D-backs pick up some options, see some players become free agents

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a handful of roster moves
Monday, exercising mutual options on Willie Bloomquist and
Henry Blanco, while declining options for Zach Duke and
Aaron Hill.

Bloomquist declined the option, opting instead to become a
free agent in hopes of signing a long-term deal with the
team.

The utility player hit .266 last season — his first with
the Diamondbacks — and was the team’s primary shortstop
after Stephen Drew went down with an injury in July.

Blanco, 40, hit .250 in a reserve role, backing up Miguel
Montero and providing a steady locker room presence. He
hit
eight home runs on the season, also his first with the
team.

The team declining options for Duke and Hill really comes
as
no surprise, as each was slated to make more than market
value. That does not mean neither will return, as Duke was
solid in the bullpen for the team and Hill hit .315 with
two
home runs and 16 RBI in 33 games with the D-backs after
being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays.

The D-backs also saw Jason Marquis, John McDonald, Xavier
Nady and Lyle Overbay file for free agency.

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