ESPN MLB insider: D-backs don’t need Bloomquist
Nov 17, 2011, 9:43 PM | Updated: 11:09 pm
The Diamondbacks made a few moves over the last couple of
weeks, agreeing to contracts with John McDonald, Willie
Bloomquist and Aaron Hill.
Combined with the return of Stephen Drew, it would appear
Arizona’s infield will be rather crowded.
That fact was not lost on ESPN MLB insider Keith Law, who
told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf the team didn’t
have to bring all three back.
“The deal I like the least there is Bloomquist,” Law said.
“You don’t need all of these players, and Bloomquist in
particular, he’s the kind of guy who should be getting a
Minor League contract and a Spring Training invite.
“Guaranteeing him a 40-man spot and guaranteeing him money
does not make sense to me, especially with all the other
infielders you have on the roster.”
The 33-year-old Bloomquist hit .266 in his first season
with the Diamondbacks, collecting 26 RBI, four home runs
and 20 stolen bases.
The veteran’s value, though, lies as much in his
leadership and ability to play multiple positions as it
does his statistics. He played in both left field and at
shortstop, finishing the season in the infield after Drew
went down with an injury in July.
But, as Law states, that’s precisely the issue with
bringing Bloomquist back. Assuming Drew returns to short
and Hill second, playing time will be scarce.
And, if the team finds it doesn’t need someone like
Bloomquist anymore, the money spent will become money
wasted.
