Insider: D-backs strike with under-the-radar moves

ESPN's Buster Olney ranked the best under-the-radar moves this winter and a combo of D-backs' signings landed the fourth spot on the list.

Jason Kubel and Joe Saunders: Two years/$15 million and one year/$6 million, respectively, Arizona Diamondbacks

Steadily, Arizona has built the most depth for any team in the NL, and these two signings are a big part of that. The left-handed-hitting Kubel will help balance what was a very right-handed lineup in the playoffs last year and allow manager Kirk Gibson to create better matchups. And Saunders, like Edwin Jackson, is a quality starter for the back end of what should be a good rotation.

The addition of Kubel brings tremendous depth to an already impressive outfield trio of Gerardo Parra, Chris Young and Justin Upton. And while Kubel's presence will cut into Parra's playing time, the left-handed firepower he'll provide should pay dividends for the D-backs' offensive production.

The team's decision to bring back veteran Joe Saunders to fill out their rotation was another understated move that was locally lauded.

After acquiring Trevor Cahill from the Athletics, the D- backs' weren't expected to bring Saunders back into the fold. In fact, it was widely speculated that the club would look internally to one of their highly-regarded prospects to fight for the fifth starter's job in camp.

However, team's brass decided to go over budget to bring Saunders back on a one-year deal to further bridge the gap for their young hurlers.

With Saunders back in the mix for 2012, the D-backs have afforded themselves a position of luxury. Their starting rotation is arguably one of the best in the league, and the pipeline they have to the minors is stocked with a number of talented arms who are knocking on the door to the Majors.

The Diamondbacks may not have brought a "big" name into the desert this winter, but with all due respect to Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Jose Reyes, they didn't have to.

Instead, the D-backs have quietly built upon a young roster that is now in an even better position to blossom and contend for the long haul. More impressively, they didn't shell out any albatross contracts like they have been known to do in years past and won't be saddled financially for the foreseeable future.

The D-backs' offseason moves may have flown under the radar, but the expectations for this team in 2012 and beyond continues to grow.