The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired pitcher Starlin Peralta today in the Rule 5 Draft. Photo courtesy of chicagonow.com.

The Arizona Diamondbacks continued their busy off-season today, acquiring right-handed pitcher Starlin Peralta from the Chicago Cubs in today’s Rule 5 Draft.

The Rule 5 Draft creates the possibility for Major League organizations to nab unprotected prospects off of other team’s rosters and the D’Backs took a chance on the 22 year-old righty with a “power” arm. He will have to remain on Arizona’s Major League roster for the entire season or have to be offered back to the Cubs for half of the $50,000 price that the D’Backs paid for him.

The Diamondbacks could also agree to a trade with Chicago to keep his rights. This would allow Arizona to send him to the minor leagues if they chose to do so.

Peralta was primarily a starting pitcher for Single-A Peoria during the 2012 season. He posted a 5-8 record with a 3.44 ERA in 99 1/3 innings. Over five minor league seasons, Peralta is 16-25 while amassing a 4.46 ERA in 303 innings.

Peralta has a live arm with a fastball routinely clocked in the  mid to upper 90′s. While he struggled with his control in 2012 (42 walks in 99+ innings), many feel that he has tremendous upside and that he could surprise the squad in Spring Training by earning a spot in the bullpen.

Arizona also lost a promising player when the Philadelphia Phillies selected outfielder Ender Enciarte.

The 22-year old prospect spent last season in Single-A South Bend and Single-A Visalia where he combined to hit .307 with 28 doubles, 10 triples and a .797 OPS. Again, if the Phillies do not keep him in the majors for the entire season, there is the possibility that he will be back with the organization.

Eric Chavez is going to be looked at to provide some innings at the corner positions for the Diamondbacks this season.  Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks stayed busy at the 2012 Winter Meetings inking corner infielder Eric Chavez and catcher Wil Nieves to one-year deals.

The 35 year-old Chavez agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal pending a physical according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. He played last season in New York and put up impressive numbers in limited time with the Yankees. The left-handed slugger hit .281 with 16 home runs and 37 RBI’s in 113 games last season while being deployed at both first and third base. During his career, Chavez has provided stellar defense at the corner positions. Chavez is a six-time gold glove winner at third base in his 15-year major league career.

In his younger years, Chavez put together some stellar seasons while with the Oakland A’s. For a six year stretch between 2000-06, he hit 22 or more home runs a season for the Athletics. His career has been somewhat derailed by injuries in recent years (primarily back problems), but last season stayed healthy and produced during the regular season for the perennial American League powerhouse.

Chavez provides the D’Backs with a left-handed bat in the lineup with some pop. He looks to split time at third base with Chris Johnson and can provide spot duty at first base to spell Paul Goldschmidt. He also provides the organization with a designated hitter option during Interleague play.

Wil Nieves is going to be looked at to provide backup catching duties this season to Miguel Montero.  Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

The D’Backs also re-signed catcher Wil Nieves to a one-year deal. Terms were not disclosed. The 35 year-old Nieves was not offered arbitration last week by the club as they felt he would command too much money, but the sides came together this week and came to a contract agreement. Nieves will spell Miguel Montero when Manager Kirk Gibson feels he needs a break.

Last season after signing with Arizona, Nieves hit. 306 in 16 appearances with the club, according to ESPN.com. He hit .301 with two home runs and eight RBI’s in 32 games last season (split between Colorado and Arizona).

For his career, Nieves is a .229 hitter in 314 games with six major league franchises (Arizona, San Diego, Milwaukee, Washington, Colorado, New York Yankees).

Bergesen leaves the team after only part of one season.

In other team news, relief pitcher Brad Bergesen was released on November 30th. After clearing waivers, Bergesen’s contract was sold to the Chunichi Dragons of the Central League in Japan. Bergesen departs Arizona after being acquired off of waivers last season from Baltimore. He recorded a 2-1 record in 19 relief appearances, posting a 3.64 ERA while with the Diamondbacks.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks signed veteran left-handed hitter Eric Hinske on Tuesday during the first day of the Winter Meetings.–Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed 11-year veteran Eric Hinske to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed as reported by FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Hinske played the last three seasons with the Atlanta Braves. In 2012, Hinkse played in 91 games in .197 with three home runs and 13 RBI’s in spot duty. Over the last three seasons in Atlanta, Hinske put up an average of .228 and just under eight home runs and  31 RBI’s. He is a .250 hitter and has belted 136 dingers over his entire career  The left handed hitter’s best season came a decade ago in 2002 when he hit .279 with 24 home runs and 84 RBI’s for Toronto.

Hinske is going to be looked at to provide some spot duty at first base for Paul Goldschmidt and can play right field or third base if necessary.

The D’Backs continue their discussions at the MLB Winter Meetings this week. Please log on to VenomStrikes.com for all the updates regarding the 2012 Winter Meetings.