Game of the Week: March 31: COL @ ARI

[Commissioner Erick]

Colorado Rockies (0-1) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (1-0)


COL: Riley Pint (0-0, 0.00)
ARI: Chris Archer (0-0, 0.00)

[Commissioner Erick]

Diamondbacks 2 - Rockies 1


WP: C. Archer (1-0)
LP: R. Pint (0-1)
SV: S. Bracho (2)


Arizona Diamondbacks starter Chris Archer turned in a sterling performance against the Colorado Rockies, leading his team to a slim 2-1 win. Arizona, at 2-0, has sizzled in the early going.

In his 90-pitch effort, Archer allowed 1 earned run on 2 hits over 7 innings. He walked 2 and struck out 8.

"I like our moxie," said Diamondbacks manager Arlo Zimmerman.


Questions for the GM's:


For Erick Blasco, your offense really struggled today. What was the culprit?

Your manager bot left Josh Ockimey in to bat in the eighth inning against terrific Arizona lefty Brandon Finnegan. Did you agree with the decision?

You've lost two close games against Arizona now, but the tenor of the games was different each time. With those two data points, what do you think of this Arizona club?

What did you think of your bullpen today after it struggled in the opener?

Josh Ockimey struggled last year and didn't pick up a hit today. If he starts slowly, will you pull him like you did midway last year, or trust him to rebound like he did late last year?

Chris Archer's been roughly a slightly better than league average pitcher over his career. How does it feel to be so dominated by him?

For Arlo Zimmerman, Archer was absolutely dominant. Did you expect such a tremendous start to begin the year?

Matt Duffy isn't a prototypical five-hitter, but his two-run double was the difference. What made you bat Duffy fifth?

Brandon Finnegan signed with the club very late in 2021 and then was extended for a fairly hefty price last year. He's no longer a starter, but has been special out of the pen dating back to last season. Do you feel he's a value on his contract?

You gave up Greg Allen this offseason, such an instrumental part of your team. How has your defense looked without him?

Silvino Bracho struggled in the opener. How relieved were you that he handled today's game so easily?

Joey Rickard and Brock Lundquist barely played in the majors last year, but both started today. Will they be significant contributors to your club this year?



TRIVIA 1: Chris Archer has pitched one Complete Game in his career, a three-hitter. Who did he beat in that game?

TRIVIA 2: If Brandon Finnegan qualified, he'd have the best ERA in postseason history. Who does have the best All-Time Postseason ERA among qualified pitchers?

[Commissioner Erick]

For Erick Blasco, your offense really struggled today. What was the culprit?

Archer was terrific. We couldn't handle his changeup and didn't really hit anything hard the entire game. When we did make contact, their defense was sensational. Credit to Arizona.

Your manager bot left Josh Ockimey in to bat in the eighth inning against terrific Arizona lefty Brandon Finnegan. Did you agree with the decision?

I was really frustrated. Ideally, we'd platoon frequently and Jedd Gyorko is so much better against left-handers than Ockimey. We should hold a strict platoon in that situation, and having Ockimey bat against Finnegan was extremely frustrating.

You've lost two close games against Arizona now, but the tenor of the games was different each time. With those two data points, what do you think of this Arizona club?

I think their offense was a bit fluky, but their pitching and defense is impressive. Their defense catches everything, and Marco Gonzalez and Chris Archer are strong. If their offense is okay, they'll be a problem all year.

What did you think of your bullpen today after it struggled in the opener?

I think it'll be fine. Felipe Rivero had a bad game yesterday, but I think it will be a blip. I trust Rivero, Ottavino, and Castro.

Josh Ockimey struggled last year and didn't pick up a hit today. If he starts slowly, will you pull him like you did midway last year, or trust him to rebound like he did late last year?

Yes, I'm not in love with Ockimey and he doesn't have the leash he did last year. I'll give him a month, but if he's an anchor on our team after April, he's in the minors.

Chris Archer's been roughly a slightly better than league average pitcher over his career. How does it feel to be so dominated by him?

It sucked. I thought we'd be a bit more competitive than we were, though I feel like we were done in as much by their defense than Archer.

[Commissioner Erick]

TRIVIA 1: The Baltimore Orioles in 2018

TRIVIA 2: Alex Claudio