Analyst believes D-backs have holes to fill in offseason
PHOENIX – With the 2011 season now firmly in the rear view mirror, the Arizona Diamondbacks will begin to address holes on their roster in the offseason.
ESPN analyst Keith Law believes the team can improve their roster in a couple different areas including starting pitching.
“I would not want to see them roll Joe Saunders out there in the rotation again. I’d love to see them go out and get a better innings eater type than Saunders to add some reliability to the rotation,” said Law on the Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf show Tuesday.
Saunders is arbitration eligible meaning he could be used as trade bait for general manager Kevin Towers.
The analyst also mentioned the infield as an area that needs to be looked at.
“They’re going to have to do something about the left side of the infield especially at shortstop,” said Law.
Last year’s starting shortstop Stephen Drew is still recovering from a broken ankle and some question whether he will ever have the same range necessary to play the position in the future.
Maybe the biggest question mark revolves around mid-season acquisition Aaron Hill as the team declined his option making him a free agent, but is still trying to bring him back for a smaller price.
Law believes it would be a great deal for the D-backs if they could get him to come back on a deal less than the declined option of $8 million.
“Absolutely, no hesitation. That kind of player with above average defense at second is well worth $4 million a year, so I think it would make a ton of sense,” said Law.
The analyst was quick to shoot down the rumors of the D-backs possibly adding outfielder Johnny Damon to the team.
“Damon can’t really play the field anymore. He’s not going to cover much ground other than a small circle around his feet.”
“It’s just not an area of need for Arizona. There are other areas where they could put their money that could impact their team better,” said Law.
Hard to say if the D-backs’ front office sees things the way Law does, but it will interesting to find out how Kevin Towers plans to build on Arizona’s surprise run to the playoffs last season.
