Why is Jordan Pacheco With the Diamondbacks?
By Thomas Lynch
Jordan Pacheco was signed by the D’backs while Nick Evans was designated for assignment. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed the versatile Jordan Pacheco while designating Nick Evans for assignment. It was a quick hook for Evans, who scorched Triple A pitching and was recalled by the D’backs on May 27th. He received only 11 plate appearances, notching only one hit. But that’s not what this is about. Let’s go back to the signing of Pacheco in the first place.
He's a good fit for us right now-Kirk Gibson on Jordan Pacheco
On the seemingly never-ending quest for versatility, Kevin Towers and Kirk Gibson seemed to have stumbled upon their dream player. Pacheco, who was released by the Colorado Rockies earlier this month, can play catcher, every infield spot but shortstop and every position in the outfield. Plus Gibby seems to like his bat, this according to Steve Gilbert at mlb.com: “He’s a really good hitter,” Gibson said. “He’s a good fit for us right now.” True, Pacheco does own a .281 lifetime batting average. However, I have no idea how he is a good fit at the moment.
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Catching is locked up with Miguel Montero and Tuffy Gosewisch. First base, is that even a discussion with Paul Goldschmidt there? The middle infield is completely jumbled with Aaron Hill, Chris Owings and Didi Gregorius and will be more sticky once Cliff Pennington comes off the disabled list. With David Peralta‘s emergence and Cody Ross‘ contract, there doesn’t appear to be room in the outfield. The only spot where Pacheco could conceivably see time is backing up Martin Prado at third base. Then again, Eric Chavez should be coming off the DL relatively soon so where does that leave him?
Perhaps there is another deal in the works once Chavez, Pennington and Trumbo return from their injuries. Maybe Tony LaRussa is behind this. With three middle infielders that are all good enough to start now and an outfield with several question marks, management will already have a tough enough time deciding who goes when the wounded return. In my opinion, the team should have just kept Evans on the roster and forget about another logjam on the roster.