Diamondbacks: Evaluating The Tony La Russa Era

Jun 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy (32) adjusts his hat during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

RHP BRANDON MCCARTHY & CASH TO NEW YORK YANKEES FOR VIDAL NUNO

Brandon McCarthy underachieved. A 3-10 record in 2014 with an ERA northwards of five tells that story. Since signing his 2-year, $15.5 million dollar deal with the Diamondbacks in 2013 had been a shell of his former self, winning eight of the 40 games he started giving up homers left and right.

The Diamondbacks had to send cash with him in the trade but in return got a pitcher that finished the year on an incredibly strong note. Vida Nuno came in and started 14 games for the Diamondbacks, compiling a 3.76 ERA. His success actually led him to be considered for the starting rotation in 2015.

The gut-puncher is McCarthy went on to kill it with the Yankees. He won seven games in 14 starts and had a 2.89 ERA after the trade and as a result further shed criticism on the Diamondbacks coaching staff.

McCarthy went on to sign a 4-year, $48 million dollar contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. But just four starts into the season he tore a ligament in his pitching elbow the required Tommy John surgery. Vidal Nuno never cracked the starting rotation in 2015 and was recently traded to the Mariners as a part of the Mark Trumbo deal.

Then a couple of weeks later the trade dealine hit and the Dbacks were active players sending……