Editorials

NL West Round-Up: Trades And Non-Tenders Take Over The Week

MLB: Colorado Rockies at Arizona DiamondbacksWith the Winter Meetings set to begin, the National League West will be in the thick of things as they all prepare for the 2014 season.

Here are the moves and rumors from around the league this week:



Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks parted ways with one of their bullpen arms this week in a three-team trade. They sent right-hander Heath Bell and cash to the Tampa Bay Rays and left-hander David Holmberg to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for right-hander Justin Choate, two prospects and a player to be named later.

The trade saves the Diamondbacks around $6 million for next season and General Manager Kevin Towers said it’ll be used to fill holes on the roster. Also, the Diamondbacks allowed pitcher Daniel Hudson to become a free agent but have been in talks with the right-hander to return to the team.

The team was involved in a few rumors this week and expect to be active this week at the Winter Meetings. They have been mentioned as being interested in a power hitter and starting pitcher and also offered Carlos Beltran a three-year deal before he signed with the New York Yankees.

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies were busy this week and made a move that sent one of their starting outfielders to the Houston Astros. They traded outfielder Dexter Fowler and a player to be named later to the Astros for outfielder Brandon Barnes and right-handed pitcher Jordan Lyles. The move saved the Rockies some money with Fowler set to make $7.35 million next season.

It was reported that the Rockies came to terms with first baseman Justin Morneau on a two-year deal to take over for the recently retired Todd Helton. The deal is worth roughly $13 million over the next two seasons. Morneau will look to take over a position that Helton held for 16 seasons.

The Rockies also didn’t tender a contract to right-handed reliever Mitchell Boggs, making him a free agent. Boggs was acquired in July from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for international signing money.

San Diego Padres

The Padres made a move for an outfielder this week when they acquired Seth Smith from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for right-handed reliever Luke Gregerson. Smith will see significant playing time in the outfield, according to GM Josh Byrnes. Gregerson was one of the Padres most stable arms out of the bullpen in recent years but now heads to Oakland.

The team came to terms with two pitchers this week. Left-hander Eric Stults received a one-year deal worth $2.75 million and right-hander Tim Stauffer receiverd a one-year deal for $1.6 million. Stults was one of the most consistent starters last season, while Stauffer spent most of the year in long relief.

Rumors have been circulating that the Padres are listening to offers for third baseman Chase Headley. The team couldn’t reach a long-term deal with Headley and may be willing to part ways. The Dodgers have been named as one of the teams interested in the third baseman.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants officially signed starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong after it was reported last week for one-year and is worth $5 million to bring back the right-hander. The 36-year-old struggled last season but is looking to return to his 2011-2012 form.

Reliever Sandy Rosario and outfielder Francisco Peguero were non-tendered this week, making them free agents. Peguero was designated for assignment last week to make room on the 40-man roster.

The team has turned its attention to finding a left fielder with the upcoming Winter Meetings. GM Brian Sabean said that the Giants won’t be in on any high-priced free agents but that they are looking for an everyday player.

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ICYMI: The Dodgers and right-hander Brian Wilson agreed to a new contract

Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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