Bordow writes a good column this morning and expresses Jerry's view on where this team is headed.
http://www.aztrib.com/index.php?sty=10003
For what it's worth, this is my take on what the D-Backs might do next year.
I don't see any way they can pay Curt 12 million next year and still have payroll at 80 million. They need to get something for him before his contract is up and he walks. This team is weak in the major league ready outfield positions so you would think that one of the prospects would be an outfielder. If they do trade Curt, I would hope they would at least get Major league ready prospects.
They will pick 5 starters from a group of RJ, Webb, Patterson, Capuano, and either Dessens, Good, or Gonzalez. I think they will buy out Batista at 300 K rather than pay him 3 mil for next season, to save additional money.
The bullpen should have Mantei, Valverde, Villarreal, Koplove, Randolph, and maybe Dessens or Gonzalez in long relief.
4 outfielders are under contract for next year, Gonzo, Finley, Bautista, and Q. Maybe Doug Devore or Luis Terrero will make the team next spring.
The infield should be Shea at third, Cintron at short, either Kata or Spivey at second (I wouldn't be surprised if they traded Spivey) and I don't have a clue who will open at first next year. Maybe Overbay, but more likely they will trade for a firstbaseman with some power, at least I hope they do. Maybe they will get a 1st baseman if they trade Schill. Hammock will probably be the starter behind the plate next year with Barajas backing him up. I think Moeller is the odd man out.
Any way you slice it this team is in the payroll slashing mode. Schilling and Spivey are our most tradeable commodities, and should be able to bring some good young cheap players.
Will Schill get traded back to Philly? It would seem like a good match if Millwood doesn't resign.
http://www.aztrib.com/index.php?sty=10003
For what it's worth, this is my take on what the D-Backs might do next year.
I don't see any way they can pay Curt 12 million next year and still have payroll at 80 million. They need to get something for him before his contract is up and he walks. This team is weak in the major league ready outfield positions so you would think that one of the prospects would be an outfielder. If they do trade Curt, I would hope they would at least get Major league ready prospects.
They will pick 5 starters from a group of RJ, Webb, Patterson, Capuano, and either Dessens, Good, or Gonzalez. I think they will buy out Batista at 300 K rather than pay him 3 mil for next season, to save additional money.
The bullpen should have Mantei, Valverde, Villarreal, Koplove, Randolph, and maybe Dessens or Gonzalez in long relief.
4 outfielders are under contract for next year, Gonzo, Finley, Bautista, and Q. Maybe Doug Devore or Luis Terrero will make the team next spring.
The infield should be Shea at third, Cintron at short, either Kata or Spivey at second (I wouldn't be surprised if they traded Spivey) and I don't have a clue who will open at first next year. Maybe Overbay, but more likely they will trade for a firstbaseman with some power, at least I hope they do. Maybe they will get a 1st baseman if they trade Schill. Hammock will probably be the starter behind the plate next year with Barajas backing him up. I think Moeller is the odd man out.
Any way you slice it this team is in the payroll slashing mode. Schilling and Spivey are our most tradeable commodities, and should be able to bring some good young cheap players.
Will Schill get traded back to Philly? It would seem like a good match if Millwood doesn't resign.