D-Back Preview # 86: 7/4 vs. Giants

The Bullbacks bullfight has blown all chances of winning the teams ’first series since early May, but they still have a chance to split. That something they succeeded against Marlins in a four-game series of 10-13. May. Since then, the team has lost 14 sets in a row, which I think must be some sort of record. This happens when during that time every other win has been followed by losses of at least three games. Based on that, I don’t feel exactly optimistic about tonight’s game, but it has Caleb Smith starting D-back. He was easily their best starter in June, and could very well end up alone turning Starling Marte into a victory for Arizona.

So far, Smith has had a team value of 1.2 bWAR between this year and last, while Marte has been worth 2.7 bWAR. However, looking only at 2021, the gap narrows significantly (1.5 vs. 2.2). Of course, Marte is significantly more expensive, the Marlins exercised the $ 12.5 million option this year. And all this is left out of control. Caleb Smith currently has the first year of his arbitration eligibility year, earning $ 1.45 million, and will be in team control by the end of 2023, so he will have two full seasons after this year. It doesn’t even count any speculative value from other players sent to Arizona, smaller strikers Humberto Mejia and Julio Frias. So far, I think I am more than happy with this agreement.

Torey Lovullo states

You have to listen, I’m afraid. But I have reliably informed Myself mostly about the Escobars All-Star selection, everyone is very happy about her, yada yada.

Torey Lovullo audio [or link]