A Quick Look Ahead for Arizona Diamondback Position Battles in 2013
By Thomas Lynch
You would think that a team that will finish around .500 would have more positions unsettled on their squad for the following season. Yet, barring a trade, that is exactly the situation the Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves in as we approach the offseason. Our staff here at venomstrikes will have much more as the Fall and Winter progress but I just wanted to provide a quick snapshot of the team as constructed today. Again, assuming no major shakeup is in order you have Miguel Montero behind the plate, Paul Goldschmidt at first, Aaron Hill at second, Jason Kubel, in left Chris Young (perhaps platooned with Gerardo Parra) in center and Justin Upton in right. The rotation will return Ian Kennedy, Trevor Cahill, Wade Miley, and some combination of Trevor Bauer, Tyler Skaggs, Patrick Corbin and later in 2013 Daniel Hudson. The bullpen will be headed probably by J.J. Putz, along with David Hernandez, Bryan Shaw and Brad Ziegler. Josh Collmenter has emerged as a valuable long reliever and spot starter so he will be on the staff as well.
Aaron Hill will once again be counted on for big numbers in 2013. Image: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE
The two everyday spots that will need to be addressed are Shortstop and Third Base. Short may be an area that will have to be addressed outside the organization. If either John McDonald or Willie Bloomquist (or both) return they are more suited to utility roles. It doesn’t seem as though the club believes Jake Elmore is the answer so a trade or a free agent signing will be made for the position. We don’t know for sure if Ryan Wheeler or Chris Johnson is the long term solution at the hot corner. Johnson has the edge in experience and will be around 80 RBI’s this season. Wheeler’s first trip up to the Majors has not resulted in many positive results. However, he was a big run producer in the Minors. I would expect a Spring Training battle between the two players. The team will also want a left handed reliever if they do not think that Mike Zagurski fits into their long range thinking.
There are persistent rumors that Upton and maybe Young will be traded this offseason. If one or both go, the Arizona Hot Stove will be much more interesting than filling the left side of the infield.
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