Matt L
formerly known as mattyboy
This season's rotation was definitely not good. For 2016, Corbin and Robbie Ray should have starting spots but the rest of the rotation is up for grabs. I think Archie Bradley will get one of those spots in the rotation and then Aaron Blair, Chase Anderson, Zack Godley, Braden Shipley and maybe Rubby De La Rosa will get a look in spring training. However, Blair and Shipley are unknown. Chase is really inconsistent. I think Godley's ceiling is Chase Anderson and Rubby De La Rosa may be best used in the bullpen. I think we need at least one free agent starting pitcher if not two. Below is a link to prospective free agents available this offseason:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/09/2016-mlb-free-agents.html
Johnny Cueto
David Price
Zack Greinke
I would be stoked if we signed any one of these guys, they are are all studs. Any one of those guys could anchor this rotation and probably move it to middle of the pack. That said, I cannot see the team spending the amount or the years that one of these three will require. I may be wrong but Price should be looking for Max Scherzer type money (7 years, $210 million) Cueto is not far behind. Greinke is just as good as both of those guys but is 32 so I don't think anyone would give him 7 years but crazier things have happened. I could be wrong but I just don't see the Diamondbacks getting any of these three guys signed for next season.
Below are guys that I find intriguing:
Jordan Zimmermann - He's 30 years old. He had a down year but was still solid. I am sure he won't be cheap but I think he will cost less than one of the three above and will produce decent numbers for the next 2-3 years.
Jeff Samardzija - He has had a pretty bad year for the White Sox. He has had good years for the Cubs though. Also, his outfield defense for the White Sox is terrible. I would give him a decent contract or see if you could get him for 1-2 years as a "prove it" deal.
Brandon Morrow - When healthy, he has great stuff. However, he had shoulder surgery in August and probably won't be ready to begin rehabbing until January. I am not sure what his timeline to return.
Mat Latos - Terrible this last year but good the previous four. Could possibly sign him for a "prove-it" type deal and hope he has a good year.
Scott Kazmir - I like Kazmir. He's been decent in Houston, was good in Oakland and was good for Cleveland four years ago.
Brett Anderson - Always an injury concern but still has good stuff.
Mike Leake - Would be disappointed if he was the only free agent pitcher signed but I would be happy if he was one of two or three guys added to compete for a rotation spot.
Wei Yin-Chen - Decent numbers last few years. No idea how much he will command in free agency.
Cliff Lee - Coming off an injury and is old. Still was productive last year at 36. No idea what his timetable to return is or if he is even interested in pitching next season but I think he would be worth a flyer.
I don't know if any of these guys would cost the team a draft pick to sign. I think Zimmerman and Samardija might and the rest won't but again I am not sure. I doubt the Dbacks would let that deter them because they don't seem to value draft picks as much.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/09/2016-mlb-free-agents.html
Johnny Cueto
David Price
Zack Greinke
I would be stoked if we signed any one of these guys, they are are all studs. Any one of those guys could anchor this rotation and probably move it to middle of the pack. That said, I cannot see the team spending the amount or the years that one of these three will require. I may be wrong but Price should be looking for Max Scherzer type money (7 years, $210 million) Cueto is not far behind. Greinke is just as good as both of those guys but is 32 so I don't think anyone would give him 7 years but crazier things have happened. I could be wrong but I just don't see the Diamondbacks getting any of these three guys signed for next season.
Below are guys that I find intriguing:
Jordan Zimmermann - He's 30 years old. He had a down year but was still solid. I am sure he won't be cheap but I think he will cost less than one of the three above and will produce decent numbers for the next 2-3 years.
Jeff Samardzija - He has had a pretty bad year for the White Sox. He has had good years for the Cubs though. Also, his outfield defense for the White Sox is terrible. I would give him a decent contract or see if you could get him for 1-2 years as a "prove it" deal.
Brandon Morrow - When healthy, he has great stuff. However, he had shoulder surgery in August and probably won't be ready to begin rehabbing until January. I am not sure what his timeline to return.
Mat Latos - Terrible this last year but good the previous four. Could possibly sign him for a "prove-it" type deal and hope he has a good year.
Scott Kazmir - I like Kazmir. He's been decent in Houston, was good in Oakland and was good for Cleveland four years ago.
Brett Anderson - Always an injury concern but still has good stuff.
Mike Leake - Would be disappointed if he was the only free agent pitcher signed but I would be happy if he was one of two or three guys added to compete for a rotation spot.
Wei Yin-Chen - Decent numbers last few years. No idea how much he will command in free agency.
Cliff Lee - Coming off an injury and is old. Still was productive last year at 36. No idea what his timetable to return is or if he is even interested in pitching next season but I think he would be worth a flyer.
I don't know if any of these guys would cost the team a draft pick to sign. I think Zimmerman and Samardija might and the rest won't but again I am not sure. I doubt the Dbacks would let that deter them because they don't seem to value draft picks as much.
