Diamondbacks Notes: April 13, 2009
* WEBB TO DL - Althought no structural damage was found in his MRI results, Brandon Webb is still feeling some stiffness in his throwing shoulder. The malady has been described as bursitis, which involves a build-up of fluid that impairs the sufferer's range of motion. So rather than have him push through the injury, Arizona elected to place Webb on the disabled list retroactive to April 7, the day after his last start. That makes web eligible to return on April 22.
The team and the player are cautiously optimistic. Injury guru Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus also seems none too worried by the development. While we appreciate the wisdom in prioritizing Webb's long-term health over the desire to have him return immediately, Diamondbacks Nation cannot help but worry about Arizona's best and most important player. Get well soon, Webby.
* MORE SAD NEWS - Still reeling from the death last week of Nick Adenhart, baseball lost two more high-profile figures today.
Long-time Philies announcer Harry Kalas collapsed prior to Monday's matinee between Philadelphia and Washington; he was later pronounced dead at a DC hospital. Through the magic of XM Radio and MLB.com, we got to hear Kalas call play-by-play many times, including during the 2008 World Series.
Kalas' deep and distinctive voice reminds us of the power of broadcasters to shape our impressions of the game, especially on the radio. We are big fans of Arizona's own Greg Schulte (and the iconic Al McCoy, who also graces the Phoenix sports airwaves). Schulte has done a great job on Diamondbacks radio broadcasts since the inaugural season. And as much as we disdain the Dodgers, we cannot help but listen reverently when we hear the superb Vin Scully describe the game.
Also found dead today in his home in Massachusetts was former Tigers phenom Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, whose famous quirks included talking to the baseball while winning 19 games for Detroit in his rookie season of 1976.
* PARKER QUIETS STORM - Jarrod Parker made his first start for Class A+ Visalia in the California League on Saturday night. He didn't last long enough to qualify for the win -- we assume because he was on a pitch count -- but Parker's line (4 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, BB, 4 K) went a long way towards securing Visalia's 2-1 victory over the Lake Elsinore Storm. Good to see Parker open the season in such fine form.
1 responses to this Post, with 1 unique participants
Parker Shines
I love to see him start strong in Class A+ ball. His development has been fantastic thus far... let us hope it continues. As for Webby... I am not worried, better he get it sorted out now than during a run for the playoffs.