As I have discussed many times before, the Diamondbacks have a crowded outfield, and just like the Dodgers, something has to be done about it.
Yesterday, the Dbacks dealt a position of strength for two prospects that have a chance to be special players in the future. SS Didi Gregorius was traded to the Yankees in a three team trade.
In return, the Dbacks got two of the Tigers top prospects, Robbie Ray, and Domingo Leyba.
At the Winter Meetings, which begin tomorrow in San Diego, General Manager Dave Stewart has a chance to do that again, this time solving the crowded outfield situation.
At least now we know that the Dbacks Meetings Agenda won’t include trading Mark Trumbo. This is what Stewart told Bob Nightengale of the USA Today, and Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Mark Trumbo isn't going anywhere, the #Dbacks say, but Miguel Montero still a possibility if right offer comes along.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 5, 2014
Stewart said teams have called on Trumbo since Tomas entered fold and been told this: "We have no interest in moving Trumbo. None."
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) December 5, 2014
Motivations can change, especially if the right players are offered for him at the right time, but it seems like Stewart has no plans to deal Trumbo.
A Goldschmidt-Trumbo-Tomas middle of the lineup would be fun to see, but an outfielder has to go at some point.
A fractured left foot kept Trumbo out for most of the 2014 season. Over 362 plate appearances, he hit just .255 in 88 games.
He did hit 14 home runs, and he has proven in the past that if he can stay healthy he can be an impact bat in the middle of the lineup. He averaged 32 home runs with the Angels over three seasons.
When the previous front office brought Trumbo to Arizona, there idea was that he could play LF on a regular basis.
With the acquisition of Yasmany Tomas, that would mean Trumbo would move to RF. He has only played 65 games there. I don’t know if that’s the best idea.
I can understand that in today’s game, right-handed power is hard to come by, which might be a reason to keep Trumbo, but at the same time Stewart says he wants to acquire a left-handed bat to balance out the Dbacks right-handed heavy lineup.
This is what he told Jack Magruder of Fox Sports Arizona:
“A middle of the order, left-handed bat,” Stewart said. “A fourth-spot hitter, someone to sandwich in between Trumbo and Goldy (Paul Goldschmidt). We need a guy who can play every day. The next thing is to identify who is available and make sure it doesn’t cost too much to get him.”
Stewart has also said that if he wanted to move Miguel Montero he would have already, and that he likes David Peralta. and Ender Inciarte.
At some point Stewart has to make up his mind. The OF is to complicated to keep everybody unless he is going to platoon. The most obvious thing is to dump Cody Ross’s salary.
I highly doubt the Dbacks want Trumbo and Tomas to play in the same outfield given the questions about their defense.
It might make sense to move Trumbo especially if they want to also cut payroll. Several teams including the Marlins, Royals, Rays, Rangers, and Mariners could be interested.
He is projected to make $5.7M in arbitration according to mlbtraderumors.com, so moving him would create some flexibility.
Plus. given that so many teams covet right-handed power, the Dbacks could get a nice package in return that includes young major league ready arms, and prospects.
Another option would be to play Tomas at third but that squeezes out Jake Lamb, or they could decide to start Tomas in the minors.
The bottom line is something has to be done about the crowded outfield. and if it’s not Trumbo, then look for Peralta or Inciarte to get moved.