Mike Hazen facing tough decisions as deadline looms.

Buy? Sell? Status quo? Chad Qualls? The usual trade-deadline questions for a team that is floating at .500

D-backs + Oregano’s + Dutch Bros = New Programming.

From the article, “FOX Sports Arizona is excited to bring on Dutch Bros be the presenting sponsor of “Cup Of Coffee With Steve Berthiaume.” The episodes will be shot inside their stylish Grayhawk location in Scottsdale with Torey Lovullo and Christian Walker scheduled as guests. Walker’s episode debuts Aug. 11 following the D-backs & Dodgers game and the debut for Lovullo’s show is TBA.

A new show done with Oregano’s will be “D-backs At The Dish.” Hosted by Mark Grace, it features Gracie talking baseball and life with Luke Weaver, Carson Kelley and some rookies while enjoying slices of delicious pizza at the Oregano’s in Old Town Scottsdale. The first episode with Weaver & Kelly debuts July 28 after D-backs & Marlins, while the show with the rookies (TBA) premieres Aug. 25 after D-backs & Brewers.

Diamondbacks offer free tickets to kids during Brewers series.

During the upcoming 4 game series against the Brewers the D-backs will offer 2 free kids tickets (15 yrs old or younger, have valid I.D. ready, Karen....) with the purchase of 1 adult ticket. The game on Friday will feature post game fireworks and the 1st 20k fans on Saturday will receive a Nick Ahmed bobble head.

Around Baseball.

Yankees pitcher and “Ball Four” author Jim Bouton dies at 80.

“Ball Four,”.... released amid a storm of controversy, the account of Bouton’s tumultuous year was the only sports book cited when the New York Public Library drew up its list of the best books of the 20th century.

The worst All Stars since 2002.

Surprisingly Bryce Harper was not featured on this list.

MLB to experiment stealing 1st in Atlantic league.

On any ball dropped by the catcher, a runner can attempt to steal first base. Not matter the count. 1st pitch into the dirt? Batter can try to steal 1st base.

Poll How do you feel about MLB’s stealing 1st base idea? This poll is closed. 34% Sounds like a fun idea, go for it. (27 votes)

41% This is bad for baseball, get off my lawn. (33 votes)

24% I am having flashbacks of Eric Byrnes sliding head-first into 1st base. (19 votes) 79 votes total Vote Now

Off Topic Snake News:

Did you know rattle-snakes can swim?