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Users: Brenly key to first-half success ESPN.com | ||||||||||||||||||
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Guru Brenly I think that Bob Brenly has done an amazing job with the D-Backs. When the offense struggles, he starts getting aggresive with the hit and run. And he does it with all the right guys! He knows how to take advantage of the experience the Diamondbacks possess. But I really like how they have used the minors as their savior. They have had many miracles performed by their crafty youngsters. And a lot of their injuries are starting to heal. I think they could continue to be a real threat for the NL pennant. Sean Phoenix Upgrade needed! D-Backs should get 4 baseballs! How could they do much better than they have under the circumstances? David Kalish Phoenix Trade Durazo I think the Diamondbacks ought to trade Erubiel Durazo to get a quality closer or starting pitcher. It's too bad the Indians won't let go of Bob Wickman, because he would fit perfectly for the money-strapped D-Backs, somebody they likely could afford. Tony Womack also needs to go, but don't know if they can get Pokey Reese for him. Don't think the Diamondbacks will keep up this pace. Matt Williams is too brittle. Steve Finley doesn't appear like he'll make any noise. And trusting Counsell at the top of the order might be asking for too much. Richard Obert Phoenix Geezers know how to win It's amazing what these old guys are doing, especially considering the woeful lack of enthusiasm from the fans. BOB has got to be the deadest park in all of baseball. I expect these veterans will be able to do what it takes to win the division, but I wonder if the offense is consistently productive enough to get to the World Series, and be able to win it. Seems to be enough pitching if one more starter has a good second half and Byung Hung Kim is able to contribute in large measure from the bullpen. Warren Burdick Hayward, Calif. Using the farm The job Brenly has done is amazing. The injury list, especially at pitcher is very lengthy but has been overcome by borrowing from Tucson. The second half of the season will include the return of Reynoso, Witt, Morgan and 3B Matt Williams. If any or all can jump to midseason form, the Dbacks could be for real. Bob Semple Oro Valley, Ariz. No looking back I'm totally amazed that the D-Backs are where they are without Matt Williams, (Matt) Mantei and a solid center fielder. If Matt can come back strong and Luis stays as hot as he is, they could go all the way in the West. How about putting Dellucci in center? Lou Sacramento, Calif. Early vote for Manager of the Year In several ways, the D-backs have overachieved. To have as many injuries as they've had, where they've been forced to plunge deep into Triple-A, and to only have Luis Gonzalez post a career-year-type season, Bob Brenly should be hands-down Manager of the Year. If Brian Anderson can remain healthy the rest of the year, Arizona has a solid 1-2-3 pitching rotation. Matt Williams returning will be huge, though I'd expect him to take a couple weeks before hitting like he's capable. However, just the presence of Williams in the 4-hole behind Gonzalez -- and you thought Gonzo had good pitches to hit so far? -- could make Gonzalez a legitimate Triple Crown threat. Who'da thought that center field may actually be a liability? Steve Finley still has the great glove, but Brenly has a quandary in terms of his offense. David Dellucci and Danny Bautista have been solid when given chances to play in the outfield, and both are having better seasons than Finley. Interesting to see what happens there. The defense has been solid for the most part, but the offense still needs help. Gonzo can't do it all by himself. Arizona NEEDS Tony Womack back in the leadoff spot, or on the bench while Craig Counsell plays short full-time. I honestly don't think a trade is truly necessary for this team; the bench is outstanding, the defense has been solid, the pitching has been above and beyond the call of duty (this is outside Johnson and Schilling). All they need is one or two more hitters to help Gonzo and this team just could run away with the division. Winning two of every three intra-divisional games should certainly help that cause. David Woodburn Flagstaff, Ariz. Team defies conventional baseball logic It's amazing to watch this team continue to win despite all the injuries, it's age and the sub-par years of several key players. While it's painful to see (Steve) Finley struggle and go from a streaky power hitter who could carry the team at times to an unproductive automatic out in critical situations, the biggest disappointment has been Tony Womack. Here you have a punch-and-judy lead-off hitter with great speed who thinks (erroneously) that he's Babe Ruth and refuses to hit anything but fly balls (lazy pop outs) and will not take a base on balls. His OBP is abysmal, he is doing none of the things for which the Diamondbacks acquired him, and he needs to sit. Kim and Durazo are the future of the team and if they are traded in another Mantei-like panic move, D-Backs fans can count on years of cellar-dwelling mediocrity as this cash-strapped organization regroups. Robert MacIntosh Sun City, Ariz. A lot of ifs If Joe G. (Garagiola) trades Durazo (won't be popular, but with Cust in the wings, not a big deal)f or a guy like Sterling Hitchcok (will do as well or better than Reynoso if healthy) ... If Williams actually can come back and contribute this time ... If Kim and Prinz continue to close (Isringhausen not needed) ... and the I-10 Express from Tucson continues to deliver ...AND if Brenly can keep the bandaids coming ... AND if Gracie and Gonzo keep it going ...They go to the Series against Seattle. Craig Altschul Prescott, Ariz. |
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