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Five D-backs tabbed for GIBBY bids By Austin Laymance / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99666556/five-d-backs-tabbed-for-gibby-bids Fleck hopes to be a part of D-backs' turnaround By Don Ketchum / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99818418/pitcher-kaleb-fleck-hopes-to-be-a-part-of-d-backs-turnaround Stewart, D-backs look to bolster squad for '15 New GM focused on getting team back into contention following rocky season By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99818418/pitcher-kaleb-fleck-hopes-to-be-a-part-of-d-backs-turnaround 3 Best Game 7s in sports since 2000 By FOX Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/video/3-best-game-7s-in-sports-since-2000-102914 Arizona Diamondbacks sell nearly 10,000 D-bat Dogs By ArizonaSports.com http://arizonasports.com/42/1778645/Arizona-Diamondbacks-sell-nearly-10000-Dbat-Dogs Diamondbacks' prospects Drury, O'Brien, Bradley headed to All-Star game By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/diamondbacks-prospects-drury-o-brien-bradley-headed-to-all-star-game Learn to hit with D’backs By YourWestValley.com http://www.yourwestvalley.com/sports/article_fd012146-5fa9-11e4-b170-c7b7603e63c5.html D-backs baseball academy coming in November By Jason P. Skoda / Ahwatukee Foothills News http://www.ahwatukee.com/sports/sports_briefs/article_4ed40d8a-5eec-11e4-b041-33699c826f10.html

D-backs sell nearly 10K D-Bat Dogs By Darren Rovell / ESPN.com http://m.espn.go.com/mlb/story?storyId=11784571&src=desktop D-Backs Close To New Local TV Deal, But MLB-Fox Streaming Pact Slowing Process

By Sports Business Daily http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2014/10/29/Media/DBacks.aspx Nearly 10,000 D-Bat Dogs sold by Arizona Diamondbacks By Aaron Somers / SI.com http://calltothepen.com/2014/10/30/nearly-10000-d-bat-dogs-sold-arizona-diamondbacks/ Arizona Diamondbacks 2015 Payroll Won't Exceed $100 Million By Tony Fischer / SI.com http://heatwaved.com/2014/10/29/arizona-diamondbacks-2015-payroll-wont-exceed-100-million/ Three Lessons The Arizona Diamondbacks Can Learn From The Kansas City Royals By Tony Fischer / SI.com http://heatwaved.com/2014/10/30/three-lessons-diamondbacks-can-learn-kansas-city-royals/ The Arizona Diamondbacks will be the next MLB team to cash in locally By Joe Lucia / Awful Announcing http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/arizona-diamondbacks-will-next-mlb-team-cash-locally.html Game 7 memories By Dan Kolko / MASN http://www.masnsports.com/nationals-pastime/2014/10/game-seven-memories.html

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MLB NEWS October 30, 2014 • MLB.com http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_index.jsp ASSOCIATED PRESS October 30, 2014 • Sports.yahoo.com http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews MLB TRANSACTIONS October 30, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

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Five D-backs tabbed for GIBBY bids By Austin Laymance / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99666556/five-d-backs-tabbed-for-gibby-bids Paul Goldschmidt headlines a group of five D-backs nominated for MLB.com's Greatness in Baseball Yearly (GIBBY) Awards that also includes Aaron Hill, Jake Lamb, A.J. Pollock and Miguel Montero. Goldschmidt received a nomination for Hitting Performance -- specifically a record game against the Dodgers in May. In leading the D-backs to victory, the first baseman set a franchise record with four extra-base hits (two home runs and two doubles) while collecting six RBIs and scoring four runs, both of which were career-highs. Montero and Lamb were also nominated for their bats, while Hill was nominated for his glove and Pollock was nominated for his role in a strange scene at Chase Field. Major League Baseball's A-listers will take home 2014 GIBBY trophies -- the ultimate honors of the industry's awards season -- based on votes by media, front-office personnel, MLB alumni, fans at MLB.com and the Society for American Baseball Research. This year's GIBBY Awards feature nominees in 23 categories. Individual honors will go to the MLB MVP, in addition to the year's best Starting Pitcher, Hitter, Closer, Setup Man, Rookie, Breakout Hitter, Breakout Pitcher, Bounceback Player, Defensive Player, Manager, Executive and Postseason Performer. GIBBY trophies also will be awarded for the year's top Play, Outfield Throw, Storyline, Hitting Performance, Pitching Performance, Oddity, Walk-Off, Cut4 Topic, Regular-Season Moment and Postseason Moment, with video available via MLB.com's Must C highlight reels. In the past several seasons, fans have cast millions of votes across the GIBBY categories, none of which was restricted to individual League affiliation. That's how you know the GIBBYs consider the best of the best. All 30 clubs are represented among the award candidates. In fact, every team will have multiple nominees to begin voting -- a testament to the parity of talent around the game. Several categories -- Play, Oddity, Walk-Off and Cut4 Topic -- will each open balloting with at least one nominee per club. After a week, the four lists will be pared to 10 finalists per group by an expert panel. Fans can vote as many times as they want through Nov. 21 at 9:59 p.m. MST by visiting mlb.com/gibbys, and winners will be announced live on the MLB Network and MLB.com on Dec. 6. Hill flashed the leather in a game against the Padres and received a nomination for best Play. Playing third base for the first time

since his rookie season, Hill made a diving catch to his right with full-extention on a line drive off the bat of Rene Rivera. Lamb's first career home run earned him a nomination for a Cut4 Topic. After his solo shot to right against the Padres, Lamb returned to the dugout and received the silent treatment from his teammates, forcing the rookie to high-five some imaginary friends. In the end, his peers showed Lamb some love after a bit of rookie hazing. Montero was nominated for a walk-off, as the catcher ended a 10-inning affair against the Rockies with a towering shot to right for his first career walk-off homer. Pollock was nominated for an oddity, which occurred when a swarm of bees in the outfield at Chase Field delayed an April game against the Giants. Not only did Pollock warm up in front of the bees, he also had to track a fly ball into the swarm to retire the first batter of the game. The sequence certainly generated quite a buzz.

Fleck hopes to be a part of D-backs' turnaround By Don Ketchum / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99818418/pitcher-kaleb-fleck-hopes-to-be-a-part-of-d-backs-turnaround SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The D-backs' struggles over the last few seasons and the recent changes in leadership have been well-documented. It's time for a fresh start for chief baseball officer Tony La Russa, general manager Dave Stewart, senior vice president of baseball operations De Jon Watson and manager Chip Hale, all new to their jobs. Arizona pitching prospect Kaleb Fleck recently watched the group walk through the D-backs' Spring Training facility at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, which also serves as the home of the Arizona Fall League's Salt River Rafters. Fleck, a 25-year-old right-hander for the Rafters, said he met the men briefly on their tour and is aware of their pedigree. "With all of their knowledge and ability, there should be no reason why they can't turn things around," Fleck said. And, of course, Fleck would like to be a significant piece of that turnaround. In the Fall League, he certainly has been pitching like it. In his first six games, Fleck tallied two saves and struck out 10 over 6 2/3 scoreless innings. All of that after a strong summer when he served as the closer for the Double-A Mobile Bay Bears. He had 17 saves, a 7-3 record, a 2.56 ERA, 28 walks and 79 strikeouts in 56 games (63 1/3 innings). "Pitching in the Fall League has been a great experience. Things have been pretty smooth. They have gone well," Fleck said.

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In 2013, he was used as the setup man at Class A Visalia, but managed to come up with nine saves. In his third pro season, Fleck says he has been used "anywhere from the fifth up through the ninth inning. I've always had to be ready, and that's a good thing. It's an old saying, but it's true -- the more things you can do, the more chances you have to reach your goal." The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Fleck always has had a goal to pitch in the Major Leagues, but in 2010, late in his junior season at Pittsburgh-Johnstown, his world came crashing down. He had hoped to be selected in the top 10 rounds in Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft, but injured his elbow and was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. There was no Draft for him, "and I was out for 10 1/2 months. There were very few offers. The next year, I was throwing in the Cape Cod League, and I had thrown for some scouts. I think I showed them that I was healthy, because the Diamondbacks made me an offer and I took it. "I haven't regretted it. It got my foot in the door. I threw in the instructional league [in 2011] and got used to it. It was the best route for me." He says he "feels great, and there have been no setbacks." During the rehabilitation process, there were times when he wondered if he would make it back. "There were some definite low points. Rehab got kind of monotonous, but you have to look at the situation from a long-range perspective. I started to see results, and that helped carry me. If you stay positive, you can get through the grind." He is eager to see what happens in 2015. He enjoys the closer's role. "When the game's on the line, you just feed off the energy," he said. "But at this point, I just want to keep making progress. Whatever the team needs."

Stewart, D-backs look to bolster squad for '15 New GM focused on getting team back into contention following rocky season By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99818418/pitcher-kaleb-fleck-hopes-to-be-a-part-of-d-backs-turnaround PHOENIX -- Chief baseball officer Tony La Russa assembled his baseball operations point men in Dave Stewart and De Jon Watson during the final week of the regular season. Together they have to find a way to lift a team that finished 2014 with the worst record in Major League Baseball. "I don't see this as a complete rebuild," said Watson, who was named D-backs senior vice president of baseball operations. "I think we had some bad health, a little bad luck. This club is going to be better than most people are thinking they're going to be going into next year. So I'm excited about coming back into

Spring Training, I'm excited about this upcoming winter and going out and try to find upgraded talent to add to what we currently have in-house." Watson is certainly right about the injuries -- they were devastating -- and a return to health by first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, ace Patrick Corbin and reliever David Hernandez would go a long way toward improving the D-backs' chances of bouncing back in 2015. "We've got the one guy I think everybody in baseball would like to have, and that's Mr. Goldschmidt," Stewart said during his introductory press conference. "When you start right there, I gotta tell you what, if you wake up in the morning and the sun is a little bit cloudy, when you know Goldschmidt is playing it makes everything OK." Health alone will not get the D-backs back on track, though, and the men in charge are well are of that. That's why this winter they will be looking to add at least one starting pitcher to a rotation that imploded early in 2014. There are also many questions to be answered with regards to position players. Is Didi Gregorius their starting shortstop? If so, there is a chain reaction at both second and third to consider as well with Chris Owings, Aaron Hill and Jake Lamb. The struggles of 2014 gave the D-backs an extended look at outfielders Ender Inciarte and David Peralta and whether the brain trust believes one, or both, are every day players will impact what the alignment will be next year. "I want to build a championship caliber team," Stewart said. "I want to compete. I want to come to the ballpark everyday and know that whoever plays against the Arizona Diamondbacks is going to have a tough day at the office." Arbitration-eligible: LHP Wade Miley, INF Jordan Pacheco, INF Cliff Pennington, RHP Addison Reed, OF Nolan Reimold, OF Mark Trumbo. (D-backs hold contract options on arbitration-eligible pitchers Daniel Hudson and Matt Reynolds) Free agents: None. Rotation: The D-backs will likely devote most of their offseason resources to bolstering their starting rotation, though the cost of pitching might be more than they can afford. One-time ace Corbin could return from Tommy John surgery sometime in late April or May, but the club will take things slowly with him to avoid a second blowout. You can put down Wade Miley for being in the rotation, but he might be the lone sure thing depending on whether they want to use Josh Collmenter as a starter or reliever. Rookie Chase Anderson certainly did enough in 2014 to be a leading candidate for 2015, while Vidal Nuno has pitched well enough to make a case to be part of the backend of the rotation. Trevor Cahill -- and his $12 million salary for 2015 -- is not going anywhere, so he will be given yet another opportunity to recapture his pre-2014 form. Prospects Archie Bradley and Andrew Chafin should battle during Spring Training for spots and Randall Delgado is also a possibility. Bronson Arroyo, who had Tommy John surgery last July, will likely miss at least the first half of the season.

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Bullpen: The D-backs talked all year about their bullpen being a strength, but the numbers did not necessarily back that up. The team will have a decision to make on Reed, who will get more expensive through the arbitration process and did not have one of his better seasons. Reliable setup man Brad Ziegler should be recovered from knee surgery by Opening Day and rookie Evan Marshall was impressive in his first taste of the big leagues. The return of Reynolds from Tommy John surgery along with Oliver Perez give the team a pair of quality lefties. Hudson, who made a September return from a pair of Tommy John surgeries will likely pitch in relief and the team is hoping for an early-season return by Hernandez, another Tommy John patient. The club does have depth with prospects like Matt Stites and Jake Barrett among those who will be competing for spots in Spring Training. Catcher: The D-backs appear set at this position with Miguel Montero and Tuffy Gosewisch. Going forward, the team will need to be more diligent about giving Montero more rest whether he likes it or not. Pitchers like throwing to Gosewisch, who has the perfect attitude for a backup. The coaching staff felt like he made strides at the plate this year as well. Veteran Bobby Wilson adds depth while Pacheco provides versatility in being able to play the corner outfield and infield positions as well as catch in a pinch. First base: Goldschmidt's season was cut short by injury, yet he still ranked atop many offensive categories for the team. He was on pace to once again be in contention for the Most Valuable Player Award before being hit on the left hand by an Ernesto Frieri pitch on Aug. 1. When Goldschmidt is healthy, a backup gets maybe three to five starts a year. Second base: If the D-backs elect to go with Gregorius at short then Owings will likely become the starter at second. That would shift Hill to third. Or if the D-backs elect to play Owings at short then Hill could once again become the starter at second. Shortstop: The D-backs have a trio of young shortstops in Owings, Gregorius and Nick Ahmed. Owings won the starting job out of Spring Training, but each saw time at the position in 2014. If Gregorius gets the nod in 2015 then it will set off a domino effect with second and possibly third base. Cliff Pennington is a valuable and versatile backup and the team will look to bring him back in that role. Third base: The D-backs got an extended look at Lamb in 2014 and has to decide if they feel he's their everyday starter there. That decision could be complicated by what happens with Hill at second base. Lamb played solid defense and at times showed his potential at the plate. Outfield: A.J. Pollock will be the center fielder, but after that, things get a little more complicated. Unless Trumbo is moved, he will start in left field. That leaves right field and a battle for playing time between Inciarte, Peralta and Cody Ross. Ross is under contract for one last season, while both Inciarte and Peralta showed promise while getting extended time as rookies in 2014.

3 Best Game 7s in sports since 2000 By FOX Sports Arizona

http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/video/3-best-game-7s-in-sports-since-2000-102914 (Video embedded on website) There’s just something special about a Game 7. Check out our favorites -- including Yankees-Diamondbacks in the 2001 World Series -- and then let us know your favorites in the comments below.

Arizona Diamondbacks sell nearly 10,000 D-bat Dogs By ArizonaSports.com http://arizonasports.com/42/1778645/Arizona-Diamondbacks-sell-nearly-10000-Dbat-Dogs In 2014 the Arizona Diamondbacks unveiled the culinary monstrosity that is the "D-bat Dog." An 18-inch corn dog stuffed with cheddar cheese, jalapenos and bacon that came with a heaping side of fries, the dish could be purchased for $25. And purchased it was. According to ESPN.com's Darren Rovell, D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall said the team sold a whopping 9,517 D-bat Dogs this season. "Everyone wanted it, including all the visiting broadcast teams," Hall said. "We've had these 'wow' items for some time, and most of the time they don't stick. This one caught fire. It's going to be hard to top this one" Hall added that when the season began the supply could not keep up with the demand, forcing the team to purchase three new fryers and the supplier to work extra hard to make more.

Diamondbacks' prospects Drury, O'Brien, Bradley headed to All-Star game By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/diamondbacks-prospects-drury-o-brien-bradley-headed-to-all-star-game As saviors of the future, it may too early anoint several Diamondbacks prospects in the Arizona Fall League. Yet, their presence is getting attention. On Wednesday, infielder Brandon Drury, pitcher Archie Bradley and catcher Peter O’Brien were named to the East Division all-star team. This contingent will play the West Division in the league’s annual All-Star Game this Saturday (5 p.m.) at Salt River, the Diamondbacks’ spring training facility. Appointment to an all-star team is usually reward for putting up big numbers, a return for the previous season and something like a lifetime achievement. In the Fall League, this criteria is completely compromised and players are selected because of their potential value to their organization. In the case of Bradley, Drury and O’Brien, the Arizona front office recognizes these players as the conceivable core of the future. Bradley, for one, was on the verge of consideration for a spot in the rotation as early as the opening of spring training.

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Yet, a pitiful performance against Team Australia during the Diamondbacks’ trip to Sydney in March and his subsequent fall from grace exiled the 22-year-old to an injury-prone season in the minors. Now, the Diamondbacks must believe that elevation to an all-star will help both Bradley’s production and confidence. After four starts with the Salt River Rafters in the Fall League, Bradley is 0-2 with a 6.55 ERA. Yet, he is coming off four, solid shut-out innings last Friday against the Glendale Desert Dogs and pronounced himself exorcised of all past demons. By his admission, O’Brien is happy with his bat and said he needed work on throwing. That was before he threw out three runners at second base last Friday against Glendale. Now, he looks forward to appreciate his selection into the all-star galaxy. “It’s a huge honor and an opportunity to play another day of baseball with some great players,” O’Brien said after Salt River and Surprise played to a 4-4 tie Wednesday afternoon in Surprise Stadium. “No, I’m not thinking about any injury in this kind of game because injuries happen. I’m just going out and enjoying another day of baseball.” Coming into Wednesday’s game, O’Brien was hitting .231 with three home runs. O’Brien tops the league with 14 walks and smacked home runs on back-to-back days on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 during Fall League competition. For the most part, Drury’s bat has been silent in the Fall League. Coming into play Wednesday, the Diamondbacks’ third base prospect was hitting .182 (10-for-55) with one double and two home runs. At this point, Drury was not selected because of his current numbers but his worth to the Diamondbacks future. The East squad will be managed by Salt River skipper Andy Haines of the Marlins’ organization and Diamondbacks’ minor league hitting instructor Jacob Cruz will assist. After Saturday’s All-Star game, two weeks of competition remain before the championship game Saturday Nov. 15, I p.m. at Scottsdale Stadium between the East and West Divisions. Coming into play Wednesday, the Rafters (with representatives from the Astros, Diamondb acks, Rockies, Marlins, Twins) won 13 of their 17 games and had a four game lead over the Mesa Solar Sox (Jays, Angels, A’s, Cubs, Nationals) in the East Division. In the West Division, Glendale (Brewers, Dodgers, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers)held a one game advantage over the Surprise Saguaros (Mariners, Padres, Rangers, Reds, Red Sox).

Learn to hit with D’backs By YourWestValley.com http://www.yourwestvalley.com/sports/article_fd012146-5fa9-11e4-b170-c7b7603e63c5.html Phoenix • The Diamondbacks Baseball Academy, presented by Phoenix Children’s Hospital and supported by UnitedHealthcare, is offering an elite player development hitting

program for boys and girls ages 8 to 18 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick each week in November, December and January. The unique program will feature 60-minute sessions in the D’backs batting cages with personalized hitting instruction from D’backs staff members such as Mark Grace (D’backs Assistant Hitting Coach), J.R. House (Hillsboro Manager), Robby Hammock (Visalia Manager), Chris Cron (Minor League Hitting Coordinator), Luis Urieta (Arizona League Manager), and Javier Colina (Arizona League Hitting Coach). The hourlong sessions begin on Monday and will be offered from 4 to 8 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in November, December and January with some schedule modifications during the holidays. Interested participants can choose between one session for $50, seven sessions for $300, or 15 sessions for $600 and includes a free ticket to a D’backs 2015 home game. For information and to sign up for the unique program, call 800-821-7152 or visit www.dbacks.com/academy.

D-backs baseball academy coming in November By Jason P. Skoda / Ahwatukee Foothills News http://www.ahwatukee.com/sports/sports_briefs/article_4ed40d8a-5eec-11e4-b041-33699c826f10.html The D-backs Baseball Academy, presented by Phoenix Children’s Hospital and supported by UnitedHealthcare, are offering an elite player development hitting program for boys and girls ages 8-18 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick each week in November, December and January. The unique program will feature 60-minute sessions in the D-backs batting cages with personalized hitting instruction from D-backs staff members such as Mark Grace (D-backs assistant hitting coach), J.R. House (Hillsboro Manager), Robby Hammock (Visalia manager), Chris Cron (minor league hitting coordinator), Luis Urieta (Arizona League manager) and Javier Colina (Arizona League hitting coach). The hourlong sessions begin on Monday, Nov. 3, and will be offered from 4 to 8 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in November, December and January with some schedule modifications during the holidays. Interested participants can choose between one session for $50, seven sessions for $300 or 15 sessions for $600; the registration includes a free ticket to a D-backs 2015 home game. For more information or to sign up, call (800) 821-7152 or visit www.dbacks.com/academy.

D-backs sell nearly 10K D-Bat Dogs By Darren Rovell / ESPN.com http://m.espn.go.com/mlb/story?storyId=11784571&src=desktop When the Arizona Diamondbacks started selling the D-Bat Dog, an 18-inch corn dog stuffed with cheddar cheese, jalapenos and

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bacon on a bed of french fries, team president and CEO Derrick Hall was cautious about how well it would sell. "This was the antithesis of what we were doing," Hall said. "We have value items like $4 14-ounce beers and $1.50 kids items. We know our fans want affordable things to buy at the ballpark." But the team, which debuted the item devised by Levy executive chef Michael Snoke this season, also found that fans were willing to pay top dollar for an outrageous food item. The Diamondbacks conservatively projected they would sell 500 D-Bat Dogs on the season. Hall said the team sold 9,517 of them at $25 apiece. "Everyone wanted it, including all the visiting broadcast teams," Hall said. "We've had these 'wow' items for some time, and most of the time they don't stick. This one caught fire. It's going to be hard to top this one" As the D-Bat got more popular, the Diamondbacks had to adjust. "We didn't have enough room in our fryers," Hall said. "We had to buy three new ones. And we weren't the only ones scrambling. The local company where we got the hot dogs from, we were running them ragged." The Texas Rangers were the first team to sell a hot dog for at least $25. The team reportedly sold more than 20,000 of their two-foot long "Boomsticks" in the 2012 season.

D-Backs Close To New Local TV Deal, But MLB-Fox Streaming Pact Slowing Process By Sports Business Daily http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2014/10/29/Media/DBacks.aspx D-Backs President & CEO Derrick Hall said that the team, whose local TV contract with FS Arizona expires after next season, is "'getting very close’ to securing a new deal that will cover either 15 or 20 years,” according to Nick Piecoro of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. It is expected FS Arizona will renew its deal with the team for "at least double or maybe triple the previous contract," which was reportedly worth $31M a year. That figure is short of newer RSN deals, such as the one inked by the Rangers, who “reportedly are taking in” $80M annually from FS Southwest. Hall said, “I think it'll be very similar.” Meanwhile, Hall said a D-Backs payroll of $90M for '15 is “probably a number that makes a lot of sense right now." He said that it is “possible the team could stretch” into the $95-100M range, but “one complication is the cost of picking No.1 in next year's draft.” Piecoro notes the D-Backs will “have a little more breathing room” once the RSN deal is finalized and the club can “take advantage of the TV money” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 10/29). However, SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Ourand & Fisher cite a source as saying that Fox Sports has put its renewal negotiations with the both the Cardinals and D-Backs “on ‘a slow track’ until a leaguewide local streaming deal can be worked out with MLB.” Fox is “not able to cut any streaming deals with individual teams until it reaches an agreement with MLB”

Nearly 10,000 D-Bat Dogs sold by Arizona Diamondbacks

By Aaron Somers / SI.com http://calltothepen.com/2014/10/30/nearly-10000-d-bat-dogs-sold-arizona-diamondbacks/ Perhaps one of the biggest trends across MLB stadiums has been the addition of unusually large – and often ridiculous – food items at teams’ concessions stands. The D-Bat Dog is no exception, debuting this past season with resounding success. The Arizona Diamondbacks figured they would have some fun selling the 18-inch corn dog stuffed with cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and bacon – all served with a full side of french fries. The team expected that they’d end up selling about 500 over the course of the season, according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell, but that was a gross miscalculation. D’backs CEO Derrick Hall instead told Rovell that the team sold a total of 9,517 of them – at $25 apiece. That’s $237,925. In corn dogs. “Everyone wanted it, including all the visiting broadcast teams,” Hall said. “We’ve had these ‘wow’ items for some time, and most of the time they don’t stick. This one caught fire. It’s going to be hard to top this one.” Hall continued, adding that the team wound up needing to install three additional fryers over the course of the season to accommodate the demand. Their local supplier that they got the hot dogs from also had trouble keeping up with the team’s needs. While the D’backs clearly had one major victory on their hands at the concession stands, but unfortunately their performance on the field wasn’t nearly as successful. Finishing the season with a 64-98 record, Arizona had the worst record in all of Major League Baseball in 2014 and the second worst run differential at –127 (only the Texas Rangers, also known for their big ticket concession items, finished worse). While plenty of changes have already begun with regards to Arizona’s personnel on the field and in the front office (new GM, new manager, and the expectation of having a busy offseason) there seems to be one major item that won’t be changing – the food.

Arizona Diamondbacks 2015 Payroll Won't Exceed $100 Million By Tony Fischer / SI.com http://heatwaved.com/2014/10/29/arizona-diamondbacks-2015-payroll-wont-exceed-100-million/ Last years terrible attendance and an expiring TV deal are conspiring to affect the Arizona Diamondbacks payroll in 2015. After a season where the Diamondbacks lost nearly 100 games, the revenue projections for 2015 can’t be good. So in order to keep the team in the black, Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall believes the payroll for 2015 in not likely to exceed $100 million. “$90 million is probably a number that makes a lot of sense right now,” said Hall. We’ve got a little bit to play with, but we’ll have to get creative. For us to do things, probably have to move a player or two here or there.” Figuring the Diamondbacks payroll number is complicated. Not only do the Arizona Diamondbacks have declining revenue to

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deal with they also have to deal with the increased cost of drafting 1st in this years draft. ‘It’s not only number one overall but number one in each round,” Hall said. “As that budget has gone up, I’ve got to shave a little off of major league payroll. The team’s revenue will get a boost in 2016 when the team new TV contract takes hold. Although not finalized yet the new contract from Fox Sports Arizona figures to be in the $90 million range. The payroll reduction reduces the likelihood that the Arizona Diamondbacks will make a play for any of the big free agent names on the market. Pitchers like Max Scherzer, James Shields or hitters like Victor Martinez are most likely out of the question for the D-backs. Unless of course a trades(s) can be made to provide some space in the payroll for the Diamondbacks to make a major acquisition. The team began the process of clearing some payroll with the trades of Gerardo Parra and Brandon McCarthy last season but there are a few more bloated contracts that could be moved. With a new general manager in place it’s likely the Arizona Diamondbacks will be involved in trade talks early this off-season to make space for some free agent acquisitions. Overall, it looks like it could be an interesting off-season for the Diamondbacks

Three Lessons The Arizona Diamondbacks Can Learn From The Kansas City Royals By Tony Fischer / SI.com http://heatwaved.com/2014/10/30/three-lessons-diamondbacks-can-learn-kansas-city-royals/ The Kansas City Royals are the feel good story of the summer. They started slow, overcame adversity, stuck together and advanced to the seventh game of the World Series. What more they did it spending less than most of the other teams in the American League. If you are a fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you shouldn’t look at the Kansas City Royals with a jealous eye. Instead you should look at the Royals with hope and a sense of what could be in store for the 2015 Diamondbacks. Before you scroll down to the comments and type something that insults my mental status, let me be clear. I am not predicting the Arizona Diamondbacks will be in the 2015 World Series. But what I am saying is that it’s possible considering these three lessons we learned for the Kansas City Royals this season. Size Doesn’t Matter Would it surprise you to hear that the Arizona Diamondbacks outspent the Kansas City Royals by nearly $20 million? That is more than the Royals paid James Shields in 2014. The size of your payroll doesn’t guarantee success in baseball. Just ask the Los Angeles Dodgers. The fact that money can’t buy

championships has been proven time and again. Yet teams still try to but there way to the top. So when the Arizona Diamondbacks talk about cutting payroll in 2015, don’t be discouraged. With the right chemistry and leadership you can achieve quite a bit in this game. Now it’s up to the Diamondbacks front office to make the right moves. Speed Kills Many teams choose to build their teams around the long ball. This season the Kansas City Royals have shown that speed can be just as deadly as power. Kansas City led baseball in stolen bases with 153. Conversely they were dead lst in home runs with just 93. In order to overcome this offensive unbalance the Kansas City Royals perfected small ball showing that you can win with more economical speedy players. Bullpen Wanted Another factor in the Kansas City Royals World Series run was their bullpen. The Royals were tied for third in the MLB in saves (53) and lead the league in save percentage (83.67%). In short the royals were lights out after the seventh inning. If they had a little more run production they probably would have won the AL Central. Diamondback fans should look at the Royals as an example of what a small market team can achieve. Luckily the Arizona Diamondbacks have Tony LaRussa, the architect of a couple of small market championships making baseball decisions in the front office.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will be the next MLB team to cash in locally By Joe Lucia / Awful Announcing http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/arizona-diamondbacks-will-next-mlb-team-cash-locally.html Congratulations, Arizona Diamonbacks – you’re the latest MLB team to get an infusion of cash thanks to a new local television deal! According to a report from the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks are “getting very close” to a 15 or 20 year local TV contract that will “double or maybe triple” the $31 million that the team is currently getting paid by Fox Sports Arizona. The new contract will reportedly also be with FS Arizona and since there aren’t any other RSNs in Phoenix, this seems to be a given. Despite finishing with the worst record in baseball this past season, the Diamondbacks were a force on FS Arizona, averaging a 3.38 rating. The Diamondbacks were one of 11 teams to have the highest-rated, most-watched prime time programming in their market, edging out Phoenix’s CBS and NBC affiliates. It’s worth noting that of the other ten clubs to top their markets in prime time ratings this season, five have TV contracts that expire in the next five years, while four others have ownership stakes in their RSN. With the Diamondbacks cashing in, who’s next? Aside from those five market-topping teams (Tigers, Pirates, Cardinals, Royals, Brewers), the two teams to keep an eye on are the Reds

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and Rays, both of whom will see their deals with FS Ohio and FS Florida respectively end after the 2016 season. Both clubs draw strong local ratings, and were second in local, prime time ratings in their markets. Then, we can start looking into the 2020s and beyond, and the local TV bubble (or whatever you want to call it) will be in the back of our minds. And then, there’s this – a report from SBJ this week claimed that MLB and Fox had hit a snag in their discussions surrounding in-market streaming, and that local rights discussions with the Diamondbacks and Cardinals had been tabled. With the Diamondbacks’ deal nearing completion, could we have a solution to in-market streaming for the 2015 season? The report from SBJ states that Fox and MLB had agreed on a price for the streaming rights (apparently, low eight figures in total for Fox’s 15 clubs), but the major hangup remaining is the platform the streams would be hosted on – Fox Sports Go, or MLB.tv. Whatever the platform, you’d need a provider login, much like you do for services like Watch ESPN, Fox Sports Go, BTN2Go, and so on. Imagine that. The Arizona Diamondbacks possibly helping end the chaos of in-market streaming.

Game 7 memories By Dan Kolko / MASN http://www.masnsports.com/nationals-pastime/2014/10/game-seven-memories.html Tonight, we will get to witness one of my favorite things in all of sports - a Game 7. I love Game 7s regardless of when they occur or what sport they come in. A Game 7 in the NHL playoffs is thrilling to me. A Game 7 in baseball's League Championship Series, with a spot in the Fall Classic awaiting the winner, is pretty special. And then there's a Game 7 in the World Series, which we will be treated to between the Giants and Royals tonight. There have only been 36 decisive Game 7s in the history of the World Series, and we've only seen one in the last 11 years. That one came in 2011, when the Cardinals beat the Rangers 6-2 to complete a ridiculous comeback after twice being one strike away from losing the World Series in Game 6. Prior to that, the last Game 7 in the Fall Classic was in 2002 between the Angels and Giants. And before that, we had three straight walk-off World Series Game 7s - the Diamondbacks over the Yankees in 2001; the Marlins over the Indians in 11 innings in 1997, with Edgar Renteria's RBI single leading Florida to the title; and in 1991, when Jack Morris pitched all 10 innings of a Twins win over the Braves, with Gene Larkin's walk-off single taking Minnesota to the title. Of course, the 2001 Diamondbacks team that won it all with a dramatic Game 7 victory featured a man we came to know pretty well this season - Nationals manager Matt Williams. And Williams also took part in the 1997 World Series Game 7, although that time, he was on the losing end, as a member of the Indians.

I was just 12 when Williams' Indians lost in 1997, but I remember the 2001 World Series much more distinctly. Williams went 7-for-26 with a homer and seven RBIs in that thrilling Fall Classic against the Yankees, which came just weeks after 9/11. And Williams was actually in the on-deck circle when Luis Gonzalez blooped that bases-loaded single just over the shortstop off Mariano Rivera, bringing in Jay Bell with the title-clinching run. It was Williams - the Diamondbacks cleanup hitter that night - who greeted Bell as soon as he touched home plate and lifted him up into the air, an image that will be remembered by baseball fans (especially those in Arizona) for some time. Not only had the Diamondbacks won the World Series in just their fourth year of existence after their expansion season in 1998, but they had come back from a ninth-inning deficit against the greatest closer in major league history. There was only one out in the ninth when the Diamondbacks won that game, so if Gonzalez had been retired by Rivera, Williams would have come up with two outs and the bases loaded in a tie game in the bottom of the ninth in Game 7 of the World Series. That's the situation we all dream of when we're kids, right there. And Williams nearly had it. The now-Nationals skipper was asked about that situation at one point during this season, and I remember him saying that he's joked with Gonzalez over the years about it. He was plenty pleased to see Gonzalez come through with the blooper over Derek Jeter's head, helping give Williams his only World Series ring. It's just, c'mon, dude, you couldn't have let Williams be the one to deliver the iconic hit? As for tonight, no home team has lost a Game 7 in the World Series since the 1979 Orioles. The hosts have won each of the last nine Game 7s. Advantage: Royals. Let's hope for a great one tonight, folks.

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October 30, 2014 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews October 30, 2014

Gunfire, arrests erupt as Giants fans revel in win 1:21 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Phillies decline 2015 option on Mike Adams 1:15 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

What’s in store for the Royals this winter? 12:49 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Flashback to 2010: Everyone was worried about Madison Bumgarner 12:16 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Can Matusz have a place on 2015 Orioles? 12:06 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Bovada releases odds for 2015 World Series winner 11:53 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Marlins will pick up Jeff Mathis’ option for 2015 11:48 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Bad bets take a big toll on the Super Bowl's host city 11:27 am EDT (Reuters)

Royals likely to decline Billy Butler’s option, but will he re-sign for less? 11:17 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Royals planned to use Danny Duffy in the playoff rotation, but he was hurt 10:35 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Giants on re-signing Sandoval: ‘We’ll do the best we can’ 10:20 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Bochy’s championship resume ranks among game’s best 9:50 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Phish played 'We Are the Champions' in SF immediately after Giants won 9:30 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

Only thing Royals can do: Tip cap to Bumgarner 9:20 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Bochy had a commitment to Bumgarner's heart 9:03 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

San Francisco Giants fans take to streets after World Series win 8:53 am EDT (Reuters)

Bumgarner a throwback to pre-pitch count era 7:45 am EDT (The Associated Press)

San Francisco celebrations turn violent, two shot: report 7:29 am EDT (AFP)

Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds celebrate the conclusion of the World Series 7:25 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Rewind: Bumgarner lights cauldron, Giants win another title 6:58 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

New dynasty: Giants capture 3rd title in 5 years 6:15 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Old shortstop, fireman help Giants get critical out in Game 7 5:10 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Giants ace Bumgarner wins World Series MVP 4:53 am EDT (The Associated Press)

No fairytale ending to Royals' Cinderella story 4:49 am EDT (Reuters)

Bumgarner rides to the rescue for World Series win 4:48 am EDT (Reuters)

Affeldt tearful upon being named winning pitcher in Game 7 4:47 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Royals' season ends 90 feet short in World Series 4:23 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Column: Bumgarner great, but Bochy good, too 4:21 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Morse concludes abbreviated October with another big hit 4:19 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Baseball-Bumgarner rides to the rescue for World Series win 4:09 am EDT (Reuters)

Baseball-No fairytale ending to Royals' Cinderella story 3:53 am EDT (Reuters)

Ninety feet away: The Royals' dream season dies on third base 3:31 am EDT (Yahoo Sports)

Gordon nearly spoils Giants' celebration plans 3:28 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Big plays by Giants' defense pave way to Game 7 victory 3:02 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Scoring decision gives Affeldt Game 7 win 2:54 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Eight World Series items headed for Cooperstown 2:53 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

How Madison Bumgarner willed Giants to another unlikely World Series title 2:49 am EDT (Yahoo Sports)

Giants beat Royals for baseball World Series title 2:46 am EDT (AFP)

Bumgarner, Giants beat KC 3-2 to win World Series 2:43 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Magical Bumgarner joins World Series legends 2:41 am EDT (AFP)

Giants ace Bumgarner named World Series MVP 2:39 am EDT (Reuters)

Giants ride brilliant Bumgarner to World Series win 2:39 am EDT (Reuters)

San Francisco fans revel in team's hat-trick win 2:38 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Baseball-Giants ride brilliant Bumgarner to World Series win 2:36 am EDT (Reuters)

Pence, Panda celebrate another World Series crown 2:28 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Bumgarner's Series caps headed to Hall of Fame 1:53 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Bumgarner extraordinary as Giants claim decade 1:29 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Baseball-Giants ace Bumgarner named World Series MVP 1:26 am EDT (Reuters)

UPDATE 1-Baseball-Giants ace Bumgarner named World Series MVP 1:25 am EDT (Reuters)

SNC Update: Joe Maddon-to-Cubs buzz intensifies 1:14 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Baseball-Giants close out Royals to win World Series 1:14 am EDT (Reuters)

Selig's imprint seen in Game 7 of World Series 1:12 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Willie Mays Plaza 1:04 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Royals' dream season falls short in World Series 12:57 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Giants' World Series victory parade set for Friday 12:47 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

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Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner is from a place nicknamed 'Bumtown' almost a century ago 12:45 am EDT (Yahoo Sports)

Brian Sabean pushed all of the right buttons this year 12:32 am EDT (NBC Sports)

What they're saying: Giants win World Series 12:18 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Factbox: World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner 12:17 am EDT (Reuters)

List of World Series MVP winners 12:17 am EDT (Reuters)

Inside the Giants’ clubhouse … 12:15 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Alex Gordon would have been a dead duck had he tried to score 12:11 am EDT (NBC Sports)

October 29, 2014

Bumgarner named World Series MVP 11:58 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Video: Pablo Sandoval catches final out in foul territory, Giants win 2014 World Series 11:57 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Baseball-World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner 11:56 pm EDT (Reuters)

Madison Bumgarner pitches the Giants to their third World Series win in five seasons 11:44 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Madison Bumgarner named World Series MVP … obviously 11:37 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Baseball-List of World Series MVP winners 11:33 pm EDT (Reuters)

Baseball-San Francisco pitcher Bumgarner named World Series MVP 11:32 pm EDT (Reuters)

Baseball-World Series champion San Francisco Giants 11:28 pm EDT (Reuters)

Madison Bumgarner pitches Giants to World Series championship in classic Game 7 11:26 pm EDT (Yahoo Sports)

San Francisco Giants win World Series with Game 7 victory against Kansas City Royals 11:23 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Instant Replay: Giants win third World Series in five years 11:21 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS WIN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL'S WORLD SERIES WITH WIN OVER KANSAS CITY ROYALS 11:21 pm EDT (Reuters)

Game 7 live blog: The Giants are World Series Champions! 11:20 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Giants' Bumgarner, Sandoval set postseason records 11:12 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Pablo Sandoval sets new postseason hits record 10:55 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Bumgarner, Giants lead KC 3-2 in Series Game 7 10:49 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Panik starts sensational Game 7 double play 10:23 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Madison Bumgarner breaks postseason innings record 10:19 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

October 30, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

Last updated: Thu, October 30, 2014, 12:04 EST

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Team Player Transaction

Baltimore Orioles

Evan Meek Outrighted to Minors

Chicago Cubs

James McDonald

Declared Free Agency

Chicago Cubs Josh Vitters Outrighted to Minors

Chicago Cubs Chris Valaika Outrighted to Minors

Chicago Cubs Ryan Kalish Outrighted to Minors

Chicago Cubs

James McDonald

Removed From 60-Day DL, (Right shoulder inflammation)

Cincinnati Reds

Johnny Cueto

Signed, ( 2015)(team option exercised)

Los Angeles Angels

Tony Campana

Refused Minor League Assignment - Free Agent

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Team Player Transaction

Cincinnati Reds Neftali Soto Outrighted to Minors

Toronto Blue Jays

Justin Smoak

Acquired Off Waivers From from Mariners, Seattle

Washington Nationals

Ross Ohlendorf

Declared Free Agency

Washington Nationals

Ross Ohlendorf

Removed From 60-Day DL, (Right lumbar strain)

Monday, October 27, 2014

Team Player Transaction

Los Angeles Angels

Ryan Brasier Outrighted to Minors

Los Angeles Angels

Tony Campana

Outrighted to Minors

Los Angeles Angels

Ryan Brasier

Removed From 60-Day DL, (Right elbow strain)

Milwaukee Brewers

Luis Jimenez

Acquired Off Waivers From from Angels, Los Angeles

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Minnesota Twins

Kris Johnson

Cleared Waivers and Became a Free Agent

Minnesota Twins

Kris Johnson

Signed to Play in Japan, (sold to Hiroshima Carp)

Oakland Athletics

Brad Mills

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Philadelphia Phillies

B.J. Rosenberg

Outrighted to Minors