Diamondbacks hope Chris Iannetta ages like fine wine
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks’ Patrick Corbin after spring outing vs. White Sox | 1:10
Diamondbacks lefty Patrick Corbin gave up three runs in 3 1/3 innings against the White Sox but came away sounding upbeat. Video: Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBZack Greinke on his diminished velocity in start vs. Mexico | 1:25
Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke’s fastball was in the upper-80s on Wednesday at Salt River Fields.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShelby Miller discusses latest start | 1:10
Diamondbacks starter Shelby Miller lasted 2 2/3 innings against the A’s, giving up six runs, on Tuesday. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs’ Taijuan Walker on his latest strong outing | 1:08
Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker gave up just one hit in three scoreless innings against the White Sox on Sunday, Mar. 5, 2017. (Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs lefty Patrick Corbin after spring outing vs. Padres | 1:14
Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin, who is vying for a spot in the rotation, gave up two runs in three innings against the Padres on Saturday in Peoria.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShelby Miller on his outing vs. Cubs | 1:05
Diamondbacks right-handed Shelby Miller talks about his impressive outing vs. the Cubs. Miller struck out six in three innings.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBArchie Bradley on strong outing vs. Padres | 1:09
Diamondbacks right-hander Archie Bradley tossed three scoreless innings in his second start of spring training.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBRobbie Ray on his spring training debut | 1:15
Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray was upbeat despite walking three in 1 1/3 innings on Wednesday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBSpring training story lines to watch | 1:46
USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale breaks down the story lines to follow as spring training heats up. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker throws two innings in spring debut | 1:26
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker talks about his outing on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers in Surprise. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBSome things about Spring Training season just haven’t changed… | 0:00
Here are some longtime favorites about America’s favorite pastime. Aimee Plante/azcentral
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMLB changing intentional walks for 2017 | 0:46
The MLB is changing up the intentional walk in an effort to improve the pace of play. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBJust the FAQs: Brewers at bullpen | 1:05
The Brewers by position: Bullpen Enrique Rodriguez
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBProjecting the 2017 MLB season | 1:34
USA TODAY Sports has released its projected win totals for the 2017 MLB season. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMLB’s 100 Names to Know for 2017 | 1:17
USA TODAY Sports released its annual list of players to watch for in the upcoming season. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMLB commissioner Rob Manfred on rule changes, MLBPA cooperation | 3:01
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred spoke about his frustration with the MLBPA, which he said rebuffed the league’s efforts to make any of a number of rules changes at Tuesday’s Cactus League Media Day at the Biltmore. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks’ Ken Kendrick discusses team’s lawsuit | 1:44
The Diamondbacks’ Ken Kendrick discusses the team’s lawsuit with the Maricopa County Stadium District over over Chase Field maintenance costs at spring-training camp on Friday.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs manager Torey Lovullo on Goldschmidt, team’s core | 1:02
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo discusses star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and his new team’s foundation at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBBehind the scenes at Diamondbacks Photo Day | 1:36
The Diamondbacks had their photos taken on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 at Salt River Fields.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCubs’ Joe Maddon on why it’s difficult to repeat | 1:28
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how difficult it is to win back-to-back championships in the MLB on Tuesday at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCubs’ Joe Maddon on this season’s preparation | 1:14
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how to prepare for this season in regards to overworking and injuries after last season’s championship run at Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBA look at Diamondbacks Fan Fest 2017 | 1:21
The Arizona Diamondbacks hosted fans to celebrate the start of spring training and the 2017 season at D-Backs Fan Fest at Salt River Fields on Monday. Hannah Gaber/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCloser Fernando Rodney throws bullpen session | 0:31
Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney tosses a bullpen session at Salt River Fields.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBBaseball stadiums on the way out or in danger of extinction | 1:06
There are several MLB teams looking for new stadiums, while at least two are happy with their old-school dwellings. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBTaijuan Walker throws bullpen session at Salt River Fields | 0:37
Diamondbacks right-hander Taijuan Walker throws his first official bullpen session of spring training at Salt River Fields on Tuesday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBShelby Miller throws bullpen session at Salt River Fields | 0:37
Diamondbacks pitcher Shelby Miller tosses his first bullpen of the spring at Salt River Fields on Tuesday. Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs bench coach Ron Gardenhire diagnosed with prostate cancer | 1:21
Ron Gardenhire, Arizona Diamondbacks bench coach, annouced on Tuesday that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the team’s spring training complex at Salt River Fields. Manager Torey Lovullo also spoke. Video: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs manager Lovullo on getting started, Shelby Miller | 1:36
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo on what he sees in his team and pitcher Shelby Miller heading into the first days of spring training at Salt River Fields. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs pitcher Archie Bradley talks about his beard | 0:46
D-Backs pitcher Archie Bradley, sporting facial hair that he has not shaved since October 31st, reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs skipper Torey Lovullo press conference | 1:29
D-Backs skipper Torey Lovullo press conference at spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs pitcher Patrick Corbin reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale | 0:42
D-Backs pitcher Patrick Corbin reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale. (Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBDiamondbacks’ pitcher Archie Bradley: “New year. New team. New everything. We’re excited.” | 0:49
Diamondbacks right-hander Archie Bradley talks about the excitement of getting spring training started, saying “I couldn’t sleep last night.” Video: Nick Piecoro/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBD-Backs near crossroads with Goldschmidt | 0:57
The Diamondbacks have faced tough seasons and payroll limitations, and it might cost them a beloved franchise player. Hannah Gaber/azcentral.com Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBThe best MLB lineup realistic money can buy | 0:56
Proliferation of young talent in the game provides an abundance of inexpensive options to stock a roster. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBMontini: Diamondbacks’ lawsuit is one big error | 1:19
Are the Arizona Diamondbacks right to sue Maricopa County over Chase Field? Columnist E.J. Montini says no.
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WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS FROM THE DIAMONDBACKS AND THE MLBCubs, coffee and cars: How things have changed since the North Siders last won the World Series | 1:07
With the longest championship drought in American professional sports, the Cubs have seen a lot change since they last won the World Series, in 1908. Time_Sports
Diamondbacks’ Patrick Corbin after spring outing vs. White Sox
Zack Greinke on his diminished velocity in start vs. Mexico
Shelby Miller discusses latest start
D-Backs’ Taijuan Walker on his latest strong outing
D-Backs lefty Patrick Corbin after spring outing vs. Padres
Shelby Miller on his outing vs. Cubs
Archie Bradley on strong outing vs. Padres
Robbie Ray on his spring training debut
Spring training story lines to watch
Taijuan Walker throws two innings in spring debut
Some things about Spring Training season just haven’t changed…
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Just the FAQs: Brewers at bullpen
Projecting the 2017 MLB season
MLB’s 100 Names to Know for 2017
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on rule changes, MLBPA cooperation
Diamondbacks’ Ken Kendrick discusses team’s lawsuit
D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo on Goldschmidt, team’s core
Behind the scenes at Diamondbacks Photo Day
Cubs’ Joe Maddon on why it’s difficult to repeat
Cubs’ Joe Maddon on this season’s preparation
A look at Diamondbacks Fan Fest 2017
Closer Fernando Rodney throws bullpen session
Baseball stadiums on the way out or in danger of extinction
Taijuan Walker throws bullpen session at Salt River Fields
Shelby Miller throws bullpen session at Salt River Fields
D-Backs bench coach Ron Gardenhire diagnosed with prostate cancer
D-Backs manager Lovullo on getting started, Shelby Miller
D-Backs pitcher Archie Bradley talks about his beard
D-Backs skipper Torey Lovullo press conference
D-Backs pitcher Patrick Corbin reports to spring training camp in Scottsdale
Diamondbacks’ pitcher Archie Bradley: “New year. New team. New everything. We’re excited.”
D-Backs near crossroads with Goldschmidt
The best MLB lineup realistic money can buy
Montini: Diamondbacks’ lawsuit is one big error
Cubs, coffee and cars: How things have changed since the North Siders last won the World Series
Chris Iannetta never tasted the “garage wine” his grandparents made when he was growing up in Providence, R.I. He was too young.
But he remembers watching his grandfather sample grapes at the local farmer’s market and then set up the press and barrels in the garage. He’d sit and listen, a young boy entranced, as his grandfather, an Italian immigrant, told stories about his life and his affinity for wine.
In 2007, Iannetta’s rookie season with the Colorado Rockies, his grandfather died of cancer. At dinner with teammates, when his glass was filled with a red or white, Iannetta would think of his grandfather and “re-connect.”
“That’s where my love of wine was kind of entrenched,” he said.
These days, Iannetta, who’s part of the Diamondbacks’ catching triumvirate along with Jeff Mathis and Chris Herrmann, is more than just a wine connoisseur. He and former Angels teammate Vernon Wells own the Jack winery label, the name a combination of the first initials of their respective children, Jayce, Ashlyn, Christian and Kylie.
They’ve released a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Sauvignon Blanc and soon a Bordeaux. They’ve been written up in Wine Spectator magazine and recently they purchased 12 acres of land on Atlas Peak in Napa, Calif., with the goal of expanding their business into a full-time enterprise.
“It’s a passion project now but we’re gaining a lot of traction and hopefully we’ll get a lot bigger,” Iannetta said.
The partnership began in 2012 when both players were on the disabled list. They spent hours together in the trainer’s room and started talking about “what would be cool business ideas.” They discovered they each had a love of wine and all things Napa, and over dinner together one night, decided to get into the wine-making business. A mutual friend introduced them to winemaker Grant Long Jr., and the Jack label was born.
“Everyone that has tried it has loved it,” Iannetta said.
Iannetta has become something of a wine savant to his teammates. His advice is simple: Just drink what you like.
“What I try to tell people is that a good wine doesn’t mean everybody else thinks it’s good or it’s highly priced,” Iannetta said. “If you enjoy it, it’s the best wine on the planet. It could be three dollars or one thousand dollars. It’s what you enjoy drinking and if it resonates with you in some capacity then that’s the best.”
Iannetta hasn’t had as much time to delve into the wine-making process as he might like because his baseball career still takes priority. He signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks in the offseason and is expected to share time behind the plate with Mathis and Herrmann.
Iannetta will turn 34 in April and is coming off a 2016 season in which he hit .210 with just seven homers in 295 at-bats with the Seattle Mariners. He’s at the stage of his career where playing time and personal goals are secondary. He talks instead about he and Mathis forming the “best catching tandem in baseball.”
“I know Jeff and I just both want to win,” he said. “We want to be part of a winning team and whatever we can do facilitate winning we’ll do. I don’t think the blend of playing time matters to us much. We just want to help the staff.”
The Diamondbacks will drink a glass to that.
Short hops
Outfielder Socrates Brito is likely to miss at least two months after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated left ring finger on Wednesday night, manager Torey Lovullo said. Though there’s no strict timetable for a return, Lovullo said Brito is “going to be a while.” Brito injured the finger sliding headfirst into home, where his hand appeared to get caught on the foot of the opposing catcher.
*If he’s feeling up to it, shortstop Ketel Marte (illness) could return to the lineup on Friday as the designated hitter, Lovullo said.
*Lovullo said catcher Hank Conger (oblique) is “slowly getting back into his rhythm.” He has begun catching bullpens and hitting off a tee, Lovullo said. Conger has yet to play a game during spring training.