Diamondbacks: New Kids on the Block
The Arizona Diamondbacks have gone from pretenders to contenders, GM Dave Stewart has quickly constructed a team that is built for success.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have had one of the busiest and most productive offseasons, and with a little under three weeks left, Stewart isn’t satisfied yet
On Saturday, he swapped Aaron Hill, Chase Anderson, and prospect Isan Diaz for shortstop Jean Segura and RHP Tyler Wagner from the Milwaukee Brewers. After the deal was made, it was reported that Stewart still wishes to add a late-inning reliever, via trade or free agency.
Segura, an All-Star in 2013, joins starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller as Stewart’s prized acquisitions during this offseason.
With the new additions of some of baseball’s best, the Diamondbacks now boast a polished rotation to complement their stellar offense.
Coming off the best year of his career, Zack Greinke joined the Diamondbacks in early December on a 6-year, $205.6 million deal. He’s no new face to Diamondback fans, as he spent the past three seasons with the NL West rival, Los Angeles Dodgers.
With the Dodgers, Greinke has enjoyed great success on his road trip visits to Phoenix. Since 2013, Greinke has compiled a perfect 6-0 record, along with a 0.65 ERA. His opposition hit just .199 during his Chase Field dominance.
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Expect Greinke to post similar numbers in 2016 with the Diamondbacks. His recent years prove he is in the prime of his career, and fans should enjoy his commanding presence for the foreseeable future.
In his first (and only) year with the Atlanta Braves, Shelby Miller posted a career worst 6-17 record. His 2015 numbers were not worth drooling over, on paper, at least. Actually, he wasn’t as bad as his numbers suggest. His 3.02 ERA was overlooked by his lack of run support. The Braves averaged an underwhelming 2.5 runs per game when Miller took the mound, making it the lowest run support for any starting pitcher in the majors last season.
Although he was winless in 24 consecutive outings in 2015, the 25-year old Miller looks to bounce back after his disappointing stint in Atlanta. As Miller will play half of his games at Chase Field, one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in all of baseball, his numbers are destined to improve.
Segura brings an established glove and speed on the base paths to the Diamondbacks. Over the past three seasons, he has swiped 89 total bags. Despite being placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a broken finger and failing to reproduce his 2013 numbers, the leadoff hitting shortstop will look to return to All-Star form with his new club in 2016.
After the trade to bring in the All-Star shortstop in Segura, the middle infield now has depth, with Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed to battle for the second base position.
Next: Diamondbacks Acquire Jean Segura
They’ve been out of playoff contention since their 2011 run, but the offseason add-ons of Greinke, Miller, and Segura could allow the Diamondbacks to get a taste of their first World Series title since 2001.