Arizona Diamondbacks: Hazen targets areas for depth

General manager Mike Hazen of the Arizona Diamondbacks identified areas to build depth.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Cautious and prudent. That seems to characterize general manager Mike Hazen of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Though he had nothing of any importance to announce after day one of the winter meetings here, Hazen did identify three needs. While not glaring, these represent two of his prime factors in building a major-league baseball team.

First, there’s the issue of creating depth, and to build depth with some semblance of stability. That clearly factors into his building block philosophy. Also, Hazen wants to build his team with the ability to control players for at least a two to three-year period.

Summing up the initial day of this annual rodeo of rumors, speculations, and conjectures, Hazen told Call to the Pen that discussions are well underway with other clubs and a plethora of agents. Declining to identify particular players, the blueprint is not to rush into any transaction, and Hazen made that dynamic clear.

At the same time, Hazen told CalltothePen.com he feels comfortable with the current composition of players, and hints he will only tweak the current roster.

"“To fill out our roster, I’ll look at catching, relievers, and an outfielder. For the most part, we have depth in most positions. When we go out and look for depth, we want players whom we can control for a few years. Right now, the priority would be in the bullpen.”"

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In this regard, two recent events may have created a quasi-sense of urgency.

First, catcher Chris Iannetta, who slammed 17 homers last season and gave the Arizona Diamondbacks a strong bat from behind the plate, signed a two-year deal with the Colorado Rockies last weekend.

That brings the Diamondbacks down to Jeff Mathis and Chris Herrmann behind the plate. With Iannetta as a third catcher, that gave Hazen the depth he desired.

Still, Hazen told CalltothePen.com Monday that he could be comfortable going into the season with Mathis and Herrmann as his catchers. That would include little offense.

Mathis, who missed the last month of the season with a broken right, finished with a .215 batting average in 80 games. Herrmann fared worse, and his .181 average (106 games) was 67 points below is .284 average for 2016. Hazen discussed the importance catching brings to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"“With catching, we look at defensive first. Sure, Iannetta had a great year for us and he was able to get what he wanted with the Rockies. We look at catchers in terms of how they handle the pitching staff and control the game. I thought that Herrmann was unlucky last season, and I feel comfortable going with two catchers (in 2018).”"

The other consideration is the bullpen. Here, Hazen acquired right-hander Brad Boxberger from the Rays and picked up lefty Henry Owens off of waivers from the Red Sox. In both cases, these acquisitions address the need for depth.

In the overall blueprint, Boxberger is the kind of player which tends to be Hazen’s poster child. Boxberger can fill the roles of closer and seventh or eighth set-up reliever. At the same time, the Diamondbacks have control for the next two years.

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As the winter meetings head into day two, Hazen said he is aware of trade possibilities, but cautions his moves are calculated and designed. Telling CalltothePen.com that:

"“I like our position player group.”"

Hazen is not one to upset what’s in place. That would mean no blockbuster deal, but picking spots where he can find the most value and benefit.

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