Arizona Diamondbacks: Grading the Outfielders

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 02: Chris Owings #16 of the Arizona Diamondbacks is congratulated by Chris Herrmann #10, Jake Lamb #22, Paul Goldschmidt #44 and Yasmany Tomas #24 afte Owings hit the game winning RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning of the MLB opening day game at Chase Field on April 2, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 31: Gregor Blanco #5 of the Arizona Diamondbacks doubles in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field on August 31, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

Gregor Blanco

The Diamondbacks signed Gregor Blanco as a free agent a couple of days before the regular season started.

The addition of Blanco was a smart move as he was expected to be someone who could be valuable off the bench for the team and make the occasional start.

However, the role for Blanco increased once Pollock was sidelined and the veteran proved very valuable.

The experience he had in the five years with San Francisco Giants showed he knew what it takes to win.

Blanco posted a modest .246 batting average and .694 OPS in 90 games with 10 doubles, three triples, three homers, 13 RBIs and 15 stolen bases.

It was a pleasant surprise that Blanco could contribute and he was one of the reasons the Diamondbacks played so well during Pollock’s absence.

There should be some credit given to Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen for signing Blanco and skipper Torey Lovullo for utilizing the outfielder.

Grade:

. . GREGOR BLANCO. C+.