Not a bad ‘10 debut for Allen, D-backs sweep Padres

In mid-August of last season, with the Diamondbacks mired in last place in the National League West, fans had precious few things to look forward to. One of those things was seeing Brandon Allen, a power-hitting first baseman acquired in a deal from the Chicago White Sox in the Tony Pena trade, getting the call up to the big club. But when it happened, Allen struggled at the big league level, hitting just .202 and striking out 40 times in 102 at-bats. This season, with Adam LaRoche cementing the first base position, Allen has spent the entire season in Triple-A Reno learning a new position–left field. Allen was one of four players called up as rosters are able to be expanded around Major League Baseball. Allen got the start in left on Wednesday afternoon, and made the most of his opportunity, making two great catches, including one that robbed Chase Headley of extra bases in the fourth inning. By the way, he also clubbed a grand slam in the 7th inning off of San Diego ...