With the trade of Brandon Drury, several candidates have emerged to play second base for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
After the earthquake of two seismic transactions settled, the aftershocks were felt Wednesday at the training camp of the Arizona Diamondbacks. While most of the discussion settled around the acquisition of outfielder Steven Souza, another “x” factor remained out here on the diamond.
With the trade of their second baseman Brandon Drury to the New York Yankees as part of a three-team deal with brought Souza to the desert, an immediate vacancy developed at second. It was no secret that Drury, by late season, fell out of favor and was benched in last year’s NLDS with the Dodgers.
As early as the winter meetings last December, the Yankees expressed interest in Drury as well lefty Patrick Corbin, projected as the number three starter in the Arizona rotation.
Prior to Wednesday’s pre-season opener against Arizona State University, manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen the second base situation remains fluid. As well, he did not hint about rotation among infielders or give any hint who may emerge as the starter at second.
"“We’re walking through that right now,” he said. “The dynamics have changed at that position, and I want an opportunity to talk to all the players.”"
One who stepped forward immediately was Ketel Marte, rumored to have the edge at shortstop while Chris Owings could start the season at second. At the same time, Lovullo indicated that Owings will be the Diamondbacks’ Minister Without Portfolio, and stressed Owings would play multi-positions in the infield and outfield
With the second base job uncertain, Marte told Call to the Pen is ready to make a move.
"“If they want me to go over there, that’s fine with me,” he said in the clubhouse before Wednesday’s game. “I’ve played a little at second and I’ll be ready. I don’t care where I play as long as I’m here.”"
Relative to Marte’s value, there is little question.
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After shortstops Nick Ahmed and Owings both went down with broken right hands just after the All-Star game, Marte received a call to The Show. Filling in at shortstop, the 24-year-old out of Nizad, Dominican Republic hit .260 and that included five bombs and drove in 15 runs. A switch-hitter, Marte hit .242 from the right side an .268 from left. In the field, he showed a strong arm and a solid range of motion from the middle of the diamond.
The first hint of occupying second base will have to wait. When the Diamondbacks open their Cactus League slate on Friday at Salt River against the Colorado Rockies, Lovullo will fill the position. What remains unknown is the fluidity and revolving door nature of how general manager Mike Hazen and Lovullo proceed.
The day after …
After acquiring outfielder Steven Souza from the Rays in that three-team deal, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that Souza will be the Diamondbacks’ everyday right-fielder. That means David Peralta, who graded well in left field, remains there and A. J. Pollock patrols the garden in center.
At the same time, Lovullo pointed out Jarrod Dyson, signed Monday as a free-agent, will receive a significant amount of playing and told Call to the Pen, “we don’t look at Dyson as really a fourth outfielder.”
Regarding Souza, Lovullo told Call to the Pen expect to see a lethal bat in the middle of his lineup.
"“(Souza) is an impact player,” he said. “I saw him when he first came up and he was finding his way. When I would see him later in series, I could see his improvement and development. He is athletic, hits with power and an aggressive baserunner. He will fit in here very well.”"
On the field …
The Diamondbacks opened their spring slate with a 6-2 victory over Arizona State University in seven innings by agreement of both teams on Wednesday. The game drew 5,506 on a windy, 59-degree afternoon at Salt River.
Next: Additions of Souza and Dyson upgrade offense
First baseman/outfielder Christian Walker, who was on the Diamondbacks’ 25-man playoff roster last fall, lead the attack with a 2-for-2 afternoon and drove in a pair with a first-inning single up the middle.
Though he has a starter for the Cactus League opener in mind Friday against the Colorado Rockies, Lovullo would not reveal his choice. Ditto for Saturday against Cleveland at Salt River and the starter for Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers also at Salt River was not disclosed.