Arizona Diamondbacks: Non-tendered Ryan Church and Augie Ojeda

The Diamondbacks have released Ryan Church and Augie Ojeda. They still need a center fielder, but they also need a third baseman.

Third Basemen (Top Options)
Adrian Beltre
Pedro Feliz

Third Basemen (Secondary Options)
Miguel Cairo
Juan Castro
Greg Dobbs
Wes Helms
Mike Hessman
Akinori Iwamura
Mike Lowell
Aaron Miles
Melvin Mora
Nick Punto
Cody Ranson
Fernando Tatis
Chad Tracy
Wilson Valdez

Center Fielders (Top Options)
Melky Cabrera

Center Fielders (Secondary Options)
Ryan Church
Jesus Feliciano
Jody Gerut
Reed Johnson
Gabe Kapler
Austin Kearns
Ryan Langerhans
Jason Michaels
Laynce Nix
Adam Stern
Cory Sullivan
Randy Winn
Dewayne Wise

Seattle Mariners: Justin Miller, Charlie Haeger, Chris Seddon, Chris Smith

Justin Miller, Charlie Haeger, Chris Seddon, and Chris Smith have all been signed to minor league deal. All four of these pitchers would be good and productive relievers on any major league team. Each one of these moves deepens their bullpen in a positive way. Only Justin Miller has a concern for me because of his low innings totals. His durability is a bit of a question mark.

The Mariners still need a number two starter. There aren't any ideal number two starter options. The following pitchers could fit the role if healthy or given the opportunity to do so.

Number Two Starters (Secondary Options):
Bruce Chen
Kelvim Escobar
Anthony Lerew
Nate Robertson
Scot Shields

Pittsburgh Pirates: Dusty Brown, Andy Marte, Fernando Nieve

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Dusty Brown, Andy Marte, and Fernando Nieve to minor league contracts.

Dusty Brown is a catcher that should remain in the minor leagues all season. He hasn't shown any skill that can translate to a productive major league role. Jason Jaramillo and Chris Snyder should have the catcher spots locked up currently. Brown is not a quality option.

Andy Marte was a highly touted prospect years ago. He has not panned out, nor do I see him panning out in the future. His skills have not translated to the major leagues and should not make an appearance with the major league club at all next season.

Fernando Nieve is the pick up that could pay the most dividends. He got a minor league contract, but I would expect him to make the rotation out of spring training as the number four starter. If he gets the opportunity, he can be a good number four starter. The acquisition of Nieve should fill one hole the Pirates had in their rotation.

The Pirates still need either a first baseman or third baseman.


First Basemen (Top Options):
Pedro Feliz
Paul Konerko

First Baseman (Secondary Options):
Michael Aubrey
Alex Cora
Mike Hessman
Mark Kotsay
Jim Thome

Third Basemen (Top Options):
Jerry Hairston Jr.

Third Basemen (Secondary Options):
Mike Hessman
Aaron Miles

The Pirates also still need a shortstop and a top starting pitcher.

Shortstops (Top Options):
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Cesar Izturis

Shortstops (Secondary Options):
Orlando Cabrera
Alex Cora
Aaron Miles

Top Starters (Top Options):
Cliff Lee
Carl Pavano

Top Starters (Secondary Options):
Erik Bedard
Justin Duchscherer
Vicente Padilla
Brad Penny
Andy Pettitte
Brandon Webb

Zach Duke: Traded to Diamondbacks

Zach Duke is a solid number five starter on a good major league roster and a good pickup for the Diamondbacks. He will provide depth for the starting rotation, but I do not think he should start the season in the rotation. The Diamondbacks have other talent that should have the first opportunities to be in the rotation.

Duke can be a productive member from the bullpen. Minimizing his exposure to major league hitters by pitching one or two innings at a time can allow Duke to thrive as a lefty reliever. Overall, the Diamondbacks have a good pitching staff which now has more depth.