Editorials

NL West Round-Up: Teams Have Quiet Week As They Prepare For 2014

Detroit-s-Joaquin-Benoit-celebrateThe 2014 season is getting closer and most teams have done the bulk of their off-season moves and are close to getting ready for Spring Training.

Here are moves and rumors around the National League West this week:



Arizona Diamondbacks

The team didn’t make any moves this past week but have been involved in some rumors for starting pitching. The Diamondbacks will likely be one of the teams interested in the services of Japanese starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. However, they may not have the funds available to compete with the likes of the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs or even the Dodgers.

Along with Tanaka, the team has been linked to free agent Matt Garza to fill a void in the rotation. Garza is one of the top pitchers available this winter and the fact that the team that signs him does not lose a draft pick makes him more enticing than Ervin Santana or Ubaldo Jimenez.

The Diamondbacks have made some big moves this off-season and may have one more in mind in the form of starting pitching, but it seems that they’re ready to head into Spring Training.

Colorado Rockies

All was quiet on the Rockies front this week and the team seems satisfied with its’ off-season. The Rockies haven’t been linked or rumored to be in the market for anyone else and may be done with their roster moves. The team had a busy winter, parting ways with Dexter Fowler and Franklin Morales while adding Brandon Barnes, Brett Anderson, Drew Stubbs and Jason Morneau.

The Rockies are likely done with any significant moves and will head into 2014 with a significantly new lineup and rotation.

San Diego Padres

The team officially signed right-handed reliever Joaquin Benoit to a two-year, $15.5 million deal with an option for 2016. Benoit is slotted to replace Luke Gregerson in the setup role ahead of closer Huston Street. To make room for Benoit, the team designated right-hander Adys Portillo for assignment.

Besides Benoit, the Padres didn’t make any other moves and could also be done this winter. They may decide to shop Street now that Benoit is officially signed.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants didn’t add any players this week but lost left-hander Eric Surkamp to the Chicago White Sox when he was claimed off waivers. Surkamp was designated for assignment to make room for Michael Morse. He dealt with injuries the past two seasons and the 26-year-old now heads to the American League.

The team is still in the market for a relief pitcher and it has been said that they aren’t looking for a closer-type such as Grant Balfour and Fernando Rodney.

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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