Last night, the D-backs Dispatch crew had a long broadcast to chew over all the recent activity on the team front, and in baseball generally. As well as whether The Lord of the Rings is the best movie trilogy of all time [Jim: in addition to the Godfather trilogy mentioned on the show, I’d say Leone’s Dollars or the Edgar Wright Cornetto trilogies are probably also deserving of consideration there]
D-backs bring back Taylor Clarke
A return to Arizona for Clarke, after a very good season in 2025. He was drafted and reached the majors by the D-backs, but has been with the Kansas City Royals since 2021. Clarke has been using his sinker effectively of late, and could end up being a useful piece to add into the bullpen. But with the team still lacking a closer, until the return of A.J. Puk, it may not move the needle very much at this point. “Buying a DVD in the era of Blu-ray”. However, hopefully the bullpen will be better, and there is still time for further signings.
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Dodgers Sign Kyle Tucker
Los Angeles are in a unique situation, thanks in part to the incredible amount they get from their TV deal, in addition their private equity ownership. It seems increasingly obvious that the team is in need of a salary cap and floor, in addition to limits on deferments. But it may well take a lockout at the end of this season before that gets agreed to by the players’ union. It still won’t necessary offer any immediate relief, with existing contracts likely grandfathered in. However, it’s necessary for the long term survival of the game.
D-backs International Player Signings
Ruben Gallego – and, yeah, everyone has made that joke already! – leads the class of eighteen players signed by Arizona in the international signing period. It’s still something of a lottery ticket, like a draft pick, and it’s a long-term situation: we probably won’t get to hear much about them for at least two or three seasons. But as a mid-tier organization, the D-backs have to find ways to get talent outside of the standard MLB draft, and you can never have too much pitching.
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Chase Field Stadium Improvements
It looks like the team has started work on updating the scoreboard – hopefully the first step of significant updates to the ballpark. Beyond the obvious situation with the air-conditioning, the wi-fi needs to get seriously upgraded, as it basically useless when there’s a decent crowd. Beyond that, possible suggestions include the out-of-town scoreboards, and bringing back the clock and the keyhole between the mound and home-plate. We also have suggestions in regard to the food options available at Chase…
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