Snake Bytes 4/20: Legal Too
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[D’backs.com] D-backs Minor League Spring Training report - Given the chaotic nature of 2020, there were some unknowns prior to camps opening, but everything got off to a strong start in Arizona as the overwhelming majority of players showed up in shape and ready to go. Josh Barfield, the D-backs’ director of player development, noted that several players, including Blaze Alexander and Jake McCarthy, added muscle to their frames as well. But perhaps some of the biggest developments are taking place on the mound. “Pitching-wise, all the guys that have come back are looking really, really good,” Barfield said. “The guys that didn’t come out last year at the alternate training site were throwing ‘pens and finding live simulated games to throw in. So, for the most part, everyone has come back where they were and, in some cases, have even surpassed where they were.”
D-backs Minor League Spring Training report
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The cancellation of the 2020 Minor League season was difficult for prospects and development staffs across the game. While some prospects got work in at alternate training sites, instructional leagues and in independent leagues, it was far from a typical season and many players haven’t played in real games since September 2019. Given that, the 2021 season will be a significant one for development.
Minor League Spring Training is in full swing as teams get ready for the upcoming campaign and the D-backs, owners of baseball’s ninth-ranked farm system, have several talented prospects working out in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Top 60 All-Time Greatest Jays: #6 Jesse Barfield
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Jesse Lee Barfield | RF | 1981-1989
Jessie Barfield was born on October 29, 1959, in Joliet, Illinois. He is the father of former San Diego and Cleveland infielder
Josh Barfield and
Jeremy Barfield, who was drafted by the Oakland A’s and played for the Vancouver Canadians at one point. The Jays drafted Jesse in the 9th round of the 1977 amateur draft out of Joliet Central High School. 1977 was the first year that Toronto and Seattle were in the amateur draft and got the last two picks of each round, MLB being so kind to folks that paid extravagant expansion fees. None of the Jays’ 6 choices before him made it to the majors.
Snake Bytes 4/4: Easter Basket of Woe
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[D’backs.com] D-backs’ depth tested by Walker’s injury - The D-backs lost for the third time in as many games, falling to the Padres, 7-0, on Saturday night at Petco Park. A bigger concern was whether Arizona would lose first baseman Christian Walker for any length of time. Fernando Tatis Jr. led off the bottom of the fourth for the Padres by hitting a grounder to the right of shortstop Josh Rojas, who fielded the ball and tried to throw on the move to first base. The throw one-hopped Walker and smacked him just under his left eye. The area under Walker’s eye began to swell while head athletic trainer Ryan DiPanfilo tended to him on the field. Walker tried to talk his way into staying in the game, but manager Torey Lovullo said no.