Snake Bytes, 1/16: Post-signing Saturday

Team news

[AZ Central] A.J. Pollock talks on hold; Diamondbacks sign 6 players - The Diamondbacks avoided arbitration on Friday with six players, leaving center fielder A.J. Pollock as their only remaining arbitration-eligible player. The Diamondbacks had been hoping to find common ground with Pollock on a multi-year deal, but General Manager Dave Stewart said in a text message on Friday evening that those talks have been tabled. "We, both sides, have for the time being put that away," Stewart said.

[Arizona Sports] ESPN's Olney: Diamondbacks have a top-10 lineup - It no doubt helps to have Pollock and Goldshmidt, both of whom are All-Stars and the latter of whom has become a perennial NL MVP candidate. And while the team may not be able to expect that kind of power again from Castillo, there is reason to believe they will see improvements at the plate from players like Tomas, Owings, Lamb and Ahmed. Arizona was not the only NL West team to make the top 10, as the Colorado Rockies were listed ninth and the San Francisco Giants 10th.

[KOTV] Archie Bradley In Town - Archie Bradley was back in town Friday night to attend Broken Arrow's annual Baseball Wildlife Festival. Archie talked to News On 6 about the Diamondbacks' busy offseason. "We went out and we got Grienke, traded for Shelby Miller, and for me it's exciting," said Bradley. "I think as long as I perform and pitch the way I know how then things are going to take care of themselves. So, whoever is going to help the team the most is going to win those jobs, so I'm doing everything I can to be prepared for day one."

[dbacks.com] D-backs honor corporate partners with awards - "This is pretty cool and Derrick always puts on a good show," Goldschmidt said. "It's more than just him and I know they have been working on this for months, if not the whole year. It's definitely entertaining." The evening also marked Miller's first appearance in Arizona as a member of the D-backs. "So far, it's been great," Miller said. "I'm here with my wife and we came out here [Wednesday] to try to look at some houses and get settled in. We came to this event and, [went] to the field a little bit, kind of checking everything out. So far, it's been amazing and we are falling in love pretty quick."

[TKB] D-Backs Talk to Pollock Seem Unlikely on Kendrick - On another front, second baseman Howie Kendrick has been linked to the D-backs this winter, and the sides reportedly have touched base, but there does not appear to be a match. The D-backs have made it a point to do very little that will affect the makeup of the everyday lineup, and that does not seem likely to change.

[AZ Central] Shelby Miller hopes his luck changes with Diamondbacks - As the days, weeks and months passed without a win, the words of encouragement were reassuring for Shelby Miller. He knew he wasn’t pitching poorly. But it was still nice to hear it from others. "It’s definitely not easy," Miller said. "You play the game for one reason and that’s to go out and win. Every time you were going out there and you were losing, it’s tough. I think not only as a pitcher but as a person and a teammate, it opened my eyes a little bit."

Former D-back news

[SBNation] Ian Kennedy signs with Royals for 5-year, $70 million deal - Ian Kennedy has found himself a new home with the defending world champion Kansas City Royals. The deal is worth $70 million over five years and includes an opt-out clause after two seasons. Kennedy, a right-hander who was previously with the San Diego Padres, is 31 years old. Last season he went 9-15 with a 4.28 ERA and 174 strikeouts.

[Lindy's Sports] Phillies reach deals with Hellickson, Gomez, Galvin - The Phillies settled their three salary-arbitration cases, as Philadelphia agreed to one-year deals with right-handers Jeremy Hellickson and Jeanmar Gomez, and shortstop Freddy Galvis. Hellickson agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract after posting a 4.62 ERA and going 9-12 in 27 starts last season for Arizona. He was traded by the Diamondbacks to the Phillies in November..

Reds, C Jordan Pacheco agree to terms on a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training camp.

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 15, 2016

And, elsewhere...

Cross another big free-agent off the market, as Chris Davis signs with Baltimore.

davis gets $161M for 7 years #orioles

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 16, 2016

[NY Daily News] Jose Reyes to stand trial for domestic violence charge - - Even if the Dominican-born Reyes reaches a plea deal, however, there are potential serious ramifications to Reyes’ career if he is not a U.S. citizen. According to Michael Wildes, a former federal prosecutor and a managing partner at Wildes & Weinberg, convictions for domestic violence can lead to deportation. "The only way to prevent removal is to be exonerated or have the charges dismissed, or if the government believes it's a "he said, she said" matter. I would hope Mr. Reyes has a good immigration lawyer."

[NPR] ESPN Hires Jessica Mendoza For 'Sunday Night Baseball' - ESPN has hired former Olympic softball player Jessica Mendoza as a full-time Sunday Night Baseball analyst for the upcoming MLB season. Last summer, Mendoza, 35, became the first woman in the booth during the network's MLB broadcast. In September, she became a Sunday Night Baseball regular, serving as analyst Curt Schilling's replacement. Mendoza earned a return invitation, and in October, reached another milestone as the first woman to call a nationally televised playoff game.