Diamondbacks Bullpen

[matt]

For anyone with questions, almost everyone on the Tucson and Tennesse rosters are eligible if they are not already on the 40 man roster. One thing to consider is that anyone drafted has to be immediately placed on the 25 man roster and kept there all season or they must be returned to the team they were drafted from. Therefore, it isn't really necessary to consider anyone eligible from the lower levels.

The trickiest thing here is the timing. I don't think we can assume trades until they happen. Also, most trades will be for other guys that need to be on the 40 man roster anyways so you still can't count them. Potential trade candidates are just about anyone in the pen.

Here are the arb-eligible relivers ranked in the order I'd like to keep them:

Cruz (although he should make the rotation next season)
Valverde
Vizciano
Lyon
Julio
Aquino

The V's and Julio are the only ones that can be counted on to strike anyone out, with the payroll flexibility we will have I see no reason to trade/non-tender any of them unless it is part of a trade for a top starting pitcher. I still believe in Aquino but it wouldn't break my heart to see him go. Originally I had Lyon at the bottom but upon further inspection I saw that he leads the TEAM in WHIP (it sure doesn't seem that way).

If you only condsider the relievers currently on the team, we actually have a league average pen. This is heavily influenced by major suckitude by Valverde. We should keep keep Brynes and DaVanon and trade Estrada.

Clark is under contract next season, do you guys think the team will just release him over the offseason? I don't think they will.

Players gone via free agency:
Batista (although he could be re-signed)
Easley
Counsell
Gonzo

Players to release/remove from 40 man roster (usefull trade is unlikely, ranked from first to remove to who I'd like to keep if possible):
Clark
Andy Green
Schultz
Daigle
Bajaneru

I have up to 9 to remove, with the 3 extra, that gives me 12.

Ohlendorf
Jackson
Carter
Barden
Reynolds

Alvas could be considered if we have the space.

The team is in REALLY good shape going into this year's Rule 5.

/G. Smith doesn't need to be added yet so he won't be