AZ Snake Pit
An unofficial Arizona Diamondbacks community and blog
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2026-27 offseason: important dates for the Arizona Diamondbacks
The AZ Snake Pit outlines the key offseason milestones for the Arizona Diamondbacks after the World Series. Free‑agent eligibility begins Oct. 29, affecting nine players including Taylor Clarke and Zac Gallen, and drops the 40‑man roster to 31 spots. The qualifying‑offer deadline and option decisions land on Nov. 3, with Michael Soroka likely testing free agency and Corbin Burnes expected to stay. Rawlings Gold Glove nominees (Gabriel Moreno, Geraldo Perdomo, Corbin Carroll, Ildemaro Vargas) are announced Nov. 1. Important dates follow: free agency opens Nov. 3, GM meetings and Awards Week Nov. 9‑12, and Rule 5 draft protection and final qualifying‑offer decisions by Nov. 17. The calendar sets the stage for the 2026 campaign and roster moves.
Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks
The MLB Network documentary "Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbeans" revisits the D‑backs’ dramatic Game 7 win over the Yankees (3‑2) that clinched the franchise’s first World Series on Nov. 4, 2001. It highlights the team’s chemistry—rival ace pitchers Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, clutch hero Tony Womack’s Father’s‑Day grand slam, and Luis Gonzalez’s clubhouse leadership—while noting Bob Brenly’s decisive managerial shift after replacing Buck Showalter. Despite a modest 92‑win season and the oldest starting lineup in World Series history (average age 33.7), Arizona’s veteran‑heavy roster, funded by Jerry Colangelo’s payroll strategy, overcame tight NLDS battles and a swift NLCS to seize the title. The doc’s first half explores these back‑room dynamics, offering a fresh angle beyond the iconic Game 7 footage.
SnakePit Post-season GDT, #22
The author questions whether the Milwaukee Brewers, up 3-0 over the Tampa Bay Rays, might deliberately lose Games 4 and 5 to force a home‑field World Series finale and maximize revenue. He highlights the financial stakes: a $300 average ticket price could generate about $13 million per sell‑out game at American Family Field, plus concessions, parking and broadcast ads. He notes that most recent World Series have stretched to six or seven games, suggesting commercial incentives. The post previews Game 4 on FOX at 5 p.m., urging readers to consider the money‑driven motives behind the series.
2026 SnakePit Awards will start this weekend
The 2026 SnakePit Awards shift their schedule, launching right after the World Series instead of post‑Thanksgiving. Weekly categories run from Play of the Year (Nov 1) through MVP (Dec 13), with nominees posted on Sundays, ballots mid‑week, and winners announced each Saturday. This 21st annual ceremony promises tight races, especially for Game of the Year, while the MVP front‑runner looks clear. Last year’s winners included MVP Geraldo Perdomo and Pitcher of the Year Ryne Nelson. Fans can check the full winners list back to 2006 via the linked archive.
Snake Bytes 10/28: Not Today, Milwaukee
In Game 4 of the 2026 World Series, Tampa Bay's Ben Williamson delivers a walk‑off RBI single in the 12th inning, beating the Milwaukee Brewers 5‑4 and pushing the series to a decisive Game 5. Left‑hander Aaron Ashby also makes history, retiring all seven batters he faces and breaking Andrew Miller's postseason scoreless‑innings record for relievers. As the Brewers head back to their hotel, the series finale looms, while Arizona’s offseason chatter heats up with free‑agency speculation and a recap of the Diamondbacks' ten walk‑off wins this season.
SnakePit Post-season GDT, #21
The Brewers are on the brink of clinching a swift World Series sweep over the Rays, holding Tampa Bay to just 33 plate appearances in three games—the third‑lowest total in Series history. Tampa Bay’s offense is historicly weak, posting a .187/.237/.264 line and a .501 OPS, the lowest since the 2012 Tigers. Overall, postseason batting this October is the poorest since 1983, with 12 teams combining for a .637 OPS over 2,768 PA. The decisive Game 4 is set for 5 pm on FOX.
Book Review of K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches
AZ Snake Pit’s review of *K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches* praises the book’s depth, citing over 300 interviews and a 60‑title bibliography. While the author, a Diamondbacks fan, notes the narrative often drifts beyond his favorite team, the text still highlights key AZ moments—Randy Johnson’s Hall‑of‑Fame career, Curt Schilling’s splitter insights, and Luis Gonzalez’s Game 7 2001 World Series cutter that secured the title. The review also outlines concise characteristics for each of the ten pitches, from sliders to spitballs, showing how they’ve evolved. Baseball historians and fans of pitching lore will find the detailed excerpts and pitch definitions a compelling reason to pick up the book.
Snake Bytes, 10/27: One Big Inning, One Big Series Lead
The spotlight shines on Milwaukee’s 10‑1 demolition of Tampa Bay in Game 3 of the 2026 World Series, highlighted by an eight‑run, two‑out fifth inning that propelled the Brewers to a 1‑0 series lead. Meanwhile, Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno captures the Luis Aparicio Award as the top Venezuelan player, and six D‑backs—including Moreno, Ketel Marte and Nolan Arenado—are finalists for the All‑MLB Team. A separate piece examines Brandon Pfaadt’s pivotal 2027 outlook, and the AFL tests a new outfield‑positioning rule aimed at sparking offense. All these storylines converge in the Oct. 27 “Snake Bytes” roundup.
SnakePit Post-season GDT, #20
The 2020 World Series opens with back‑to‑back one‑run games for the first time since 2010, as the Tampa Bay Rays take a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers. Game 1 saw Texas edge St. Louis 3‑2, and the Cardinals returned the favor 2‑1 in Game 2. The last series with consecutive one‑run openings was in 2000, when the Yankees swept the Mets. Only four champions have ever won all four games by a single run—Boston (1915, 1918), the 1972 A’s, and the 1992 Blue Jays. Tonight’s matchup, a must‑win for the Rays, kicks off at 5 p.m. on FOX.
Can the Diamondbacks learn from the Rays, Part 1
The AZ Snake Pit compares the Arizona Diamondbacks to their 1998‑born sibling, the Tampa Bay Rays, highlighting how the Rays have outperformed Arizona despite a far smaller payroll. From 2019‑2026 the Rays averaged 92 wins per season on a $93 M budget, while the D‑backs posted 78 wins on $138 M and missed the 2026 playoffs. The article examines the Rays’ World Series roster, noting that only one pitcher was home‑grown; the rest were acquired via trades, purchases or free agency, often at minimal cost. By dissecting these moves, the piece asks what the Diamondbacks can learn from Tampa Bay’s roster construction and success.
Who Could The D-backs Trade For Payroll Flexibility?
The Arizona Diamondbacks face a $20 million payroll ceiling for 2027 after shedding record‑breaking salaries over the past three seasons. With over 200 lost starting‑pitcher innings, 250 relief innings and 600 plate appearances heading to free agency, the team must find trade partners among 13 guaranteed or arbitration‑eligible players to gain flexibility. The article tiers prospects, from non‑tender candidate Pavin Smith (≈$2.8 M) to high‑cost pitchers like Corbin Burnes ($32.9 M) and Eduardo Rodríguez ($20 M), weighing their trade value against the need to replace lost pitching depth. It outlines which contracts could realistically be moved to free up cash for 2027 upgrades.
SnakePit Post-season GDT, #19
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch a tense 5‑4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field. The win marks the 11th one‑run game of this postseason, with the Brewers now 4‑1 in such contests while the Rays sit at 2‑2. Highlights include a ninth‑inning scare as Tampa Bay loads the bases with one out, but Milwaukee holds on to take the series opener. The next game airs at 5 p.m. on FOX.
The 2026 That Could Have Been: Revisiting the Trade That Almost Was
The AZ Snake Pit revisits the off‑season trade that never happened: the Arizona Diamondbacks swapping Ketel Marte for Boston Red Sox prospects Payton Tolle and Franklin Arias. The piece explores how the deal—blocked by Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen’s demand to include prospect Marcelo Mayer—could have reshaped Arizona’s roster, prompting a likely signing of 3B Alex Bregman on a five‑year, $175 million contract and eliminating the later acquisitions of Zac Gallen and Nolan Arenado. By assuming the players kept their 2026 production levels, the author speculates on the ripple effects for both clubs and offers a “what‑if” scenario for fans.
Snake Bytes 10/24: Brew Crew Takes Game 1
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch a tight Game 1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 World Series at American Family Field, with Jacob Misiorowski delivering ace‑like pitching and William Contreras earning Player of the Game honors. The recap highlights the Brewers’ early advantage, notes former Diamondback Jake Woodford’s rare dual‑team experience, and touches on related news—including a Diamondbacks season review, the passing of ex‑Brewer/Twins star Todd Benzinger, and the Guardians’ postseason woes—offering a snapshot of the baseball landscape surrounding the series.
SnakePit Post-season GDT, #18
Rob Manfred faces a historic World Series as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Milwaukee Brewers on Oct. 22, 2026, at American Family Field. Both clubs sit in the bottom half of MLB payrolls, underscoring the league's looming CBA talks and potential salary‑cap debates. The series could challenge ratings expectations—last year’s low‑rated showdown hit 4.7%—but the novelty of two never‑before champions may spark interest. With a possible lockout on the horizon, fans are urged to savor what could be the final major‑league action for some time. The game kicks off at 5 p.m. on FOX.
Snake Bytes 10/22
The roundup dives into Arizona’s 2026 Diamondbacks, linking to five in‑depth pieces that recap the team’s defining moments, spotlight a forgotten World Series‑winning pitcher, reassess Corbin Carroll’s down year, announce the BBWAA awards and examine the oddities of their season. It also covers broader baseball news: the Uecker family’s pride in the Brewers, Kurt Suzuki’s exit as Angels manager, the Rays‑Brewers World Series schedule, bullpen contrasts, and quirky stats like the Rays’ historic 51‑2 out‑homering record. A blend of team analysis and World Series highlights makes it essential for any 2026 MLB fan.
“Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks” to Debut Thursday, October 29 at 5 p.m. AZ time
MLB Network Presents will premiere "Destined: The 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks" on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. AZ time, marking the 50th film in its series. The 90‑minute documentary celebrates the Diamondbacks' rapid rise from expansion club to 2001 World Series champions, featuring interviews with co‑MVPs Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, manager Bob Brenly, GM Joe Garagiola Jr., and stars Luis Gonzalez, Steve Finley, Matt Williams and others. It revisits key moments—including the Game 7 comeback against the Yankees and Gonzalez’s winning hit—alongside new anniversary footage and archival material, offering an inside look at the franchise’s historic season.
Update on Come-From-Behind Impact Batters
The AZ Snake Pit updates its analysis of Diamondbacks batters who delivered high‑impact plate appearances in come‑from‑behind victories. Of the 47 such wins in 2026, 25 featured pivotal at‑bats, with Ildemaro Vargas leading the impact list, followed by Nolan Arenado and a tie between Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte. Lars Nootbaar and Carroll rank in the top five for slugging percentage (SLG) in both RISP situations with a tying or go‑ahead runner and overall RISP scenarios, though Nootbaar posts a higher SLG. The four “workhorse” hitters—Perdomo, Arenado, Carroll and Moreno—saw a June slump in SLG despite facing mostly sub‑.500 opponents, who used fastballs, sliders and sweepers to suppress their production. The piece includes full tables and data sourced from Baseball Reference and Baseball Savant.
Snake Bytes, 10/20: The World Series is set
The Tampa Bay Rays clinch the American League pennant with a 7-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 of the ALCS on Oct. 19, 2026, setting up a World Series showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers, who swept the Dodgers. The post also recaps the Arizona Diamondbacks’ offensive struggles, debates a missed trade opportunity with Ketel Marte, highlights Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato’s triple‑crown season and MLB posting hopes, and lists the 2026 Fielding Bible shortstop rankings. Readers get a quick snapshot of the upcoming World Series matchup and key offseason storylines.
SnakePit Post-season GDT, #17
The post previews Game 2 of the ALCS on Oct. 13 at Tropicana Field, where the Cleveland Guardians (down 2‑3 in the series) face the Tampa Bay Rays. It outlines the two possible outcomes: a Ray win clinches a World Series berth in Milwaukee, while a Guardians victory forces a winner‑take‑all Game 3 at the Trop. The author, a Rays fan, admits a bias toward extending the series for more postseason baseball. The game airs on TBS at 5 p.m., with the next two days of the week free of baseball.
2027 Arizona Diamondbacks decision: Free-agents
AZ Snake Pit breaks down the Diamondbacks' 2027 free‑agent outlook, noting the only notable option is Corbin Burnes’ opt‑out, which the author predicts he will not take. Salary‑ranked departures include Zac Gallen ($16.2 M), likely not returning after a costly deferred deal, and Michael Soroka ($7.5 M) whose mutual option will be declined, sending him to free agency. Reliever Ryan Thompson ($3.95 M) struggled after a strong start and is doubtful to stay in Arizona, while Dennis Santana ($3.5 M) posted league‑average numbers after a rough stint with Pittsburgh. The piece hints at further arbitration impacts in a follow‑up article.
Arizona Diamondbacks News, 10/19: Tampa teeters on brink
The Tampa Bay Rays take a 3-2 lead in the ALCS after a 3-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 at Progressive Field on October 18, pushing them one win away from the World Series. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks spotlight prospect Patrick Forbes, who breaks down his pitch arsenal after a stint in the Arizona Fall League, and roundtable analysts discuss left‑hander Brandyn Garcia’s potential breakout in 2027 alongside other young talents like Ryan Waldschmidt and Jordan Lawlar. Additional links cover Rays’ dugout stability, postseason clubhouse chaos, and a look at the best rookie baseball cards by decade.
Dodgers gone, Brian Kaplan Fired, Banana Ball and more!
The Brewers upset the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs, reviving debate over a potential MLB salary‑cap and its impact on upcoming CBA talks. Analysts argue the result will fuel player‑union rhetoric but may not sway negotiations. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks part ways with pitching coach Brian Kaplan while retaining hitting coach Joe Mather, sparking mixed opinions on the front office’s direction. The post also highlights a July 3, 2021 Banana Ball showdown between the Savannah Bananas and Catawba Valley Stars, illustrating the sport’s off‑beat events.
SnakePit Post-season GDT, #16
The ALCS has turned into a best‑of‑three wild‑card showdown as the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians split the first two games. The Rays, now holding home‑field advantage, aim to win Game 4 at Progressive Field on Saturday, October 17, while the Guardians, despite a higher OPS (+0.088), trail by a run (29‑28) and have managed only three RISP hits across games 2‑4. A rainout eliminates a rest day, setting up a decisive Game 6 in Florida tomorrow night, with the World Series berth hanging in the balance.
SnakePit Post-season GDT, #15a
Let’s try this again, shall we? Here’s a note from samath on what we’re heading towards in next week’s World Series. Whoever advances out of the AL, we’re already guaranteed some all-time drought-busting. A Brewers-Rays World Series would feature two teams who have never won! That would be the first time that’s happened since the […]
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