D-Backs settling infield; considering starting pitchers
Even after re-signing free agents John McDonald and Willie Bloomquist, the Diamondbacks are not done tinkering with their infield.
The D-Backs are still trying to re-sign free-agent second baseman Aaron Hill, and believe they can make all of the pieces fit even if shortstop Stephen Drew returns from his fractured right ankle by Opening Day, major-league sources say.
Drew did not play after July 20 last season, and it is not certain he will be ready for the start of 2012. McDonald will protect the team at short if Drew needs more time to recover.
Hill will be the regular second baseman if he returns. Bloomquist could serve as a fourth outfielder if Drew is healthy, sharing time with Gerardo Parra in left – though Parra’s splits were fairly even last season.
In that scenario, switch-hitter Geoff Blum would complement Ryan Roberts at third and also spell Paul Goldschmidt at first. If Hill does not re-sign, Roberts would play second, and the team likely would pursue a third baseman, sources say.
Once their infield is settled, the Diamondbacks also could pursue a starting pitcher. One likely target, according to sources: Free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, who spent his first four major-league seasons with the Dodgers.
The D-backs’ rotation presently consists of right-handers Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson, Josh Collmenter and lefty Joe Saunders, with the fifth open for a younger pitcher such as right-hander Jarrod Parker or lefty Tyler Skaggs.
— Ken Rosenthal
