Towards 2014
Discussing the changes as the D-backs build their roster towards the 2014 campaign.
Spring Questions, #2: The recovery of Ross
For one reason or another, Cody Ross seemed cursed last year, appearing in 94 games - the first season since 2007 he'd had less than 120. Given the way 2013 ended, how are his prospects for this year?
D-backs Non-Rosters: 2014 viewer's guide, part 2
We continue our look at the players outside the 40-man roster who'll be at spring training. This installment takes care of the remaining pitchers.
Spring Questions, #1: Shortstop selection
Some aspects of the Diamondbacks' team for 2014 already seem settled. Others, not so much. As we head toward spring training, with the first arrivals next week, let's take a look at some of the questions to be answered during Cactus League play.
D-backs Non-Rosters: 2014 viewer's guide, part 1
27 players outside the Diamondbacks 40-man roster will report to Salt River Fields in a couple of weeks. In this series, we'll be learning a bit about them, starting today with some of the pitchers.
Ordering the 2014 Diamondbacks
The D-backs will need a new lead-off hitter this year, with the man who finished 2013 in that spot, Adam Eaton, no longer part of the team. Who'll fill that role, and how should we arrange everyone else?
No Tanaka: now what?
Two weeks tomorrow, Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers will report in Scottsdale. Having lost out in the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes, should Arizona look for an alternative?
This stream has:
Masahiro Tanaka: not a Diamondback
Masahiro Tanaka was the best pitcher on the open market this winter. Despite thoughts he might become a Diamondback, he turned to the dark side and will be a New York Yankee for the foreseeable future.
Joe Thatcher Agrees to 1-Year Deal
The LOOGY has agreed to a deal to continue the Diamondback streak of avoiding arbitration hearings.
2014 Diamondbacks projections
shoewizard put together a table combining the ZIPS, Oliver and Steamer projections for our offense this year. Here are the numbers it spat out for the 2014 hitters.
Platooning the 2014 D-backs
Last year, the Diamondbacks were about in the middle of the pack for getting the platoon advantage. Should they try and do better in 2014?
Why Arizona?
The buzz keeps increasing in volume: the Diamondbacks are going to make a run at Masahiro Tanaka. That the Arizona wants the Japanese hurler is no surprise, but why would he want them in return?
Trading J.J. Putz?
With Addison Reed in the Diamondbacks bullpen, it has been suggested the team may now deal last year's Opening Day closer J.J. Putz.
The 2014 D-backs: Serious Prediction Edition
Happy New Year! Here are our twenty questions for 2014. Get predictin'! We'll review these in December. Why, yes, there WILL be laughing and pointing then, thank you for asking.
The 2014 D-backs: Non-serious prediction edition
Tomorrow starts a new year: what will it bring for Arizona? Let's gaze deep into our crystal baseballs, and see what the future holds. [Future subject to change]
Looking at the 2014 D-backs Opening Day Starter
Less than three months to Opening Day 2014. Who should take the mound for the Diamondbacks in that game?
10 more questions the D-backs face in 2014
Yesterday, Steve Gilbert came up with a list of 10 questions for the Diamondbacks next year. While undeniably good issues, I've got a few more....
Pricing a pitcher: how much Arizona can spend
A few more players are now in the book, since we last checked. So let's see how much the team might have left to spend on that front-line starting pitcher over the next two years.
Brad Ziegler signs extension with Diamondbacks
Reliever Brad Ziegler has agreed to an extension with the Diamondbacks, covering the next two seasons with a team option for 2016.
Are the D-backs changes enough?
The signing of Eric Chavez fills another spot on the roster for 2014. Some old faces will be back; other, new ones will be here. Are the changes so far enough to make Arizona competitive?
Eric Chavez signed by Diamondbacks
Corner-infielder Eric Chavez will indeed be back with Arizona in 2014, the left-handed hitter having re-signed with the Diamondbacks.
Free-agent starting pitching: who's left?
The biggest hole left on the Diamondbacks this winter, according to Kevin Towers, is the need for a top-tier member of the rotation. Let's see who is still available on the market.
Chasing Chavez: the hunt for left-handed power
The departure of Matt Davidson appears to have increased the impetus for the Diamondbacks to re-sign Eric Chavez. What's happening on that front?
Diamondbacks sign Valverde. Or not. Not works too.
After initial excitement (ok, that's perhaps a little strong), it appears the news of Papa Grande's return to the valley was premature.
This stream has:
Addison Reed Acquired From White Sox for Davidson
The Diamondbacks unexpectedly moved to strengthen their bullpen, dealing third-base prospect Matt Davidson to the White Sox for their closer, Addison Reed.
Hudson re-signed; Blanco close to signing
There's a name from the past, in more ways than one! Henry Blanco is reported by Nick Piecoro to be on the verrge of signing a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, and the team is also said to be close to a deal with Daniel Hudson.
The winter meetings: Mission (half) accomplished
The winter meetings ended quietly today, the Diamondbacks and Kevin Towers coming back from Florida with one of the big things crossed off their "to do" list. Slugging outfielder? Acquired. But the question of the team's rotation remains unresolved.
Diamondbacks win some, lose some in Rule 5 draft
The Diamondbacks lost two players in the major league section of the Rule 5 draft, but also added the Cubs' reliever, Marcos Mateo.
Mark Trumbo, SABR-Traditional Rorschach Test
Depending on what numbers you like to favor, Mark Trumbo is either a Power God or the second coming of Mark Reynolds/Jason Kubel. In that sense, he is the baseball version of a very questionable Psychological test.
This stream has:
Mark Trumbo traded to Arizona, for Skaggs + Eaton
The Diamondbacks have acquired their slugging outfielder, dealing Adam Eaton and Tyler Skaggs in a three-way deal with the White Sox and Angels, for the latter's Mark Trumbo.
Trumbo traded to D-backs; Skaggs, Eaton leave
It may not be quite official, but seems close enough to warrant the declaration. Kevin Towers got his slugging outfielder, acquiring Mark Trumbo in a three-way deal with the Angels and White Sox.
The winter meetings of our discontent?
Brace yourselves. It's going to be an interesting four days in Florida. Let's just hope Kevin Towers doesn't make any Mickey Mouse deals this week. Hohoho.
Did Diamondbacks dodge a Beltran bullet?
Carlos Beltran signed with the Yankees tonight, on a three-year deal for $45 million. But it seems the Diamondbacks might have offered Beltran even more. Was that wise?