Arizona Diamondbacks: Who provides ‘protection’ for Paul Goldschmidt?

One task ahead for manager Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks is to create a batting order which will help Paul Goldschmidt at the plate.

With reporting time for pitchers, catchers and the full squad just over two weeks away, manager Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks could face an important decision as early as the opening days of camp. While one function of a protracted spring training is making line-up decisions, one facing Lovullo could be terribly critical.

That would be to provide “protection” for first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. If Goldschmidt hits in his tradition third spot in the batting order, Lovullo needs to find a quality lead-up batter and creditable number two hitter in front.

Should opposing pitchers decide “to pitch around” Goldschmidt, then the Arizona Diamondbacks would likely require a clean-up hitter to provide production — that all shook out rather well at the start of last season and lasted until just after the All-Star game. Then, two things.

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First, GM Mike Hazen acquired outfielder J. D. Martinez from Detroit, but then third baseman Jake Lamb stopped hitting behind Goldschmidt. With Martinez, who eventually hit behind Goldschmidt in the clean-up slot last season, all but out of Arizona’s 2018 picture, one dilemma is where to place Lamb in the order.

Over the opening half of the season, Lamb achieved to All-Star status and rewarded with a spot on the National League roster for the mid-summer classic in Marlins Park. His homers and RBIs were among the most productive in the game, and Goldschmidt was getting pitches to hit.

In May alone, Lamb hit .294 with six doubles, two triples, nine homers, and knocked in 24 runs. His extra-base production led the National League in that month, and he tied for second in homers, third in RBIs, fourth in slugging percentage and fourth in on-base percentage.

After the All-Star break, things went south quickly.

On July 6, Lamb was hitting .285. By the end of the season, he finished with an average of .248 or a 37-point drop. Though Lamb finished with 30 homers and 105 RBIs, both career-highs, he hit 10 homers and drove in 38 runs over the second half of the season, and all but disappeared down the critical stretch drive. Plus, the rap against Lamb was his difficulty hitting left-handed pitching.

On the day after the Arizona Diamondbacks were eliminated from post-season play last October, Lamb told Call to the Pen that is off-season agenda was set.

"“Look, this was a fun year with a great group of guys,” he said at that time. “I know I have work to do. I want to improve on every aspect of my game and come into spring training a better player.”"

If Lamb fulfills that mentioned criteria, then Lovullo would have a shield and protection for Goldschmidt. If the past is any indication, pundits and fans may have to wait until after the All-Star game this July at National Park to see if Goldschmidt is truly left unprotected.

Another Arm

When GM Mike Hazen told Call to the Pen at last month’s winter meetings “that we cannot have enough quality arms,” one more was added Sunday.

Agreeing to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, Hazen inked veteran reliever Neftali Feliz, who is 29-years-old.

In parts of nine season in the majors, the native of Azua, Dominican Republic pitched for the Rangers, Tigers, Pirates, Brewers, and Royals. In that time, Feliz appeared in 357 games, saved 107 contests, sported a 21-19 record and posted a 3.49 ERA over that period.

In addition to Feliz, Hazen also signed veteran relievers Michael Blazek, Kris Medlen, and Fernando Salas, all right-handed, along with lefty Antonio Bastardo. All have invitations to spring training.

Next: Does Zack Greinke remain ‘ace’ of the staff?

The first workout for pitchers and catchers is Wednesday , February 14 at the Diamondbacks’ Salt River training facility.