95 games played, time to look at the Tankapalooza standings
If there was no consensus pick at the top of this year’s draft, at this point the same cannot be said for the 2022 draft. Outfielder Elijah Green is currently regarded as the class of the draft, with some feeling he has the potential to be a generational talent. Now, there’s almost a year to go. Remember, at this point last year, the rallying cry was #TankForKumar. But Kumar Rocker ended up not being the #1 pick, he barely scraped into the top ten, going at #10 to the Mets. So, a lot can change. But let’s take a look at the standings, and see whereabout the Diamondbacks currently stand. Though I am fairly sure you already know…
- D-backs: 27-68
- Orioles: 30-62 (+4.5)
- Rangers: 35-58 (+9)
- Pirates: 36-57 (+10)
- Royals: 37-55 (+11.5)
It really does appear to be a two-horse race for the #1 pick next year, between the D-backs and the Orioles. Probably unsurprisingly, they both sit in powerhouse divisions, Arizona is in the NL West with the Giants and Dodgers, who have the best and second-best records in the majors, as well as the Padres (#8). While the Orioles are in the AL East, where there Rays and Red Sox rank #5 and #6 to this point, along with the ever-dangerous Yankees. It’s probably fair to say the teams are closer in real talent than the above shows. By Pythag, the gap is just 1.5 games in favor of the D-backs. Baltimore also had played seven fewer games within its division, so that could come into play down the stretch.
We’ll check in here with an update every five or so games the rest of the way.
Torey Lovullo notes
- Torey still refusing to name Taylor Widener as the starter for tomorrow due to some pending roster moves
- Tyler Clippard threw another rehab outing for Reno last night. 21 pitches, scoreless, no hits or walks, he struck out two. Torey said he’s very close to returning. Everything is going according to plan.
- Ketel Marte was not able to have his MRI as scheduled yesterday, because the MRI unit malfunctioned, so he’ll be getting that today.
- Joakim Soria’s availability for tonight’s game will be decided just before the game. He threw 19 and 17 pitches the last two days. He has not worked 3 days in a row at all this season, or last year either. The last time he did that was August 3-4-5 of 2019.
- Carson Kelly and Asdrubal Cabrera went through all pre-game drills with the team today, including running for Cabrera.
- Nick Ahmed is getting a day off again to keep his games played/workload under control. He feels good. No issues with his knee. Torey also wants to give as equal a share of playing time to younger players.
- This will be Caleb Smith’s first start since the Dodgers game in which he got rocked. He has maintained a good mental attitude despite having to sit on the bad outing for so long due to the all star break.