First … really?

The second spring game of the season, with a sold-out crowd at Salt River Fields on Sunday, ended poorly for the Arizona Diamondbacks, as they lost to San Francisco, 11-1.

That’s not the part where you can hear “really?” echo everywhere … it’s the 41-minute delay on a sunny day that brings that up. And it involved, indirectly, outfielder Adam Eaton (2010 Osprey), who was apparently a party to the swarm of bees that invaded Salt River Fields. We found the skinny on the start in right-center field here, complete with a “not the bees” line delivered expertly by Nicholas Cage. And the headline gets more than a Bee-plus from us here at Bird Droppings.

Now you can play it … REALLY?? (We wish we had the Ben Catley clip of him saying it during a broadcast, but technical difficulties are preventing that from happening. At the moment.)

On to the notes of the day:
– How important are the right veterans? Just ask Paul Goldschmidt (2009), who feels that learning from veterans last spring put him in position to be where he is now.

– Can the D-backs afford to sign catcher Miguel Montero (2002-03) to an extension? According to some … no. We’re thinking here that it gets done, because you get the feeling Miggy wants to stay in the AZ, even though the D-backs have backed away from the table after Yadier Molina signed for a King’s Ransom in St. Louis. However, it looks to be something that both sides will hold off on discussing until after the 2012 season ends. D-backs CEO Derrick Hall also addressed the Montero contract situation in a chat session last week.

– The D-backs are 1-1-1 at the moment, tying the Rockies in 10 innings in their opener at Salt River Fields, and beating the Giants in Scottsdale, 9-6, in a split-squad game on Saturday. Rusty Ryal and Jake Elmore each contributed to the win for the D-backs. Ryal, who was suffering from a tight groin muscle, left the game earlier than planned, so we’ll keep an eye out for that.

– Ahh … the first 2012 MLB Mock Draft that we’ve been able to post.

– In the “Taking Care of the Clerical Business” File, the D-backs now have officially signed all of their players on their 40-man roster, which includes Goldy, Gerardo Parra (2006), Bryan Shaw (2008) and Yonata Ortega (2007).

The D-backs play the Rockies today at Salt River Fields … we’ll keep an ear to the ground and update on anything newsworthy when we can.

After getting into camp and getting into shape … or at least as much as possible in a week’s time … it’s game time down in both Arizona and Florida, as the Spring Training schedule gets underway.

Many of the former Osprey players in the Major League camp are expected to see action in the openers on Saturday. The Arizona Diamondbacks will be opening with split-squad games against the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies.

On to the notes of the day …

– Well, after reading this article in the Toronto Star, we come to find out a bit as to why the Chicago White Sox didn’t mind trading 2002 alum Sergio Santos to the Toronto Blue Jays – they see a lot of him in Nestor Molina.

– T-minus 18 days before Miguel Montero (2002-03) channels his focus to the baseball season at hand. Until then, there’s still hope of him signing a long-term contract with the D-backs.

– This is a little bit old … but it brings up an interesting question. As it stands now, is Gerardo Parra the best fourth outfielder in all of baseball?

– Here’s a dilemma … could it be that one of the former Osprey first baseman on the D-backs roster either heads to the minors … or the waiver wire? Well, it could happen when Stephen Drew is ready to play again. Also, some good notes on Bryan Shaw (2008), Adam Eaton (2010) and more.

More info coming soon …

by Ben Catley

Talk about two opposite directions …

It’s looking more and more like Miguel Montero (2002-03) is going to get what he has been trying for over the past couple of years – stability. The catcher, who signed a one-year deal to avoid arbitration, may soon be inking a long-term deal.

This is good news … what is the baffling part is what to do with OF Gerardo Parra (2006).

Some of that became a little bit clearer when D-backs manager Kirk Gibson essentially said that Parra needs to learn to play center field. Which he will, especially since it will mean more playing time for him.

And, for some D-backs faithful, is better than the alternative – trading him away.

It seems as if that Parra-to-the-Nationals rumor has gone away, but we shall see. Although Chris Young may want to be on notice about his job as well.

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Stat of the day: Three former Osprey appear on this list of projected starters/relievers/starting lineup. Add Lyle Overbay and Parra, and your former Osprey on the D-backs roster looks to, at the moment, be at five.

by Ben Catley

So as the 2012 version of Spring Training gets underway for the Arizona Diamondbacks, one could wonder what people can expect to see from the Snakes. And while no one truly knows, the bottom line could be another NL West title run.

While titles aren’t won just by the evidence of hard work, or the threat of it, depending on your outlook on it … it will factor in to whatever happens. So when manager Kirk Gibson gives every indication of having a hard camp, just like last year, you can start thinking that things could end up the same way as they did last season.

And I’d say that ended up pretty good, wouldn’t you?

– Gibson also was quoted as saying “There are Goldys, Shaws and Collmenters in our locker room .. Who are they? That’s one of the things that Spring Training is all about.”

Let me call one name to watch out for – Adam Eaton.

You think it’s a little awkward now in the outfield, where apparently Gerardo Parra has a solid season in left field, wins a Gold Glove, and may lose his starting job, wait until the 2010 Osprey alum opens eyes this spring.

Call it a prediction (one I will explain a lot more next week, when I take my stab in the dark about which former Osprey are the next to crack a MLB roster), or call it a hunch, but I get the feeling that Eaton will be in a D-backs uniform before September call-ups.

– Usually, at this point and time, the minor-league players are making their way to Spring Training, which gets underway about a week later than the Major League camp. However, there are a number of players which have reported early, among them being pitcher Robby Rowland (2010-11). It could be a big year for the youngster, who hasn’t yet turned 21, as the numbers have not met the expectations his third-round draft status produces. That could change, however, as Rowland started to find a feel for pitches that he had struggled with during his first two seasons at the tail end of 2011. If he can find consistency, and keep the ball down in the zone, there may be a chance that Rowland will advance upward through the system.

– There’s also the fact that the D-backs open up, in some people’s eyes, as the favorite to win the NL West again. Which could increase the expectations on what is still a relatively young team. The San Francicso Giants, buoyed by the return of catcher Buster Posey, are considered the best challengers.

– While it’s hard to predict how spring will go, if you’re Bryan Shaw (2008), it’s good to see your name on the “almost lock” list when you enter camp. However, no one in the rotation or the bullpen has earned a spot … yet.

Truth be told, it would take one heck of a bad spring for Shaw to not be in the bullpen, and an amazing spring for someone, say, like Charles Brewer, to make the starting rotation. But, as they say, that’s why the play the games.

OK, we wanted to introduce a new O’s Poll of the Moment to you in a different way … actually putting it into its own post. It’s also a little bit different in another way … you don’t have to stop at one answer.

We also wanted to see what you think about whom may be the next former Osprey to make their Major League debuts. Osprey radio voice Ben Catley has his own opinions on the matter, and will share his thoughts before Spring Training begins. By the way, he was right on both fronts last year, mostly, calling out that Paul Goldschmidt would be the next position player of former Osprey linage to make his debut, and also called it on pitcher Evan Scribner, who made his debut with the Padres last season.

So vote away … you’re allowed up to three choices, so don’t be shy.

by Ben Catley

It’s been a while, hasn’t it??

It’s been close to a month since we’ve had an entry (I think) on the Missoula Osprey blog. Partially … the season ended way too soon for both the Osprey and for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the playoffs. Partially … because the break was needed by yours truly … although I wasn’t far from sneaking on to post a thing or two …

However, fun time is now officially over … the news feed is starting to perk up again.

– In case you missed it (and you can read all about it here), left-hander Taylor Siemens officially added to what was a record-breaking season for the Osprey, claiming the ERA title with a club-best 2.23 ERA. Not only that, he becomes the first Osprey pitcher to win an ERA title in the Pioneer League. That was all made official this past week, when the stat folk issued the Final Official Reports for each league.

Also in that, defensive honors – Roidany Aguila (catcher), Justin Bianco (outfield), Ryan Court (third base) and Dexter Price (pitcher) claimed what would be considered the Gold Gloves, if there was such a thing, finishing with the best defensive fielding percentages at their respective positions. Of the seven positions honored, the other three – first base, second base and shortstop – were taken by Orem Owlz infielders.

– Adam Eaton is tearing up the Arizona Fall League, as well as doing the things he does best, enjoying everything about being a player.

– The first 2012 Prospect List is out … this from Top Prospect Alert. Seven of the 15 on the list are former Missoula Osprey.

– Word has it that Bobby Borchering’s move from the infield to the outfield is progressing well. The 2009 Osprey alum (and part of the TPA list) started his transition during Instructional League, which wrapped up earlier this month.

Stat of the moment: Of the prior 22 former Missoula Osprey to play in the prestigious Arizona Fall League, 17 of them have gone on to the Major Leagues. See the complete list (which is now at 26) here.