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D-backs Arizona Fall League overview Bradley using opportunity to refine pitches, rediscover comfort after injury Teddy Cahill / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99850772/d-backs-arizona-fall-league-overview Young reliever Burgos seeing advanced hitters in AFL D-backs farmhand has been with organization since 2008 By Don Ketchum / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99339910/young-reliever-burgos-seeing-advanced-hitters-in-afl Fall Stars Game filled to brim with talent No. 1 overall prospect Buxton among participants of annual AFL contest By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99771626/afl-fall-stars-game-filled-to-brim-with-talent D-backs top prospect Bradley bounces back in AFL Right-hander throws four scoreless innings after struggling first three starts William Boor / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99505044/arizona-d-backs-top-prospect-archie-bradley-bounces-back-in-afl D-backs plant trees for broken bats By Katie Krause / Arizona Diamondbacks http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99567190/d-backs-plant-trees-for-broken-bats Arizona Fall League players see plenty to fix about pace-of-game rules By Zach Buchanan / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/10/27/arizona-diamondbacks-arizona-fall-league-mlb/18025151/ Diamondbacks make 2 more additions to front office By FOX Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/diamondbacks-make-2-more-additions-to-front-office-102414 Diamondbacks' top pitching prospect Bradley sees improvement By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/diamondbacks-top-pitching-prospect-bradley-sees-improvement

Drury adds depth to second base By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/drury-adds-depth-to-second-base MLB Insider: D-Backs Must “Get Creative” This Winter By Eric Sorenson / Sports360AZ.com http://www.sports360az.com/c/az_diamondbacks/ D-backs' Zombie Bobblehead, Best of the Valley Phoenix Magazine - October 2014 D-Backs Baseball Academy to offer elite player development hitting program By Arizona News Zap http://arizona.newszap.com/eastvalley/sports/136094-127/d-backs-baseball-academy-to-offer-elite-player-development-hitting-program Diamondbacks looking toward the future in Az Fall League By Thomas Mitchell / Cronkite News http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/sports/report/102714_diamondbacks_fall_league/diamondbacks-looking-toward-future-az-fall-league/

Griffin's surge tabbed Best Performance D-backs prospect blasted five homers in five ABs; four in one game By Tyler Maun / MiLB.com http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141027&content_id=99739456&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb When the Earth Shook and the Series Stood Still By Harvey Araton / The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/sports/baseball/when-the-earth-shook-and-the-series-stood-still.html?_r=0 Minniti joins D-backs, Zimmermann keeps improving By Dan Kolko / MASN http://www.masnsports.com/nationals-pastime/2014/10/minniti-joins-dbacks-zimmermann-keeps-improving.html Former Cat Andy Green to coach third base for Arizona Diamondbacks By Daniel Solzman / SI.com-Wildcat Blue Nation http://wildcatbluenation.com/2014/10/27/former-cat-andy-green-coach-third-base-arizona-diamondbacks/

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MLB: Agent says Joe Maddon will wait for right opportunity By Mike Berardino / TwinCities.com http://www.twincities.com/twins/ci_26801532/mlb-agent-says-joe-maddon-will-wait-right

Mobile BayBears "Diamond Talk" By Justin Baker / Mobile BayBears http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=36850677&sid=t417

Hillsboro Hops' Ron Tonkin Field still loses money for city despite revenue gains (interactive chart) By Benjamin Brink / The Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2014/10/hillsboro_hops_ron_tonkin_fiel.html#incart_river

Archie Bradley Tops AFL Fall Stars Roster Bradley hurled for the O's in 2011 By Missoula Osprey http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141027&content_id=99797020&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t518&sid=t518 Parra and Eaton Named 2014 Rawlings Gold Glove Finalists Parra and Eaton played for the Osprey in 2006 and 2010 respectively By Missoula Osprey http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141023&content_id=99395150&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t518&sid=t518

MLB NEWS October 28, 2014 • MLB.com http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_index.jsp ASSOCIATED PRESS October 28, 2014 • Sports.yahoo.com http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews MLB TRANSACTIONS October 28, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

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D-backs Arizona Fall League overview Bradley using opportunity to refine pitches, rediscover comfort after injury Teddy Cahill / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99850772/d-backs-arizona-fall-league-overview Archie Bradley wasn't supposed to be pitching in the Arizona Fall League this year. The plan, coming into the season, called for the D-backs' No. 1 prospect to go to Spring Training with the D-backs to compete for a spot in their big league rotation. If the right-hander didn't make the club in April, he'd go to the Minor Leagues for more seasoning and be ready for his Major League debut later in the year. At first, all went according to plan. Though he didn't break camp with the D-backs, Bradley pitched well in Spring Training and then held opponents to two runs on seven hits in 12 innings in his first two starts for Triple-A Reno as calls for his promotion intensified. But the call up to Arizona never materialized. Bradley didn't make it through five innings in his next three starts for Reno and was then shut down for two months due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. He spent the rest of the season working his way back in Double-A Mobile's rotation. "Obviously, you kind of have your own personal plan, but that usually never works out the way you'd want it to," Bradley said. "You know, baseball intervenes and sometimes it's for the best. "I learned a lot about myself this year. A lot of stuff that I couldn't have learned any other way other than going through what I went through." Now, Bradley, ranked No. 9 on MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospects list, is making up for some of that lost time in the AFL, where he is one of seven D-backs playing for Salt River. Once Bradley was ready to begin pitching again in late June, the D-backs sent him to Mobile. He made 12 starts for the BayBears, going 2-3 with a 4.12 ERA. He struck out 46 batters and walked 36 in 54 2/3 innings. After a trying season, Bradley said he is close to getting back to where he was before his injury. He sees the AFL as a chance to make up for the time he lost and to refine his fastball command and changeup. Beyond working on his stuff, Bradley also hopes to improve the mental side of his game this fall. "Kind of get back to the state of mind I was in before the injury," he said. "And get back to feeling comfortable and ready to go again." Bradley is hopeful that he can finish the season well and then go into Spring Training next year with another chance to make the club. But he knows he has a lot of work to do.

"There's a lot I want to prove to my organization," Bradley said. "Why they chose me and kind of live up to that, and show them that I'm ready to help that team win." D-backs hitters in the AFL • Drafted by the Braves in the 13th round in 2010, third baseman Brandon Drury was part of the package sent to the D-backs in exchange for Justin Upton in January 2013. Drury has become more disciplined at the plate and has tapped into more of his natural raw power as a result. Though he was initially looked at as a minor part of the trade, he broke out in his new organization. In 136 games between Class A Advanced Visalia and Mobile, he hit 23 home runs. • Evan Marzilli helped South Carolina to three straight College World Series before the D-backs selected him in the eighth round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. He is an above-average defender in center field thanks to his speed and instincts. Marzilli's bat isn't as advanced as his glove, however. In his first two years in full-season ball, he hit .248/.341/.363 between Visalia and Mobile. • The D-backs acquired Peter O'Brien from the Yankees in exchange for Martin Prado at the Trade Deadline. O'Brien was sidelined for most of August after fouling a ball off his leg, but he still mashed 34 home runs in 106 games this season, the sixth most in the Minor Leagues. While O'Brien's power has never been in doubt, his defensive position has. He is hoping to prove this fall that he can be a catcher, though he also played first base and right field this season. D-backs pitchers in the AFL • Hard-throwing right-hander Enrique Burgos led the California League with 29 saves for Visalia this season. He regularly runs his fastball up into the upper-90s and has overpowered hitters in the low levels of the Minor Leagues. His sweeping slider gives him an effective second pitch, but he'll need to refine his command as he advances toward the Major Leagues. The D-backs added him to their 40-man roster already this fall. • Right-hander Kaleb Fleck signed with the D-backs as an undrafted free agent in 2011 after pitching for three years at Division II Pitt-Johnstown. He advanced to Mobile this season and saved 17 games for the BayBears. He attacks hitters with a mid-90s fastball and a short, biting slider. He has a chance to fit as a setup man in the Major Leagues. • Right-hander Jimmie Sherfy has been a reliever since his college days at the University of Oregon, where he saved 40 games in two years as the Ducks closer. He's continued to pitch late in games since the D-backs drafted him in 2013 and could soon do so in the Major Leagues. He comes right after hitters, attacking them with a mid-90s fastball and a short, biting slider.

Young reliever Burgos seeing advanced hitters in AFL D-backs farmhand has been with organization since 2008 By Don Ketchum / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99339910/young-reliever-burgos-seeing-advanced-hitters-in-afl

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The D-backs recently added right-hander Enrique Burgos to their 40-man roster to protect him in the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Now it's up to him to prove the team made a wise move. Burgos is pitching for the Arizona Fall League's Salt River Rafters, and has pitched effectively early on. He missed a few games when he had to return to his native Panama to attend his grandmother's funeral, but has returned to regular duty, pitching every few days. Burgos, 23, has pitched in five games, earning a victory and picking up two saves. He already has been a member of the Arizona organization for six years, signing as a free agent at age 17 and on the club's radar for longer than that, he said, since 15 or 16. Burgos grew up playing soccer and then switched to baseball. He became a starting pitcher and wanted to follow in the footsteps of countryman Mariano Rivera, who began his career as a starter and then switched to a closer's role, becoming Major League Baseball's career saves leader. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Burgos isn't about to say he is in Rivera's category, but he wants to have a long, steady career in the big leagues. For the first three years as a pro, Burgos was a starter. Then he switched to reliever and has loved it ever since. In Panama, Burgos had plenty of success, striking out hitters left and right, but when he came to America, he encountered something he rarely had experienced back home -- struggles. "I had always thrown hard and was striking out everybody. Failure was hard on me, and I was a long way from home. I got homesick a lot,'' Burgos said. But he persevered. With the help of his coaches, he learned more pitches other than just the fastball and his ERA shrunk from 15 or so to a more respectable level. After posting a combined 13-10 record over his first four seasons, Burgos was sent to the bullpen. "At that point, I was willing to try anything,'' Burgos said. "As a reliever, you have a chance to pitch just about every day. You have to be ready. I saw an opportunity. "I would say I gained more confidence. You throw only one or two innings and you can be aggressive right away. As a starter, sometimes you 'save your bullets.' But my stuff [as a starter] wasn't that good. The last three years, I've worked the eighth and ninth innings. When you are the closer or even a setup man, all eyes are on you.'' He was 7-8 over the last three seasons as a reliever with Yakima (Wash.), South Bend (Ind.) and Class A Advanced Visalia (Calif.)

and in the last two stops combined for 46 saves, including 29 at Visalia. In 2014, he said his control improved a lot, that his walks were down and his strikeouts were up. Burgos also held opponents to a .188 batting average. "Being down in walks is important because the higher you go, the more patient the hitters are,'' Burgos said. I think if you saw me when I started out and compared it to now, I think you would see a pitcher who has grown a lot. "I feel like I have been doing pretty well out here in the Fall League. They have Double-A and Triple-A hitters here and I have been working hard. I just need to continue to do that and see where that takes me.''

Fall Stars Game filled to brim with talent No. 1 overall prospect Buxton among participants of annual AFL contest By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99771626/afl-fall-stars-game-filled-to-brim-with-talent SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Make way for the next generation. Several of the best prospects in baseball will collide on Saturday in the ninth annual Fall Stars Game, the yearly All-Star Game for the Arizona Fall League. This year's contest will feature 14 players on MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospects list, headlined by No. 1 overall prospect Byron Buxton. The game, which starts at 5 p.m. MST, will be broadcast on MLB Network and streamed live on MLB.com. Buxton will be repeating the Fall Stars Game thanks to a spate of injuries in the regular season. The five-tool outfielder will be joined by two fellow members of the Top 10, and there will be seven players among MLBPipeline's Top 50. "It's an honor being out here and playing against the best, and when you invited to go to an All-Star game, it's just another blessing," Buxton said. "You've got to be thankful for the opportunity." Buxton was slowed by a concussion and by injuries to both of his wrists in 2014, a combination of ailments that limited him to 30 games in the regular season. But he's been playing for the Salt River Rafters in the AFL, and his home park will serve as the location for the Fall Stars Game. The game was played at Surprise Stadium for the last eight years. Eight of the Top 100 will be playing for the East in the Fall Stars Game, and Buxton will be joined by fellow Top 10 prospect Archie Bradley. The East team will also have Pirates first baseman Josh Bell (No. 29), Cubs pitcher C.J. Edwards (No. 53), Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo (No. 60), A's shortstop Daniel Robertson (No. 85), Blue Jays outfielder Dalton Pompey (No. 88) and A's first baseman Matt Olson (No. 98). "That's what you want," said Bradley of the talent pool. "You always want to play the best and beat the best. That's what you're going to get in the big leagues, so I think this is a pretty good

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tuneup. It's a big test for a lot of guys to be able to face power arms and power bats." The West team, meanwhile, will be led by Cleveland's Francisco Lindor, rated by MLBPipeline as the No. 4 prospect in baseball. Lindor's star-studded collection of teammates will include Corey Seager (No. 13), Jesse Winker (No. 40), D.J. Peterson (No. 49) and Hunter Dozier (No. 86). Lindor, the eighth overall selection in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, has been playing for the Peoria Javelinas this fall, and he said he's excited to face off against the rest of the league's best. "It's definitely a big honor. I'm happy to be here and I'm excited to be in that game," said Lindor of the Fall Stars Game. "The competition is great. There's a great bunch of players out here, and we all like to compete. I just can't wait to go out there and play with the best out here and just have fun." The Fall Stars Game has traditionally been packed with several players who have gone on to play in the Major Leagues shortly thereafter. The 2013 edition of the game featured 23 players who went on to make the Majors the next season, and between 2009-11, 70 future big leaguers played in the Fall Stars Game. Bradley, picked one spot ahead of Lindor in the 2011 Draft, would love to be a part of that group. "Being in that class of guys is pretty humbling," he said. "That game has been able to springboard a lot of guys' careers and helped them get to the big leagues, so it's obviously encouraging. Especially with what I've been going through: I've started to throw the ball better the last couple outings, so if I can just continue to build on that and go into Spring Training, this will do nothing but benefit me." Lindor, just 20 years old, reached Triple-A for the first time in 2014, and he said the level of talent in the Arizona Fall League is similar to the field of players at the highest level of the Minors. They're just lacking consistency, he said, but each of them is hungry to progress to the higher levels. "I didn't come here to waste my time. I came here to work and I came here to get better," said Lindor of getting to play in the Arizona Fall League. "It's very exciting. I'm one step closer to one of my dreams. And that's not only to play in the Major Leagues, but to be there for a long time." Managers Andy Haines (Marlins) of the East Division-leading Salt River Rafters and Lance Parrish (Tigers) of the West Division-leading Glendale Desert Dogs and their respective coaching staffs earned the right to manage Saturday's Fall Stars Game by having their clubs in first place through the end of play last Saturday. EAST DIVISION Pitchers Christian Bergman, Rockies Archie Bradley, D-backs C.J. Edwards, Cubs Trevor Gott, Angels Brian Ellington, Marlins

Nefi Ogando, Phillies Roberto Osuna, Blue Jays Steven Okert, Giants Tyson Perez, Astros Jake Reed, Twins Adrian Sampson, Pirates Catchers Elias Diaz, Pirates Peter O'Brien, D-backs Infielders Josh Bell, Pirates Brandon Drury, D-backs Kaleb Cowart, Angels Matt Olson, A's Tony Renda, Nationals Matt Reynolds, Mets Daniel Robertson, A's Outfielders Byron Buxton, Twins Aaron Judge, Yankees Brandon Nimmo, Mets Dalton Pompey, Blue Jays Roman Quinn, Phillies WEST DIVISION Pitchers Chris Bassitt, White Sox Parker Bridwell, Orioles Tayron Guerrero, Padres Nick Howard, Reds Cody Kendall, Rangers Francellis Montas, White Sox Nick Maronde, Indians Robby Scott, Red Sox Burch Smith, Padres Samuel Tuivailala, Cardinals Tyler Wagner, Brewers Catchers Justin O'Conner, Rays Mike Ohlman, Orioles Infielders Daniel Castro, Braves Hunter Dozier, Royals Patrick Leonard, Rays Francisco Lindor, Indians D.J. Peterson, Mariners Jace Peterson, Padres Corey Seager, Dodgers Outfielders Rusney Castillo, Red Sox Steven Moya, Tigers Hunter Renfroe, Padres Tyrone Taylor, Brewers Jesse Winker, Reds

D-backs top prospect Bradley bounces back in AFL

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Right-hander throws four scoreless innings after struggling first three starts William Boor / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99505044/arizona-d-backs-top-prospect-archie-bradley-bounces-back-in-afl GLENDALE, Ariz. -- After a rough start to the Arizona Fall League, Archie Bradley's dominant arsenal of pitches finally came to life. The right-hander turned in his best performance of the AFL as the Salt River Rafters won their fifth-straight game and defeated the Glendale Desert Dogs, 8-1, on Friday afternoon. Box Score Bradley, the No. 9 prospect in all of baseball according to MLBpipeline.com, threw four shutout innings and was very pleased with his outing. "It's something that I've been working for, to have a start like that where things kind of rolled together and clicked for me," Bradley said. "I've been searching for a start like that, working my tail off. For it to come together today is a good feeling." Peter O'Brien, the Diamondbacks' seventh-ranked prospect, was behind the plate for the first few innings of the game, and was also impressed with what he saw from Bradley. "He looked great," O'Brien said. "I've caught him a couple times now and that was the best I've seen him. He looked like a power pitcher." Bradley gave up two hits and a walk in the first, but settled down and faced the minimum -- nine hitters, -- over his final three innings. However, that does not mean Bradley was perfect for those innings. Bradley, Arizona's top-ranked prospect, allowed four runners to reach over that span, but picked one off first and the other three were thrown out by O'Brien as they tried to steal. "I've been working hard at it with our coaching staff and some of the guys," O'Brien said of his defense behind the plate. "Things have been clicking for me lately and it was good for it to show in the game so I'm really happy about that." While Bradley was putting up zeros for Salt River, Glendale's Zach Davies was matching him pitch for pitch. Davies, the No. 8 prospect in the Orioles organization, began the game with a 4.15 ERA through his first three AFL starts, but on Friday he twirled four scoreless innings. "He looked good," O'Brien said. "He was mixing pitches well and keeping the hitters off balance." When Davies was done carving up the Rafters lineup, Salt River took advantage of the Glendale bullpen.

Rockies prospect Ryan Casteel drove in the first run of the game with an RBI single in the sixth and then Salt River opened up the game in the seventh and eighth innings. The Rafters used three doubles and a walk to scratch across three runs in the seventh inning and then sent nine batters to the plate in a four-run eighth. Right in the middle of all the scoring was Trevor Story, the Rockies 11th-ranked prospect. Story, who finished 2-for-3 with four RBIs and a pair of walks, extended his hitting streak to four with a two-run double in the seventh, and drove in two more with a double in the eighth.

D-backs plant trees for broken bats By Katie Krause / Arizona Diamondbacks http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/99567190/d-backs-plant-trees-for-broken-bats If only D-backs legend Luis Gonzalez had had a tree planted for every bat he broke during his career. Parks in Phoenix received such a bounty on Friday through the D-backs and Arizona Lottery's "Break A Bat, Plant A Tree" program. "This program is a great concept and if it existed when I was here, there would be a lot more trees around the city because I sure broke plenty of bats in my career," Gonzalez said with a laugh. "I grew up in the inner city and a nice park like this provides a place of opportunity and a safe place for these kids to play and have a good time." At the beginning of the 2014 season, the D-backs and Arizona Lottery teamed up to form the program which falls in line with both organization's sustainability efforts. For every two opponent bats that a D-backs pitcher broke, the D-backs and Arizona Lottery donated a tree to City of Phoenix parks. With nearly 200 opponent bats broken in 2014, three City of Phoenix parks will receive a total of 100 trees to provide much needed shade for community residents. "This is a very special day for Arizona Lottery," said Karen Bach, Arizona Lottery director of budget, products and communications. "I can really envision how the kids will gather here and can be life changing for them. We are honored to partner with the D-backs on this first-time program that touches on the environment and health and public welfare, two areas of focus for the Arizona Lottery that look to enrich the lives of those who live here." D-backs employees joined together with several City of Phoenix employees to plant 21 trees at University Park, where the dedication ceremony took place. City of Phoenix arborist Richard Adkins pointed out three types of trees that were planted, including Red Push Pistache, which will change to a red color in the fall and will provide a great canopy of shade in the spring and summer months. The other trees planted are Indian Rosewood, a type of evergreen tree, and Bonita Ash, which is lush and drought tolerant. The trees stand just outside the outfield wall of Justin Upton Field, a field dedicated in 2012 as part of the Diamonds Back Field Building program.

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"This is something that is really needed for our community," said Michael Nowakowski, Phoenix City councilman. "A few days ago there were some kids messing around with one of the fences at the park and a few kids from the surrounding community told the kids that 'this is our park and our field,' so there is a sense of ownership and pride here."

Arizona Fall League players see plenty to fix about pace-of-game rules By Zach Buchanan / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2014/10/27/arizona-diamondbacks-arizona-fall-league-mlb/18025151/ Houston Astros pitching prospect Mark Appel started the top of the third inning of a recent Arizona Fall League game down in the count 1-0 without even throwing a pitch. Under Major League Baseball's new pace-of-game rules being tested in the fall league, teams have two minutes and five seconds to transfer between innings. When that time expires, the batter should be in the box and the pitcher should be on the rubber. Appel was on the mound in plenty of time, but his catcher airmailed his warmup throw to second into centerfield. Appel's team, the Salt River Rafters, couldn't return the ball to the mound in time to beat the clock. Ball one. Situations like that are just one reason many fall leaguers are less than thrilled about the initiatives to speed up the game. Hitters also have to keep a foot in the box at all times, or be charged with a strike if a pitch is thrown while they're out of it. In games at Salt River Fields, pitchers are held to a 20-second pitch clock, and are called for a ball if they don't beat the timer. "I'm not a big fan of the shot clock at all," Rafters reliever and Diamondbacks prospect Jimmie Sherfy said. "Just get rid of it. I don't think it's part of the game." The biggest issue for most players is that they feel rushed. After a bad swing, a batter sometimes likes to step out of the box to regroup. It's not unusual to see a hitter make a lap across the plate and behind the umpire and catcher after a big swing-and-miss. Pitchers also like to be able to take a second to catch their breath after giving up a hit or throwing ball three. That's all but been eliminated. "It's really just a rush," Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton said. "I know some pitchers after a bad pitch want to step off and just regroup, but they can't do that because they're on a timer now." The pitch clock is seen as a radical solution to baseball's game-length issues, but there are some fans of the shortened time between innings. Pitching changes are also held to 2:30. Diamondbacks pitching prospect Archie Bradley likes the quicker pace between innings and has noticed a difference in game times. Other players don't mind the idea of limiting the

dead space between frames, but would like a little more breathing room. Buxton outlines a scenario that could happen often. If he's playing right field and leading off the next inning, he must run into the dugout, put on his batting gear and be in the box in time to begin his at-bat within two minutes. A catcher would also have difficulty coming in from being on base and gearing up to catch a pitch in only 125 seconds. "By the time you come out of the dugout with your batting gloves and all that on, it's time for you to go straight to the box," Buxton said. "You don't get any warmup swings, you don't get to do your routine. You just go straight in." Another issue has been inconsistency in how the rules have been applied. Watching a game at Salt River Fields, it is nearly impossible to determine what event triggers the pitch clock to start, despite the conditions for starting it being clearly spelled out in the rules. The clock is supposed to stop whenever the pitcher comes set, with his hand in his glove in front of him, in preparation for throwing a pitch. In a game at Salt River Fields on Thursday, the clock never stopped at all, although no pitcher was penalized a ball for not delivering a pitch on time. Also, the rule about stopping the clock when a pitcher has set has been part of the pace-of-game initiatives from beginning, and is a measure engineered to prevent baserunners from having an unfair advantage. Yet not until two weeks into the fall league season were Rafters players informed that they could indeed step off the mound with a runner on after coming set to help tamp down basestealing. It's also difficult for players to go from playing games with the pitch clock at Salt River Fields to playing without it at every other fall league stadium. "You have to be very strict with the rules," Bradley said. "There can't be any leeway with it. It has to be one way or the other." One thing is clear, though — if the goal is to quicken the game, the new rules are working. The average time of game after the first two weeks of the season was 2:50. In the first four games with the pitch clock at Salt River Fields, average game time is 2:33, and that included an 11-inning game that was completed in just 3:12. A spokesman for MLB declined comment on how the new rules are working, saying it's premature to judge their efficacy based on such a small sample size. But if game times keep coming in so short, they may have room to tweak things to make the players more comfortable. MLB also tested instant replay in the fall league last year and made several changes before introducing it at the major-league level for the 2014 season. "It's kind of weird playing baseball with a shot clock around," said Diamondbacks infield prospect Brandon Drury. "It feels like basketball. But it's all right. It's the same game."

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Diamondbacks make 2 more additions to front office By FOX Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/diamondbacks-make-2-more-additions-to-front-office-102414 PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced two more front-office additions, naming Bryan Minniti as assistant general manager and Mike Russell as special assistant to the senior vice president of baseball operations and coordinator of professional scouting. Minniti spent the last five seasons as assistant general manager of the Washington Nationals. He began his professional baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, spending nine seasons in various positions, including two years as director of baseball operations. Russell, who was inducted into the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame in 2013, comes to Arizona after working on the Detroit Tigers scouting staff since 2002. He began his professional career with the San Francisco Giants in 1988 and has also worked for the Toronto Blue Jays and Florida Marlins.

Diamondbacks' top pitching prospect Bradley sees improvement By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/diamondbacks-top-pitching-prospect-bradley-sees-improvement Unsettling and uneasy. If you were to ask Diamondbacks’ right-handed pitching prospect Archie Bradley to describe his introduction to the Arizona Fall League this autumn, the above reference might go a long way. In his first three starts for the Salt River Rafters, Bradley was all over the place. In the process, he dropped two of his opening three starts and ran up an elevated 10.29 ERA. Against the Glendale Desert Dogs Friday afternoon, Bradley did his best Jekyll and Hyde imitation and completely reserved his previous three appearances in a solid, quality start. Bradley is the first to recognize the dramatic transformation and says he hopes the turn-around is permanent. As the Diamondbacks’ number one prospect, according to MLB.com, and MLB’s third overall pitching prospect, Bradley is coming off an injury-prone summer in which he appeared in a total of 18 games between three minor leagues affiliates. Combined, he was only 3-7 and an ERA that reached over 4.5 runs per nine innings. Amid discussion he was a prime candidate for a spot in the Diamondbacks’ rotation at the conclusion of spring training, Bradley proceeded to incur elbow issues and ended up missing more than two months. Now back and healthy, Bradley hopes he is on course to turn heads and grab the attention of manager Chip Hale.

After those disastrous opening three starts to the Fall League, Bradley showed greater command and control Friday and declared a watershed moment. “I was real inconsistent before and that hurt,” he said after his effort on Friday afternoon. “I knew what I was missing and picked up some great help to help strengthen things out.” After his third start with the Rafters, Bradley repaired to watch video with Diamondbacks’ minor league pitching coordinator Dan Carlson and tweak his mechanics. The result was a few minor adjustments and improvement on the mound. If numbers were skewered in his previous starts for the Rafters, Bradley turned heads with a nearly perfect four inning effort. Within that frame, he allowed five hits, no runs, walked one, struck out two and picked off a runner. Throwing 43 pitches, Bradley was ahead of the hitters and in trouble only in the first inning. There, he managed to retire the first two hitters but allowed two singles and a walk before Glendale right-fielder Steven Moya (from the Tigers) grounded to second and ended the threat. Bradley received help from catcher Peter O’Brien, also a solid Diamondbacks' prospect, who threw out three runners attempting to steal second base. All of which put Bradley in a positive frame of mind. “I’m back where I have to be,” he smiled. “I’m challenging hitters, and for me, that’s the most important thing.” FRONT OFFICE ADDITIONS The Diamondbacks named Bryan Minniti as Assistant General Manager and Mike Russell as Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations and Coordinator of Professional Scouting. Minniti joins the organization after serving the last five seasons as the Assistant General Manager with the Washington Nationals. In his role with the Nationals, he assisted General Manager Mike Rizzo in all aspects of the Baseball Operations department, including rules compliance, transactions, budgeting and contract negotiations. Prior to his post with Washington, Minniti spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates in various Baseball Operations positions, including his last two as Director of Baseball Operations. Minniti earned a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. Russell, who was inducted into the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame in 2013, comes to Arizona after working on the Detroit Tigers Major League scouting staff since 2002. His primary role with the Tigers was scouting National League Eastern Division teams and players, which aided in the acquisition of Miguel Cabrera from the Florida Marlins in 2007.

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Drury adds depth to second base By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/drury-adds-depth-to-second-base The traffic jam around second base just became a bit more congested. That’s because Brandan Drury, a third baseman by trade, has been instructed by the Diamondbacks’ organization to bush up on play around the keystone sack. At his point, it appears the Diamondbacks are looking to take out an insurance policy on Chris Owings, who many believe will open the 2015 season as manager Chip Hale’s second baseman. Yet, Owings went through a frustrating season this past summer and appeared in 91 games with 310 plate appearance. Beating out Didi Gregorius for the starting shortstop job in spring training, Owings ended up spending most of the second-half of the season nursing a bruised shoulder. With Aaron Hill (.244 in 133 games, 10 home runs, 60 RBIs last season) in the twilight of his career and signed for the next two years at $12 million each year, the experiment begins to find his heir. In the first thought, Owings would move to second and Gregorius becomes the every-day shortstop. That would leave Jake Lamb, Hill and Drury all as third base prospects. Plus, toss in utility infielder Cliff Pennington, who enters an arbitration-eligible contract year and is not a free agent until 2016, to battle for playing time along shortstop Nick Ahmed, who appeared in 25 games with the Diamondbacks and hit .200 (14-for-70). All of which gives the Diamondbacks additional depth with Drury. Coming over to Arizona with Martin Prado from Atlanta as part of the Justin Upton deal on Jan. 24, 2013, Drury put up better numbers in the Diamondbacks’ organization. Starting the 2014 season at Advanced-A Visalia, Drury hit an even .300 in 107 games (19 home runs, 81 RBIs) before a promotion to Double-AA Mobile. He finished the season with the BayBears and recorded a .295 average with 14 RBIs in 29 games. With the desire to get a closer look, the Diamondbacks named Drury as one of the organization’s representatives in the Arizona Fall League, and the native of Grants Pass, Ore. was added to the Salt River Rafters squad. Off to a slow start, Drury, coming into Thursday night’s game with the Surprise Saguaros, was hitting .209 (9-for-43) with one home run and two RBIs. Drury is not playing in the Fall League to improve numbers at the plate but to give the Diamondbacks a greater sense of security at second base. “I’m not concern and I don’t even have 40 at-bats,” he said before that 43-AB number. “I’m here to play and try and get better. I just go about my business and be hungry.”

Drury did not elaborate on his play down the middle and only said, “I’m playing at second, too.” When Hale was introduced as the Diamondbacks’ manger for 2015, he made a point to emphasize the strength of a baseball team is through the middle. That includes strong catching, dynamic double-play combination and a fleet, capable centerfielder. Coming into spring training, the Diamondbacks would appear to have an adequate middle. Catcher Miguel Montero, with coaching from new bench coach Glenn Sherlock and his mentor Henry Blanco, should improve defensively, the double-play combo of Gregorius and Owings, should that pair emerge as starters, provides strength there and A. J. Pollock in center field is a rising star in the majors. By late next March, Hale and his staff should have a good idea as to infield personnel. Given Drury’s age at 22 and only 29 games as high as Double-AA, it’s likely he would start the 2015 season with the BearBears or possibility Triple-A Reno. Along the way, his time and growing experience at second base should provide important depth for an organization which appears top-heavy with talented infielders. This plethora of ability could also mean possible deals to pick up a front line pitcher of two. That part of the equation gets underway in mid-November. That’s when baseball’s general managers gather in Phoenix in their annual GM meetings and Diamondbacks’ GM Dave Stewart can start playing his hand. ACCOLADES Diamondbacks’ catching prospect Peter O’Brien, playing for the Salt River Rafters, was nominated as position Player-of-the-Week in the Arizona Fall League for Week One. The award went to Surprise outfielder Jesse Winker of the Cincinnati Reds’ organization. For the week, Winker went 5-for-11, four runs scored, two doubles, one home run and knocked in seven runs. STANDINGS AND MORE In games through Wednesday Oct. 22, Salt River, in which the Diamondbacks are part, were leading the East Division, and won 10 for their first 13 games. Right-hander Archie Bradley is slated to pitch Friday against Glendale (Brewers, Dodgers, Orioles, Tigers, and White Sox). Bradley is off to a challenging start in the Fall League and, coming into his Friday start, has a 0-2 record with a 10.29 ERA with the Rafters.

MLB Insider: D-Backs Must “Get Creative” This Winter By Eric Sorenson / Sports360AZ.com http://www.sports360az.com/c/az_diamondbacks/ Some walls have been knocked down, the water damage removed, the termites killed.

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This winter won’t be a complete re-model for the 98-loss Arizona Diamondbacks but far more is needed than a fresh coat of paint to eliminate the stench of 2014 where everything which could have gone wrong, nearly did. There has been plenty of re-shuffling since Hall-of-Famer Tony La Russa was brought in mid-season to help re-structure a franchise which has lost its’ course over the past several years. La Russa, new general manager Dave Stewart and manager Chip Hale are saying all the right things about “being on the same page” and “building this together” but only time will tell if the D-Backs can climb their way back near, or to, the top of the National League West as the San Francisco Giants sit on the cusp of another World Series title. It sure sounds like the overhauled front office will need to spend wisely this holiday season piecing together the right mix of talent and chemistry before reporting to Salt River Fields for spring workouts. “The Diamondbacks are probably going to have to do more with less,” ESPN baseball insider Pedro Gomez told Sports360AZ.com in a phone interview Monday morning. “They’re going to have to get creative in what they do over the winter in terms of either trades or free-agent signings. They are going to kind of hope to find lightning in a bottle.” It can be argued no team did less with more than Arizona whose payroll nearly hit $110 million in 2014. Some of the upper-tiered paid players never came close to their return on investment. Outfielder Cody Ross ($9,500,000) played in just 82 games, batting .252 with two home runs and 15 driven in. Pitcher Trevor Cahill ($7,900,000) was pulled from the rotation due to ineffectiveness and spent time in the minors. He finished 3-12 in 17 starts with an ERA well over five. “Their work is definitely cut out for them.” A tall order considering the top of the NL West (San Francisco, Los Angeles) will likely only strengthen this off-season after each won at least 88 games last summer.

D-backs' Zombie Bobblehead, Best of the Valley Phoenix Magazine - October 2014 (Article attached)

D-Backs Baseball Academy to offer elite player development hitting program By Arizona News Zap http://arizona.newszap.com/eastvalley/sports/136094-127/d-backs-baseball-academy-to-offer-elite-player-development-hitting-program 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, according to a press release. The program will feature 60-minute sessions in the Arizona Diamondbacks 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), according to the release. The hour-long sessions begin on Monday, Nov. 3, and will be offered from 4-8 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 Diamondbacks 2015 home game, according to the release. For more information and to sign up for the program, call 800-821-7152 or visit the website.

Diamondbacks looking toward the future in Az Fall League By Thomas Mitchell / Cronkite News http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/sports/report/102714_diamondbacks_fall_league/diamondbacks-looking-toward-future-az-fall-league/ SCOTTSDALE – After posting Major League Baseball’s worst record this season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking toward the future at this year’s Arizona Fall League. The team’s top prospect, starting pitcher Archie Bradley, is among seven Diamondbacks playing for the Salt River Rafters, the organization’s Fall League affiliate. Viewed as potential anchor in the rotation, Bradley struggled with an elbow injury last season and is hoping to get things back on track here against tough competition. “You’re playing against guys you heard about on minor league reports and all kinds of stuff. These are some of the best players in the minors,” Bradley said. “The lineups you face are similar to what you’re facing in the big leagues.” Bradley wound up compiling a 4.45 ERA and 3-7 record in stops with Triple-A Reno, Double-A Mobile and the Diamondbacks’ rookie affiliate. He walked 49 batters in 83 innings while striking out 75. In three starts with the Rafters, Bradley is 0-2 with a 10.29 ERA, walking six and striking out six in seven innings pitched. But he and his coaches are focused on other aspects of his game. “Numbers and results aren’t everything for me right now,” Bradley said. “I’ve gained something and learned something and gotten better every time I’ve been out here. In my last start, I threw a slider for the first time in my life.” Diamondbacks director of player development Mike Bell said Bradley is doing good things with the Rafters. “He is showing he’s healthy, his arm strength is returning, he’s throwing a lot of good change-ups and breaking balls, and his fastball is showing some life,” Bell said. “I’m not overly concerned about the results. That’s why we send players to develop.”

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While much of the attention is centered on Bradley’s progress, the other six Diamondbacks prospects are under a microscope as well. That includes catcher Peter O’Brien, rated as the Diamondbacks No. 7 prospect by MLB.com, who has turned heads with three home runs and seven RBI with a .449 on-base percentage in 11 games through Thursday. Standing 6-foot-3 and well over 200 pounds, O’Brien has the build of a slugger. He came to the Diamondbacks in the trade that sent Martin Prado to the New York Yankees after hitting 33 homers between High-A and Double-A. O’Brien has played first base and catcher in the minors, but with Paul Goldschmidt entrenched at first base the Diamondbacks project him as a catcher. “My biggest focus this year was my defensive work behind the plate, my plate discipline and pitch recognition,” O’Brien said. “I think I’ve made some huge strides in those aspects and will keep doing what I need to get where I want to.” O’Brien has played some games at first base and designated hitter for the Rafters, but Bell said O’Brien’s ability to play catcher, retain a game plan and be an offensive threat have the Diamondbacks excited. “He’s been called a catcher, but he’s played first and done some other things just because the makeup of this fall team,” Bell said. “But he’s got really good hands. He’s extremely intelligent and has good recall.” Diamondbacks pitchers Bradley, Enrique Burgos, Kaleb Fleck and Jimmie Sherfy are throwing for the Salt River Rafters, O’Brien, third baseman Brandon Drury and outfielder Evan Marzilli are in the field. Playing for the Rafters through Nov. 13, these top-level prospects suit up for six games per week, hoping to show scouts why they deserve a shot at the big leagues. According to the Fall League, almost 60 percent of participants end up in the majors. Bell said every Diamondbacks player in the Fall League should think he will be one of players to make it, and for good reason. “Brandon Drury is a very talented third baseman. He’s young but advanced and is going to be a big-leaguer, but we don’t want to rush him,” Bell said. “Evan Marzilli is an unbelievable outfielder. I think he compares with A.J. Pollock, Ender Inciarte and those guys. We also have some electric arms in the bullpen. Enrique Burgos, Kaleb Fleck and Jimmie Sherfy all have back-of-the-bullpen stuff.” The Diamondbacks have some new faces in management after their underwhelming season, starting with Chief Baseball Officer Tony La Russa. The newly created position gave La Russa the authority to evaluate Arizona’s entire operation. Since coming aboard, he fired manager Kirk Gibson and demoted General Manager Kevin Towers, who later left, and brought in Chip Hale and Dave Stewart as the new manager and GM. Bell, who has been director of player of development since 2010, said the changes could affect how the organization evaluates its prospects.

“We had a lot of the same people in places for a while. It’s always interesting when new faces come in because they evaluate our team with a fresh point of view,” Bell said. “I’ve talked to Tony and Dave numerous times, and we’re all working together to get this right.”

Griffin's surge tabbed Best Performance D-backs prospect blasted five homers in five ABs; four in one game By Tyler Maun / MiLB.com http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141027&content_id=99739456&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb "It didn't make any difference to George Kalafatis which pitcher Birmingham offered Tuesday night," The Associated Press reported on July 2, 1969. "He hit all of them a ton." Nearly 45 years later, had one swapped out the name George Kalafatis for Jon Griffin, the story would have been much the same. Only once in Southern League history had a player hit four home runs in a single game. In the twilight of the '60s, 19 days before Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, the Montgomery Rebels routed the Birmingham A's, 13-0, and Kalafatis did his best to send four baseballs into orbit. On May 21, 2014, Double-A Mobile's Griffin did the same, and he didn't even need the game's first four innings to accomplish the feat. When Griffin stepped to the plate to lead off the top of the fifth inning for Double-A Mobile, he was a 1-for-2 hitter on a good night offensively for his club. The BayBears led the Smokies, 6-3, midway through the opener of a five-game series on the road at Tennessee. Over his next four trips to the dish, Griffin unleashed a torrent of power on four monster swings that turned his night into one for the ages. The towering first baseman connected with a first-pitch offering from former Major Leaguer Joel Pineiro in the fifth, his leadoff home run the first of two runs in the inning. In the sixth, the D-backs prospect did it again, belting the first two-out pitch he saw from Smokies reliever Austin Kirk over the center-field wall for another solo smash. The BayBears' lead had ballooned to six runs, but Griffin's night was just getting started. Due up eighth in the seventh inning, Griffin watched as his teammates went to work, putting five men on the basepaths and scoring three times to bring him to the plate with two out and two on. After working the count full, the 25-year-old mashed a three-run shot to cap the frame. Two innings later, with the game firmly in-hand via a 10-run lead, the University of Central Florida product got one final shot at history. With David Peralta at first following his leadoff walk, Griffin strode to the batter's box. "When you have a game like that and you've got three homers already, you don't know if you'll have another shot," Griffin told

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MiLB.com that night. "The way I was seeing the ball, I really wanted another one. And I'm glad I got it." With four hits and five RBIs already in his pocket that night, Griffin didn't know what to expect in terms of what he would see to hit during the at-bat -- if anything. "I wasn't sure if they were going to come at me," he said. "I knew we had a big lead, I knew it was possible. I was really just trying to be patient and get a ball up in the zone that I could get extended on." With fans in the stands chanting -- for a visiting hitter, no less -- Griffin found an offering to his liking, and the second pitch of his sixth at-bat found Griffin's barrel once more, and the Bradenton, Florida, native pummeled it to the opposite field, depositing a two-run shot beyond the wall in right for his record-tying tater. "Anytime you make a record book in pro ball, it's an honor, especially with all of the names that have come out of this league," Griffin said. "That's a pretty cool thing to look back on and say I was a part of." Griffin's fourth and final home run marked his fifth hit of the night and put seven RBIs on his stat line. It also put the finishing touches on a day that helped make May Griffin's best offensive month of the season. The 2011 21st-round Draft selection batted .253/.389/.560 in May, good for a .950 OPS that checked in 244 points higher than his next-best month in the 2014 season. "When you first start off the year, you want to succeed and do well, so you put pressure on yourself," he said that night. "Lately, I just kind of relaxed up there and not try and do too much. I'm just trying to cut down on my swing-and-misses and foul balls. Lately, I've been seeing the ball pretty well and hit pitches pretty well." What Griffin's fourth home run also did was send his name ricocheting around the sports world. Unlike the newspaper-heavy coverage of Kafalatis' feat 45 years earlier, it didn't take until the next morning for Griffin's feat to get national attention, and his legend grew the following day when he homered in his first at-bat of the BayBears' May 22 loss, extending his streak to five straight at-bats with a long ball. Only four other players in Minor League history had homered in five straight at-bats before Griffin's streak. "When I got to second base on the last one in the first game, it finally dawned on me that it was four in a row," he told MiLB.com in June. "The next day, I wasn't even thinking about a streak or anything. The homer just happened." That landed Mobile's hottest name on MLB.com, MLB Network, ESPN.com and Sportscenter among other destinations. "It was pretty cool," Griffin told Bradenton.com that week. "I didn't get to see the MLB Network, [and] I just saw a glimpse of the Sportscenter segment. Obviously, I am going to embrace it while I can."

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SportsCenter ✔ @SportsCenter THAT'S A HOT STREAK! After hitting 4 home runs last night, D-backs minor league 1B Jonathan Griffin homered in his first at-bat today. ---- In addition to etching his name in the Southern League record book, Griffin's matched anything a Major Leaguer has accomplished in a single game, and his fifth straight homer on the 22nd marked a feat no big leaguer has yet accomplished. Though Cubs prospect Javier Baez hit four homers in a Florida State League game just under a year prior, no Major Leaguer has done so since Josh Hamilton belted four bombs as a member of the Texas Rangers in 2012. "It's a great feeling," Griffin said to Bradenton.com. "You go up and get mentioned with some great names. I saw a Tweet with my name next to Josh Hamilton's name. It's really still amazing for me to see that." Griffin had never hit more than two home runs in a single game prior to his record-setting night, though he had posted seven multi-homer contests in his career, including one just eight days earlier in a win at Jacksonville. Not surprisingly, Griffin was honored as Southern League Player of the Week for the period ending May 26, and his solid first half, during which he batted .245 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs, netted him SL All-Star accolades. During the league's 2014 Home Run Derby at Chattanooga's historic Engel Stadium, Griffin finished second to then-Tennessee slugger Kris Bryant, who would cap the season atop all of Minor League Baseball with 43 jacks. The powerful night in May provides a historic and impressive footnote to Griffin's career, but the slugger hopes it will one day be just that. "Hopefully I'll be remembered for something more before I'm done," he said in June. "I'm chasing the dream.

When the Earth Shook and the Series Stood Still By Harvey Araton / The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/sports/baseball/when-the-earth-shook-and-the-series-stood-still.html?_r=0 As the recently appointed general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Dave Stewart is reserving the right to root for the Oakland Athletics. That is the team he helped pitch to three consecutive World Series from 1988 to 1990 in a now-outdated stadium a short drive from the poverty-stricken neighborhood of his youth. Stewart, hired by Tony La Russa, his former Oakland manager and now Arizona’s chief baseball officer, figures he is entitled: His new team is in the National League. “Until we have to play them, I’m an A’s fan,” Stewart said. “I’m still around the Oakland area two weeks out of every month. I

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have five sisters, a brother and cousins there. To be honest, my heart sank with what happened this year.” After sagging in September and missing out on the American League West title, the A’s surrendered a late 7-3 lead to the Kansas City Royals in the wild-card game. With one small-market team shown the postseason door, the other was launched all the way to the World Series to face San Francisco, 25 years after the earthquake-interrupted A’s-Giants Series. Who could blame Stewart for asking why Oakland couldn’t get a break? Must it always — culturally, athletically and otherwise — live in the shadow of sexier San Francisco? Under the “Moneyball” principles of General Manager Billy Beane, the A’s have long been regular-season overachievers. But if there were ever a season for them to mitigate their chronic October malaise, this would have been the one — pushing their way onto another shared World Series stage with the Giants, who have starred on it in three of the last five years. Twenty-five years ago, when the Athletics’ sweep of the Giants was interrupted by the Loma Prieta quake that struck minutes before Game 3 at Candlestick Park, the most devastating toll in lives lost occurred in Oakland, where 42 people died when the upper level of Interstate 880, also known as the Nimitz Freeway, crashed onto the lower part at the Cypress Street viaduct. In a telephone interview, Stewart, 57, was not suggesting that the Oakland fatalities were treated any less gravely than those across the bay. But a horrified nation perceived ground zero to be Candlestick Park; baseball’s operations had shifted there along with a huge news media contingent typically inclined to stay in San Francisco when covering events in that area. I told Stewart that I was a rare exception, based on circumstances and preference. I had been assigned by The Daily News to cover Games 1 and 2 in Oakland and the off-day workouts on Monday in San Francisco, and then to spend time with Chris Mullin, the New York-bred basketball player with the Golden State Warriors, for a preseason N.B.A. article before flying home. I stayed in downtown Oakland for the easier commute to the ballpark and the basketball arena next door, and to visit with a friend, who lived in Berkeley and worked in Oakland. Having done my Mullin interview earlier in the day, I was walking with my friend from the hotel, crossing Broadway, when the ground shook. A veteran of quakes, he pulled me by the arm down a flight of stairs, into a Bay Area Rapid Transit station. Somehow a tower under construction on that corner, cranes and all, remained upright. But debris was everywhere, fallen bricks, and soon we heard about the freeway collapse. That was where I spent most of the night, gathering information and trying to locate an operational pay phone. It remains a haunting experience, seeing from behind police lines what looked like a giant movie set in encroaching darkness. The crushed bodies were all too real. For Stewart, this was no visit to a horror scene. This was home.

“I lived in Emeryville, between Oakland and Berkeley,” he said. “I saw the Nimitz every day after the earthquake, on the way to the Coliseum. The devastation, the effect it had on a city that had already suffered too much.” Stewart grew up in East Oakland, a neighborhood where he was “exposed to prostitution, drugs, crime — you name it.” His career was a study in mediocrity or underachievement — including one embarrassing off-field encounter with the law — until he joined La Russa’s A’s in 1986, at 29, having developed a forkball that precipitated four consecutive 20-victory seasons. Stewart was the most valuable player of the Bay Area Series when it finally concluded. He didn’t jet off to Disneyland or the Caribbean. Known in Oakland for his charitable work, he took to the streets, the shelters, the schoolyards. He played in pickup softball and basketball games, organized fund-raisers and Christmas toy drives for quake victims. “I wasn’t a policeman or a fireman,” he said. “I just wanted to help however I could. Oakland had always been a place that was so easy to neglect. But through all the years, I also focused on the positives that came out of the earthquake, the rebuilding that took place, the improvements.” Oakland’s mayor, Jean Quan, likes to say, “The city is undergoing a huge renaissance.” Lake Merritt, its crown jewel, underwent a $122 million makeover completed in 2013. With gentrification fueled by the Bay Area’s high-tech industry has come resentment of an increasing lack of affordability, but Stewart believes “the city is much better now, many more restaurants and businesses, so much more to do.” The A’s, whose attempts to leave for the San Jose area were thwarted by the Giants, are talking about a new stadium in town. Whether any city — much less one with Oakland’s history — should be in the stadium-building business is another story. But Stewart, a baseball lifer whose boyhood passion was the A’s of Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter, can’t fathom his hometown without them. What he can sadly imagine is how exhilarating it would have been had the A’s shared this week with the Giants instead of the obviously deserving team from Kansas City, where the A’s played before moving to Oakland in 1968. I asked Stewart if he had seen ESPN’s documentary “The Day the Series Stopped.” He had not. Having covered the freeway collapse, I mentioned what had struck me most: a doctor’s recollection of rescuing a 6-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister from the back seat of a car on the lower level, with two adults — their mother and a friend — crushed to death in the front. For the boy, Julio Berumen, to be freed, his right leg had to be amputated at the knee by the doctor, James Betts, who later witnessed the emotional hospital reunion of the boy and his father. Stewart said he didn’t need to see that part. He’d lived it. He’d visited Julio at the hospital, taken a photo of them together. He said, softly, “It hangs in my office.”

Minniti joins D-backs, Zimmermann keeps improving

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By Dan Kolko / MASN http://www.masnsports.com/nationals-pastime/2014/10/minniti-joins-dbacks-zimmermann-keeps-improving.html Bryan Minniti has found a new home, as the Diamondbacks have announced that the former Nationals front office man has joined Arizona's organization as an assistant general manager. Minniti spent the last five years with the Nats as an assistant GM under Mike Rizzo, before announcing that he was leaving the organization just a few days after the Nats were knocked out of the postseason. Minniti was a well-liked member of the Nats' front office, and assisted with everything in the baseball operations department from contract negotiations to player transactions to budgeting to making sure the Nationals were compliant with league rules. He'll now be a part of a re-worked Diamondbacks front office that features Tony LaRussa as the team's new Chief Baseball Officer and former big league pitcher Dave Stewart as the new general manager. As I wrap up the five-day stretch of highlighting some of the most impressive individual performers on the Nats' roster this season, I had a tough decision on who to cover on this Friday morning. I narrowed it down to two options - Denard Span and Jordan Zimmermann, both of whom really put together nice 2014 campaigns. Not an easy call. But I discussed Span and his strong season in detail last week, so let's discuss Zimmermann's 2014 accomplishments today. The right-hander continued to show that he's one of the top starters in the majors, posting a 2.66 ERA over 32 starts this season, going 14-5 on the year and making the All-Star team for the second straight season. He came up just a single out shy of reaching the 200-inning mark for a second consecutive year, but while Zimmermann didn't top his 2013 innings load, he set career-bests in other categories. Zimmermann walked just 1.3 batters per nine innings (tops among all National League starters) had a 1.072 WHIP (ninth-best in the majors), and struck out 8.2 batters per nine, an increase of nearly a strikeout and a half from last season. Advanced metrics also rated Zimmermann highly this season; his 2.68 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) ranked second among all qualified NL starters, behind just Clayton Kershaw, and his 5.2 WAR ranked 10th among all qualified major league starters. Zimmermann was impressive all season long, really, (he allowed more than four runs in a start just twice) but he finished the season on a tear. His final 12 outings were all quality starts, and he posted a 1.87 ERA in that time. The Nats won Zimmermann's last 11 starts, with the right-hander himself getting the decision in eight of them. Over his

final three outings, Zimmermann allowed just one run in 21 2/3 innings, striking out 19 and walking two. His last start of the regular season, of course, was the magical no-hitter in which Zimmermann breezed through the Marlins, getting some help from Steven Souza Jr. along the way. And then there's Zimmermann's postseason start, in which he was just one out away from a complete-game shutout of the Giants. Zimmermann still, in my eyes, doesn't get the league-wide recognition or attention that he deserves. Part of that might be his reserved nature and desire to stay out of the spotlight. Part of it might be that he pitches in a rotation with Stephen Strasburg, Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez, big names who get more attention across the baseball landscape. But Zimmermann kept plugging along this season, kept improving and kept showcasing himself as one of the most effective starters in the game.

Former Cat Andy Green to coach third base for Arizona Diamondbacks By Daniel Solzman / SI.com-Wildcat Blue Nation http://wildcatbluenation.com/2014/10/27/former-cat-andy-green-coach-third-base-arizona-diamondbacks/ Former Kentucky Wildcats baseball player Andy Green was named as the third base coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The hire, announced a few weeks ago, comes as Chip Hale was named as the new manager following the firing of Kirk Gibson. Green, a two-time Southern League Manager of the Year, was certainly on the fast track to the Major Leagues as either a coach or manager. In addition to serving as the third base coach, Green will has been given the duties of coaching infielders. This will be Green’s 12th season in the Diamondbacks organization but his first as a coach on the Major League level. He was the manaber of Mobile for the last three seasons. He posted a 219-189 (.537) record while managing in the Arizona system and won the 2012 Pioneer League championship as a manager. Green starred in the infield for then-Kentucky coach Keith Madison during the 1997-2000 seasons. The Lexington Christian Academy product made his MLB debut with Arizona in 2004 and played four seasons in the majors with the Diamondbacks and New York Mets before moving on to a career in coaching. Green currently holds the Kentucky Baseball records for games (228), starts (225), runs (199), hits (277) at-bats (908), and ranks second in steals (81).

MLB: Agent says Joe Maddon will wait for right opportunity By Mike Berardino / TwinCities.com http://www.twincities.com/twins/ci_26801532/mlb-agent-says-joe-maddon-will-wait-right Former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon is prepared to sit out the 2015 season as he waits for the right opportunity to

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return to the dugout, agent Alan Nero told a Chicago radio station Saturday morning. Maddon opted out of his contract with the Rays after taking them to the postseason four times in nine seasons, including a World Series runner-up finish in 2008. "There's no deadline," Nero told WSCR-AM 670. "We're going to go about our business and be very careful to not get out of sorts with this. If someone comes at us full force and the situation is right, Joe's looking for a big challenge. He's looking for an organization that's committed to win. If those elements are together and the talent for them is quick, we'll make it quick. If not, he's prepared to take a year off." Nero said he heard from about half the 30 general managers in Major League Baseball in the aftermath of Maddon's stunning move. Ostensibly, those included Twins GM Terry Ryan, who Friday evening called the Maddon news "a pretty big opt-out" and vowed to investigate the opportunity. Nero mentioned the Twins just once -- in passing -- during the interview. "Respectfully, there's only one job opening, and that's Minnesota," Nero said. "Any team that would have interest would have the delicate situation of considering to let their current manager go, so it's really important for us not to sensationalize this because it's not fair to the reigning manager. There's quite a bit of interest," Early speculation has centered on the Los Angeles Dodgers, where ex-Rays GM Andrew Friedman recently landed on a record contract (five years, $35 million), and the Chicago Cubs, where baseball operations chief Theo Epstein nearly hired Maddon after the 2003 season before going with Terry Francona. Nero did nothing to downplay the Chicago possibility while acknowledging the Cubs have a manager (Rick Renteria) in place. "Obviously, it's a possibility," Nero said. "Whether it's this year or next year or beyond, it's certainly a possibility. But we haven't gotten into those talks with anybody yet." Early talks have been exploratory and have gone beyond managing roles, Nero said. "I actually had conversations with about 15 GMs (Friday), some of them wondering if Joe would take a high-level front-office position," Nero said. "It's kind of funny that Tony La Russa is in command of the (Arizona) Diamondbacks right now. We're open to anything and everything, and certainly the Cubs would be on our radar. We have great respect for that organization. It would be up to them when they're ready to talk about it and ready to pursue it." Nero, who has been representing managers since Davey Johnson was with the Baltimore Orioles in the mid-1990s, also helped Lou Piniella escape his contract with the Rays a decade ago before landing with the Cubs after a year in the Fox TV broadcast booth.

The same scenario with Maddon would surprise no one. "On the other hand, there's quite a bit of interest, not surprisingly," Nero said. "I don't think anyone would argue that Joe is certainly among the top two or three managers, if not the best manager in baseball. If you're an organization that wants to win and is committed to winning, I would think you would at least want to look into this."

Mobile BayBears "Diamond Talk" By Justin Baker / Mobile BayBears http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=36850677&sid=t417 (Audio embedded on webpage)

Hillsboro Hops' Ron Tonkin Field still loses money for city despite revenue gains (interactive chart) By Benjamin Brink / The Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2014/10/hillsboro_hops_ron_tonkin_fiel.html#incart_river Ron Tonkin Field, home of the Hillsboro Hops, made more money for the city in 2014 than it did last year – but Hillsboro still has a long way to go if it wants to break even on the debt service it pays for the $15.5 million stadium. Newly released numbers show that Hops attendance increased this year – perhaps due to the team's league-best record and Northwest League championship – which resulted in more dollars in public coffers. The city gets a $1 surcharge for each ticket sold and $5 for each car that parks at the stadium. Hillsboro also began to collect the $105,000 it will receive each year for selling the stadium's naming rights to the Ron Tonkin Family of Dealerships, a deal announced in May. The Hops, which played 40 home games this year, sold 136,344 tickets in 2014, meaning the city made $9,537 more than it did in 2013. Average attendance was 3,651 in a stadium designed for 4,500 spectators. Hillsboro collected $192,650 in parking revenue – $9,154 more than last year. The team's initial $150,000 rent payment in 2013 also began to escalate by 3 percent annually. Finally, the Hops paid the city $10,000 under a new agreement to clean the stadium.

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It is difficult to exactly compute the 2014 Hops' impact on Hillsboro's annual budget because the baseball season straddles two fiscal years – the city's budget cycle stretches from July 1 to June 30 – and the stadium generates money from other uses throughout the year. "The net impact on the city budget is in line with the projection during the 2012 negotiations," wrote Mary Loftin of the Hillsboro Parks and Recreation Department, which operates the stadium, in an email. But it is clear that the city is still in the red by hundreds of thousands of dollars, even with the increased revenues. The Hops could have sold out every game, and Ron Tonkin Field's expenses would still have far outweighed the dollars it generates. City spokesman Patrick Preston said it has never been the city's goal for the stadium to turn a profit, but rather for it to provide a valuable community service. Hillsboro issued full faith and credit bonds to finance the construction of Ron Tonkin Field. In the current fiscal year, the city expected to make a debt payment of nearly $770,000 on the bonds, which aren't scheduled to be fully paid off until the year before the Hops' contract with the city expires in 2033, according to the 2014-15 budget. For the previous fiscal year, the city budgeted operational expenses for the stadium totaling $294,000, according to parks department data. A look at the entire financial picture requires data from and across two separate fiscal years, but here's how it all shakes out: (graph embedded on webpage) Revenue Hops' 2014 rent: $154,500 City ticket surcharge ($1), 2014 season: $136,344 Parking revenue ($5 per car), 2014 season: $192,650 Hops' cleaning contribution, 2014 season: $10,000 Annual naming rights revenue: $105,000 City programs, rentals, events (fiscal 2013-14): $39,763 Total: $638,257 Expenses Debt service, fiscal 2014-15: $769,336 Operational expenses, fiscal 2013-14: $294,000 Total: $1,063,336

Revenue less expenses (approximate): -425,079

Archie Bradley Tops AFL Fall Stars Roster Bradley hurled for the O's in 2011 By Missoula Osprey http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141027&content_id=99797020&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t518&sid=t518 MISSOULA, Mont. - The Arizona Fall League announced the 2014 Fall Stars Game rosters Monday that feature 14 of MLB.com's Top 100 prospects including former Osprey Archie Bradley. Bradley ranks ninth on the 2014 Top 100 list. The righty is 0-2 with a 6.55 ERA in four starts for the Salt River Rafters in the AFL. Bradley bounced around the Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League system in 2014, but spent the majority of his time with the Double-A Mobile BayBears. He pitched 53.2 innings with 46 strikeouts and was 2-3 with a 4.12 ERA in 12 starts. The D-backs drafted Bradley in the first round (7th) of the 2011 MLB Draft. He was the team's second pick behind Trevor Bauer (3rd), a current member of the Cleveland Indian's rotation. In two innings for the Osprey in 2011, Bradley struck out four and allowed just one hit. According to MLB.com, Bradley's pitch variety, improved control this year, and demeanor on the mound make him one of the best pitchers in the Minor Leagues. The 2014 AFL Fall Stars Game rosters also include Top 100 prospects Byron Buxton (Twins), Francisco Lindor (Indians), C.J. Edwards (Cubs), Josh Bell (Pirates), Matt Olson (A's), Daniel Robertson (A's), Brandon Nimmo (Mets), Dalton Pompey (Blue Jays), Hunter Dozier (Royals), D.J. Peterson (Mariners), Corey Seager (Dodgers), Hunter Renfroe (Padres), and Jesse Winker (Reds). The AFL Fall Stars Game is slated for 6:08 p.m. MT Nov. 1 and will be broadcast live on MLB Network and online via MLB.com.

Parra and Eaton Named 2014 Rawlings Gold Glove Finalists Parra and Eaton played for the Osprey in 2006 and 2010 respectively By Missoula Osprey http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141023&content_id=99395150&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t518&sid=t518 MISSOULA, Mont. - Former Osprey Gerardo Parra and Adam Eaton were named finalists for the 2014 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Thursday. Gold Glove winners will be announced Tuesday Nov. 4. Gerardo Parra was named a National League finalist at right field along with Jason Heyward of the Atlanta Braves and Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins. Parra previously won the award in 2011 and 2013. In 2014, Parra played his first 104 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks before being traded to the Milwaukee

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Brewers in exchange for Minor League prospects Mitch Haniger and Anthony Banda at the July 31 deadline. Parra was tied for eighth in the National League with a .980 fielding percentage in right field during the 2014 season. He committed just four errors and had 192 putouts with nine assists over 109 games. The former Osprey also played 12 games in center field and 27 games in left field. Parra began his professional career with Missoula in 2006. In 66 games, he posted a .970 fielding percentage and notched 119 putouts with 10 assists and just four errors. He worked his way up through the D-backs Minor League system and made his MLB debut May 13, 2009. Adam Eaton was named an American League finalist at center field along with Jackie Bradley Jr. of the Boston Red Sox and Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles. He notched a .988 fielding percentage, committed four errors in 121 games, and collected 312 putouts with nine assists. Eaton played his first professional season for the Osprey in 2010. In 67 games, he had a .964 fielding percentage with 128 putouts, four assists while committing just five errors. He made his MLB debut Sept. 4, 2012. Rawlings created the Gold Glove Award in 1957. Winners will be selected by a survey of players and managers which make up 75 percent of the decision and the Society for Sabermetric Research for the other 25 percent.

October 28, 2014 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews October 28, 2014

Max Scherzer bought Brayan Pena a Rolex 1:30 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Brad Mills returns to A's pitching fold 1:27 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Twins prospect Byron Buxton injured in Arizona Fall League 1:10 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Game 6 prop bets: Vegas pegs Giants to score first 1:03 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

HBT Daily: Live, from my hotel room! 12:45 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

They may get rid of Tal’s Hill at Minute Maid Park. Good 12:23 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

I had Kansas City barbecue last night. It was OK. I guess. If you’re into that sort of thing 11:47 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Another injury for a Twins' top draft pick 11:40 am EDT (The Associated Press)

There's no catch, Orioles strong behind plate 11:38 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

A veteran says enough is enough when it comes to tributes for the soldiers 10:59 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Victor Martinez a possible Oriole? 9:41 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

“Marlins man” is now signing autographs for people 9:26 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Free agency looms after World Series concludes 9:16 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Ian Desmond taunts Bryce Harper over the Cowboys loss 9:07 am EDT (NBC Sports)

History on Royals' side for Game 6 9:02 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Jake Peavy’s son says his dad will buy a trolley car if the Giants win the Series 8:34 am EDT (NBC Sports)

World Series Reset: The Giants are on the brink of history 7:17 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Royals hope to overcome deficit in '85 repeat, 2:55 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Nationals roster review: Jordan Zimmermann 12:30 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Daily Dose: Going Mad 12:08 am EDT (Rotoworld) October 27, 2014

Royals fans hoping for more Game 6 magic, just like 1985 11:37 pm EDT (Yahoo Sports)

Giants-Royals Preview 11:37 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Royals hope to light up Giants and clubhouse deer 11:34 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer could undergo minor shoulder surgery 11:13 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Bumgarner hopes to watch Game 6 from the bullpen 10:45 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Would Joe Maddon alter Cubs' competitive timeline? 10:02 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Brewers claim infielder Luis Jimenez off waivers from Angels 10:01 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Baseball World Series players grieve Taveras tragedy 9:32 pm EDT (AFP)

Royals confident despite must-win baseball World Series game 9:23 pm EDT (AFP)

On Yoenis Cespedes in Boston: “He marches to his own drum and the coaches all hate him” 9:14 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Peavy's son ready to bring home cable car for win 9:10 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

'The Cubs are coming' — 10 selling points for Joe Maddon 8:52 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Athletics hire Mike Aldrete as bench coach 8:42 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

MLB, Yankees and Mets to donate replicas of stolen items from Yogi Berra Museum 8:15 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Padres hire Logan White as pro scouting director 8:06 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Giants, Royals ready for wild World Series finish 8:06 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Cardinals stunned by Taveras' death 7:58 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

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Rays shoot down Montreal rumor, say they are “committed to making baseball work in the Tampa Bay region” 7:13 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Cubs' manager focuses on job, not rumors 6:44 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Billy Butler and Nori Aoki to return to Royals’ lineup for Game 6 of World Series 6:15 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Series TV rating sinks for Game 4, then rebounds 5:52 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Funeral for Oscar Taveras in Dominican hometown 5:50 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Former Detroit pitcher Robinson dies at age 52 5:26 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Pressure on Giants to close out Royals, avoid Game 7 5:19 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

It looks either Paul Molitor or Torey Lovullo will be the Twins’ new manager 5:17 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Singer begs US for forgiveness after flubbing anthem 4:45 pm EDT (AFP)

Blue Jays bring back much of coaching staff 4:45 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Braves hire hitting coach Seitzer from Toronto 4:33 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Singer Aaron Lewis apologizes for botching anthem 4:28 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Bridwell, Ohlman named Arizona Fall League All-Stars 3:51 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Nats' prospect Tony Renda selected for AFL showcase 3:36 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Giants, postseason teams affected by concussions 3:34 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

White Sox: Montas, Bassitt named to AFL Fall Stars Game 3:17 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Ozzie Guillen: “I just want to be back in the game” 3:15 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Phillies waive B.J. Rosenberg, outright him to AAA 3:13 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

Cubs: C.J. Edwards named Arizona Fall League All-Star 3:06 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

It’s OK, Kansas City, you won’t see Madison Bumgarner again. Probably 2:50 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Police investigating death of Cardinals prospect Taveras 2:39 pm EDT (Reuters)

A's announce Mike Aldrete as new bench coach 2:16 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Mike Matheny issues statement on the passing of Oscar Taveras 2:12 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

CSN 10: White Sox-Twins 2008 Blackout Game replay tonight 1:44 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Game 6 to be broadcast on jumbotron at Civic Center Plaza 1:33 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Royals return home for last shot at fairytale ending 1:28 pm EDT (Reuters)

Cardinals stunned by death of young Oscar Taveras 1:21 pm EDT (The Associated Press)

Cuban second baseman Andy Ibanez defects to sign with MLB team 1:01 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

Pitching coach Mike Maddux and the Rangers “have had positive talks” 12:16 pm EDT (NBC Sports)

In the pinch, Young was big hit for Orioles in 2014 12:03 pm EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Ned Yost made a terrible double-switch last night 11:53 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Jesus Guzman signs with Japanese team 11:39 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Feb. 9 trial date set in MLB steroid case 11:29 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Dodgers lose scouting director Logan White to Padres 11:04 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Mike Aldrete leaves Cardinals to become A’s bench coach 10:15 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Braves hire hitting coach Kevin Seitzer away from Blue Jays 9:30 am EDT (NBC Sports)

Bumgarner's latest gem has Giants on cusp of title 9:19 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Giants pay tribute to late Robin Williams 9:19 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Orioles managed to avoid Madison Bumgarner 8:35 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Perez delivers key hit after learning of Taveras' death 5:27 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Royals head home trailing 3-2 in World Series 4:25 am EDT (The Associated Press)

Rewind: Bumgarner casts perfect pose to make history 4:19 am EDT (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Weekend Sports Briefs 4:18 am EDT (The Associated Press)

October 28, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

Last updated: Tue, October 28, 2014, 11:01 EST

Monday, October 27, 2014

Team Player Transaction

Los Angeles Angels

Tony Campana

Outrighted to Minors

Los Angeles Angels

Ryan Brasier

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

Minnesota Twins

Kris Johnson

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

Minnesota Twins

Kris Johnson

Cleared Waivers and Became a Free Agent

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Oakland Athletics

Brad Mills

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Philadelphia Phillies

B.J. Rosenberg

Outrighted to Minors

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Team Player Transaction

Houston Astros

Jesus Guzman

Signed to Play in Japan, (Hiroshima Carp)

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Team Player Transaction

Minnesota Twins

Kris Johnson

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

Minnesota Twins

Kris Johnson

Cleared Waivers and Became a Free Agent

Pittsburgh Pirates

Justin Sellers

Traded From from Indians, Cleveland (for cash considerations)

Pittsburgh Pirates

Charlie Morton

Removed From 60-Day DL, (Sports hernia)

Pittsburgh Pirates

Jeanmar Gomez

Designated for Assignment

Pittsburgh Pirates

John Axford

Designated for Assignment