ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Greinke’s bad Wild Card outing could cost Diamondbacks in NLDS

Oct 6, 2017, 11:15 AM | Updated: 1:54 pm

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)...

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

When someone dies with a pretty negative resume of life, we usually give a few days or weeks before we talk about those negatives again.

It’s kind of the same with the Arizona Diamondbacks Wild Card Game. I gave it a day or two before I brought up the negative. Wednesday and Thursday were times to celebrate.

Now that it’s game day, the celebration is over. It’s time to get real.

Despite the team winning Wednesday night, Zack Greinke’s sad performance might have cost the D-backs the National League Division Series.

Despite decent numbers against left-handed pitching, the Dodgers can’t touch Robbie Ray. The lefty struck out more than 1.5 Dodgers per inning in his five games against them this season. He’s 3-0.

If Greinke does his job Wednesday, Ray pitches Friday in Los Angeles. Instead, Greinke’s $206 million wasn’t enough to earn the expected “pitcher of record” for Wild Card Wednesday.

Now, Game 1 of the NLDS is between ace Clayton Kershaw and Taijuan Walker — who, in case it’s not clear, is not named Ray.

Nothing is guaranteed, but I would pick the D-backs every time in a postseason game when Kershaw drags his history of failure to the mound against Ray’s Dodger-killing 2.27 ERA.

Then, assuming a split series after a Game 1 D-backs victory, Greinke would have been on the mound at home for the enormous Game 3 showdown.

Now the rotation is in flux from Game 2 forward.

Do you bring back Greinke or Ray on odd rest for Saturday? Do you wait till games 3 and 4 before you use Greinke and Ray? Does manager Torey Lovullo want to see if Arizona steals Friday’s game before a decision is made on Game 2 in order to avoid being down 0-2 without Geinke or Ray pitching?

In any decision Lovullo makes, he has to take into account Patrick Corbin. The lefty has a WHIP of nearly 2 (which is atrocious) and an ERA over 5 against the Dodgers this year.

If Greinke even pitched into the sixth inning, a rotation of Ray, Walker (2-0 with 3.24 ERA versus LA) and Greinke should put the D-backs up by a game before Arizona sees Kershaw again. Now, there’s no wiggle room to skip Corbin against the Dodgers.

This isn’t doom and gloom. Everyone in baseball knows the Diamondbacks offense can carry the team to victory in any postseason game — look at Wednesday.

Greinke might go on to completely eradicate one bad outing by performing greatly in a few more starts, maybe even in a World Series.

However, if Greinke’s postseason outings are this poor the rest of the way at $206 million, should Arizona continue to pay him? For the price of one 2018 Greinke, you could return A.J. Pollock and J.D. Martinez to the 2018 outfield.

It would appear they would do more after the fifth inning on than Greinke did.


Tune in to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station, your exclusive home for Arizona Diamondbacks playoff baseball.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley, center, celebrate his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Trevor Story watches his solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home as Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso looks away during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez (28) high-fives Jake Lamb (22) after they scored on a two-run triple by A.J. Pollock during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez (28) scores on a two-run triple by A.J. Pollock during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock heads to first on a two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the eighth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story sits in the dugout as the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in 
Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Fernando Rodney throws during the ninth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon, left, watches the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after the National League wild-card playoff baseball, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 11-8 to advance to an NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt (44) high-fives Ketel Marte (4) and David Peralta after hitting a three run home against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, pool) Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt (44) high-fives David Peralta and Ketel Marte (4) after hitting a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws to a Colorado Rockies batter during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, pool) Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) greets teammates in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws to the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks line up for the national anthem prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte connects for a base hit against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws to a Colorado Rockies batter during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray throws to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso follows through on a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso (3) is greeted by Jake Lamb (22) after Descalso's two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws to a Colorado Rockies batter during the second inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies catcher Jonathan Lucroy talks with starting pitcher Jon Gray during the second inning before Gray was removed from the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray flips the ball after giving up a base hit during the second inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Jonathan Lucroy (21) scores on a base hit by Alexi Amarista as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis stands near the plate during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke waits to be removed during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) is removed by manager Torey Lovullo (17) during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Alexi Amarista follow through on an RBI base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Gerardo Parra follows through on an RBI base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Nolan Arenado follows through on a base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte applauds while looking to the dugout after hitting a triple against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte follows through on a triple against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez, right, tries to avoid the tag by Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis after a dropped third strike during the fifth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Nolan Arenado (28) avoids an inside pitch from the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray throws against the Colorado Rockies during the fifth inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Ian Desmond reacts to striking out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies' Charlie Blackmon leaves the batter's box on an RBI sacrifice bunt during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies' Jonathan Lucroy (21) returns to the dugout after scoring on a sacrifice bunt by Charlie Blackmon during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley (25) celebrate his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Jake Lamb scores on a two-run triple by Archie Bradley during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso (3) scores on a two-run triple by Archie Bradley during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley rounds the bases on his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley celebrates his two-run triple against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the National League wild-card playoff baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon stretches prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt takes batting practice prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Brandon Drury waits to hit prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb laughs prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt laughs prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt waits his turn for batting practice prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado hits prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez prepares to hit prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu waits to hit during batting practice for the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black watches batting practice prior to the team's National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Diamondbacks grounds crew position the postseason logo prior to the National League wild-card playoff baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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