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Home , 1993 World Series, Aaron Barrett, Addison Russell, Brandon Drury, Center fielder, Daniel Hudson

Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014

Daily Clips October 24, 2014

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/23/after-leaving- LOCAL nationals-bryan-minniti-joins-diamondbacks-as-assistant-general- D-backs hire assistant GM Minniti from Nationals / By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.mlb.com/news/article/99409108/arizona- Diamondbacks hire Bryan Minniti as assistant GM diamondbacks-hire-bryan-minniti-from-washington-nationals By Bryan Kilpatrick / SB Nation http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/10/23/7055175/bryan- Ex-Nationals executive Bryan Minniti joins Arizona minniti-hired-diamondbacks-assistant-general-manager Diamondbacks as assistant general manager By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports D-backs prospect Drury testing his potential http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 By Don Ketchum / MLB.com 014/10/23/ex-nationals-executive-bryan-minniti-joins-arizona- http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99326220/d-backs- diamondbacks-assistant-general-manager/17817269/ prospect-brandon-drury-testing-potential-in-afl

Drury adds depth to second base By Mark Brown / The Examiner (Phoenix) http://www.examiner.com/article/drury-adds-depth-to-second- MOBILE BAYBEARS base name Bryan Minniti assistant general manager KANE COUNTY COUGARS By Arizona Sports Druley: Rolling toward bowling season http://arizonasports.com/42/1777188/Arizona- By Kevin Druley / The Kane County Chronicle Diamondbacks-name-Bryan-Minniti-assistant-general-manager http://www.kcchronicle.com/2014/10/24/druley-rolling- toward-bowling-season/aprpcs7/ Diamondbacks looking toward the future in By Thomas Mitchell / Cronkite News http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2014/10/with-prospects-in- MISSOULA OSPREY the-arizona-fall-league-diamondbacks-look-toward-the-future/ NATIONAL How great was the effect of injuries on Arizona Diamondbacks' 2014 results? MLB NEWS By Arizona Sports October 24, 2014 • MLB.com http://arizonasports.com/42/1776467/How-great-was-the- http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_ind effect-of-injuries-on-Arizona-Diamondbacks-2014-results ex.jsp

NATIONAL Bryan Minniti, former Nationals assistant GM, hired by October 24, 2014 • Sports.yahoo.com Diamondbacks http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews By James Wagner / http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals- MLB TRANSACTIONS journal/wp/2014/10/23/bryan-minniti-former-nationals- October 24, 2014 • MLB.com assistant-gm-hired-by-diamondbacks/ http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

Minniti joins D-backs, Zimmermann keeps improving By Dan Kolko / MASN http://www.masnsports.com/nationals- pastime/2014/10/minniti-joins-dbacks-zimmermann-keeps- improving.html

After leaving Nationals, Bryan Minniti joins Diamondbacks as assistant general manager By DJ Short / NBC Sports

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Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014

LOCAL Minniti, who left the Nationals shortly after they were eliminated D-backs hire assistant GM Minniti from Nationals from the postseason earlier this month, said Thursday it was By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com "time for a change and a new opportunity." http://m.mlb.com/news/article/99409108/arizona- diamondbacks-hire-bryan-minniti-from-washington-nationals "It's an exciting group of people," Minniti said of the Diamondbacks. "I've heard great things about the organization The D-backs continued filling their baseball operations and the culture, and I'm looking forward to the chance to work department Thursday by hiring Bryan Minniti as assistant general with Tony (La Russa) and Dave and De Jon (Watson)." manager and Mike Russell as special assistant to senior vice president of baseball operations. Minniti, 34, earned a bachelor of science degree with a major in mathematics and statistics from the University of Minniti spent the previous five seasons with the Nationals Pittsburgh, but he said he doesn't consider himself an "analytics assisting GM . Minniti specialized in rules guy." compliance, transactions, budgeting and contract negotiations. Still, he helped the Nationals overhaul their analytics Before joining the Nationals, Minniti spent seasons in the department, and Stewart said he wants Minniti to be among Pirates' baseball operations department, rising to the position of those overseeing the Diamondbacks' foray into that world. director of baseball operations. Minniti said a key there is to find the best way to convey information to the club's decision-makers. Russell had been a member of the Tigers' Major League scouting staff since 2002, primarily responsible for scouting National "If you have the people who can do it and the people who can League East teams and players. explain it," he said, "it's got a chance to make a positive impact in your decision making." Recently inducted into the Scouts Hall of Fame, Russell got his start as an area supervisor for the Giants in The Diamondbacks also officially announced the hiring of Mike 1988. He also has worked for the Blue Jays and Marlins during Russell as a special assistant to Watson, the team's senior vice his long career, and four of the teams he worked for reached the president of baseball operations. Russell's title also includes . "coordinator of professional scouting."

The D-backs' baseball operations department has undergone a "He's a great source of information," Stewart said. "I think he's a significant overhaul over the past year, beginning in May when great evaluator when it comes to talent, which is what we need was hired to the newly created position of chief on that side, but even more importantly we need good baseball officer. information, and I believe he will provide that."

GM saw his duties shifted and eventually left the Drury adds depth to second base organization with being hired to replace him and By Mark Brown / The Examiner (Phoenix) De Jon Watson named senior vice president of baseball http://www.examiner.com/article/drury-adds-depth-to-second- operations. base

Ex-Nationals executive Bryan Minniti joins Arizona The traffic jam around second base just became a bit more Diamondbacks as assistant general manager congested. By Nick Piecoro / azcentral sports http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 That’s because Brandan Drury, a by , has 014/10/23/ex-nationals-executive-bryan-minniti-joins-arizona- been instructed by the Diamondbacks’ organization to bush up diamondbacks-assistant-general-manager/17817269/ on play around the keystone sack.

The Diamondbacks made another addition to their front office At his point, it appears the Diamondbacks are looking to take on Thursday, hiring Bryan Minniti as their new assistant general out an insurance policy on , who many believe will manager. Minniti had been in the same position with the open the 2015 season as manager ’s . the previous five seasons before surprisingly resigning earlier this month. Yet, Owings went through a frustrating season this past summer and appeared in 91 games with 310 plate appearance. Beating Diamondbacks General Manager Dave Stewart said Minniti's out for the starting job in spring skillset will complement his own, particularly as it relates to training, Owings ended up spending most of the second-half of Minniti's ability to handle the administrative side of a baseball the season nursing a bruised shoulder. operations department. With (.244 in 133 games, 10 home runs, 60 RBIs last "I won't say it's a weakness for me, but it's a part of my job that I season) in the twilight of his career and signed for the next two don't necessarily want to embrace on a day-to-day basis," Stewart years at $12 million each year, the experiment begins to find his said. "He picks me up in that area and is very knowledgeable in heir. that area. People in the industry say he's one of the best in the business at that position." 2

Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014

In the first thought, Owings would move to second and This plethora of ability could also mean possible deals to pick up Gregorius becomes the every-day shortstop. That would leave a front line of two. That part of the equation gets , Hill and Drury all as third base prospects. Plus, toss underway in mid-November. That’s when baseball’s general in utility Cliff Pennington, who enters an arbitration- managers gather in Phoenix in their annual GM meetings and eligible contract year and is not a free agent until 2016, to battle Diamondbacks’ GM Dave Stewart can start playing his hand. for playing time along shortstop , who appeared in 25 games with the Diamondbacks and .200 (14-for-70). ACCOLADES

All of which gives the Diamondbacks additional depth with Diamondbacks’ catching prospect Peter O’Brien, playing for the Drury. , was nominated as -of-the- Week in the Arizona Fall League for Week One. Coming over to Arizona with Martin Prado from Atlanta as part of the deal on Jan. 24, 2013, Drury put up better The award went to Surprise of the numbers in the Diamondbacks’ organization. Starting the 2014 ’ organization. For the week, Winker went 5-for- season at Advanced-A Visalia, Drury hit an even .300 in 107 11, four runs scored, two doubles, one home and knocked in games (19 home runs, 81 RBIs) before a promotion to Double- seven runs. AA Mobile. He finished the season with the BayBears and recorded a .295 average with 14 RBIs in 29 games. STANDINGS AND MORE

With the desire to get a look, the Diamondbacks named In games through Wednesday Oct. 22, Salt River, in which the Drury as one of the organization’s representatives in the Arizona Diamondbacks are part, were leading the East Division, and won Fall League, and the native of Grants Pass, Ore. was added to 10 for their first 13 games. the Salt River Rafters squad. Right-hander Archie Bradley is slated to pitch Friday against Off to a slow start, Drury, coming into Thursday night’s game Glendale (Brewers, Dodgers, Orioles, Tigers, and White Sox). with the Surprise Saguaros, was hitting .209 (9-for-43) with one Bradley is off to a challenging start in the Fall League and, and two RBIs. coming into his Friday start, has a 0-2 record with a 10.29 ERA with the Rafters. Drury is not playing in the Fall League to improve numbers at the plate but to give the Diamondbacks a greater sense of Arizona Diamondbacks name Bryan Minniti assistant security at second base. general manager By Arizona Sports “I’m not concern and I don’t even have 40 at-bats,” he said http://arizonasports.com/42/1777188/Arizona- before that 43-AB number. “I’m here to play and try and get Diamondbacks-name-Bryan-Minniti-assistant-general-manager better. I just go about my business and be hungry.” The Arizona Diamondbacks made another addition to their Drury did not elaborate on his play down the middle and only front office Thursday, naming Bryan Minniti as their new said, “I’m playing at second, too.” assistant general manager.

When Hale was introduced as the Diamondbacks’ manger for Minniti spent the last five seasons as the assistant GM under 2015, he made a point to emphasize the strength of a baseball general manager Mike Rizzo. In his time there, Minniti assisted team is through the middle. That includes strong catching, Rizzo in all aspects of the baseball operations department, dynamic double-play combination and a fleet, capable including rules compliance, transactions, budgeting and contract centerfielder. negotiations.

Coming into , the Diamondbacks would appear to The Nationals won two East titles with Minniti have an adequate middle. on the staff. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and , with coaching from new bench Statistics. Glenn Sherlock and his mentor , should improve defensively, the double-play combo of Gregorius and Owings, There was some speculation that Minniti could land in Los should that pair emerge as starters, provides strength there and Angeles as the Dodgers' new GM under baseball operations A. J. Pollock in center field is a rising star in the majors. head , but that position remains open.

By late next March, Hale and his staff should have a good idea as The D-backs also named Mike Russell as their new special to personnel. Given Drury’s age at 22 and only 29 games assistant to senior vice president of baseball operations. as high as Double-AA, it’s likely he would start the 2015 season with the BearBears or possibility -A Reno. Russell was inducted into the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame in 2013. He has been in the organization Along the way, his time and growing experience at second base for the last 13 years. should provide important depth for an organization which appears top-heavy with talented . Diamondbacks looking toward the future in Arizona Fall League 3

Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014

By Thomas Mitchell / Cronkite News http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2014/10/with-prospects-in- O’Brien has played some games at first base and designated the-arizona-fall-league-diamondbacks-look-toward-the-future/ hitter for the Rafters, but Bell said O’Brien’s ability to play catcher, retain a game plan and be an offensive threat have the After posting ’s worst record this season, Diamondbacks excited. the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking toward the future at this year’s Arizona Fall League. “He’s been called a catcher, but he’s played first and done some other things just because the makeup of this fall team,” Bell said. The team’s top prospect, Archie Bradley, is “But he’s got really good hands. He’s extremely intelligent and among seven Diamondbacks playing for the Salt River Rafters, has good recall.” the organization’s Fall League affiliate. Viewed as potential anchor in the rotation, Bradley struggled with an elbow injury Diamondbacks Bradley, Enrique Burgos, Kaleb Fleck last season and is hoping to get things back on track here against and are throwing for the Salt River Rafters, tough competition. O’Brien, third baseman and outfielder Evan Marzilli are in the field. “You’re playing against guys you heard about on minor league reports and all kinds of stuff. These are some of the best players Playing for the Rafters through Nov. 13, these top-level in the minors,” Bradley said. “The lineups you face are similar to prospects suit up for six games per week, hoping to show scouts what you’re facing in the big leagues.” why they deserve a shot at the big leagues. According to the Fall League, almost 60 percent of participants end up in the majors. Bradley wound up compiling a 4.45 ERA and 3-7 record in stops with Triple-A Reno, Double-A Mobile and the Diamondbacks’ Bell said every Diamondbacks player in the Fall League should rookie affiliate. He walked 49 batters in 83 while striking think he will be one of players to make it, and for good reason. out 75. “Brandon Drury is a very talented third baseman. He’s young In three starts with the Rafters, Bradley is 0-2 with a 10.29 ERA, but advanced and is going to be a big-leaguer, but we don’t want walking six and striking out six in seven . But he to rush him,” Bell said. “Evan Marzilli is an unbelievable and his coaches are focused on other aspects of his game. outfielder. I think he compares with A.J. Pollock, and those guys. We also have some electric arms in the . “Numbers and results aren’t everything for me right now,” Enrique Burgos, Kaleb Fleck and Jimmie Sherfy all have back- Bradley said. “I’ve gained something and learned something and of-the-bullpen stuff.” gotten better every time I’ve been out here. In my last start, I threw a for the first time in my life.” The Diamondbacks have some new faces in management after their underwhelming season, starting with Chief Baseball Officer Diamondbacks director of player development Mike Bell said Tony La Russa. The newly created position gave La Russa the Bradley is doing good things with the Rafters. authority to evaluate Arizona’s entire operation. Since coming aboard, he fired manager and demoted General “He is showing he’s healthy, his arm strength is returning, he’s Manager Kevin Towers, who later left, and brought in Chip Hale throwing a lot of good change-ups and breaking balls, and his and Dave Stewart as the new manager and GM. is showing some life,” Bell said. “I’m not overly concerned about the results. That’s why we send players to Bell, who has been director of player of development since 2010, develop.” said the changes could affect how the organization evaluates its prospects. While much of the attention is centered on Bradley’s progress, the other six Diamondbacks prospects are under a microscope “We had a lot of the same people in places for a while. It’s as well. That includes catcher Peter O’Brien, rated as the always interesting when new faces come in because they evaluate Diamondbacks No. 7 prospect by MLB.com, who has turned our team with a fresh point of view,” Bell said. “I’ve talked to heads with three home runs and seven RBI with a .449 on-base Tony and Dave numerous times, and we’re all working together percentage in 11 games through Thursday. to get this right.”

Standing 6-foot-3 and well over 200 pounds, O’Brien has the How great was the effect of injuries on Arizona build of a slugger. He came to the Diamondbacks in the trade Diamondbacks' 2014 results? that sent Martin Prado to the Yankees after hitting 33 By Arizona Sports homers between High-A and Double-A. http://arizonasports.com/42/1776467/How-great-was-the- effect-of-injuries-on-Arizona-Diamondbacks-2014-results O’Brien has played first base and catcher in the minors, but with entrenched at first base the Diamondbacks In baseball, overcoming key injuries is about as necessary as project him as a catcher. breathing. Over the course of 162 games, important players are more than likely to fall to injury at one juncture or another. “My biggest focus this year was my defensive work behind the plate, my plate discipline and pitch recognition,” O’Brien said. “I The 2014 Arizona Diamondbacks weren't alone in bearing such think I’ve made some huge strides in those aspects and will keep a burden. doing what I need to get where I want to.” 4

Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014

The sheer volume of the injuries suffered, however, ought to be considered in hindsight evaluations of the team. 19

To wit, 15 D-backs players spent part or all of the season on the Injuries forced the D-backs to rely on 19 rookies at some point disabled list. Here's a look at that list: in 2014. The volume of rookies played set a franchise record and came in second to the Rangers' 23. • Starting pitcher missed the entire season while recovering from surgery. 136

• David Hernandez missed the entire season while Catcher Miguel Montero led the team in games played, with 136. recovering from Tommy John surgery. Of all team leaders in games played, Montero played the fewest.

• Relief pitcher Matt Reynolds missed the entire season while 650 recovering from Tommy John surgery. D-backs rookies combined to play in 650 games in 2014. That • Pitcher missed the first 136 games of the mark led the majors. season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. 1,380 • Outfielder missed the first 19 games of the season while recovering from a hip injury suffered in 2013. Later in the The 15 D-backs players who saw the disabled list in 2014 year, he missed another 39 games with a strain in his left calf. combined to spend 1,380 days on the shelf. Only the spent more cumulative days on the disabled list. • Outfielder missed 72 games while on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his left foot. NATIONAL. Bryan Minniti, former Nationals assistant GM, hired by • Relief pitcher J.J. Putz missed 33 games while on the disabled Diamondbacks list with forearm tightness. By James Wagner / The Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals- • A.J. Pollock missed 80 games while on the journal/wp/2014/10/23/bryan-minniti-former-nationals- disabled list with a fractured right hand. assistant-gm-hired-by-diamondbacks/

• Infielder Cliff Pennington missed 55 games while on the Bryan Minniti, a well-respected former Nationals assistant disabled list with a thumb injury. general manager, was hired to fill the same job title with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team announced on Thursday • Third baseman retired after being placed on the evening. Minniti left the Nationals three days after their first- disabled list with a knee injury 65 games into the season. round playoff exit, a surprising move after serving as Washington’s assistant general manager for five years. • Outfielder Ender Inciarte missed seven games while on the disabled list with a concussion in 2014. Minniti will serve as the Diamondbacks’ assistant general manager in a revamped front office. The Diamondbacks have a • Infielder Jordan Pacheco spent 26 games on the disabled list front office leader (Chief Baseball Officer Tony LaRussa, a with shoulder tendinitis. former manager), a new general manager (former pitcher and agent Dave Stewart) and manager (Chip Hale). • Starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo missed the final 90 games of the season while on the disabled list as he recovered from Minniti joined the Nationals in 2009 as an assistant general Tommy John surgery. manager and was a highly-valued member of the front office. He handled everything from contracts to helping with daily • Infielder Chris Owings missed 57 games while on the disabled operations of the team. Many rival executives and player agents list with an ankle injury. sought him out when dealing with the Nationals because of his responsiveness and professionalism. Minniti is viewed across • Paul Goldschmidt missed the final 52 games of baseball as a future general manager candidate. the season while on the disabled list with a broken hand. Minniti spent nine seasons with the before A glance at that list doesn't tell the whole story, however. Here's joining the Nationals. He had been a constant in the Washington a look at the injury effect, by the numbers: front office, playing a role in helping guide the Nationals’ rise from the bottom to the top of the . 9 The Nationals have remained mum about how they plan to Only nine players from the D-backs 25-man roster replace Minniti. If they choose to promote from within, Director stayed on the active roster for the entire season. Here's a list of of Baseball Operations Adam Cromie would be a prime those players: , , Tuffy candidate. Cromie, who worked closely with Minniti, was key in Gosewisch, Aaron Hill, , Miguel Montero, Oliver overhauling the Nationals’ analytical department and building Perez, Addison Reed and . their internal database. The Nationals are also in talks with 5

Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014 former Cincinnati Reds vice president and assistant general will serve under GM Dave Stewart, who was hired by the club manager Bob Miller, who worked with Nationals General last month. Manager Mike Rizzo when the two were with the Diamondbacks. Minniti spent the last five seasons as the assistant GM for the Washington Nationals, who were eliminated in the National Minniti joins D-backs, Zimmermann keeps improving League after finishing with the league's best By Dan Kolko / MASN record for the second time in three seasons. While working http://www.masnsports.com/nationals- under Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, Minniti was part of a front pastime/2014/10/minniti-joins-dbacks-zimmermann-keeps- office staff that drafted major league stars and contributors such improving.html as , , and others. The team also acquired Doug Fister, Gio Gonzalez, Denard Bryan Minniti has found a new home, as the Diamondbacks Span, and others in separate shrewd deals during have announced that the former Nationals front office man has Minniti's tenure. joined Arizona's organization as an assistant general manager. In 2001, Minniti began his career in baseball serving as an intern Minniti spent the last five years with the Nats as an assistant GM in the Pittsburgh Pirates' baseball operations department. He under Mike Rizzo, before announcing that he was leaving the spent nine years in the Pirates' front office before joining the organization just a few days after the Nats were knocked out of Nationals. the postseason. The D-backs also brought in Mike Russell as a baseball Minniti was a well-liked member of the Nats' front office, and operations special assistant and pro scouting coordinator. Russell assisted with everything in the baseball operations department had served as a major league scout for the Detroit Tigers since from contract negotiations to player transactions to budgeting to 2002. making sure the Nationals were compliant with league rules. Those two changes made by the D-backs are the latest in a string He'll now be a part of a re-worked Diamondbacks front office of moves that began with the hiring of Tony La Russa as chief that features Tony LaRussa as the team's new Chief Baseball baseball officer in May. Stewart and senior vice president of Officer and former big league pitcher Dave Stewart as the new baseball operations De Jon Watson were brought in on Sept. 25, general manager. just weeks before the team switched out its manager and about half of the major league coaching staff. After leaving Nationals, Bryan Minniti joins Diamondbacks as assistant general manager D-backs prospect Drury testing his potential By DJ Short / NBC Sports By Don Ketchum / MLB.com http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/23/after-leaving- http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99326220/d-backs- nationals-bryan-minniti-joins-diamondbacks-as-assistant-general- prospect-brandon-drury-testing-potential-in-afl manager/ Add another name to the list of outstanding young infield After stepping down as assistant general manager of the prospects for the D-backs. Brandon Drury is determined to find Nationals earlier this month, Bryan Minniti has accepted the himself a spot on the big league roster sooner rather than later. same role with the Diamondbacks. Drury, you might remember, was one of the players to land in Minniti is the latest addition to Arizona’s new-look regime. Chief Arizona from Atlanta in early 2013, when the D-backs sent baseball officer Tony La Russa hired Dave Stewart as general outfielder Justin Upton to the Braves. Drury was a 10th-round manager and De Jon Watson as senior vice president of baseball Draft pick by the Braves in '10. operations before Chip Hale was brought on board as manager. Along with today’s announcement about Minniti, the team also The D-backs thought enough of Drury's potential to place him confirmed that they have added Mike Russell as special assistant on the roster of the Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall to Watson and coordinator of pro scouting. League.

Minniti has been with the Nationals since 2009 and previously If he reaches the top level for the D-backs, Drury would be the worked with the Pirates from 2000-2008. Some speculated that second prospect from that trade to do so. Nick Ahmed, who he could be a potential GM candidate with the Dodgers, but played shortstop for the Rafters in the Fall League a year ago, former Diamondbacks and Padres general manager played in 25 games for Arizona in '14. is considered the likely favorite for the gig. Third base also has been Drury's primary position, but there has Diamondbacks hire Bryan Minniti as assistant GM been some talk that he could start seeing more time at second By Bryan Kilpatrick / SB Nation base. He worked a bit at second this summer after being http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/10/23/7055175/bryan- promoted from Advanced Visalia to Double-A Mobile. minniti-hired-diamondbacks-assistant-general-manager Drury, 22, has played strictly third base thus far for Salt River, The Arizona Diamondbacks have hired Bryan Minniti as but is open to trying on the second baseman's shoes. He began assistant general manager, the team announced on Thursday. He his career as a shortstop in high school at Grants Pass, Ore. He also played first base along the way. 6

Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014

"But if they [the D-backs] want me to learn second base, that's Prep bowling lacks a Midnight Madness or the similar preseason just another way for me to be in the lineup,'' Drury said. pomp of much of its brethren sports.

Whichever direction he goes, Drury hopes some of the Major Still, the fact remains: just around the time football players begin League atmosphere here will rub off and continue to serve as studying the Xs and Os of traditionally foreign playoff motivation. opponents, boys bowlers start examining lane oil patterns.

"I'm excited to be playing in this league,'' the 6-foot-2, 190- Pitchers (of water and pop) and keglers report to bowling alleys pound Drury said. "I know a lot of guys have come through here statewide Monday for the first day of practice. Girls teams and have gone on to have good careers.'' follow suit Nov. 17.

Drury hit a combined .299 with Visalia and Mobile, and he has a Optimism is especially high for the St. Charles East boys as an .281 average with 55 homers in five pro seasons. Drury has hit experienced core returns. .209 with a pair of homers and four RBIs in his first 10 AFL games. “They’ve been bowling off and on for a little bit here, so they’ve been getting some opportunities to be successful early, for sure,” "The more you play the game, the better you get,'' Drury said. "I Saints coach Steve Dessauer said. am older and I think I have been playing smarter baseball at every level.'' Girls bowlers must wait three more weeks to open practice. The IHSA staggered the start of girls season after adding a regional The calendar has not reached the point where the D-backs have component to the state series last school year. The scheduling communicated much with him about what the future holds. also lessens conflicts of interest for programs whose coaches guide both the boys and girls teams. Part of that has been due to a change in leadership, with Dave Stewart replacing Kevin Towers as general manager and then The overlap into the end of a handful of fall sports opens the hiring Chip Hale to replace Kirk Gibson as manager. bowling dialogue on some campuses sooner than you’d think.

"Either way, whoever is the GM or the manager, you have the “We start talking about it when homecoming rolls around,” same frame of mind and take the same approach,'' Drury said. North Stars girls coach Lindsay Madej said. “ ‘Are we going to "You just go out there and play as hard as you can.'' be in the parade?’ and that kind of stuff.”

Drury wants to learn to have better at-bats and will look to see As Madej awaits her first look at North’s newcomers, she has how pitchers approach him and learn more what to expect in heard informally that her team will include its share of band certain counts. members.

That may be difficult to do sometimes in the AFL, having rarely So there’s your pomp. And who needs Midnight Madness when seen a lot of the pitchers or not at all. That is where his there’s cosmic bowling? teammates come in -- many of the older ones have seen many of the pitchers along the way and can pass along a bit of strategy. Goin’ to Miami (Ohio): Geneva senior shortstop/outfielder Anna Geary tweeted her commitment "Just be as smart as you can about your at-bats,'' Drury said. Thursday night to play her collegiate softball at Miami (Ohio).

Drury is an acquaintance of Rockies shortstop Geary helped the Vikings to a 21-13 record last season, and has received words of advice and encouragement via text providing a veteran influence on a team loaded with freshman messages on a few occasions. and sophomore contributors.

"I'm a big fan. I just like how he works,'' Drury said. Brick by brick: As Cougars officials keep brainstorming ideas for the club’s 25th anniversary season in 2015, one development Drury hopes the D-backs will soon say the same thing about already boasts an existing foundation. him. The Cougars Legacy Brick Program offers fans the opportunity RENO ACES to inscribe their names and favorite memories as part of a presentation set for prominent display at the Gate 3 entrance to MOBILE BAYBEARS Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

VISALIA RAWHIDE Bricks are available in three sizes: 6 inches x 6 inches ($100), 6 x 12 ($250) and 12 x 12 ($500). The engraving company will KANE COUNTY COUGARS determine the final location of the commemorative bricks and Druley: Rolling toward bowling season reserves the right to edit inscriptions. By Kevin Druley / The Kane County Chronicle http://www.kcchronicle.com/2014/10/24/druley-rolling- For more information, contact Lance Buhmann at 630-232- toward-bowling-season/aprpcs7/ 8811, ext. 1259 or [email protected]. 7

Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014

 After leaving Nationals, Bryan Minniti joins HILLSBORO HOPS Diamondbacks as assistant general manager 9:58 pm EDT (NBC Sports) MISSOULA OSPREY  Bochy awaits results of Lincecum MRI 9:05 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) NATIONAL  has hip surgery 8:57 pm EDT (NBC Sports) MLB NEWS  Moss has hip surgery, could be running by January 8:50 October 24, 2014 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews  Royals-Giants Preview 8:48 pm EDT (The Associated October 24, 2014 Press)  Baseball is dying, you guys 10:04 am EDT (NBC Sports)  At 1-all, World Series moves to quirky Giants park 8:47 pm EDT (The Associated Press)  “The are what the Yankees used to be” 9:40 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Giants' Hudson to face Royals' Guthrie in Game 3 8:47 pm EDT (The Associated Press)  Injured Matt Cain is Series spectator for Giants 9:08 am EDT (The Associated Press)  Royals may bench Norichika Aoki for Game 3 8:16 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Hunter Strickland is “embarrassed” 9:08 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Major League Baseball roundup 7:58 pm EDT (Reuters)  Hudson could give Orioles fans something to watch  PST: Can Phillies get anything for ? 7:55 8:52 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet )  “No one cares about baseball” 8:30 am EDT (NBC  Cubs shutting down prospect from Sports) Arizona Fall League 7:49 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  World Series Reset: On to AT&T Park 7:13 am EDT  Brewers hire as hitting coach 7:38 pm (NBC Sports) EDT (The Associated Press)  Giants' Hudson hungry for baseball World Series start  wants the Braves to be 7:19 pm EDT (NBC 5:23 am EDT (AFP) Sports)  Royals might need a rare pinch hit in Series 4:25 am  Diamondbacks add Bryan Minniti as assistant GM 7:03 EDT (The Associated Press) pm EDT (The Associated Press)  Thursday's Sports Briefs 3:56 am EDT (The Associated  Phillies, Sizemore agree to 1-year, $2M contract 6:53 pm Press) EDT (The Associated Press)  Daily Dose: Unfortunate Series 12:48 am EDT  being sent for MRI for back/side issue (Rotoworld) 6:49 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Nationals roster review: Jose Lobaton 12:10 am EDT  Phillies CEO does not expect team to compete for a (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) while 6:34 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  , a fishing pond and the story of a guy who  decides to stay with Rangers 6:31 pm wanted to be great at something 12:02 am EDT (Yahoo EDT (NBC Sports) Sports)  Mets hire former Yankees hitting coach October 23, 2014 6:06 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  World Series notes: Royals, Giants consider OF  Red Sox hire as hitting coach 5:47 pm EDT changes, etc 11:45 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) (The Associated Press)  Lincecum's back fine, expected to be ready Game 3  Phillies re-sign OF to 1-year deal 5:44 11:05 pm EDT (The Associated Press) pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  21 years ago: homers off to  Phillies sign Grady Sizemore to one-year, $2 million win for Blue Jays 11:01 pm EDT deal 5:30 pm EDT (NBC Sports) (NBC Sports)  Cubs shutting down Addison Russell in Arizona Fall  Giants hope to make history at home 10:58 pm EDT League 5:25 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) (Yahoo Sports)  Craig Breslow expects Red Sox to decline 2015 option  Royals defenders cram for quirky AT&T test 5:17 pm EDT (NBC Sports) 10:46 pm EDT (Reuters)  World Series TV ratings increase from Game 1 to 2  Strickland 'embarrassed', hopes for another chance 5:14 pm EDT (The Associated Press) 10:41 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Sense of stability waiting for World Series at AT&T  A's, San Jose will continue talking ballpark plans 10:31 Park 5:07 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  The World Series ratings are low. So what? 5:04 pm  Lincecum upbeat, 'feels normal' after playing catch EDT (NBC Sports) 10:25 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Alleged MLB drug supplier pleads not guilty 4:04 pm  Baseball-Royals outfield defenders cram for quirky EDT (The Associated Press) AT&T test 10:18 pm EDT (Reuters)  Blue Jays “willing to offer at least a three-year deal” to  Strickland 'embarrassed' by Game 2 actions 10:07 pm 3:45 pm EDT (NBC Sports) EDT (The Associated Press) 8

Arizona Diamondbacks Daily Clips │ October 24, 2014

 Utley a finalist for NL Gold Glove; Rollins snubbed October 24, 2014 • MLB.com 3:42 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia) http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions  Details announced for this offseason's NatsFest 3:36 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Last updated: Fri, October 24, 2014, 01:13 EDT  No catch! Three Orioles are Gold Glove finalists 3:29 Thursday, October 23, 2014 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Team Player Transaction  admits that the Phillies won’t contend in Philadelphia Signed, ( 2015)(avoids 2015 or 2016 3:15 pm EDT (NBC Sports) Cesar Jimenez Phillies arbitration)  Braves make Hart president of baseball operations 3:14 pm EDT (The Associated Press) Philadelphia Grady Signed, ( 2015)(one-year

Phillies Sizemore extension)  Two A's among finalists for AL Gold Glove Awards 2:59 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) Signed to a Minor League Pittsburgh Pirates Josh Stinson  Gillick: Phillies not a contender in 2015 or 2016 2:28 Contract pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  Giants' Sandoval one of three finalists for NL Gold Glove 2:27 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  White Sox: Alexei Ramirez, named Gold Glove finalists 2:20 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Pirates sign Josh Stinson 2:14 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  The Mets are interested in 2:00 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Nats' LaRoche and Span named Gold Glove finalists 1:49 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Gold Glove finalists announced 1:47 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  New-fashioned Giants built on winning formula 1:43 pm EDT (Reuters)  The Brewers hire Darnell Coles as their hitting instructor 1:30 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Blue Jays “getting a lot of interest” in 1:15 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  HBT Daily: Did outduel Bruce Bochy? 12:45 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Braves name John Hart President of Baseball Operations 12:18 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  The Rockies fire their pitching coach 12:12 pm EDT (NBC Sports)  Olympian Jim Thorpe's remains should not be moved: U.S. court 11:34 am EDT (Reuters)  The Cubs’ battle with the rooftop owners may be coming to an end 11:26 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Miller proved his worth in Orioles time 11:23 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  John Hart to be named Braves President of Baseball Operations 10:42 am EDT (NBC Sports)  The Write Way: KC coach's lineup cards are artful 10:31 am EDT (The Associated Press)  tried to play through an injury. It didn’t work 9:56 am EDT (NBC Sports)  Biogenesis legal issues loom for A-Rod? 9:35 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Royals try and turn World Series into a real contest 9:28 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  There was a Tim Lincecum sighting last night! But then he went away again 8:59 am EDT (NBC Sports)

MLB TRANSACTIONS 9