Right when the Braves were up 3-0 in the second game of the doubleheader that is blasted by MLB fans., it was over for the D-Backs. Last year at this time, Arizona's MLB team made the playoffs and went on one of the greatest post-season runs by an underdog that we will ever see. My buddy and I went to Game 4 of the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies, which is now known as the "Alek Thomas Game." When he hit that homer, the stadium nearly shook. Then came the stunning two wins to push them into the World Series for the second time in franchise history. Despite the loss, the D-Backs showed everyone that they could prosper by showing heart and determination.
Picture this, you are walking into a bar and grill for some refreshments, let's say a beverage that rhymes with Mudweiser. You drink many of them and get woozy. You get a ride home and sleep it off. (PSA: Don't drink and drive.) The morning after, you wake up and constantly go to the bedroom while having a pounding headache. This describes 2024 for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The off-season started out great as they traded for Eugenio Suarez, signed Eduardo Rodriguez and was given a golden ticket by signing Jordan Montgomery when the season started, thanks to Scott Boras being Scott Boras. On paper, these were acquisitions that would steer the D-Backs into a smooth current. Eugenio slumped so badly that sports radio here wanted him to be released. He did bounce back for a 30 HR, 101 RBI campaign. Rodriguez was hurt for most of the season and was inefficient. Montgomery had a horrible 2023 from starting late to being relegated to the bullpen. These guys weren't the only ones.
The D-Backs blasted the Rockies on Opening Day and many, including me, thought Arizona was going to continue the momentum from last season's miracle run. Eeeeehhhhhh. Corbin Carroll, last season's NL Rookie of the Year winner, suffered that dreaded "sophomore slump" during the first half of the season. He rebounded for a somewhat mediocre 22 HR, 74 RBI second campaign. Zac Gallen, a candidate for NL Cy Young for 2013, had a respectable 2024 with a 14-6 record and a 3.65 ERA and 156 punchouts. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno, two key acquisitions in the Daulton Varsho trade, spent marginal time on the mend. Merrill Kelly was so-so, as was Brandon Pfaadt. The bullpen was solid for much of the season. Paul Sewald was clearly bitten by the game-tying home run he gave up to Corey Seager in Game 1 of the World Series. He looked lost at times and was replaced with Kevin Ginkel as closer. Oh, and despite that epic homer that put him in immortality, Thomas slumped so badly that he was demoted to AAA. Not exactly what you want from a defending NL champion.
The Jordan Montgomery situation was as bizarre as you can see. He wasn't the pitcher that helped the Texas Rangers defeat these D-Backs in the Fall Classic. Scott Boras sold his "wait till the beginning of Spring Training to sign" schtick to several players in an attempt to get the most money for him, I mean his clients. This is why Montgomery looked like boiling dogwater on the mound. When you don't have the full experience of Spring Training, then you look lost and pitch like....boiling dogwater. Jordan's signing was supposed to give the D-Backs another starter to help keep momentum going from last year. Everyone considered this to be the biggest bust of a free agent signing that Montgomery fired Boras as his agent. Maybe sticking your hands into the cookie jar has caught up with you, Scott?
Then there is Managing general partner Ken Kendrick, and CEO Derrick Hall, the czars of the franchise. Each year, they look down at their team and have a vision when it comes to winning, it is nothing. Yes, the team made the World Series, but did anyone think it was going to happen before last season, nope. It's the churning wheel of "let's develop good players and trade them for prospects" approach. This approach doesn't win you titles or get the fans to the stadium. And yes, they did try to spend some money to help, however it seemed to backfire. (Laughing) Also, also, also....Kendrick actually called out Montgomery for being terrible and didn't want him back. That would great if there wasn't an option for a second season on his deal, which Montgomery opted in for spite. Excuse me for a second, HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
I experienced two games this season at Chase Field, one was the Father's Day game against the White Sux as Arizona rubs deep dish pizza on their wounds in a blowout. It was a good game, unfortunately, a couple of family members had trouble getting into the stadium. The second game was against the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers as my father drove from California to visit Chase Field to see his beloved Dodgers play. The game went to the Chavez Raciners as it was a hot one at Chase.
Someone: "But A.J, doesn't Arizona have a domed stadium with top-notch air conditioning?"
Me: "Why yes, unfortunately that day, the air conditioning was either low or not working despite having two sponsors that specialize in AC affairs."
Now this is totally my opinion, Kendrick and Hall really DO NOT care for Chase Field. It is obvious when Kendrick mentions about having a new stadium and possibly leaving Phoenix for Henderson, NV. That probably will not happen since the A's are headed for Vegas via Sacramento. He literally mentioned this while addressing the press during Spring Training, in front of a National League Champions banner. The stadium is almost 30 years old and needs to some improvement since it is near many businesses that make money which brings fans to Chase Field. You know what else brings fans? CONSISENT WINNING SEASONS!
(Side note: I keep reading that Chase Field has the cheapest beer in MLB. If you are reading this, please tell me where they are.)
So, the D-Backs enjoyed one of the greatest seasons in their history, only to experience the head-pounding hangover in the aftermath.
Maybe it's because of the cheap beers in Chase Field.
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