Diamondbacks bench coach Ron Gardenhire is slated to undergo surgery for prostate cancer next Tuesday, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today writes in an update on the former Twins skipper. As Nightengale writes, the bad news came at a particularly disappointing time for Gardenhire, given that he was returning from a layoff after leaving Minnesota. But he’s tackling the condition with typical form, as Nightengale writes. “Cancer is a big word, you know, but it’s been pretty special having so many people reach out,” says Gardenhire, who adds that he “can’t wait to sit in that dugout again.”
Here’s more from around the game:
- ESPN.com’s Andrew Marchand penned an interesting profile of Yankees assistant GM Jean Afterman, who is currently the only woman holding that position leaguewide. Afterman has a fascinating and varied background; she ultimately became a lawyer and later helped pioneer the movement of players from Japan to the majors. While Yankees GM credits her as a “pit bull” who could easily hold a position as his peer, she says she prefers to remain with the organization as an adviser. It’s a fun look at an interesting person that also tackles the ongoing question of whether the game can do more to grow the involvement of women in upper management.
- In another profile, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com takes a look at controversial Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria as he reportedly prepares to sell his franchise. Crasnick examines some of the differing angles on Loria, focusing on his relationship with the tragically departed Jose Fernandez. Loria also defends his place in the game and discusses the possibility of taking an ambassadorship to France in a sit-down with Crasnick, which you’ll want to read for yourself.
- Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado chatted with Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, who calls the star performer “one of the game’s most inquisitive superstars — if not the most inquisitive.” As he looks to build upon his standing as one of the game’s better all-around players, Arenado is described as constantly seeking to improve by interview subjects such as agent Joel Wolfe, former skipper Walt Weiss, and a variety of veteran players. Soon to turn 26, Arenado has compiled back-to-back forty-plus home run seasons, and also significantly boosted his walk rate last year while continuing to provide high-quality defensive work at third. Of course, his park-adjusted batting production suggests he has been more a very good than a great hitter to this point in his career, though he has improved at the plate in every season in the majors and could perhaps continue to do so if he can expand upon that growth in the plate-discipline department.
ronnsnow
Arrenado > Bryant
strostro
true
jdgoat
False
Kayrall
You know nothing, ronnsnow.
ChiSoxCity
In terms of production, they’re both really good. I don’t see the point or need to put one over the other.
In terms of impact and MVP, that’s a different story, however. Bryant made plays with his bat, his glove and his base-running that almost singlehandedly won numerous games for the Cubs. All this despite playing multiple positions, often in the same game. From that perspective, Bryant outplayed Arenado last year. Both are easy HOFers if they stay healthy.
chesteraarthur
Their production was similar, however one of them played half their games at coors field.
tharrie0820
in a division full of pitchers parks
chesteraarthur
Yep, chase and coors are certainly pitchers parks.
Ry.the.Stunner
Arenado splits at various NL West “pitchers parks” in 2016:
Dodger Stadium: .189/.250/.378, 2HR, 4RBI
Petco Park: .222/.317/.333, 1HR, 3RBI
AT&T Park: .342/.432/.684, 2HR, 9RBI
So while he had success at AT&T Park, pointing out that he played a lot of games (and failed) at other pitchers parks in the league doesn’t help your case.
lesterdnightfly
Don’t forget Todd Frazier. Hack Horrorson insists Frazier’s better than Bryant.
A'sfaninUK
In terms of 3B defense, probably true.
In terms of everything else: false, with many, many numbers to back it up.
If its hot takes youre looking for: Francisco Lindor and Corey Seager might be better than both Arenado and Bryant.
vinscully16
Love Gardy! All the best, RG.
strostro
Arenado > Machado
Arenado > Donaldson
chesteraarthur
I think you have > and < confused.
strostro
No I don’t
MB923
Mike Aviles > All
ellisburks
Steve Jeltz = GoaT
bastros88
Mike Baxter>mlb
lesterdnightfly
Sack of hammers > strostro and ronnsnow