Arizona Diamondbacks: Reviewing 2014’s Deadline Deals
Jul 7, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Gerardo Parra dives back into first base on a pick off attempt in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Gerardo Parra for Mitch Haniger and Anthony Banda
Parra, a two-tme Gold Glove winner, was one of the more popular D’backs in recent team memory. He was a guy that, over his first four seasons in Arizona was viewed more as a super utility outfielder than a full-time player. Parra was able to play all three positions smoothly, quite a feat considering the vast space at Chase Field. Finally in 2013, he became an everyday guy, appearing in 156 games and receiving 601 at-bats.
2014 became a different story as due to injury and circumstance the D’backs’ outfield became quite the crowded house. Mark Trumbo was acquired in the offseason then was hurt in April. Cody Ross was in his second season with the team and rookies Ender Inciarte and David Peralta emerged as prominent players. Factor in that Parra had one more arbitration-eligible season before hitting free agency and you have the formula for the last minute trade that sent him to the Milwaukee Brewers.
In return, the D’backs received pitcher Anthony Banda and oufielder Mitch Haniger, two prospects farther from Major League play than O’Brien. Banda, taken in the 10th round of the 2012 Draft from San Jacinto Junior College , was primarily a starter who had not pitched above the Class A Midwest League. He finished 2014 with a record of 9-6 and an ERA of 3.03. In 118 2/3 innings, the left-hander struck out 117 batters while walking only 45. Banda has spent 2015 with Visalia of the High Class A California League and has 98 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings while walking only 29.
Haniger was the 38th overall selection in the 2012 Draft from Cal Poly. He was thought of a guy that had some pop in his bat but may take a little time to develop. He, too spent the entire 2014 season in A ball with 11 homers and 43 RBI’s, slugging .422. The right-handed hitter was also viewed as a good fielder with a good arm in right. Haniger has split time at Visalia and Double A Mobile. He has received 174 plate appearances with the higher level Bay Bears in 2015. Haniger has one homer and 18 RBI’s while batting .281 with an on-base percentage of .351.