NL West Round-Up: Diamondbacks Add Power, Rockies Add Arms
As the Winter Meetings came and went, the National League West teams made some moves in preparation for the 2014 season.
Here are the moves and rumors around the division this past week:
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks acquired some power this week with the acquisition of outfielder/first baseman Mark Trumbo from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The team first sent outfielder Adam Eaton to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for pitcher Hector Santiago and minor-leaguer Brandon Jacobs. They then sent Santiago and left-hander Tyler Skaggs for Trumbo and minor-leaguer A.J. Schugel.
The trade gives the Diamondbacks another power bat to go along with Paul Goldschmidt and sent Skaggs back to the Angels after he was involved in the Dan Haren trade in 2010. Eaton was a primary outfielder last season but will now be in the American League.
The team also came to terms with right-hander Daniel Hudson on a minor league deal. Hudson is coming off two seasons off due to injury and will be looking to make the club in Spring Training.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies were busy at the Winter Meetings and it began with acquiring a new starting pitcher. They traded for left-hander Brett Anderson from the Oakland Athletics for right-hander Chris Jensen and left-hander Drew Pomeranz. Anderson has been with the Athletics since 2009 but has been limited with injuries the past few years.
The team also finalized their deal with first baseman Justin Morneau for two years, $12.5 million. Morneau is set to take over for the retired Todd Helton. He’s a former MVP and will reunite with outfielder Michael Cuddyer from their days with the Minnesota Twins.
The Rockies have also reportedly agreed to a deal with left-handed reliever Boone Logan. The contract is said to be three years and worth $16.5 million after they were linked to Dodger free agent J.P. Howell but ended up agreeing with the former New York Yankee.
San Diego Padres
The Padres were involved in a rumor for a big-name reliever this week. They’re said to be close with right-hander Joaquin Benoit on a two-year deal worth at least $14 million. Benoit became the Detroit Tigers’ primary closer last season and has also spent time in middle relief and the set-up role.
The team made a small deal, sending right-hander Anthony Bass for minor-leaguer Patrick Schuster. Bass spent some time with the Padres in 2012 and 2013, as a reliever and a starter. He spent last season as a reliever, appearing in 24 games for the Padres.
Third baseman Chase Headley appears to be remaining with the Padres after it was rumored that he may be traded, unless they’re overwhelmed with a deal.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants were relatively quiet at the Winter Meetings, making one move on a new left fielder, coming to terms with outfielder Michael Morse on a one-year deal worth around $6 million. Morse suffered through an injury-plagued 2013, spending time with the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles. He finished the year hitting .215 with 13 home runs in 88 games.
The team was rumored to be in the market for Yankees’ outfielder Brett Gardner but couldn’t reach a deal. Once the talks with the Yankees ended, the team came to an agreement with Morse for the left field vacancy.
The Giants have been very active this off-season and seem to be done with any high-profile moves.
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