Snake Bytes, 12/15: Not a creature was stirring...

Team news

[AZ Central] Diamondbacks hopeful after 'quiet' winter meetings - “It wasn’t quiet at all underneath the surface, which is encouraging that things will still get done,” Hazen said. “The fear is leaving here and the urgency of being in a hotel for four days (is lost) heading into the holidays, but we’re going to still stay aggressive. We’re going to still try and make things happen.” They did not have an offer out to Fernando Rodney... Corbin is still the more likely starter to move. A source with a rival club said this week the Diamondbacks seem willing to listen on any of their infielders other than Ketel Marte.

[NJ.com] Yankees, Diamondbacks talk Jacoby Ellsbury trade, source says - The Yankees and Diamondbacks have engaged in trade talks recently, and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was among the various names that were tossed around. But Arizona didn't show strong interest in the 34-year-old, the source said, though nothing is believed to be off the table. Ellsbury, who has a full no-trade clause, is due $63 million over the last three years of his contract and has a $5 million buyout for the 2021 season. The source said the Diamondbacks particularly weren't thrilled with money attached to Ellsbury, who figures to be the Yankees' fifth outfielder next season.

[Yahoo] Three reasons the D-Backs would consider trading Zack Greinke - There’s a thought that dealing Greinke will allow the Diamondbacks to pick up two or three free agents who will help the team in multiple areas. On the surface, it’s not a bad plan. They can sign a veteran innings-eater for the rotation. They can search for another hitter to strengthen the bottom of the order. If they believe hitting is the bigger priority, maybe they take a run at J.D. Martinez and hope he comes a little cheaper than $34 million a year. This sounds great in theory, but it’s dependent on a lot of factors.

[FanRag] Why would Diamondbacks want to trade ace Zack Greinke? - The rosy answer to “why trade Greinke,” then, is to make an impact just as big in a non-pitching realm: using the savings to re-sign J.D. Martinez. While that’s a compelling thought line for the story, it means the Diamondbacks would be trading a certain thing for a maybe. Generally speaking, you don’t ever want to do that. You lose the certain thing, and at least some of the time, you lose the maybe too. In the end, it’ll probably come down to the deal.

[Baseball Essential] Trading Zach Greinke to Re-Sign J.D. Martinez Would Be Foolish by Diamondbacks - Before the Diamondbacks went out and acquired Martinez, they were already in the Wild Card mix. While his addition certainly didn’t hurt the Diamondbacks, it wasn’t as if they were in dire need to acquire him. In fact, had they not made the move for Martinez, chances are they still would’ve been a Wild Card team. Greinke has been one of the most dominant and reliable arms of the decade. Now back to pitching like the ace of old, trading him to re-sign Martinez would be bizarre.

And finally in this section, something from the “O RLY?” section.

And, elsewhere...

[Arizona Sports] Closer Fernando Rodney to sign with Twins - The Arizona Diamondbacks will begin searching for a new closer, as 40-year-old Fernando Rodney has agreed to sign with the Minnesota Twins, according to multiple reports. Sirius XM’s Craig Mish was first to report Rodney’s agreement and added that it will be worth one year and up to $6 million, including incentives. The move is pending a physical.

[Sporting News] Red Sox working on massive counter to answer Yankees - Giancarlo Stanton going to the Yankees was a punch in the gut to all of the American League, but it was especially impactful on the Red Sox. However, as hard as it may have been to swallow the massive blockbuster deal, Boston general manager Dave Dombroski is aiming higher rather than wallowing in self-pity. According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are looking to sign BOTH free-agent outfielder J.D. Martinez and first baseman Eric Hosmer.

[SI] Inside the Angels' Shohei Ohtani Deal - MLB circulated Ohtani’s medical history. Sources from two of the teams say the report included a notation that Ohtani underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection on his right elbow in October. PRP has become popular as a conservative, nonsurgical treatment to address a wide variety of elbow issues. In some cases, such as with Zack Greinke in 2013 and Chris Sale in ’14, it treats inflammation and irritation. In other cases, such as strains or tears to the flexor tendon or ulnar collateral ligament, it is used instead of surgery. [Some] pitchers who tried PRP eventually needed Tommy John surgery, including Clay Buchholz and Drew Smyly this year.