👋 GOOD MORNING
Happy Thursday! Yesterday was the most satisfying Spring Training game to date for the Diamondbacks, and I’ll get to that below. The Cardinals, though, made headlines for the wrong reasons after it was revealed the team ranked dead last in the NFLPA’s annual report card, another embarrassing blemish in an offseason that has been full of distractions and bad news (See: Michael Bidwill). The biggest gripe revolved around team facilities, something the team said it is addressing with a $100 million investment, which feels more like damage control before free agency kicks off, if I’m being honest. Props to coach Jonathan Gannon, who earned an ‘A’ grade.
Either way … the combine kicks off today, so I’m sure looking forward to some good news to follow along with!
On to the show!
Diamondbacks Dominate on Both Sides in Commanding Win Over Brewers
More of that, please.
The Arizona Diamondbacks put on a show on both sides of the diamond yesterday, led by both old and new faces. The D-backs beat the Brewers 7-1 behind strong pitching and hitting, showing fans how a strong rotation can compliment an offense that was the league’s best last season.
Attack of the Corbins
Newly-signed Corbin Burnes shined in two innings of work, allowing three hits while striking out three. The 30-year-old has yet to allow an earned run in three total Spring Training innings. A more familiar Corbin — Corbin Carroll — was 2-for-2 with a walk and four RBI, which just so happened to come by way of a grand slam. Wednesday’s display was encouraging for fans who suffered through lousy pitching all season, despite having high expectations heading into the 2024 campaign.
- Six other pitchers combined to allow just three hits and one earned run.
- Bryce Jarvis allowed the only earned run, on two hits, while striking out one and walking one in an inning of work.
- Carroll is hitting .429 with two home runs and five RBI in Spring Training.
- Top prospect Jordan Lawlar chipped in two RBI after going 1-for-3 with a home run.
My Take: Alright, we’re just a few games into Spring Training, which is more valuable of a measuring stick than the NFL preseason, but that’s not saying a whole lot. Still, it’s hard to not be excited about what the Diamondbacks have shown when they’re firing on all cylinders this preseason. It’s been hit-and-miss en route to their 2-4 record, but honestly, Spring Training is not about wins and losses. The most compelling storylines revolve around the pitching staff, and the young guns like Lawlar who are trying to carve out a niche in a talented offense. When the dust settles, you know what you’re going to get from guys like Carroll, Perdomo, etc. Watch how the rest of the team clicks, and start getting excited for Opening Day.
Take a Deeper Dive: Derek explains why Corbin Burnes already looks locked in for an Opening Day start.
Is it Time For the Suns to Move on From GM James Jones?
I am known as an eternal optimist, but even I can’t spin the Suns’ season in a positive way. I don’t think any of us thought Phoenix was going to run away with an NBA title, but its 27-31 record, coupled with the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, paints a dark picture over the team’s postseason hopes. Is GM James Jones to blame?
- The Suns have been in a free fall since starting 9-2.
- Jones failed to make any meaningful moves at the trade deadline, sans a mediocre deal for Nick Richards.
- The team culture doesn’t appear terribly healthy, despite the universally praised hiring of Mike Budenholzer.
Musings From Around (and Sometimes Beyond) The Valley
More Accolades: ASU infielder Nu’u Contrades was named Co-Big 12 Player of the Week on Wednesday, marking the team’s second consecutive week of recognition after Brandon Compton earned the honor last week. Contrades hit .385 with five hits, three home runs, one double, five RBIs and six runs scored last week.
Back on Track: The Wildcats got back on the winning track with an 83-66 win over Utah last night, led by Caleb Love’s 23 points and seven assists. Arizona has won two of its last three games, setting up a showdown against No. 9 Iowa State in Ames on Saturday.
Devils Fall Again: The ASU men’s basketball team fell 91-81 to No. 25 BYU at home, marking the team’s seventh loss in its last eight games. The Sun Devils travel to Utah to face the Utes on Saturday before their second-and-final clash against the Wildcats this season — this time in Tucson.
🧢 Tip of the Hat
Should the Cardinals enter the Myles Garrett sweepstakes?
