Grading the Diamondbacks New Acquisitions

Apr 3, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder

hits a two run home run in the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason was a busy one for the Diamondbacks. After back to back 81-81 seasons, General Manager Kevin Towers added to the lineup, the bullpen, and the starting rotation to hopefully get the Dbacks over the hump in 2014. Unfortunately it hasn’t gone to plan so far. The Snakes are 1-7, the worst start in franchise history, and bad habitats from 2013 are creeping back up. This slow start doesn’t mean that the new acquisitions haven’t been performing. Here is a look at the good and the bad from the Dbacks newest additions so far in 2014:

Mark Trumbo: All offseason, the Dbacks wanted to find a power bat that could provide protection for Paul Goldschmidt  in the middle of the lineup, and provide some consistent run production in the Arizona lineup. The Snakes got their guy at the Winter Meetings trading two of their brightest young players, Adam Eaton to the Whitesox, and Tyler Skaggs to the Angels as part of a three team deal for slugger Mark Trumbo. So far Trumbo has exceeded expectation. Coming into Sunday’s series finale with the Rockies, he had 4 HR and 11 driven in, hitting a long ball in three consecutive games, and leading the N.L in home runs and tied for the league lead in RBI’s. He has had a few miscues defensively which is a concern but as long as he produces at the plate, the Trumbo acquisition will be a good one. Combine him with Goldschmidt, and the Dbacks version of the bash brothers is in business. Some are suggesting that the Dbacks shouldn’t have given up Tyler Skaggs and Adam Eaton to get him, but Skaggs has had one good start, and the Dbacks have plenty in the OF to compensate for the loss of Eaton.

Grade: A

Addison Reed: The Dbacks were looking for a closer that could stabilize the Dbacks revolving door in the 9th. They got their man late in the offseason trading Matt Davidson for Whitesox closer Addison Reed. Reed saved 40 games for Chicago last season, and he was named the Snakes closer late in spring training. So far, Reed has been a mixed bag. He has one save so far and he hasn’t blown a save this season, but he also took the loss on Opening day and has a 6.00 era. In the long run, the addition of Reed will be a good one, the Dbacks desperately needed a guy who could close games consistently. Its still early and he just needs to get more save opportunities and he will deliver.

Grade: A

Bronson Arroyo: The Diamondbacks were looking for a number one starter this whole offseason and instead settled for innings eater Bronson Arroyo. The Dbacks got Arroyo because of his consistency. Year after year he pitches over 200 innings, and wins between 10-16 games. His veteran presence in the rotation and in the clubhouse is also a plus. So far Arroyo hasn’t exactly been himself. Despite only throwing 82 pitches in his first start against the Giants, he pitched only 4 and third innings which is not like Arroyo. He has had health issues early on in this season as well, which is rare for him. The combination of these two things have many fans questioning the acquisition, but once again its early. The injury to ace Patrick Corbin makes this accquistion on paper even better because of the depth that Arroyo has provided and in the end as long as he stays healthy he should put up the same numbers he has his whole career.

Grade: B

Oliver Perez: The Dbacks were disappointed in left hander Joe Thatcher‘s first season in sedona red, and were looking for another left handed reliever to put into the bullpen mix. Late in the offseason the Dbacks were able to acquire Oliver Perez. In 2013 with the Mariners he was 3-3 with a 3.74 era in 61 games. So far Perez has been just as bad as Thatcher if not worse. In 4 appearances he has allowed 4 runs in 2 innings pitched, that’s good for a 18.00 era. Its early in the season, but whenever Perez comes into the game, something bad happens. The good thing is its still early. If he continues to struggle he has to be sent down to the minors.

Grade: D

What do you think of the Dbacks acquisitions so far? Leave your thoughts in the comments section!