ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

La Russa: D-backs open to further deals, but will use caution at Winter Meetings

Dec 8, 2015, 9:44 AM | Updated: 6:01 pm

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2015, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws ...

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2015, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws against the New York Mets during the first inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Division Series, in Los Angeles. Greinke has opted out of the final three years of his contract with the Dodgers, giving up a guaranteed $71 million to become a free agent again. Greinke was among 12 additional players who became free agents, the Major League Baseball Players Association said Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, raising the total to 151. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)

(AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)

LISTEN: Tony La Russa, Diamondbacks chief baseball officer

The Arizona Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world last week by landing the big fish.

The normally cautious club signed free agent pitcher Zack Greinke to a massive six-year, $206 million deal late Friday, sending a message to the rest of baseball that the D-backs are pushing to compete for a World Series title now.

But the signing of Greinke, despite its enormity, isn’t necessarily the end of the D-backs’ wheeling and dealing. Arizona has been linked to trade rumors involving Atlanta starting pitcher Shelby Miller and Miami right-hander Jose Fernandez. Free agent right-hander Mike Leake, who finished 2015 with the San Francisco Giants, has also been mentioned as a possibility for the Diamondbacks.

Arizona could still be big players at the Winter Meetings going on in Nashville, Tennessee.

“We’re in a wonderful position. Our ownership has put us in a position to come to the meetings not desperate,” chief baseball officer Tony La Russa told Doug and Wolf Tuesday morning on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “We needed to add a pitcher of significance — or plural — and so we walked in here and we have Zack and we’ve been flooded with requests because we have position players that are very attractive to teams that have pitching.

“And we’re being very careful, because you want to do something that, in the end, gives you a better chance to win, so we’ll be looking at it.”

The D-backs do have a glut of talent, mostly in the middle infield and outfield positions, that is highly regarded by other organizations. But, as La Russa stated, they’re using caution moving forward and don’t feel the need to make further deals.

“If we do nothing, we’re in a position to be very competitive and get into October with a chance to win,” he said.

Outfielder A.J. Pollock figures to be a popular target at the Nashville meetings. The 27-year-old center fielder is coming off a breakout season in which he posted a .315/.367/.498 slash line. He clubbed 20 home runs, drove in 76 runs, stole 39 bases, made his first All-Star team, won a Gold Glove and finished 14th in the National League MVP balloting. He made only $519,500 last season, and isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2017.

“Your door is open, the phone is open and we have fielded a lot of calls on our players,” La Russa said. “Obviously, A.J., with what he’s done throughout his career and the continued improvement, has been a item. People want what A.J. is and we’re resisting them fiercely.”

The Winter Meetings run through Dec. 10.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Blake Snell...

Associated Press

Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.

2 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen named Opening Day starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen the starter for Opening Day on March 28 when the Colorado Rockies come to Chase Field.

4 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

5 hours ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

8 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

12 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

13 hours ago

La Russa: D-backs open to further deals, but will use caution at Winter Meetings