-stars Conclusion By Chris Gabel / Reno Gazette Journal http://www.rgj.com/article/20130621/SPORTS03/306210026/Reno- As is the case with every team in the National League West, the Aces-Aces-Brett-Butler-selected-manage-PCL-s-all-stars Diamondbacks don't exactly worry an opposing team coming into town for a three-game series. But they're at the top of a what I'd describe as a Brett Butler was named to one all-star team during his 17-year major very winnable division. league career. On Thursday, he was named to a second.

Help could be on the way, too. The Aces manager will lead the PCL team in next month’s Triple-A All- Star Game at Aces Ballpark. If rookie center fielder Adam Eaton makes it back from an elbow injury —he's on target to return around the All-Star break—he could ignite a Butler is in his fifth season as Aces manager, having made his Triple-A lineup that could use a guy with his speed and on-base ability. debut during the franchise’s inaugural season in 2009. The Aces were 306-268 under Butler heading into Thursday night’s home game against In addition, their top two pitching prospects —Archie Bradley and Fresno. Tyler Skaggs— are making a push for the majors and could also help in the second half. If Towers can somehow solidify the back-end of the That record includes last year’s postseason run to the PCL and Triple-A bullpen, they should have enough to remain at the top of the NL West. national championship.

And as we've seen on several occasions, anything can happen in the “It’s an honor,” said Butler, a National League All-Star reserve in 1991. postseason. Getting there is the first priority. “The fact that we won it all last year and with it being here adds to the luster.” As I've pointed out, ball club has weaknesses and too many key players underperforming. And yet they're still six games over .500 and 1.5 Butler’s selection as the PCL manager was kept no closer to the vest games ahead of the second place Giants. There is than the news Reno would host the annual exhibition between the PCL something to be said about a team's ability to win ballgames when and , news PCL president back in things aren't firing on all cylinders. 2012 called the “least best-kept secret in recent years.”

So the answer to the above question is "yes." 10

During the Aces’ previous homestand, Butler was openly making the “My first pitch in the big leagues, I was just trying to throw a strike. batting practice schedules for the and all-star game. Gerardo Parra probably made one of the best catches an outfielder will make all season.” One part of the schedule Butler won’t be able to control is the impending birth of his first grandchild. Butler’s son Blake’s wife has a Brewer doesn’t have to tell it like that, though, as , the due date of July 12, three days before the All-Star festivities begin. incomparable Dodgers play-by-play announcer, described during the Butler hopes to be present for his grandson’s birth. TV broadcast.

“I think the baby is going to come earlier than (the due date),” Butler “Charles Brewer got away with one there,” Scully said. “But years from said. now, someone will ask him, ‘How’d you do against your first hitter?’ ‘Oh, he hit a fly ball to left field.’ Yeah.” Scranton/Wilkes-Barre manager will lead the IL team. Miley also was an All-Star Game manager in 2002 and 2008. His third Yeah. appearance will match for the most as a skipper in the 26- year history of the Triple-A event. It was a nice aspect to Brewer’s surprising call-up. He didn’t expect to get the promotion, at least not at the time it came, when Brewer was 3-6 Fresno pitcher coach Pat Rice and New Orleans hitting coach Damon with a 5.85 ERA for the Aces. Minor will round out Butler’s coaching staff, while Charlotte manager Joel Skinner and hitting coach Brandon Moore will join Miley in the IL “It was something pretty unexpected, to be honest,” said Brewer, who dugout. was eating sushi with teammates when Aces manager Brett Butler called with the news. “It gives an opportunity to kind of scout the rest of the talent around Triple-A, so I like that,” said Butler, who keeps a list of players he likes. The only thing that could have made the experience better — besides it lasting a bit longer — would have been if Brewer had been able to pitch Aces trainer Joe Metz will serve as the PCL trainer. in a Diamondbacks home game. His second appearance came in San Diego on Saturday. Reno Aces: Charles Brewer back in Reno after 'huge deal' Arizona-born pitcher has strong week with D'backs “I was definitely looking forward to pitching at the stadium I grew up By Chris Gabel / Reno Gazette Journal going to in Phoenix,” he said. “I haven’t got that opportunity yet but I http://www.rgj.com/article/20130620/SPORTS03/306200039/Reno- know it will come.” Aces-Charles-Brewer-back-Reno-after-huge-deal- The cup of coffee hasn’t left Brewer feeling accomplished, he said. In Charles Brewer made the long walk from the Aces dugout to the fact, it acted more like a tease. bullpen about an hour before Wednesday’s game. It was a very different scene from what Brewer experienced just a week before. “Before you get there and before you really get to experience what the big leagues is really like, it seems further away than it really is,” said The right-hander made his major league debut June 10 at Dodger Brewer, who will start Friday’s game for the Aces. “So to get there and Stadium in Los Angeles. It was the culmination of years of work and experience it and come back make you want it way more than you dreams. wanted it before, which is kind of hard to believe. I can’t say there was much room for me to want it more than I wanted it before. But I really Brewer became the first Arizona-born player to grow up in the state, be want to get back there now.” drafted by the Diamondbacks and come up through their minor league system and reach the majors.

“Ever since I was a 12-year-old kid in 1998 when the team first became Taijuan Walker pitches Jackson Generals past Mobile BayBears a franchise, I was at that ballpark,” Brewer said. “We had season tickets By Mark Inabinett / AL.com every single year when I was growing up. I made it to all seven World http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/06/taijuan_walker_pitches_ Series games in 2001, so it was a huge deal for me.” jackson.html

But Brewer, who was optioned back to Reno on Tuesday, wasn’t just JACKSON, Tennessee - Southern League leader Taijuan happy to don the hometown jersey on a major league field — and in Walker whiffed 12 as the Jackson Generals defeated the Mobile L.A. as well, where Brewer pitched at UCLA. The 25-year-old made two BayBears 5-2 tonight at the Ballpark at Jackson. appearances out of the bullpen and did not allow a run in 3.2 innings. He also struck out four batters. Walker (4-7) has struck out 96 batters in 84 innings for Jackson this season. He went 6.2 innings, giving up one on six hits “It just gives me confidence going forward,” he said, “knowing I can without issuing a walk against the BayBears (1-1 second half, 40-31 perform at that level.” overall).

Brewer, though, was very nearly rudely welcomed to the big leagues. Walker left the game after hitting with a pitch with two out in the seventh inning. Reliever Kyle Hunter yielded a single to Ryan Dodgers catcher Mark Federowicz smashed Brewer’s first pitch as a Stovall, and an on 's grounder loaded the bases. But major leaguer down the right-field line before Gerardo Parra made a Hunter got Garrett Weber to ground out to end the inning. great catch before slamming into the outfield wall. Tyler Burgoon retired the final five BayBears - three by strikeout - to “I was ready to go. It didn’t catch me off guard but it was exciting for earn his third save. my first game in the big leagues to get thrown into the fire,” Brewer said. “There was like 39,500 people there. It was rocking. Inciarte stole home on a double-steal with Dustin Martin in the first inning for Mobile.

11

Jackson (1-1, 30-38) came back with three runs in the home half of the It is not clear why Hill did not play Thursday or when he will return to frame against Mobile starter (1-1), who gave up four hits in the Diamondbacks. four innings and struck out four. doubled in a run and Julio Morban and James Jones had an RBI single apiece for the Generals. : Hawks hurlers dominate Weber doubled and Raywilly Gomez singled in the third to cut By South Bend Tribune Jackson's lead to 3-2. http://www.southbendtribune.com/sports/silverhawks/sbt-minor- league-baseball-hawks-hurlers-dominate-20130621,0,1213073.story Gabriel Noriega doubled and scored on in the fifth, and Morban tripled and came in on Jones' single in the sixth to complete the FORT WAYNE -- South Bend pitchers Blake Perry, Kyle Winkler and scoring. R.J. Hively limited Fort Wayne to one run on two hits, starting off the second-half of the with a 2-1 Minor League Baseball The teams play again at 7:05 p.m. Friday. victory on Thursday night. South Bend, which won the Eastern Division first-half title with a 44-25 record (one game better than Fort Wayne), improved to 7-0 against Fort Wayne this season. The Silver Hawks' pitchers have a combined 0.90 Rawhide open 2nd half with loss earned-run average against the TinCaps. By Visalia Delta Times http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013306 Perry started the game and worked five innings, allowing one run on 210006 one hit. Winkler worked three innings of hitless relief. R.J. Hively

worked one inning, giving up one hit, and earned his Midwest League- The opened the second half of the League leading 19th save. season with a 6-1 loss against the on Thursday night in

Modesto. Ronnie Freeman doubled in the second inning and scored on a single by

Alex Glenn. Visalia enjoyed a three days off and couldn’t get the offense going in its return to the diamond. South Bend took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning. Fidel Pena drew a two-

out walk, stole second, and scored on a single by Freeman. The Rawhide were limited to just two hits by three Modesto pitchers.

South Bend 010 100 000 -- 2 5 1 Starter Ben Aslup gave up both hits. He went six innings and gave up Fort Wayne 000 010 000 -- 1 2 2 one run on two hits to improve to 4-8 on the season.

Blake Perry, Kyle Winkler (6), R.J. Hively (9); Adys Portillo, Walker Kraig Sitton tossed two hitless innings and Nelson Gonzalez closed the Weickel (4). game out in the ninth.

W -- Perry (4-3). L -- Portillo (0-1). S -- Hively (19). Visalia’s only two hits were by Gerson Montilla - a solo home run in the third inning - and a a single by Steve Rodriguez. 2B -- Ronnie Freeman (SB), Alex Glenn (SB), Alberth Martinez

Modesto’s offense roughed up Visalia starter Andrew Barbosa.

Barbosa went six innings, giving up six runs on nine hits. Hops Win First Series in Franchise History Hops, Eckels Defeat Emeralds 2-1 Ryan Casteel blasted a solo home run for Modesto. It was his 14th of By Austin Melhart / Hillsboro Hops the season. Will Swanner recorded a pair of hits, including a triple, and http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130620&content_id=5 Brian Humphries went 2-for-5 with a double. 1215796&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t419

The two teams will play again at 7 p.m. tonight in Modesto. On a windy night at Hillsboro Ballpark, and before a crowd of 2,744 spectators, the Hillsboro Hops won game three of their series against Visalia will return home Thursday for a seven-game homestand. the by a score of 2-1. The win secured the first ever series win in Hops franchise history, and was the Hops second victory Aaron Hill update of the year.

Redwood High School graduate Aaron Hill has been on a rehab The Hops starter was Ben Eckels making his second start (1-1) of the assignment with the Reno Aces since Saturday. year. Eckels threw five-and-a-third innings, allowing four Emeralds hits, while striking out five. The one run victory was the first time in the Reno is the Arizona Diamondbacks Triple-A affiliate. season that the Hops bullpen has held and saved a game with only a one run lead. In relief of Eckels was converted starter, Karl Triana, who Hill did not play in Thursday’s game against the , but pitched two-and-two-thirds innings of hitless, scoreless baseball. With has played in four games with the Aces. the Hops up 2-1 going into the ninth, Yoimer Camacho made his third appearance of the year, recording his first save of the year. The former All-Star went 5-for-16 with four RBIs in four games. The save was not without drama, as two Eugene singles put runners on first and third. With one out and runners on the corners, Camacho He was placed on the 15-day disabled list back on April 15 after his left induced a , game-ending Gebhardt to Mateo double play. hand was broken by a pitch. The lone two Hops runs were scored on a Randy McCurry single that scored Yogey Perez-Ramos and Elvin Soto. The hit and runs scored 12 were allowed by Erik Cabrera (0-2), but neither of them were earned, as two errors in the bottom half of the second would put Perez-Ramos The organization upped the offer to include a baseball bat, a team hat and Soto on base to be driven in by McCurry. McCurry made his third and a replacement baseball. Each of those overtures was refused. By the start of the year in as many appearances, and is batting .300 with three fifth inning, the 15-year-old's father was consulting on the matter, and runs batted in. the offer from the Hops included a free season-ticket to every remaining home game for the kid. The counteroffer from the kid was For the series, Hops relief pitching pitched 10.1 innings allowing only everything that had been previously offered, plus a set of season tickets three hits, and surrendering no runs to Emeralds hitters. for his entire family.

Offensively, the Hops batted 21-for-96 (.218) with eleven runs batted in About this time, K.L. Wombacher, the executive vice president and for the series. Hops offensive leaders after the second series of the year general manager, halted the negotiations and retreated to a spot behind are outfielders Zach Esquerra (.348) and Yogey Perez-Ramos (.368). the grandstand to watch the rest of the game. "Too rich for us," he said. The Hops are hitting .251 as a team with 12 doubles, three triples and three home runs with 23 runs batted in. (Hillsboro Hops)In a world where some of the more popular reality TV shows feature pawn shops and pickers haggling for deals, this is a The Hops start an eight-game road trip tomorrow, which kicks off at foreseeable outcome. The 15-year-old in question knows he's in a for a four game series against the Everett position of power and is trying to milk it for all its worth. But at the Aquasox. First pitch for tomorrow night's game is scheduled for 7:05 same time this is short-season minor league ball. It's not like he caught PM. Tune into FOX Sports 620 AM to catch the live action. Yasiel Puig's first home run.

1st Round Pick Braden Shipley Added to Hops Roster That, in fact, is a good example. Because the kid who caught Puig's first By Hillsboro Hops / MiLB.com home run a couple weeks back had no trouble telling the Dodgers want http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130619&content_id=5 he wanted in return. According to MLB.com's Cut4 blog, he asked for a 1119224&fext=.jsp&vkey=pr_t419&sid=t419 signed bat and a jersey. Kids these days!

Hillsboro, OR (June 19, 2013) - The Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) So what happened to the Hops ball? Glad you asked. Canzano gave us announced that Medford, native Braden Shipley will join the an update and, basically, the kid isn't budging. team today. Shipley was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 15th selection in the recent 2013 MLB Draft. He was ranked the as the Wombacher said on Tuesday, "We are still at a stalemate in Number 8 prospect by heading into the June draft. negotiations. I guess it was his birthday, he had a great time. We would have loved to work with him." Shipley, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, just completed his junior season at by going Because the Hops are a single-A affiliate the organization is used to 7-3 with 102 strikeouts and a 2.77 ERA in 15 games. having to retrieve "firsts" for young players (first hit, first home run, etc.) But Wombacher said he's never had to negotiate to get a home run Shipley becomes the highest draft pick the Arizona Diamondbacks have ball back. ever sent to the . The highest previous pick was in 2003, who went on to earn Northwest League Most Geez, maybe this kid's real intention is to get noticed by baseball agent Valuable Player honors with Yakima after being selected with the 19th and get an internship. Scratch that, he'd probably demand a pick in the 2003 MLB Draft. full-time gig — with benefits and a month's vacation. Teen drives a hard bargain for minor league team that wants historic home run ball back By Mike Oz / Yahoo! Sports Osprey Edge Helena for Opening Day Victory http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/teen-drives-hard- Garcia's 3 RBI, Perez's Strong Start Key Win Over Brewers bargain-minor-league-team-wants-225700081.html By Missoula Osprey / MiLB.com http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130621&content_id=5 The Hillsboro Hops are the new Single-A short season affiliate of the 1315432&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t518&sid=t518 Arizona Diamondbacks — and yes, the team is named for the plant that's used in brewing beer. That's just a fun fact, not the point of this Opening Day wins have been hard to come by for the Missoula Osprey. story. Besides, beer is a fun entry point for any tale, right? Even when the O's got one, like Thursday night, it didn't come easy.

The Hops used to be the , before moving this season to The Osprey were pushed to the limit before holding off the Helena Hillsboro (which is near Portland, Ore.) Monday night was the Hops' Brewers, 8-7, in their 2013 Pioneer League at Ogren Park first game, which brought a good deal of excitement because they're the Allegiance Field. only pro baseball team in the Portland area, and it was the opening of the brand-new Hillsboro Ballpark. A Major League Baseball The visiting Brewers put the potential tying run at third base with only authenticator was on hand to put a stamp of approval on any historic one out in the top of the 9th. Osprey relief pitcher Jose Jose struck out happenings. It was that kind of night. first baseman Garrett Cooper -- who had homered twice -- for the second out. But that brought up cleanup hitter Jose Pena, who lifted a So when Jordan Parr — just drafted by the D-backs out of the fly ball to deep right. The O's Yorman Garcia backed up to the wall and University of Illinois — hit the first home run at Hillsboro Ballpark, the made , sending the crowd of 2,767 home happy. Hops moved quick to preserve the moment. A 15-year-old fan caught the homer and when the Hops went to ask for the ball back, things got It was just the fourth Opening Day victory in Osprey history, snapping fun. John Canzano, the great sports columnist at tells a run of six first-day losses to the rival Brewers over the previous eight the story: seasons.

The Hops offered the kid an autographed team baseball in exchange for the home-run ball. He turned them down. 13

It was also a successful first game for , the former Triple A: Reno 1 Fresno 4. Charles Brewer pitched a good 5 innings but Arizona Diamondbacks player making his debut as a professional was removed after just 69 pitches. It's possible they're keeping his pitch manager. count under control in case the Dbacks need an arm over the next week or so. The offense managed just 1 run on 6 hits and the bullpen blew it Garcia paced the Osprey offense with two doubles, three RBI and three late as Evan Marshall blew the save and Matt Gorgen allowed 3 runs in runs scored. Center fielder Colin Bray and designated hitter Jose Queliz the 10th. Chris Owings had 2 of the team's 6 hits including a double. also added two hits each. Double A: Mobile 2 @ Jackson 5. Bo Schultz made his 3rd start since O's starting pitcher Felipe Perez looked strong in earning the win in his being promoted from the bullpen and got through 4 innings allowing 3 professional debut. The 19-year old from Anaheim, CA scattered six runs on 4 hits and a walk. The problem was he was facing off against hits and three earned runs over six innings, walking two and striking out one of the game's top pitching prospects in Taijuan Walker and he four. didn't disappoint. Walker struck out 12 Bears as he pitched into the 7th inning as the eventual winning pitcher. Raywilly Gomez and Dustin The Brewers opened the scoring on Cooper's solo home run in top of Martin both managed a couple of hits each. Recently promoted Ryan the 1st. Missoula countered with a pair in the bottom of the inning; Court had a tough AA debut going 0 for 4 with 3 Ks. Garcia's double scored Bray, and Garcia would later score on a wild had an even tougher time with 4 Ks in 4 trips. pitch from Helena starter Zach Quintana. High A: Visalia 1 @ Modesto 6. Starter Andrew Barbosa got roughed The Brewers tied the game with a single run in the top of the 2nd, but up some allowing 6 runs in 6 innings. The offense managed just 2 hits the O's responded with three in the bottom half. Queliz led off with a with one o those a solo home run by Gerson Montilla. Nothing else of single and Antonio Alvarez drew a walk. Two outs later, Garcia interest in this one. delivered a two-run double, and catcher plated Garcia with an RBI single to left. Low A: South Bend 2 @ Fort Wayne 1. Blake Perry had another solid outing allowing just 1 hit over 5 innings though he did allow a run and Helena would move in front with two runs each in the 4th and 5th, but surrendered 4 walks. Kyle Winkler added 3 shutout innings in relief with their lead was short-lived. Garcia led off the bottom of the 5th by 3 strikeouts. RJ Hively pitched a scoreless 9th with 2 strikeouts for his reaching on an error by shortstop Angel Ortega, and after Trahan drew 19th save. Ronnie Freeman and Alex Glenn each went 2 for 3 ith a a walk, third baseman Jake Mayers put Missoula back in front with a double. two-run double to wall in center. Alvarez plated Mayers with a fielder's choice later in the inning for an 8-6 advantage. Short Season A - Hillsboro. .

The Brewers pulled within 8-7 on Taylor Brennan's solo home run in Rookie: Missoula 8 Helena 7. Felipe Perez made his professional debut the 8th. But they would get no closer. with 6 innings of interesting baseball. He gave up just 3 earned runs but 6 overall. He made 2 errors on errant pick-off throws to add to the The Osprey and Brewers conclude their two-game series Friday night at defensive woes, but he did produce an amazing 13 ground outs with 0 Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Blayne Weller is slated as the O's starting fly outs. Jose Jose pitched a scoreless 9th with 2 strikeouts for his 1st pitcher, with set to start for Helena. save. Yorman Garcia went 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored, 2 doubles and 3 RBI. 6th round pick CF Colin Bray went 2 for 4. 19th rounder Jacob With a fireworks extravaganza scheduled after Friday's game, first pitch Mayers added a double and 2 RBI. The team made 6 errors in all with 2 will be moved up 30 minutes to 6:35 pm. each by Perez, Trahan and Munoz Dbacks Minor League Round-Up 6/20: Missoula Begins Title Defense By John Baragona / AZSnakePit.com http://www.azsnakepit.com/2013/6/21/4451078/dbacks-minor- league-round-up-6-20-missoula-begins-title-defense June 21, 2013 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews The Missoula Osprey kicked off the defense of their Pioneer League http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews Championship with an 8-7 victory in spite of 6 errors. Missoula always houses several of the organization's most intriguing prospects and this June 21, 2013 year is no different. Stryker Trahan will be the everyday catcher to see if  he can stay behind the plate and got off to an inauspicious debut with 2 is hitting .118 in his last 30 games 11:19 am throwing errors and a passed ball in Game 1. He did go 1 for 3 with a EDT (NBC Sports) walk and an RBI. Hitting probably isn't the issue. Felipe Perez, the late  Giants OF Pagan re-injures hamstring 11:10 am EDT (The minor league free agent signee who looked headed for UCLA before SportsXchange) the Dbacks swooped in made his professional debut and was okay  I want all play-by-play commentary to be like this 11:02 am though he had 2 errors of his own. Joe Munoz, last year's 2nd round EDT (NBC Sports) pick will be the everyday shortstop and he chipped in with 2 errors of  Frank Thomas thinks the White Sox are going to start firing his own and went 0 for 4. This year's 4th round pick will and trading people 10:47 am EDT (NBC Sports) be hitting in the middle of the Osprey lineup as we look for some  Pirates: Why Jeff Locke Deserves to (but Won’t) power numbers from him. It should be an exciting year and there is Make the All-Star Team 10:43 am EDT (Yahoo! Contributor some good talent we'll be watching as the season unfolds. Network)

Snake Stars  What should the Red Sox do about their closer situation? 3 Stars: Charles Brewer, Reno 5 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K, 0 ER 10:30 am EDT (NBC Sports) 2 Stars: Blake Perry, South Bend 5 IP, 1 H, 4 BB, 3 K, 1 ER, W (4-3)  Orioles try to beat Dickey for third time 10:20 am EDT 1 Star: Yorman Garcia, Missoula 2 for 4, 3 R, 2 DBL, 3 RBI (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) 0 Stars: Keon Broxton, Mobile 0 for 4, 4 K  Mariners release Kelly Shoppach 10:15 am EDT (NBC Sports)

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 Keuchel eager to pitch at Wrigley for first time 9:59 am EDT  Rays-Yankees Preview 1:15 am EDT (The Associated Press) (Comcast SportsNet Houston)  Fan Court: Should or Tyler  returns, gets smacked around 9:44 am EDT Pastornicky Start at Second Base? 1:08 am EDT (Yahoo! (NBC Sports) Contributor Network)  is on an absolute tear 9:13 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Lackey's strong outing lost amid loss 1:06 am EDT (Comcast  Angel Pagan carted off the field during his rehab assignment SportsNet New England) 8:52 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Marlins 2, Giants 1 1:00 am EDT (The SportsXchange)  As Key Veterans Return, the Time is Now for the  Mets-Phillies Preview 12:49 am EDT (The Associated Press) Phillies 8:31 am EDT (Yahoo! Contributor Network)  Farrell: Time for a change at closer 12:45 am EDT (Comcast  Wanna Buy Billy Beane’s house? 8:23 am EDT (NBC Sports) SportsNet New England)  And That Happened: Thursday’s scores and highlights 6:55  Instant Replay: Giants blow late lead in loss to Marlins 12:44 am EDT (NBC Sports) am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Angels rally from seven-run deficit to top M's 3:51 am EDT  Lynn ties NL lead with 10th win as Cards top Cubs 12:43 am (The SportsXchange) EDT (The Associated Press)  Memories of 2011 sting as Rangers visit St. Louis 3:44 am  Yankees eagerly waiting for A-Rod? 12:42 am EDT (Comcast EDT (The Associated Press) SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Athletics-Mariners Preview 3:17 am EDT (The Associated Press)  Cardinals' Craig helps Lynn get 10th win 12:40 am EDT (The  Astros-Cubs Preview 3:05 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet SportsXchange) Houston)  Braves-Brewers Preview 12:31 am EDT (The Associated Press)  Assessing the Job Has Done Managing the  Rockies-Nationals Preview 12:25 am EDT (The Associated in 2013 3:04 am EDT (Yahoo! Contributor Press) Network)  Braun not close to returning from DL 12:20 am EDT (The  Ciriaco's first homer helps Padres down Dodgers 3:00 am SportsXchange) EDT (The SportsXchange)  Red Sox-Tigers Preview 12:18 am EDT (The Associated Press)  Dodgers-Padres Preview 2:56 am EDT (The Associated Press)  Wright homers twice in Mets' 4-3 win over Braves 12:08 am  ’ Ends Homerless Streak, EDT (The Associated Press) Inspires Team to Sweep 2:55 am EDT (Yahoo! Contributor  Nats roll past Rockies in complete win 12:04 am EDT Network) (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Pirates-Angels Preview 2:52 am EDT (The Associated Press)  In second rehab game, Utley feels '100 percent' 12:01 am  Ciriaco, defense lead Padres over Dodgers, 6-3 2:48 am EDT EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia) (The Associated Press) June 20, 2013  Extra Baggs: Gaudin black and blue, Nolasco talks trade, etc  Longoria homers twice, Rays beat Yankees 8-3 11:51 pm EDT 2:47 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) (The Associated Press)  Angels rally from 7 runs down, stun Seattle 10-9 2:36 am  Rays' Moore gets ninth victory 11:50 pm EDT (The EDT (The Associated Press) SportsXchange)  Marlins-Giants Preview 2:35 am EDT (The Associated Press)  Cardinals 6, Cubs 1 11:40 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)  Peralta lifts Tigers over Red Sox, Rangers win to close in 2:35  Zimmermann wins 10th, Nats top Oswalt, Rockies 5-1 11:31 am EDT (Reuters) pm EDT (The Associated Press)  Baseball-Peralta lifts Tigers over Red Sox, Rangers win to  Nationals' Zimmermann gets 10th win 11:30 pm EDT (The close in 2:30 am EDT (Reuters) SportsXchange)  Baseball standings 2:20 am EDT (Reuters)  Peralta's 2-run HR in 9th sends Tigers over Bosox 11:21 pm  Marlins rally to add to Miami's winning night 2:20 am EDT EDT (The Associated Press) (The SportsXchange)  Boston's Bailey loses game, closer job 11:20 pm EDT (The  Angel Pagan carted off the field in Stockton 2:10 am EDT SportsXchange) (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Report: Uggla may need LASIK eye surgery 11:20 pm EDT  Angels 10, Mariners 9 2:10 am EDT (The SportsXchange) (The SportsXchange)  Marlins beat Giants 2-1, Koehler earns 1st win 2:01 am EDT  Ramirez leaves Taiwan, hopes to play in majors 11:02 pm (The Associated Press) EDT (The Associated Press)  Baseball results 1:56 am EDT (Reuters)  Cubs watching the evolution of Javier Baez 10:55 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  With Cubs, Starlin Castro will keep feeling the heat 1:44 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  MLB Wrap: Oswalt strikes out 11, falls to Nats 10:47 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  Padres 6, Dodgers 3 1:40 am EDT (The SportsXchange)  Rays 8, Yankees 3 10:41 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)  Bullpen leaves mark on Mets' 4-3 win 1:30 am EDT (The SportsXchange)  Mets 4, Braves 3 10:41 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)  Rangers-Cardinals Preview 1:29 am EDT (The Associated Press)  Dan Uggla is having vision problems, could require LASIK surgery 10:32 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Daily Dose: Ogling Roy Oswalt 1:25 am EDT (Rotoworld)  Bailey blows save as Tigers beat Red Sox, 4-3 10:21 pm EDT  Tar Heels oust NC State from CWS with 7-0 victory 1:24 am (Comcast SportsNet New England) EDT (The Associated Press)  Tigers 4, Red Sox 3 10:20 pm EDT (The SportsXchange)  Zimmermann making All-Star case 1:19 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Corporan's at-bat key to Astros walkoff win 10:18 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Houston) 15

 Team Report - ATLANTA BRAVES 10:15 pm EDT (The Duke Welker Called Up from Minors SportsXchange)  Team Report - 10:15 pm EDT (The San Francisco Sent to Minors, For Angel Pagan SportsXchange) Giants Rehabilitation  Team Report - 10:15 pm EDT (The SportsXchange) Kelly Released Shoppach

Sent to Minors, For Rangers June 21, 2013 • MLB.com Rehabilitation http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions Josh Sent to Minors Lindblom Last updated: Fri, June 21, 2013, 11:21 EDT Wednesday, June 19, 2013 Friday, June 21, 2013 Team Player Transaction Team Player Transaction Arizona Sent to Minors, For J.J. Putz

Houston Astros Purchased From Minors Diamondbacks Rehabilitation

Placed on 15-Day DL, Avisail Garcia Sent to Minors

Houston Astros (Sprained AC joint in right shoulder) Los Angeles Chris Recalled From Minors, Rehab

Dodgers Capuano Assignment Thursday, June 20, 2013 Los Angeles Alex Sent to Minors Team Player Transaction Dodgers Castellanos

Removed From 15-Day DL, Clayton Sent to Minors, For Los Angeles Chris Mortensen Rehabilitation (Left shoulder latissimus Dodgers Capuano strain) Chicago White Deunte Sent to Minors Sox Heath Milwaukee Josh Prince Called Up from Minors Brewers

Colorado Rockies Roy Oswalt Purchased From Minors Milwaukee Norichika Placed on Paternity Leave List Brewers Aoki Designated for Assignment Scott Placed on 15-Day DL, (Right Colorado Rockies Sent to Minors New York Mets Atchison groin strain)

Detroit Tigers Jose Alvarez Called Up from Minors Andrew New York Mets Called Up from Minors Los Angeles Lou Signed to a Minor League

Angels Montanez Contract Philadelphia Sent to Minors, For Chase Utley Los Angeles Chris Phillies Rehabilitation Sent to Minors Dodgers Withrow Mike Refused Minor League Pittsburgh Pirates Los Angeles Zagurski Assignment - Free Agent Elian Herrera Called Up from Minors Dodgers

San Diego Padres Released Milwaukee Chris Removed From 15-Day DL, Everth Placed on 15-Day DL, Brewers Narveson (Sprained middle finger) Cabrera (Strained left hamstring) Milwaukee Chris Recalled From Minors, Rehab

San Diego Padres Called Up from Minors Brewers Narveson Assignment

Milwaukee Chris San Francisco Ramon Cleared Waivers and Became Outrighted to Minors Giants Ramirez a Free Agent Brewers Narveson

Wilkin Sent to Minors, For St. Louis Fernando Sent to Minors, For Minnesota Twins Cardinals Salas Rehabilitation Ramirez Rehabilitation

Pittsburgh Pirates Alex Presley Sent to Minors

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