Ariona accepts this trade:
While losing two established major league pitchers hurts, this is seen as a good move toward the future.
Ian Kennedy had a great season in 2011 but we feel Matt Garza is solid replacement. As the Marlins said Garza put up good numbers for a terrible cubs team last year. Their K-rate, BB-rate and x-fip were in line last season with both pitchers having the same WAR, with the big differences in their stat line being W's which I see improving for Garza under the new Cubs regime.
While it is tough to let go a proven major league closer, Putz isn't getting any younger and we believe is coming into the "back 9" of his career. Clearing some salary also played a role in this decision.
The Diamondbacks welcome Brad Hand and J.T. Realmuto into our organization
While Hand had a bit of rough start to his MLB career last year, we see huge potential in the young lefty. He has good skills and was rushed to the majors. We feel with some AAA innings and refinement he'll be a fixture in the rotation for years to come.
Realmuto is a young C with a promising bat. While he has raked everywhere he has played,his defense has laged a bit as a pro, which is understandable from a two sport athlete playing C fulltime for the first time. Given his tremendous athletisism and make up we have no doubt his defense will catch up to his bat.
I think the $3mil speaks for itself lol
Cinco de Mayo