Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick calls for smokeless-tobacco ban

"For too long, Major League Baseball players have used tobacco on the field, in the dugout, the bullpen and, of course, before millions of fans who watch on TV," Kendrick wrote. "I know that many players are addicted, and that's part of the problem."

During Thursday's game, Kendrick said he speaks to the Diamondbacks each spring about the responsibilities that come with playing in the major leagues. Because of the collective-bargaining agreement, he knows the organization can't prevent them from using smokeless tobacco, but it has asked players, at minimum, not to carry the tobacco can in their back pockets during games, visible for all to see.


"It's clearly a serious health issue for those who do it, and our game has a responsibility to provide leadership to young people," Kendrick said. "Our players are role models, and young people follow their lead. We need to recognize the influence we have on kids."

In his editorial, he wrote that he hopes change is on the way.

"This is what Major League Baseball and the players union must consider as we enter another round of contract talks in which a possible prohibition on the use of smokeless tobacco is on the table," Kendrick wrote. "Commissioner Bud Selig has said that the league will propose a smokeless tobacco prohibition like the one that's been in place in the minor leagues since 1993. I hope owners and players will seize this opportunity and do what's right."

The full editorial will run in next week's Republic.

Duke getting close

Zach Duke's first start with the Diamondbacks appears to be getting closer.

The 28-year-old left-hander, who broke his pitching hand during spring training, will pitch for Triple-A Reno on Monday, and if all goes well, he likely will join the rotation next week.

"We hope to get six innings and 90 pitches out of him," manager Kirk Gibson said. "So if everything goes fine, he'll start (next) Saturday (at Houston.")

Duke started Wednesday for high Class A Visalia, hitting 88 mph. He allowed five hits, an earned run, no walks and struck out four in five innings.

"The worst was actually the first inning," Duke said.

"I think I threw eight pitches and looked up and had the bases loaded with nobody out. But I was able to settle down from that point and really found a good rhythm and flooded the strike zone."

The Diamondbacks acquired Duke in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates in November. He was 8-15 with a 5.72 ERA in 29 starts last season, but he has yet to make his Arizona debut.

"The frustrating part is watching these guys go out every day and not being able to contribute or help them out," Duke said. " I'm just thankful the rehab is going very well at this point. Hopefully, we'll keep it going in that direction and get back as soon as possible."