The Arizona Diamondbacks shipped Dee Brown to the Oakland A’s for a wad of cash.  Brown played in 29 games for the D-Backs AAA team this season and he was 39 for 134 (.291 avg, .758 OPS) with 26 runs scored, 2 homers and 25 RBIs.  The Diamondbacks figured they didn’t need Brown as they are loaded with young outfielders in their system.

The Diamondbacks went 5-2 last week as they outscored their opponents 42-22!  It seems like everything is coming together for the D-Backs as they got solid pitching and hitting last week.  The D-Backs entered this week with a 29-23 record which had them in 3rd place, 1 game behind the Dodgers and Padres.

20 year old outfielder Justin Upton is destroying minor league pitching so far this season.  In A and AA ball, Upton has played in 43 games and he’s 56 for 166 (.337 avg, 1.023 OPS) with 37 runs scored, 10 homers, 30 RBIs and 11 stolen bases.  Look for Upton to make it to Arizona when the D-Backs expand their roster on September 1st, but he could be called up quicker if the D-Backs have some injuries in the outfield.

Brandon Medders is off to a horrible start this season for the D-Backs.  In 20 games, Medders is 1-1 with a 4.82 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP so far this season.  In 18.2 innings, he has allowed 20 hits, 8 homers and has walked 9 batters.  If Medders doesn’t pitch better soon he will wind up back in AAA ball.

The Diamondbacks have been looking for a quality left-handed reliever for a long time and that search might have finally resulted in finding a good one.  Doug Slaten has been excellent so far this season as he’s 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP in 17 games.  In 11.1 innings this year, Slaten has allowed 10 hits, walked 3 batters and has whiffed 12.  Look for Slaten to continue to be successful because he has great stuff.