Just Joshing
This time of year, Diamondhacks rigorously ignores the self serving charade of 
optimistic blather oozing from many club executives, but when level headed GM Josh Byrnes, measured beyond his years, talks up the club in March, we sit up and take notice.
Our expectations are high. Many people feel that we have conceded the present for the future. That is not the case.... we believe that [we] can compete in the NL West.
And this:
Our depth is outstanding... I believe that our depth will serve us well over the 162-game season, [and help us] make any improvements in-season.
We feel that our pitching depth is very good...we have significant depth to reinforce any problems that arise.
Exciting stuff. I almost want to whip out the Visa and splurge on some "premier" games.
Two caveats on the Joshing, though. First, perceived "depth" is more often a weakness than a strength, in that it signals a failure of individual players to rise above the pack. Several young pitchers vying for a single rotation spot, for example, is often touted as "depth", when it 
more accurately reflects that none of them are quite ready for the show.
Second, and indeed far more worrisome, is that the above quotes from Mr Byrnes, were not delivered on this first day of March, but in March of 2006, just prior to his ballclub floundering to an ignominious, and at least to him surprising, last place finish.
I'm still waiting for a viable explanation from Byrnes as to why they didn't trade the trio of Miguel Batista/Craig Counsell/Luis Gonzalez late last season. They could have gotten some bullpen help and at least four or five prospects by holding three such useful players up for auction.
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I'm still waiting for a viable explanation as to why they didn't hold on to Batista after they went through the trouble of getting him back and he turned in a winning season.
ByrnesBlogger1
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If any of those guys were Jewish, maybe he could've swung a late season deal w/ the Mets.
It's a fair question, but honestly, there are more considerations here than are dreamt of in my philosophy. Grade A/B free agent compensation, seeing Gonzo off "properly", sustaining the illusion of wild card viability, etc,etc.
Aside from holding a special place in Dbacks fans hearts for some big game performances, Miggy exceeded league ave ERA(park adj.) six consecutive years. He may be 36 and have lousy peripherals, but none of the new Dbacks pitchers exceeded league ave last year. Not even Randy.
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Seeing him off properly. Bah!!
If the Mets combine Schoenweis, Green and Newhan into one, does that equal a Koufax?
I read an article the other day that said Newhan is a Christian now anyway.
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"If the Mets combine Schoenweis, Green and Newhan into one, does that equal a Koufax?"
Haha. Sounds like a deal, provided Jason Marquis doesnt rear his ugly head in the discussion.
On Gonzo, I did put properly in quotes. I like Gonzo as much as the next guy - wouldnt mind at all if he got a couple game winners against his old team. But, Paul, watching Gonzo's month long exit from the BOB was quite the tearjerker. You woulda thought the pope died or something.
Sorry, bad example ;-)
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Matt, I know you better than to think you'd approve of the tour they put Gonzo through. The entire idea of a farewell for him was absurd. I'm waiting for the Mets/Jose Lima tour only if it promises that we won't ever see him in a Mets uniform again.
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Since GONZO left I am no longer a D backs fan. Go DODGERS.
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