Tony Clark, the veteran first baseman, filed for free agency yesterday. Besides being a clutch pinch hitter, he also served as Connor Jackson's role model of how to play the position.Unable to reach a deal to stay around, it looks like he is going to see what he can get out in the free market. Which means that D-backs are going to have to make some big moves to get someone to fill that spot. Let's be honest, Connor Jackson is as good as gone. He can hit well enough to be in the Majors but on a team that has no dominant position hitters, the D-backs rely on their fielding to get them out of jams, and CoJack is as bad as they come. There is no need to mention his 3rd out error against the Rockies which forced Micah Owings to leave early rather than getting his at-bat (but I mentioned it anyway). Rumor is Reynolds who has been on and off but still a very promising rookie will keep his position at 3rd and when (and if) Tracy gets better he moves over to 1st. That means that the lineup will stay pretty much the same as D-backs fans are used to seeing and fans will also get used to watching the shortest 1st baseman in the league play next year (my guess would be if Tracy heals to quickly, he moves to the trading block as well, we have gotten this far without him).
Regardless, D-backs have some serious trading ability that could go for some average pitching or if they so choose could acquire a quality Major League firstbase/ 4th hole hitter. Combining Quentin Carlos with Connor Jackson and above average setup Juan Cruz, the D-backs would get their pick. You can't question D-backs ability to spot talent so far and this off season could shape up to be very interesting.
No doubt this time last year, the front office was looking to rebuild for the 07 season. Those ideas are long gone and 08 will be a disappointment if they don't get into the post-season.
4 comments:
Great post.... Can you think of any names around the league that might fit the bill? What about resigning Chad Tracy and putting him at first?
Chad Tracy will play at first... but he is hurt and who knows when he will recover.
Its hard to tell who the D-backs will take because they dont do alot of free agent signing but rather use trades to get talent, so there is no telling who will be able to deal.
okay, then Nomar and Scott Proctor for Owings...
Hell no... Owings will never be traded, mark my words. Melvin just salivates at the options that kid opens up.
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