The "Immune Nine" Mandate & D-backs Connectivity: The Mets Series Review and the Ryan Dunn Challenge

In Episode 656 of The Valley Verdict, we review a pivotal week for Arizona sports. From the Diamondbacks' "Team-Ability" in a series win over the Mets and Corbin Carroll's 500th game, to a definitive mandate for the Phoenix Suns rotation heading into the play-in.

We examine why Eduardo Rodriguez finally found his rhythm for his first win of the season, why Paul Sewald’s return is stabilizing the pen, and we react to the "Rest vs. Rust" debate with a hard-line stance on the Suns' rotation. Plus, we check in on the intensity at ASU football practice as Kenny Dillingham continues to set the Standard in Tempe.

In this episode:

00:00 - Welcome

Opening thoughts on the shifting energy in the Valley and the importance of professional "Connectivity" as the postseason approaches.

15:07 - D-backs: The Mets Series & "Team-Ability"

Game 1 Breakdown: Reviewing the 4-3 heartbreaker in extras and reacting to Burns & Gambo’s 10 takeaways after the first 10 games.

Game 2 Bounce Back: Analyzing the 7-2 win and Corbin Carroll’s 500th career game as a Diamondback.

Sound: Corbin Carroll joins Jody Jackson on the floor; Torey Lovullo addresses the media on the team's resilience.

Game 3 Statement: The massive 7th-inning explosion and Eduardo Rodriguez’s first win of the season after a stretch of starts without run support.

The National Spotlight: Reviewing Torey Lovullo and Paul Sewald’s appearances on MLB Network regarding the team's "Team-Ability."

Sound: Torey Lovullo speaks to the media on the collective effort and the "Team-Ability" factor.

1:12:17 - Suns: The State of the Union

The Debate: Reacting to Burns & Gambo on whether the Suns should rest players to prepare for the play-in.

Roster Uncertainty: Examining why the starting five is still undetermined and the impact of Dillon Brooks' postseason reputation.

The Bigger Problem: Reacting to Bickley & Marotta on the Suns' place in the current NBA landscape.

1:21:58 - My "Immune Nine" Mandate

The Postseason Policy: My definitive list of the only nine players who should be on the floor before Tuesday.

The Ryan Dunn Challenge: A direct "stare down" with Ryan Dunn. Why these next two games are "get right" opportunities to return to the force and physicality of last season.

The Couch Policy: Why everyone NOT on the list needs to prioritize rest, practice, and treatment.

1:26:13 - ASU Football: The Practice Standard

Defensive Focus: Reviewing the intensity of Tuesday’s practice with LB Coach AJ Cooper and Thursday’s session with DL Coach Diron Reynolds.

The Dillingham Standard: Kenny Dillingham speaks to the media on the progress of the roster as they prepare for the Big 12 jump.

The Verdict: Can Ryan Dunn find his aggressive edge before Tuesday, and is "Team-Ability" enough to keep the D-backs atop the NL West? 👇

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