After hours of internal debate with Diamondback pitchers, manager Joe Cipolla released the revised pitching rotation for the upcoming week at Wednesday evening’s media conference. As the Diamondbacks approach the weekend schedule and begin a grueling nine-game schedule in eight days.

“We need to continue to get the quality starts from our starting rotation,” said Cipolla. “Over the past eight games, our rotation has given us 7 quality starts. This trend needs to continue,” he said.

Going into this weekend’s games, the Diamondbacks (7-1) will be led by Thad Sochacki (2-0; 0.66 ERA; 21 IP; 20K) and Matt “not to be confused with Billy” Koch (1-0; 0.00 ERA; 5 IP; 9K) on Saturday against the Naperville Cardinals at 11am at Stickney Field (4200 South Ridgeland). Sunday, taking the mound for the Diamondbacks will be sophomore sensation Eddie Milas (1-1; 2.78 ERA; 13 IP; 15K) against the Chicago Hawks. Milas will be looking to bounce back from his first loss of the season.

Strangely absent from this weekend’s rotation is veteran right-handed pitcher Ed Sochacki (2-0; 0.58 ERA; 12 IP; 10K). According to clubhouse sources, Sochacki has become frustrated with his apparent demotion in the rotation. Said Sochacki, “If you look at last year’s stats, I led the league in wins, strikeouts and lowest ERA. I also had the lowest batting average against and the lowest ERA in the league. I should be starting this weekend.”

Unlike the preferential treatment his younger brother Thad is receiving, having moved his start date up to accommodate a business trip to Minnesota, Ed will be starting Tuesday night’s 8pm game against the Chicago Clowns at 11100 South King Drive. Before the Diamondbacks take the field that day, Ed will be in Oak Brook attending the In-Store Marketing Summit, representing his company, BHI Design. Said Ed, “It’s an all day event and it’s all the way in the suburbs. Fighting traffic will definitely be difficult. I’ve talked to [Cipolla] and I told him I was concerned about making it to the game on time. Apparently, he wants to take the chance on Chicago traffic congestion and possibly not see me at the game.”

Manager Cipolla was unavailable for comment as he was at the hospital witnessing his wife give birth to their second daughter on Monday night but an unnamed clubhouse member was quoted as saying, “(Ed) was rained out once this year and that didn’t sit very well with him. We want him on the mound for us pitching, plus with all the internal bets going on between the brothers Sochacki this year, it’s not going to be pretty if he doesn’t get his innings in this year. Cipolla should realize that “quality starts” don’t mean [crap] to the Sochacki’s. They’re two of the most competitive people I know. Thank God they’re brothers.”

With the nine game schedule, the Diamondbacks are hoping the arms hold up and that they can take at least seven of the nine upcoming games. Ed will be available on Saturday and Sunday to be used out of the bullpen, should the games be close. As the innings start added up over the next week, look for the Diamondbacks to call on their bullpen anchored by Brett Priestman (1-0; 2 IP; 0.00 ERA; 2K) and Dan Hollingsted (0-0; 1 IP; 0.00 ERA; 1K).

The Diamondback bullpen has yet to yield a run this year but will be put to the test this weekend. “They will have a lot to do with the number of games we win over the next eight days,” rookie Koch said.

Other notes:
Catcher Chris O’Connell will be back with the Diamondbacks after taking an extended leave to attend his brother’s wedding in Las Vegas. The Diamondbacks have reached sponsorship terms with Quigley’s Bar and Grille and are close to inking a deal with Hooters Restaurant. Team sources indicated the hold up revolved around legal rights pertaining to cross-promotions involving the Diamondbacks and Hooters Girls. Phil Viggianni is still listed as day-to-day with a jammed index finger and is questionable for Saturday’s games. Pete Gubricky’s rehabilitation on his broken hand is going as well as expected and Diamondback trainer Sal Bellisimo believes Gubricky could be back by the July 4th weekend. Kurt Saberi (a.k.a The Persian Persuasion) made his first appearance this season last Sunday and went 1 for 3. His album “Zip, Zap, Rap” has gone double-copper with 25 albums sold to date. It is rumored that Saberi will be singing the National Anthem at Sunday’s game.

Tagged with: Chris O'Connell, Ed Sochacki, Evergreen Park Diamondbacks, Joe Cipolla, Matt Koch, Pete Gubricky, Quigley's Bar and Grille, Thad Sochacki

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