D-Backs begin rebuild
The Arizona Diamondbacks sit at 26-39, a full 12 games behind National League West leading San Diego Padres. That is of course an indictment on what they have done on the field so far this year, and their front office has hinted in the past weeks at big changes coming. On Tuesday the changes started as Left Fielder Connor Jackson was traded to the Oakland A’s for minor league RHP Sam Demel.
Jackson has struggled some in 2010, batting just .238 with one home run and 11 RBI. Demel is a pretty fair relief pitcher. In his four years in the A’s minor league system he has a 9-8 record with a 2.79 ERA, 42 saves in 151 appearances. Pitching has been a big problem for the D-Backs who were forced to deal for troubled starter Dontrelle Willis to help stabilize a starting rotation.
More than that though this is how a team goes about rebuilding. It must trade way every asset it has, and acquire as many prospects it can to one day have enough young players to form a new nucleus. It usually takes 2 to 3 seasons, and it really seems that this is what the D-Backs are about to engage in.
After dealing Jackson, they are also rumors that they are now prepared to deal 2B Kelly Johnson. They activated 2B Tony Abreu from the disabled list and that may open up the team to deal Johnson even though he has been hitting .282 with 13 home runs and 33 RBI. Again the best way to rebuild a team is to trade every valuable asset for prospects, Johnson certainly fits in that category especially if Abreu can keep batting .310 that he was before a trip to the DL.
Related Links:
- Arizona Diamondbacks news and notes
- The Business of Major League Baseball
- MTR Baseball.com
