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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
		<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com</link>
		<description>RUWT? News for Arizona Diamondbacks</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2006-2007 areyouwatchingthis.com</copyright>
		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:43:42 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:43:42 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks acquire RHP Aaron Heilman from Cubs]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHOENIX(AP) -- Reliever Aaron Heilman was acquired Thursday by the
Arizona Diamondbacks from the Chicago Cubs for two minor league
prospects.

The 31-year-old right-hander was 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 70
appearances last season, striking out 65 and walking 34. He
spent six seasons with the New York Mets before he was traded to
Seattle last December, then was dealt to the Cubs the next
month.

Chicago gets 24-year-old left-hander Scott Maine and 23-year-old
infielder Ryne White. Maine, a sixth-round draft pick in 2007,
was a combined 4-5 with seven saves and a 2.90 ERA with Double-A
Mobile and Triple-A Reno last season. White, a fourth-round
draft pick in 2008, hit .266 with 58 RBIs for Class A Visalia.

The move is intended to bolster an Arizona bullpen that was just
one of many problems for the Diamondbacks last season.

Heilman has a career record of 26-37 with 10 saves and a 4.22
ERA in 375 career games.

The Mets traded him to Seattle last December in a three-way deal
involving Cleveland. Seven weeks later, the Mariners shipped him
to the Cubs for utility infielder Ronny Cedeno and left-hander
Garrett Olson.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/135614-Diamondbacks-acquire-RHP-Aaron-Heilman-from-Cubs</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/135614-Diamondbacks-acquire-RHP-Aaron-Heilman-from-Cubs</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:01:31 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks acquire RHP Aaron Heilman from Cubs]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHOENIX(AP) -- Reliever Aaron Heilman was acquired Thursday by the
Arizona Diamondbacks from the Chicago Cubs for two minor league
prospects.

The 31-year-old right-hander was 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 70
appearances last season, striking out 65 and walking 34. He
spent six seasons with the New York Mets before he was traded to
Seattle last December, then was dealt to the Cubs the next
month.

Chicago gets 24-year-old left-hander Scott Maine and 23-year-old
infielder Ryne White. Maine, a sixth-round draft pick in 2007,
was a combined 4-5 with seven saves and a 2.90 ERA with Double-A
Mobile and Triple-A Reno last season. White, a fourth-round
draft pick in 2008, hit .266 with 58 RBIs for Class A Visalia.

The move is intended to bolster an Arizona bullpen that was just
one of many problems for the Diamondbacks last season.

Heilman has a career record of 26-37 with 10 saves and a 4.22
ERA in 375 career games.

The Mets traded him to Seattle last December in a three-way deal
involving Cleveland. Seven weeks later, the Mariners shipped him
to the Cubs for utility infielder Ronny Cedeno and left-hander
Garrett Olson.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/135422-Diamondbacks-acquire-RHP-Aaron-Heilman-from-Cubs</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/135422-Diamondbacks-acquire-RHP-Aaron-Heilman-from-Cubs</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:52:46 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks add Williams, Porter as coaches]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHOENIX(AP) -- Former Arizona slugger Matt Williams is joining the
Diamondbacks as first base coach.

A five-time All-Star third baseman, the 43-year-old Williams
will make his big league coaching debut. He played for the club
from 1998-2003 and recently completed his fifth season as a team
broadcaster.

Bo Porter will also join manager A.J. Hinch's staff, as third
base coach. Porter spent parts of three seasons with the Chicago
Cubs, Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers.

The Diamondbacks also said that Glenn Sherlock, who has been on
the staff since the team's inception in 1998, will return as the
bullpen and catching coach.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/132974-Diamondbacks-add-Williams-Porter-as-coaches</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/132974-Diamondbacks-add-Williams-Porter-as-coaches</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:18:30 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Webb's $8.5 million option exercised by D-backs]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BOB BAUM
AP Sports Writer

PHOENIX(AP) -- Brandon Webb's $8.5 million option was exercised
Friday by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team counting on the
former Cy Young winner coming back successfully from shoulder
surgery.

The 30-year-old right-hander was the team's opening day pitcher
last season, giving up six runs in four innings, then did not
take the mound again the rest of the year, eventually undergoing
surgery on his pitching shoulder on Aug. 4.

Arizona would have had to pay a $2 million buyout if it had
declined the option.

"He's worked very hard since the surgery," general manager Josh
Byrnes said, "and we're confident that he'll return to be a very
healthy, effective pitcher."

A three-time All-Star, Webb won the 2006 NL Cy Young Award and
was second in voting the next two years. He is 87-62 with a 3.27
ERA in seven seasons. He ranks second in franchise history to
Randy Johnson in wins, starts (198), innings pitched (1,319 2-3)
and strikeouts (1,065).

Webb's 15 complete games rank behind Johnson and Curt Schilling
for the Diamondbacks.

Byrnes and Webb spoke on a conference call shortly after the
announcement was made.

Webb said he knew that the Diamondbacks picking up the option
"was up in the air I think for awhile and rightfully so."

The successful surgery and subsequent good reports on
rehabilitation had made it probable that the team would pick up
the option.

"We did want to use the time we had but once we got out of the
surgery all signs had been positive," Byrnes said.

Asked about the risk of the move, Byrnes said, "There's a risk
in everything."

"I think there's a lot of reward," he added. "You're talking
about one of the best pitchers in baseball."

Webb plans to throw for the first time since the surgery next
Wednesday, some soft tosses before shutting down and beginning
his normal buildup to spring training.

He's confident that he will still have the nasty sinker that
made him one of the league's best pitchers.

"Even when I was throwing and I was still having some pain, the
life on the ball was still there," Webb said. "I can't be too
sure, but I'll probably always have that sinking action."

Webb had pitched more than 200 innings each season from 2004
through 2008 and won 56 games from 2006 through 2008. He went
22-7 in 2008, tying Cleveland's Cliff Lee for the most victories
in the majors.

Before last season, Webb had only been on the disabled list once
as a major leaguer, missing 15 days with right elbow tendinitis
in 2003.

"It's been tough," he said. "I'm usually used to being out there
as much as anybody. It's tough to sit on the sideline and see
the team struggle."

Webb tried to work his way back from the injury without surgery
but after getting opinions from three doctors outside the
Diamondbacks organization, he decided to go ahead with the
operation.

Texas Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister performed the surgery.

Webb thought he had a three-year contract extension with Arizona
in 2008 but the club withdrew the offer, citing insurance
company concerns regarding the shoulder. Webb disputed the
findings, then came the shoulder problems this year and any new
deal became out of the question.

His future with Arizona beyond next season is uncertain.

"Obviously it's going to depend on how the season goes for me as
well as for the team," Webb said. "Hopefully it goes well for
both of us and we can maybe start some talks toward the end of
the season next year."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/131774-Webbs-85-million-option-exercised-by-D-backs</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/131774-Webbs-85-million-option-exercised-by-D-backs</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks decline Tracy's $7 million option]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHOENIX(AP) -- Chad Tracy's $7 million option has been declined by
the Arizona Diamondbacks, who will pay the infielder a $1
million buyout.

The 29-year-old becomes eligible for free agency.

Selected on the seventh round of 2001 amateur draft, Tracy
batted .237 in 98 games this year with eight home runs and 39
RBIs. He spent all of June on the disabled list with a strained
right oblique.

Tracy hit .280 over parts of six seasons with the club with 78
home runs and 318 RBIs.

The Diamondbacks also said right-hander Yusmeiro Petit and
left-hander Doug Slaten had been claimed off waivers, Petit by
the Seattle Mariners and Slaten by the Washington Nationals.

Arizona also sent right-hander Daniel Cabrera, outfielder Trent
Oeltjen and outfielder Alex Romero outright to Triple-A Reno.
Cabrera refused the assignment and elected to become a free
agent.

The Diamondbacks considered Tracy one of their anchors for the
future after he hit .305 with 27 home runs in 2005. In 2006, the
left-handed batter hit .281 with 20 homers and a career-best 80
RBIs.

Tracy signed a three-year, $13.25 million contract before the
2007 season, with a $7 million club option for 2010.

His production hasn't been the same since he had microfracture
surgery on his right knee in September of 2007. Doctors later
discovered a blood clot that, had it moved up his leg, could
have been life-threatenting.

Blood-thinners eventually resolved the problem, but Tracy was
relegated to the bench when he returned in May 2008 and never
regained his old hitting form.

Thursday's moves left the Diamondbacks with 35 players on their
40-man roster.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/131541-Diamondbacks-decline-Tracys-7-million-option</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/131541-Diamondbacks-decline-Tracys-7-million-option</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:15:32 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[D'backs prospect Parker to have Tommy John surgery]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHOENIX(AP) -- Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Jarrod
Parker will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Oct.
28.

The team said in a statement that the surgery will be performed
by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.

The 20-year-old Parker, Arizona's first-round pick in 2007, went
a combined 5-6 with a 3.14 ERA in 20 starts at Single-A Visalia
and Double-A Mobile last season.

Parker had been a candidate to join the Diamondbacks' rotation
in 2010. The club did not say when it expected him to pitch
again.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/128207-Dbacks-prospect-Parker-to-have-Tommy-John-surgery</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/128207-Dbacks-prospect-Parker-to-have-Tommy-John-surgery</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:09:08 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks get INF Tony Abreu from Dodgers]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHOENIX(AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired infielder
Tony Abreu from the Dodgers to complete a trade that sent
pitcher Jon Garland to Los Angeles.

The teams made the move Friday, finishing off the deal from Aug.
31.

The 24-year-old Abreu is a switch-hitter. He played in four
games for Los Angeles this season. He spent most of his time in
Triple-A and Double-A, hitting .312 with 11 home runs and 53
RBIs.

Abreu played career 65 games in the majors for the Dodgers,
batting .270.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Abreu, the Diamondbacks
designated right-handed pitcher Bobby Korecky for assignment.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/125479-Diamondbacks-get-INF-Tony-Abreu-from-Dodgers</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/125479-Diamondbacks-get-INF-Tony-Abreu-from-Dodgers</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:48:42 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Arizona to replace coaches Hale and Bundy]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[PHOENIX(AP) -- Arizona manager A.J. Hinch says third base coach
Chip Hale and first base coach Lorenzo Bundy will not return.

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks gave a two-year contract extension
to bench coach Kirk Gibson.

Hinch says batting coach Jack Howell and pitching coach Mel
Stottlemyre will return, and bullpen coach Glenn Sherlock has
also been offered a contract for next year.

Hinch announced the changes during a season-ending news
conference on Monday at Chase Field. He said he is conducting a
search for replacements for Hale and Bundy.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124719-Arizona-to-replace-coaches-Hale-and-Bundy</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124719-Arizona-to-replace-coaches-Hale-and-Bundy</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:37:59 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Arizona beats Cubs in finale of miserable year]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By RICK GANO
AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO(AP) -- Lockers were being cleaned out and boxes were being
filled with belongings as the Chicago Cubs hurried to get out of
town at the end of a disappointing season.

"It's a little weird to be packing up and heading home, because
the last couple of years we've been still playing," said Ryan
Dempster, the losing pitcher Sunday as the Arizona ended the
year with a 5-2 victory."

Dempster, who won 17 games last season, gave up five runs and
six hits in five innings, struck out 10 and walked one.

"I think a lot of us wish we had a little bit better year than
we did," he said.

Two years ago, the Diamondbacks swept the Cubs in the first
round of the playoffs. This year, both teams can only watch.

Arizona fell from 90-72 two years ago to 82-80 last year to
70-92 this season, the third-worst record in franchise history.
The Diamondbacks were 51-111 in 2004 and 65-97 in 1998, their
first season.

Chicago, without a World Series title since 1908, finished at
83-78, down from 97-64 last year.

The Cubs wasted little time making a change.

Hitting coach Von Joshua was relieved of his duties after
Sunday's game, but will be given the chance to return to
Triple-A Iowa. Joshua was promoted from Iowa on June 14 when
Gerald Perry was fired.

Doug Davis (9-14) allowed six hits in eight innings and lost his
shutout bid in the fifth when Sam Fuld hit his first major
league home run, in his 102nd career at-bat. Juan Gutierrez
finished for his ninth save in 10 chances.

Davis is eligible to become a free agent and was he was "just
thinking that this will be the last time that I play with a lot
of these guys," he said.

"I love everybody in this room. Everybody has treated me well
and the organization has treated me well, and I've got no
quarries with anybody here," he said.

Davis will consider re-signing with the Diamondbacks.

"We'll see what happens. I'm getting to that age where I need to
go where I'm going to be financially stable, so, we'll see what
happens," he said.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella plans to do some fishing and golfing
and spend time with his family when he returns home to Tampa,
Fla., without a chance this year to manage in the postseason. In
his first two seasons, the Cubs were twice swept out of the
playoffs in the first round.

"We've had a longer period of time to know that we were going
home. When it happens in the playoffs, it happens suddenly,"
Piniella said. "Look, it's never easy."

Arizona's Mark Reynolds struck out three times and finished with
a major league record 223, 19 more than the previous mark he set
last year.

Chris Young put Arizona ahead 5-0 in the fourth against Dempster
(11-9) with a three-run homer. It was Young's 15th home run of
the season and eighth since Sept. 4.

He returned from a stint in the minors on Aug. 28.

"It felt good to come back and find my swing back a little bit
and get my aggressiveness back and just the type of game that I
play started to show again and I'm happy with that," Young said.

NOTES: All other Cubs coaches are returning next season, GM Jim
Hendry said. ... Hendry said Ryne Sandberg likely will return to
manage a second season at Double-A in 2010. The Hall of Fame
second baseman has managed three seasons in the minors and led
Tennessee to the playoffs this season. He hopes to someday
manage in the majors. ... Cubs pitchers struck out 16 batters.
... The crowd was announced at 39,154, running the Cubs' home
attendance for 80 games at Wrigley Field to 3,168,859. ... So
Taguchi, the Cubs' 40-year-old left fielder, made a sliding
attempt but couldn't hold Chad Tracy's looping fly ball that
went for a double to start the third. Two outs later, Stephen
Drew hit an RBI single, moved up on the throw and scored on
Gerardo Parra's single to make it 2-0.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124481-Arizona-beats-Cubs-in-finale-of-miserable-year</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124481-Arizona-beats-Cubs-in-finale-of-miserable-year</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:18:48 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks-Cubs Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MATT BECKER
STATS Senior Writer

Arizona (69-91) at Chicago (82-77), 2:20 p.m. EDT

Before this season started, the Chicago Cubs felt like they had
a good chance to end years of frustration and win an elusive
World Series title.

Instead, this season's ending like the previous 100.

The Cubs wrap up one of their more disappointing seasons Sunday
against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field.

While Chicago (83-77) has endured its share of discouraging
seasons, 2009 will rank as one of the most demoralizing because
of the lofty expectations.

After back-to-back NL Central titles, many believed this could
be the year the Cubs would contend for the World Series. But
injuries to sluggers Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano and
underachieving play from free-agent signings Milton Bradley and
Kevin Gregg has kept the club without a championship since 1908.

First baseman Derrek Lee has done his best to carry the team
with a career-high 111 RBIs, but the rest of the lineup has been
unable to keep pace. The offense was expected to be a strength,
but it has plated 705 runs - 150 fewer than 2008, when it
finished second in the majors.

The Cubs, who beat the Diamondbacks 5-0 on Saturday, have
received solid pitching, ranking near the top of the majors with
a 3.83 ERA, but veterans Ryan Dempster (11-8, 3.51 ERA) and
Carlos Zambrano didn't measure up to their normal standards for
much of the year.

Dempster, slated to take the ball in the finale, was 5-5 with a
4.09 ERA at the All-Star break, but he has managed to get on
track over the last six weeks. He's 5-1 with a 1.70 ERA in his
last eight starts and 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA over his last four.

The right-hander was at his best in Tuesday's 6-0 win over
Pittsburgh, throwing a five-hitter for his first shutout since
July 3, 2001, when he played for Florida.

"It's unfortunate the season is coming to an end because I feel
stronger than I did earlier in the year," Dempster said.

One of Dempster's subpar starts earlier this season came at
Arizona on April 29, when he allowed five runs and six hits in
six innings to suffer a 10-0 loss.

While the Diamondbacks (69-92) didn't have the same postseason
aspirations as the Cubs, they're also wrapping up a
disappointing season. Arizona will finish last in the NL West
with its most losses since a franchise-worst 111 in 2004.

The Diamondbacks' problems began on opening day, when 2006 NL Cy
Young Award winner Brandon Webb experienced shoulder pain that
eventually shelved him for the rest of the season. Bob Melvin
was fired as manager in early May and the team hasn't fared any
better under A.J. Hinch.

In the season finale, Hinch gives the ball to Doug Davis (8-14,
4.19), who has allowed at least four runs in three of his last
four starts after yielding three runs or fewer in eight of his
previous nine.

Davis gave up four runs and seven hits while walking five in
four innings to lose 8-4 at San Francisco on Tuesday. He has
issued a major league-high 101 walks on the year.

The left-hander opposed Dempster back in April and held the Cubs
to two hits while striking out seven and walking three in seven
innings to get the win. Davis is 2-2 with a 1.85 ERA in five
career starts at Wrigley, but he hasn't pitched there since
2006, when he was with Milwaukee.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124214-Diamondbacks-Cubs-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124214-Diamondbacks-Cubs-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:57:16 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Wells pitches Cubs to victory over Arizona]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By RICK GANO
AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO(AP) -- Randy Wells was once a minor league catcher who's
now a 12-game winner in the major leagues, with a strong future
in the Chicago Cubs' rotation.

"Having the kind of career I've had, spent a lot of times in the
minor leagues and changed positions and all kinds of stuff,
(you're) just wondering if you will ever get called up," Wells
said Saturday after pitching the Cubs past the Arizona
Diamondbacks 5-0.

"You're just happy to be a part of it."

Wells allowed three hits in seven innings and struck out a
career-high 10.

He was called up from the minors on May 8 and his 12 wins are
the most by a Cubs rookie since Kerry Wood won 13 in 1998.
Wells, who turned 27 in August, is still not completely
comfortable with where he is.

"It's like a light switch around here," he said. "It can flip
any way, any time. While I'm here, while I'm going out there
every five days, I have to personally treat it like it could be
my last start or last outing in the big leagues."

Manager Lou Piniella said Wells - who started pitching in 2003 -
will be in the Cubs' rotation. So he can relax on that front.

"He's done everything any young pitcher can do to establish
himself a spot in the plans of an organization's rotation,"
Piniella said. "He knows how to pitch, he keeps his emotions
under control out there."

Wells (12-10) gave up a leadoff double to Stephen Drew and then
retired 14 straight before Eric Byrnes hit a two-out single in
the fifth. He walked one and his strikeout total was three more
than his previous career high.

"I was able to throw some pretty quality sliders up there and
they were just swinging and missing at them," Wells said.

Chicago broke a scoreless tie with three runs off Daniel Cabrera
in the fourth.

Aramis Ramirez walked, Jeff Baker doubled past first for the
Cubs' second hit, Reed Johnson hit a two-run triple to right
center and Geovany Soto followed with an RBI double.

Cabrera (0-6), winless in his nine starts this season, gave up
four hits and three runs with three walks in five innings.

"That inning right there that was the key to the game, and I
tried to make some good pitches for the ground ball and stuff,"
Cabrera said of the fourth.

Cabrera was released by the Nationals on June 5 and was making
his first start for the Diamondbacks, who signed him to a minor
league deal on Aug. 5.

"It was good because I pitched for the first time in Washington
and took 2 1/2 months off and I came here and pitched a little
bit in the minor leagues and came back and tried to pitch again
in the big leagues and finish," Cabrera said.

Chicago scored two more in the sixth, the first coming on an RBI
infield single by Soto. With runners at first and third, Soto
hit a nubber near the mound and reliever Brian Augenstein fired
the ball into the ground while attempting to throw home. Tyler
Colvin's RBI single off Drew's glove at short made it 5-0.

NOTES: Cubs 1B Derrek Lee, who has a career high in RBIs with
111, returned to the team after missing the previous two games
for what manager Lou Piniella called a personal issue. ...
D-Backs 3B Mark Reynolds struck out four more times Saturday,
increasing his major league record to 220. ... Cabrera hasn't
won since Aug. 9, 2008, while with the Orioles. He is 0-9 in his
last 13 starts overall.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124171-Wells-pitches-Cubs-to-victory-over-Arizona</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124171-Wells-pitches-Cubs-to-victory-over-Arizona</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:25:46 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks-Cubs Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MATT BECKER
STATS Senior Writer

Arizona (68-91) at Chicago (82-76), 1:05 p.m. EDT

It has been a disappointing season for the Chicago Cubs, and
things have gotten even worse since they've been officially
eliminated from the playoffs.

The sluggish Cubs look to get their offense back on track and
avoid losing a fourth straight game Saturday when they host the
Arizona Diamondbacks.

This season has not gone like Chicago (82-77) envisioned after
winning back-to-back NL Central titles. The Cubs had hopes of
making a run for the World Series, but an early-August slump
left them unable to catch division-winning St. Louis.

Although their playoffs hopes have essentially been over for
weeks, the Cubs weren't officially eliminated until Tuesday.
Things have gotten progressively worse since.

After being outscored 12-2 in losing a doubleheader to
last-place Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Chicago fell to last-place
Arizona 12-3 in Friday's series opener. The Cubs left eight
runners on base against the Diamondbacks (69-91), and are
batting .194 in their last three.

"You don't like to get beat up like we have been," manager Lou
Piniella said. "There's no excuse for going out there and
getting whomped on."

While Chicago's offense continues to struggle, Arizona scored
its most runs since plating a season-high 14 in a victory over
Houston on Aug. 28.

Eric Byrnes led the outburst with two homers and five RBIs for
the Diamondbacks, who had combined for eight runs in losing
their previous three games.

It was an encouraging performance for Byrnes, who has been
hampered by injuries the last two seasons.

After hitting 21 homers and stealing 50 bases in 2007, the left
fielder has been limited to 14 home runs and 12 stolen bases in
134 games the past two years. He missed 64 games earlier this
season with a broken hand and was batting .194 with a homer and
two RBIs in his first 19 games since coming off the disabled
list.

"It's very important for me to finish the season strong," said
Byrnes, whose previous multihomer game was May 30, 2007.

Byrnes will try to build on this outing against Chicago's Randy
Wells (11-10, 3.18 ERA), who is set to make his first career
start against the Diamondbacks.

After notching eight wins in a nine-start span between June and
August, Wells' name was being mentioned as a possible Rookie of
the Year candidate. But with only three victories in 10 starts
since, the right-hander's stock has significantly dropped.

Wells allowed five runs and a season-high 10 hits in 5 1-3
innings of Sunday's 5-1 loss to San Francisco, the third time in
four starts he's yielded five runs.

"It seems like it's a broken record with me putting the team in
a hole early," Wells said.

While Wells has been in a bit of a funk, things have been even
worse for Arizona's Daniel Cabrera (0-5, 6.07). Cabrera has
appeared in 14 games this season, and the team he's pitched for
has lost each one.

He started the year in Washington's rotation and went 0-5 with a
5.95 ERA in his first eight outings before being sent to the
bullpen. He was eventually released June 3 and signed a minor
league contract with Arizona on Aug. 10.

Since being called up from Triple-A Reno on Sept. 3, the
right-hander has made five appearances out of the Diamondbacks'
bullpen, recording a 7.50 ERA and no decisions.

This will be Cabrera's first start with the Diamondbacks and
first appearance against the Cubs.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124001-Diamondbacks-Cubs-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/124001-Diamondbacks-Cubs-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:29:24 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Byrnes, Young lead Diamondbacks over Cubs 12-3]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CHICAGO(AP) -- Eric Byrnes and Chris Young want to recapture the
magic that helped Arizona win the NL West two years ago.

If Friday is any indication, they might have found it at Wrigley
Field - the same place their 2007 Diamondbacks wrapped up a
first-round playoff sweep of the Chicago Cubs.

Byrnes had his first multihomer game in two years and drove in
five runs and Young also homered while scoring four times
Friday, leading the Diamondbacks to a 12-3 victory.

"It's very important for me to finish the season strong. Same
for C.Y.," said Byrnes, whose previous multihomer game was May
30, 2007. The five RBIs fell one short of his career high set
July 4, 2004.

"Both of us have had success in this league and we know we can
have success again."

Byrnes and Young had four hits apiece, and it marked only the
second time all season the outfielders homered in the same game.
The other was April 21.

In 2007, Byrnes batted .286 with 21 homers and 83 RBIs while
Young, a rookie, had 32 homers and 68 RBIs. Each homered in the
Game 3 clincher at Wrigley Field.

The Diamondbacks lost their next series to Colorado but expected
to be strong for years. Instead, they missed the playoffs in
2008 and are in last place at 69-91 this season.

Byrnes missed two months this year with a broken hand and is
batting .226 with eight homers and 31 RBIs. Young is hitting
.214 with 14 homers and 39 RBIs. Both spent part of August at
Triple-A Reno, Byrnes on a rehabilitation assignment and Young
trying to find his hitting stroke.

"When we were down in Reno together, that was as much fun as
I've had in two years," said Byrnes, who missed most of 2008
with hamstring injuries. "It took that Reno experience to
realize how much I love the game, because a lot of that love was
lost the past two years. Being injured and scuffling and
external factors ... made baseball not fun."

Young's four hits Friday were as many as he had in the previous
six games combined.

"We're just focusing on this series right now to take something
good into the offseason," he said.

This also has been a disappointing season for the Cubs, who were
expected to win a third consecutive NL Central title but instead
are 82-77 and headed to a second-place finish behind St. Louis.

Since being mathematically eliminated from postseason contention
on Tuesday, Chicago has been outscored 24-5 in losing three
games to last-place Pittsburgh and Arizona.

"You don't like to get beat up like we have been," Cubs manager
Lou Piniella said. "There's no excuse for going out there and
getting whomped on."

Billy Buckner (4-6) allowed three runs, six hits and four walks
in 6 1-3 innings. He gave up only three singles through six
shutout innings before the Cubs scored three times in the
seventh.

Tom Gorzelanny (7-3), hoping to earn a spot in Chicago's 2010
rotation, gave up seven runs and seven hits in three innings,
one of only two bad starts for the left-hander since the Cubs
acquired him July 30 from Pittsburgh.

"It's not the way I wanted to go out," Gorzelanny said. "But
overall, I felt I pitched well after coming here."

Arizona's Mark Reynolds got his 102nd RBI and major
league-record 216th strikeout. He is batting .132 in his past 14
games. Rusty Ryal had four RBIs for the Diamondbacks.

NOTES: At 22-20, Arizona is the only visiting NL team with a
winning record at Wrigley Field. ... Cubs 1B Derrek Lee missed
his second straight game for what Piniella called a personal
issue. Piniella expected Lee to be available Saturday. ... It
was a raw, damp day with a first-pitch temperature of 49
degrees. The average for Oct. 2 in Chicago is 70.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123973-Byrnes-Young-lead-Diamondbacks-over-Cubs-12-3</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123973-Byrnes-Young-lead-Diamondbacks-over-Cubs-12-3</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:00:59 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks-Cubs Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JEFF MEZYDLO
STATS Senior Writer

Arizona (68-90) at Chicago (82-76), 2:20 p.m. EDT

Despite having secured a third-straight winning season, the
Chicago Cubs will likely consider 2009 a disappointment. The
Arizona Diamondbacks certainly will.

Playoff opponents two years ago, the clubs open their final
series of the season Friday at Wrigley Field.

In 2007, Arizona celebrated a three-game sweep on Chicago's
North Side to win the NL division series.

While the Cubs were swept again in the NLDS last season - this
time by Los Angeles - the Diamondbacks (68-91) will miss the
postseason for a second straight year while losing 90 games for
the first time since going 51-111 in 2004.

Chicago's faint playoff hopes officially ended this week after
various injuries and sub-par seasons by Alfonso Soriano, Geovany
Soto and Milton Bradley plagued a struggling lineup that
ultimately derailed a team that was a preseason favorite to win
its third straight NL Central title.

While Chicago (82-76) is 17-12 in September, it will try to
avoid a third straight loss after being outscored 12-2 in
dropping both ends of a doubleheader to lowly Pittsburgh on
Wednesday. Thursday's series finale against the Pirates was
called in the fourth inning due to rain and will not be made up.

"Two runs in two games, unless you pitch two shutouts, you're
not going to win too many baseball games," manager Lou Piniella
told the Cubs' official Web site.

Derrek Lee, who was scratched from Thursday's lineup for
personal reasons, could return for this contest. Lee is batting
.309 with 35 home runs and a career-high 111 RBIs. He's hitting
.386 with nine home runs and 23 RBIs in 23 games this month.

Arizona, meanwhile, tries to avoid a fourth consecutive loss
after being swept at San Francisco. The Diamondbacks have lost
eight of 10 away from home.

"It's a big series in Chicago," manager A.J. Hinch told the
Diamondbacks' official Web site. "Right now we're going, or at
least I am, into the offseason with a pretty sour taste in my
mouth. Ending the season on a positive note is the goal and we
have three games to prove it to ourselves."

The Diamondbacks face Chicago's Tom Gorzelanny (7-2, 4.70 ERA)
for the first time this season.

The left-hander allowed one run in five innings of a 6-2 win at
San Francisco on Saturday to improve to 4-1 with a 4.08 ERA in
six starts since being acquired from Pittsburgh.

"(Coming to Chicago) was obviously great," said Gorzelanny,
who's 1-0 with a 3.15 ERA in three career starts versus Arizona.
"I'm just trying to do my part, whatever it is."

Justin Upton, who's 3 for 6 with a double, triple and home run
against Gorzelanny, drove in two runs in Arizona's 7-3 loss to
the Giants on Thursday.

Despite the Diamondbacks' struggles at the plate in 2009, Upton
is enjoying a career season, batting .304 with 26 homers and 84
RBIs.

Looking to build off his first victory since June 1, Billy
Buckner (3-6, 6.59) takes the ball for the Diamondbacks in his
first start against the Cubs.

The right-hander allowed four runs, three hits and struck out
seven in seven innings of a 7-4 win over San Diego on Sunday.
Buckner was 0-5 with a 7.56 ERA in eight starts between
victories.

Arizona took two of three against Chicago at Chase Field from
April 27-29.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123836-Diamondbacks-Cubs-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123836-Diamondbacks-Cubs-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:12:08 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Lincecum wins final 2009 start]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JANIE McCAULEY
AP Sports Writer

SAN FRANCISCO(AP) -- Tim Lincecum did his usual thing and let
teammates like Rich Aurilia and Randy Johnson get their due.

Aurilia played his final game as a Giant and could retire. The
Big Unit might have thrown his final pitch in a decorated
22-year career.

Lincecum struck out seven in his last start of the season,
Andres Torres homered and hit an RBI triple and the San
Francisco Giants finished their home schedule with a 7-3 victory
over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday.

"Definitely for Richie, you could tell it was going to be a big
thing for him," Lincecum said. "I walked off the mound and he
said, 'It's been a pleasure for me just watching you."'

Lincecum (15-7) was perfect before plunking Arizona leadoff man
Chris Young starting the fourth. He outdid Dan Haren in a duel
between aces.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy hopes Lincecum gets consideration for
a second straight NL Cy Young Award despite a relatively low win
total. The hard-throwing right-hander finished the year with 261
strikeouts, four fewer than last year.

Pablo Sandoval had a sacrifice fly, RBI single and tripled for
the Giants, who won their fourth straight. With a 52-29 final
home record, they drastically improved from last year's 37-44.

San Francisco was eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday
night, but plenty of fans came out to see Lincecum's last outing
and to say a likely goodbye to Aurilia, the popular infielder -
and the last remaining member of the Giants' 2002 NL
pennant-winning team. Aurilia isn't likely to return next year,
and neither is outfielder Randy Winn.

"I've known this day was coming for a while," said Aurilia, who
dealt with the death of his father this season. "I was kind of
emotional out there today. I did have some tears in my eyes. ...
It's a really great day for me and I can't thank the
organization enough."

Aurilia received a rousing standing ovation each time he came to
the plate and he tipped his helmet before stepping in against
Haren (14-10) in the second. Fans chanted "Richie! Richie!" when
he batted in the eighth. He flied out to center, then came out
for a curtain call, waving and saluting the crowd. Aurilia spent
12 seasons with the Giants, first from 1995-2003 then again the
past three.

Bochy let him take his spot at first base in the ninth, then
replaced him with Travis Ishikawa.

"The first (ovation) was a little uncomfortable, the first
at-bat, but I'm thankful that Boch put me in there today and let
me have day like that," Aurilia said. "Because that's something
you never forget as a player."

Lincecum left to a standing ovation with none out and two on in
the top of the eighth. He tipped his cap before disappearing
into the dugout.

Johnson got his due, too. The 46-year-old Big Unit, a 303-game
winner whose shoulder injury forced him into a reliever role,
emerged from the bullpen to pitch the ninth.

Lincecum had allowed only a fifth-inning single to Chad Tracy
before Gerardo Parra's base hit to start the eighth. After a
walk to Tracy, Bochy turned to reliever Bob Howry. Stephen Drew
later drove in Arizona's first run on an RBI single off Dan
Runzler, who then gave up Justin Upton's two-run single.

Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch and pitching coach Mel
Stottlemyre Jr. were ejected in the bottom of the fourth.

Stottlemyre visited the mound to talk to Haren after a walk to
John Bowker. Plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt went out to break
up the meeting, apparently thinking it had gone on long enough.
Stottlemyre began arguing and followed Wendelstedt back to home
plate before being tossed.

Hinch rushed out to argue and yelled for several minutes. He was
ejected for the third time this season.

It was the first career ejection for Stottlemyre. Crew chief
Dana DeMuth said after the game both were warned several times
before being ejected.

"It was just the one inning," Haren said. "I've been struggling
the last few times out. I get into a jam and I can't get out."

Haren struck out the side in order in the third, but didn't have
any other clean innings. He struck out seven and walked one in
six innings, allowing nine hits for the second straight start.

NOTES: San Francisco won the season series 13-5, beating Arizona
at AT&T Park for the 10th time in the last 12 meetings. ...
Giants INF Juan Uribe had the day off to rest his tight
shoulder. ... The Giants drew 2,861,113 this season, the second
straight year they missed the 3 million mark after reaching that
number in the waterfront ballpark's first eight years of
existence. ... Hinch hopes to get 70-80 pitches from Saturday
pitcher Daniel Cabrera in a spot start. Cabrera's most so far
this year with Arizona has been 50. ... San Francisco last won
50 or more games at home in 2003 - their last playoff year.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123756-Lincecum-wins-final-2009-start</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123756-Lincecum-wins-final-2009-start</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:27:02 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Arizona manager Hinch, coach Stottlemyre ejected]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO(AP) -- Arizona Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch and
pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. have been ejected from a game
against the San Francisco Giants.

Stottlemyre went to the mound to talk to pitcher Dan Haren after
a walk to John Bowker in the bottom of the fourth inning
Thursday. Plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt went out to break up
the meeting, apparently thinking it had gone on long enough.
Stottlemyre began arguing and followed Wendelstedt back to home
plate before being tossed.

Hinch rushed out to argue and yelled for several minutes. He was
ejected for the third time this season.

It was the first career ejection for Stottlemyre.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123730-Arizona-manager-Hinch-coach-Stottlemyre-ejected</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123730-Arizona-manager-Hinch-coach-Stottlemyre-ejected</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:20:39 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks-Giants Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
STATS Senior Writer

Arizona (68-90) at San Francisco (85-73), 3:45 p.m. EDT

The San Francisco Giants have fallen short of reaching the
playoffs despite a valiant effort. Tim Lincecum, though, can
give the home fans one more thrill Thursday night.

Lincecum looks to bolster his credentials for a second straight
NL Cy Young Award as he faces Dan Haren and the Arizona
Diamondbacks in the Giants' home finale.

San Francisco (85-73) entered 2009 without major expectations
after back-to-back seasons with at least 90 losses. The Giants,
though, will finish with their first winning record since 2004,
although they were eliminated Wednesday when Colorado beat
Milwaukee 10-6.

"We saw the score," said manager Bruce Bochy, whose club went
13-14 in September. "We knew the last few days that it was a
longshot. We just didn't play our best baseball this month."

One reason for San Francisco's turnaround is its NL-best 51-29
home mark. Lincecum (14-7, 2.47 ERA) has been a big part of that
success, going 9-2 with a 1.84 ERA in 16 outings at AT&T Park.

"Obviously, it's coming down (to the end), but I'm going to
treat it like another game and see how things go," Lincecum told
the Giants' official Web site.

The right-hander will try to end 2009 on a winning note after
going 0-2 with a 5.73 ERA in his last two outings. He gave up
two runs over seven innings in a 3-0 loss to the Cubs last
Friday - his first home loss to a NL team and first since June
17.

Lincecum is 4-1 with a 1.79 ERA in eight career starts against
Arizona (68-90), including 2-0 with a 1.22 ERA in five at home.
Several Diamondbacks have poor numbers against him, including
Mark Reynolds (2 for 13 with eight strikeouts) and Stephen Drew
(3 for 23 with 10 strikeouts).

This will be the second time in Lincecum's career that he will
be matched up with Haren (14-9, 3.02), who is also a Cy Young
Award candidate. Lincecum outpitched Haren on May 27, 2008, by
yielding five runs over six innings in a 6-3 victory.

Haren is making his third start this year against the Giants,
going 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two road outings. He's 6-5 with a
2.86 ERA lifetime against San Francisco in 15 appearances - 14
starts.

The right-hander did not get a decision Saturday when he allowed
five runs over six innings in an 8-5 victory over San Diego.

San Francisco won for the 12th time in 17 meetings with Arizona
with a 4-1 victory Wednesday. Brad Penny pitched a six-hitter
and Eli Whiteside homered and drove in three runs for the
Giants, who have won three straight.

Bengie Molina, who went 4 for 5 with two homers in Tuesday's 8-4
victory, will be back in the lineup in place of Whiteside to
catch Lincecum. It could be the final home game for Molina, who
has spent the last three years with the Giants.

"I'd like for him to catch Timmy's last game here," Bochy said
about Molina.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123606-Diamondbacks-Giants-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123606-Diamondbacks-Giants-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:10:22 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Penny tosses gem, but Giants out of playoff hunt]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO(AP) -- Brad Penny believes San Francisco can contend
for the World Series next year, which is why the right-hander
isn't ruling out a return to the Giants.

Penny, who is eligible for free agency in the offseason, pitched
his first complete game in more than four years to help San
Francisco beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 on Wednesday night,
less than two hours after the Giants were eliminated from
playoff contention.

Penny allowed six hits, walked one and struck out five to remain
unbeaten in four starts this season at AT&T Park since being
claimed off waivers from Boston.

"I like it here," Penny said. "If they make a couple moves, this
team could be playing in the World Series next year. It's
definitely a place I'm going to consider."

San Francisco, clinging to slim postseason hopes at the start of
the game, was knocked out of the playoff race when NL wild
card-leading Colorado beat Milwaukee 10-6 earlier in the night.

The Giants have several personnel decisions to make in the
offseason. The club is long on pitching but short on offense,
one of the primary reasons San Francisco struggled in September
during the heart of the playoff chase.

Penny would likely remain as the team's fourth or fifth starter
if he's re-signed, but the two sides have yet to discuss that
possibility.

"That's something we'll see at the end of the season," Giants
manager Bruce Bochy said. "But what a great acquisition. When
you get a guy like this, he's a real shot in the arm and that's
what we were looking for being in this thing. He did all that we
could ask for and more."

Stephen Drew had two hits for Arizona, which scored its only run
on a throwing error by Penny in the fourth.

The Diamondbacks finished 8-18 in September, their worst month
of the season.

"We scratched out a few singles but we couldn't put anything
together," Arizona manager A.J. Hinch said. "It was (Penny's)
night. He pitched a great game and we didn't offer a ton of
resistance."

Penny (4-1) kept the Diamondbacks off balance after struggling
with his command early. He pitched with runners on base in the
first four innings but worked out of trouble each time. He
retired 16 of the final 17 batters in his fourth career complete
game and first since Aug. 14, 2005, against the New York Mets.

But as San Francisco's hired gun, Penny's success was
overshadowed by the Giants being eliminated from the wild-card
race.

"The whole goal here was to get into the playoffs and it's
disappointing," Penny said. "It does take away from how you
pitched in September, but it's nice to finish strong."

The Giants were scoreboard watching the entire night, knowing
any loss on their part or a win by the Rockies would end their
playoff hopes. When Colorado topped Milwaukee while San
Francisco was in the field during the seventh inning, reality
set in.

"We saw the score," Bochy said. "We knew the last few days that
it was a longshot. We just didn't play our best baseball this
month."

Eli Whiteside had a career-high three hits while subbing for
starting catcher Bengie Molina. Molina, whose two home runs
helped San Francisco beat Arizona 8-4 on Tuesday night, is
scheduled to start the series finale Thursday in what may be his
final home game in a Giants uniform.

If Molina doesn't return, Whiteside and Buster Posey - the
team's 2008 first-round draft pick who hit .325 with 18 homers
and 80 RBIs in the minors this year - will take over behind the
plate.

Whiteside helped the Giants get off to fast start against Kevin
Mulvey, hitting a two-run single in San Francisco's three-run
second.

The Diamondbacks pushed across an unearned run in the fourth
when Gerardo Parra reached on a fielder's choice and scored on
Penny's errant throw on Eric Byrnes' slow roller. The big
right-hander hit Byrnes in the back, with the ball rolling near
Arizona's bullpen as Parra raced around the bases.

Whiteside hit a drive to left in the bottom half for his second
career homer, the first coming Aug. 5 against Houston.

Mulvey (0-3) retired the final seven batters he faced and
yielded five hits in six innings.

NOTES: Giants 2B Freddy Sanchez had surgery to repair a torn
meniscus in his left knee. Manager Bruce Bochy said Sanchez
should be ready for spring training. ... Mulvey, claimed off
waivers from Minnesota on Sept. 1, singled in the third for his
first major league hit. ... The Diamondbacks will start RHP
Daniel Cabrera against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Cabrera has
pitched in relief since being called up from the minors on Sept.
6.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123579-Penny-tosses-gem-but-Giants-out-of-playoff-hunt</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123579-Penny-tosses-gem-but-Giants-out-of-playoff-hunt</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:02:57 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Molina homers twice in Giants' win]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO(AP) -- Bengie Molina gave the San Francisco Giants
something to think about as they contemplate whether to bring
the veteran catcher back for another year.

Molina, who is eligible for free agency this offseason, homered
twice and drove in four runs Tuesday night to lead the Giants to
an 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks that kept San
Francisco's slim wild-card hopes alive.

"We don't know what's going to happen and Bengie doesn't know
what's going to happen," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said.
"I do know he's done a great job here. We wouldn't be in this
position ... without Bengie. He's going to be fine no matter
what happens."

Pablo Sandoval had four hits and two RBIs for the Giants, who
trail NL wild card-leading Colorado by five with five games
left. The Rockies beat Milwaukee 7-5 in 11 innings.

Playing in what could be his last home series with the Giants,
Molina had one of his best nights at the team's waterfront
stadium after sitting out the previous three games with bruised
fingers on his left hand. San Francisco's popular catcher
matched his season high with four RBIs and went deep twice for
the second time this year, giving him a career-high 20.

Molina, 35, hit a two-run homer off Doug Davis in the fourth and
followed Sandoval's two-run shot in the seventh with a drive off
Clay Zavada.

But the Giants need to add more offense and have 2008
first-round draft pick Buster Posey, who hit .325 with 18 homers
and 80 RBIs in the minors this year, waiting to take over behind
the plate.

"Hopefully he'll get back with us and help us like he has the
last three years," winning pitcher Jonathan Sanchez said. "The
way he handles the pitching is amazing."

Molina wasn't in the locker room when reporters were allowed in
after the game.

Miguel Montero homered twice, including a two-run drive into
McCovey Cove in the sixth, for Arizona.

"We gave them a lot of baserunners and allowed them to create
rallies," Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch said. "We couldn't get
out of anything. We always felt like we were one out away from
getting out of something but with two outs they never let up.
Sandoval and Molina were the difference in the game."

Sandoval had two singles, a double and his 23rd homer to raise
his average to .329. He also scored four times.

Sanchez (8-12) retired 11 of the first 13 batters he faced
before yielding Montero's two-run homer in the fourth. The next
batter, Ryan Roberts, hit what was initially ruled a homer
before umpires, using instant replay, changed it to a
ground-rule double.

Left fielder Andres Torres appeared to catch the ball after
leaping at the fence, but it popped out of his glove and landed
on top of the wall momentarily before dropping off. Torres, who
had fallen on his back on the warning track, reached up and
grabbed the ball out of the air but third base umpire Dana
DeMuth signaled home run.

Bochy came out to protest and the umpiring crew left the field
briefly to view the replay before returning and changing the
call to a double. Sanchez then retired Rusty Ryal to end the
inning.

Sanchez allowed three runs and five hits in 5 1-3 innings. Bob
Howry, Dan Runzler, Jeremy Affeldt and Sergio Romo combined to
finish the seven-hitter.

"We're still breathing," Bochy said. "There's a little hope, not
a lot."

Montero's towering drive in the sixth was the first ball hit
into McCovey Cove by a Giants opponent this season and cut San
Francisco's lead to 4-3. Montero picked up his first multihomer
game of the year and third of his career.

"It was like a home run derby," Montero said. "It was a long
game, it was miserable because it was too long and it looked
like the ball was flying today."

Sandoval doubled leading off the bottom half and scored on a
single by Molina.

Davis (8-14) beat San Francisco a week earlier when he went 7
1-3 innings but the left-hander wasn't nearly as sharp this
time. He gave up seven hits and walked five in four innings
while losing for the sixth time in his last eight starts.

Eugenio Velez scored on a wild pitch in the first and Aaron
Rowand drew a bases-loaded walk to give the Giants a 2-0 lead.

NOTES: The Diamondbacks fell to 2-8 at AT&T Park this season.
... Sanchez is 3-1 with a 2.59 ERA in five starts and one relief
appearance against Arizona in 2009. ... Roberts is batting .400
(10 for 25) over his last eight games. ... Davis singled in the
third, his 10th hit of the year. ... Arizona RHP Daniel Cabrera
pitched a scoreless eighth and has not allowed a run in his last
three outings.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123349-Molina-homers-twice-in-Giants-win</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123349-Molina-homers-twice-in-Giants-win</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:12:29 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Diamondbacks-Giants Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BRETT HUSTON
STATS Writer

Arizona (68-88) at San Francisco (83-73), 10:15 p.m. EDT

The San Francisco Giants' playoff hopes may never have reached
their current point of desperation if the rest of their lineup
could produce like Pablo Sandoval and Bengie Molina.

The middle of the Giants' order will look to stay hot Wednesday
night against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks and keep San
Francisco's slim wild-card chances alive.

Only four major league teams have scored fewer runs than San
Francisco (84-73), and by totaling four runs in three straight
home losses to the Chicago Cubs late last week, the Giants'
playoff hopes were essentially ruined.

Molina missed two of those losses with a finger injury, but
returned Tuesday and sparked San Francisco's offense. The
veteran catcher and Sandoval combined for eight hits, three
homers and six RBIs in the Giants' 8-4 victory over Arizona,
keeping them five games behind wild card-leading Colorado with
five to play.

"We're still breathing," manager Bruce Bochy said. "There's a
little hope, not a lot."

The Giants have 117 homers this season - second-fewest in the
majors - with Sandoval and Molina accounting for 43 of them.

San Francisco's 3-4 combination has been at its best this season
against the Diamondbacks (68-89). Molina is hitting .409 with
five of his 20 homers and 15 RBIs in 12 games versus Arizona,
while Sandoval is batting .509 with three homers and 12 RBIs.

The Giants will seek their second win in a week over Arizona
rookie Kevin Mulvey (0-2, 7.41 ERA), who will be seeking his
first win in his fourth start since coming over from Minnesota
in a Sept. 1 trade. Mulvey's latest outing was his best, as he
gave up three runs over six innings last Wednesday in a 5-2 home
loss to San Francisco.

The right-hander allowed two hits - Juan Uribe's two-run homer
was the big blow - but walked four for the second straight game.
Two of those came with Sandoval at the plate, while Molina
didn't face Mulvey.

"It was just a more confident, direct approach at the strike
zone, which we hadn't seen," manager A.J. Hinch told the
Diamondbacks' official Web site. "So that was a good adjustment
for him."

Right-handers are hitting .424 against Mulvey.

Brad Penny (3-1, 3.31) will get the ball for the Giants. He was
brilliant in his last outing for the fourth time in five starts
since signing with San Francisco in late August.

Penny had been chased after allowing seven runs over 2 2-3
innings against Los Angeles on Sept. 19, but gave up only one
run and seven hits over eight innings Thursday against the Cubs.
Brian Wilson's seventh blown save, however, cost Penny the win
and dealt the Giants a critical 3-2 loss.

Even though he'd only thrown 94 pitches, Penny didn't have a
problem with Bochy's decision to give the ball to Wilson.

"Nine times out of 10 he saves that game," Penny told the
Giants' official Web site. "I'd give the ball to him in the
ninth anytime he wanted it.

"To me, it's a no-brainer. Every manager in the game would go to
his closer right there, especially in a one-run game."

Penny hasn't faced the Diamondbacks since 2007 while with the
Dodgers, but he's 8-3 with a 2.13 ERA versus Arizona. Major
league strikeout leader Mark Reynolds is 3 for 5 with a homer
and two strikeouts against Penny.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[mlb]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123354-Diamondbacks-Giants-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/mlb/news/123354-Diamondbacks-Giants-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:52:31 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
	
			
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