sign in sign up
<<
Home , Bill Giles (baseball), Bob Gebhard, Dalton Pompey, Darwin Barney, Derrick Hall, Domingo Leyba

│

Randy Johnson will have Diamondbacks cap on Hall of D-backs' fantasy camp thrills new fans from Australia Fame plaque Down Under duo enjoys upscale experience, competitive By FOX Sports Arizona environment at Salt River Fields http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/randy-johnson- By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com arizona-diamondbacks-cap-baseball-hall-of-fame-011615 http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106833892/arizona- diamondbacks-fantasy-camp-thrills-fans-from-australia will enter Hall of Fame as member of Rehabbing Arroyo discusses jamming with D-backs in 2014 By ArizonaSports.com Right-hander, musician scheduled to start throwing for first time http://arizonasports.com/42/1799393/Randy-Johnson-will- since surgery enter-Hall-of-Fame-as-member-of-Arizona-Diamondbacks By Jamal Collier / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106831850/bronson- Celebrities announced for Waste Management Phoenix arroyo-discusses-rehab-from-surgery-jamming-with-d-backs Open Pro-Am By ArizonaSports.com D-backs announce Minors deal with Cuban righty Lopez http://arizonasports.com/22/1800174/Celebrities-announced- By Adam Berry / MLB.com for-Waste-Management-Phoenix-Open-ProAm http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106688440/d-backs- announce-minor-league-deal-with-cuban--yoan-lopez Diamondbacks tap Cuba: Scherzer returns to Arizona roots By Mark Brown / Examiner.com D-backs retiring Big Unit's number as part of promo sked http://www.examiner.com/article/diamondbacks-tap-cuba- By Austin Laymance / MLB.com scherzer-returns-to-arizona-roots http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106820080/d-backs- retiring-big-units-number-as-part-of-promo-sked Randy Johnson to go into Hall of Fame as a Diamondback By Kim Hastings / Examiner.com Marshall to receive PBSF Legends award http://www.examiner.com/article/randy-johnson-to-go-into- By Adam Berry / MLB.com hall-of-fame-as-a-diamondback http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106680866/arizona- diamondbacks-senior-advisor-jim-marshall-to-receive- Johnson selects Diamondbacks logo for Hall plaque professional--scouts-foundations-legends-award By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/johnson-selects- Randy Johnson will enter Hall of Fame with Arizona diamondbacks-logo-for-hall-plaque Diamondbacks cap By Zach Buchanan / The Arizona Republic Sports shorts: Johnson to have D-backs hat on plaque http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 By Associated Press 015/01/16/randy-johnson-enter-hall-of-fame-with- http://tucson.com/sports-shorts-johnson-to-have-d-backs-hat- diamondbacks-cap/21861919/ on-plaque/article_e8d8c538-8fcd-5148-a797-9e6fb3745447.html

Diamondbacks' honored with scouting award Randy Johnson to wear Diamondbacks hat in Hall of Fame By Zach Buchanan / The Arizona Republic By Becca Smouse / ABC 15 http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 http://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/randy- 015/01/17/jim-marshall-diamondbacks-scouting-legends- johnson-to-wear-diamondbacks-hat-in-hall-of-fame award/21924663/ Johnson to wear D-Backs cap in Hall of Fame D-backs to give away 5 bobbleheads in 2015 By Steve Stout / CBS 5 By FOX Sports Arizona http://www.kpho.com/story/27869072/johnson-to-wear-d- http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/d-backs-announce- backs-cap-in-hall-of-fame 2015-promotional-schedule-011615 Randy Johnson picks Diamondbacks logo for Baseball Hall D-backs' Trumbo, Reed still without deals for 2015 of Fame By Jack Magruder / FOX Sports Arizona By Kristi Tedesco / KVOA - Tucson http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/d-backs-trumbo- http://www.kvoa.com/news/randy-johnson-picks- reed-still-without-deals-for-2015-011615 diamondbacks-logo-for-baseball-hall-of-fame/ 1

│

Strengths, weaknesses of NL teams Johnson enters as Diamondback The positions where each team has depth or lacks depth as By Damien Alameda / Tucson News Now season approaches http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/27871598/johnson- By Jason Martinez / ESPN.com enters-as-diamondback http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12188705/where- national-league-teams-depth-lack-depth-mlb The Smile Generation Wins D-backs Ambassador Award By The Smile Generation avoids arbitration http://blog.smilegeneration.com/events/smile-generation-wins- By Associated Press dbacks-ambassador-award/ http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12179324/jeremy- hellickson-arizona-diamondbacks-agree-deal-avoid- arbitration?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Scouts dinner highlights best aspects of the game A Guide to Minimizing the Opportunity Cost of the Yoan Greats come together for awards ceremony, auction to benefit Lopez Signing families in need By Ryan P. Morrison / Inside the 'Zona By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com http://insidethezona.com/2015/01/guide-minimizing- http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106742628/barry-m-bloom- opportunity-cost-yoan-lopez-signing/ professional-baseball-scouts-foundation-awards-dinner- highlights-best-aspects-of-the-game Randy Johnson will go into Hall of Fame wearing D-backs cap Big Unit's Hall of Fame plaque to feature D-backs logo By Mike Oz / Yahoo! Sports Arizona to retire Johnson's uniform number in August http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/randy- By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com johnson-will-go-into-the-hall-of-fame-wearing-a-d-backs-cap- http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106595160/d-backs- 183135635.html logo-to-be-depicted-on-randy-johnsons-hall-of-fame-plaque Randy Johnson's Hall of Fame plaque will have D-backs' MVP show a with Hall again as the star Diamondbacks cap Club president hosts late-night format presentation to honor By Matt Snyder / CBSSports.com sponsors http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on- By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com baseball/24965995/randy-johnsons-hall-of-fame-plaque-will- http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106580014/barry-m- have-diamondbacks-cap bloom-d-backs-most-valuable-partner-show-again-a-hit Diamondbacks, Addison Reed exchange arbitration New faces, new places set up intriguing spring numbers Best-laid plans could change with position battles on horizon By R.J. White / CBSSports.com By Doug Miller / MLB.com http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/2496 http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106784972/many-players-will- 7217/diamondbacks-addison-reed-exchange-arbitration- be-wading-into-new-waters-as-spring-training-position-battles- numbers heat-up Diamondbacks, Mark Trumbo exchange arbitration figures MLB gives back on MLK Day of Service By R.J. White / CBSSports.com Clubs, players volunteer in their communities to help neighbors http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/2496 on national holiday 7176/diamondbacks-mark-trumbo-exchange-arbitration-figures By Mark Newman / MLB.com http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106747528/mlb-gives-back- Archie Bradley Tops List of Arizona Diamondbacks on-mlk-day-of-service Prospects By Kevin Bonneville / SI.com D-backs, righty Lopez sign Minors contract http://heatwaved.com/2015/01/18/archie-bradley-tops-list- Club likes Cuban starter's , slider, sees 'good upside arizona-diamondbacks-prospects/ potential' By Josh Jackson / MiLB.com Arizona Diamondbacks to retire Randy Johnson's number http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150117&conten By Charles Rahrig V / SI.com t_id=106693066&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp&sid=milb http://fansided.com/2015/01/16/arizona-diamondbacks-retire- randy-johnsons-number/ Randy Johnson picks Arizona logo By Jerry Crasnick / ESPN.com Predictions for Each Top Offseason Acquisition's Career http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12179383/randy-johnson- with the Diamondbacks opts-arizona-diamondbacks-logo-hall-fame- By Adam Young / Bleacher Report bust?ex_cid=espnapi_public http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2332420-predictions-for- each-top-offseason-acquisitions-career-with-the-diamondbacks

2

│

Baseball Hall of Fame announces Randy Johnson’s plaque to feature Diamondbacks cap By Andy Clayton / New York Daily News http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/randy-johnson- hall-fame-plaque-feature-d-backs-cap-article-1.2081045

Cougars pitching ’s craft piques Diamondback’s interest By Kevin Druley / Kane County Cougars http://www.kcchronicle.com/2015/01/19/cougars-pitching- coachs-craft-piques-diamondbacks-interest/ax1rtmr/

Hillsboro Hops’ GM K.L. Wombacher honored by Portland Business Journal By https://hillsborohops.wordpress.com/2015/01/15/hillsboro- hops-gm-k-l-wombacher-honored-by-portland-business-journal/

Tyler Geivett Named New Voice of the Missoula Osprey Geivett will deliver all Osprey games live on ESPN Montana 102.9 FM By Missoula Osprey http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150115&conten t_id=106501838&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t518&sid=t518

MLB NEWS January 20, 2015 • MLB.com http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_ind ex.jsp

ASSOCIATED PRESS January 20, 2015 • Sports.yahoo.com http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews

MLB TRANSACTIONS January 20, 2015 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

3

│

The two games between the Dodgers and D-backs drew sellout crowds. D-backs' fantasy camp thrills new fans from Australia Down Under duo enjoys upscale experience, competitive While they knew things did not go well on the field for the D- environment at Salt River Fields backs in 2014, Bishop and Milburn are counting on a rebound By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com by their newly adopted team. http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106833892/arizona- diamondbacks-fantasy-camp-thrills-fans-from-australia "They weren't doing well on the scoreboard, they were down a little bit, but they had a lot of passion," Bishop said. "Getting SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- It was not like Australians Greg with the D-backs now is great, because while they aren't doing Milburn and Jamie Bishop knew a lot about the Arizona so great right now, we know they are coming back. So we'll be Diamondbacks when they signed up for the team's 10th annual able to say we started with them just when they were climbing Fantasy Camp, which took place last week at Salt River Fields. up."

Rehabbing Arroyo discusses jamming with D-backs in 2014 But the pair did have a little background with the D-backs after Right-hander, musician scheduled to start throwing for first time Arizona opened the 2014 regular season in Sydney with a pair of since surgery games against the Dodgers. By Jamal Collier / MLB.com

http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106831850/bronson- And well, the team had a bit of a reputation Down Under. arroyo-discusses-rehab-from-surgery-jamming-with-d-backs

"To be perfectly honest, we heard that the Diamondbacks were The Major League team that could put together the best band the toughest group of baseballers in the league," Milburn said. might reside within the D-backs clubhouse. "It's just turned out to be a boon. We have a good time, but there's still competition here at this camp and I love that. It's Right-hander Bronson Arroyo joined MLB Network's Hot Stove hard baseball too and that's great, playing two games a day." on Monday to talk about his health for this upcoming season,

but not before talk ventured toward the club's various talented After attending a Fantasy Camp four years ago, musicians. Mark Trumbo, and Arroyo recently played the pair had decided that if they were going to do it again, they a show onstage where Trumbo and Hill provided the guitar, and would do one that took place in Arizona rather than Florida to Arroyo, normally a guitar player himself, provided the vocals. cut down somewhat on the travel.

Last year, Arizona had a music room set up in its clubhouse While some teams put their campers up in Holiday Inns, the D- where the trio was often joined by A.J. Pollock and Rubby De backs camp offers more of an upscale experience -- first at the La Rosa on the drums. J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson and now at the

Talking Stick Resort located near the team's Arroyo began gaining interest in music during the early 1990s facility. after listening to Pearl Jam. He did not start playing until '99,

when he was a Minor League player in the Pirates organization. ----

✔ Arizona Diamondbacks @Dbacks "We would have jam sessions almost daily before the game, a Age ain't nothing but a number at the 10th annual #Dbacks couple of hours before the game," Arroyo said, "which was very Fantasy Camp: http://atmlb.com/1wUWgOb unique to have that opportunity and was just a lot of fun with ---- the guys."

"The accommodations are truly fantastic," Milburn said. "It's Unfortunately for Arroyo, he likely had more time than he really opened my eyes to another part of America. Americans are would want for music in 2014. He was limited to just 14 starts the luckiest people on earth. You live in a great country with all last season before being shut down in order to have Tommy these great sports and people are serious about their teams." John surgery, the first time he has landed on the disabled list in his 15 years in the Majors. It snapped a streak of him making at The longtime friends came to the U.S. a few days before camp to least 29 starts every year since '04. visit the Aussie Pie Kitchen in Santa Monica, Calif., which was opened not long ago by Bishop's brother, and they spent a few "It was definitely tough for me," Arroyo said. "I've made my days after camp ended in Las Vegas. career in this game by my durability."

In between, they rubbed elbows with D-backs legends like Luis Arroyo, who will turn 38 in February, is signed through 2015 Gonzalez and . with a team option for '16. When Arroyo was healthy in '13, he had a 3.79 ERA in 32 starts for Cincinnati. "Australia doesn't have this kind of culture when it comes to sports," Bishop said. "Everybody here knows all these guys." Arroyo has been rehabbing in Arizona, and he was scheduled to play catch for the first time on Monday. He hopes to return to Baseball is gaining more of a foothold in Australia, and it the mound this summer, with June being an optimistic date, but received a boost last March when held its reasonably in July sometime before the All-Star break. first games there in 100 years.

4

│

"I've been beat up and found a way to get on the mound," The other four bobblehead giveaways include: Hello Kitty on Arroyo said. "I'm not really worried about it." April 11, Josh Collmenter on May 9, on June 6 and a Star Wars edition A.J. Pollock on July 18. D-backs announce Minors deal with Cuban righty Lopez By Adam Berry / MLB.com The team will also give away a number of additional items this http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106688440/d-backs- season: a cap on April 25; a D-backs fedora announce-minor-league-deal-with-cuban-pitcher-yoan-lopez on May 24; socks on July 19; an insulated lunch bag on July 26 and a beer stein on Sept. 12. The D-backs officially agreed to terms Saturday on a Minor League contract with Cuban right-hander Yoan Lopez. The D-backs will play at home on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. The Mother's Day game will Lopez, 21, played three seasons for Isla de la Juventud in Cuba's feature a ladies T-shirt giveaway. Serie Nacional de Beisbol from 2011-14. In 47 games (39 starts), he put together a 15-13 record and a 3.76 ERA, with 117 Fans are also invited to a number of theme nights throughout in 232 innings. the season: Country Night on April 25; superheroes night on May 22; outdoor recreation night on May 23; Native American The club did not announce the terms of the deal, but Recognition Day on June 20; Star Wars night on July 18; Alumni MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reported Tuesday that Lopez will Day on Aug. 9; Hispanic Heritage Day on Oct. 3. receive a record-setting $8.27 million bonus from Arizona. That figure surpassed the $8 million the Angels gave Cuban Also returning in 2015, the D-backs will host postgame Roberto Baldoquin as the largest bonus given under the new fireworks shows following 12 Friday night home games, with a international guidelines. special fireworks night on the Fourth of July when Arizona hosts the Rockies. "Yoan is a good looking young starter with good upside potential," D-backs senior vice president, baseball operations De For more information on all of the promotions going on in Jon Watson said in a statement. "His delivery and arm work very 2015, visit dbacks.com/giveaways. well. He features a plus fastball and slider, and his has good shape and depth and should play average. The Marshall to receive PBSF Legends award has a chance to have swing-and-miss value down the road. We By Adam Berry / MLB.com are excited to add another quality arm to the organization." http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106680866/arizona- diamondbacks-senior-advisor-jim-marshall-to-receive- The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Lopez is the second Cuban player professional-baseball-scouts-foundations-legends-award signed by the D-backs this offseason, as they also reached a six- year, $68.5 million deal with third baseman/ Yasmany Jim Marshall, the D-backs' senior advisor, Pacific Rim Tomas. operations, will receive the Scouts Foundation's Legends in Scouting Award on Saturday night at The D-backs have featured six Cuban-born players in club the annual "In the Spirit of the Game" banquet in . history: Eddie Oropesa (79 games), Juan Miranda (65), Livan Hernandez (45), Vladimir Nunez (31), Alberto Castillo (17) and Marshall, 83, has been with Arizona since 1996. He maintains Orlando Hernandez (nine). the D-backs' relations with baseball organizations in Australia, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. He helped introduce the club to Japan D-backs retiring Big Unit's number as part of promo sked and Asia, a job that involved making transactions to send players By Austin Laymance / MLB.com to Japan and scouting players in Asia to potentially sign. http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106820080/d-backs- retiring-big-units-number-as-part-of-promo-sked He also helped prepare the organization for the 1997 Major League Expansion Draft and assisted Buck Showalter The D-backs announced their promotional schedule for the from 1998-2000. Marshall has held various managerial, coaching 2015 season on Monday, highlighted by the retirement of Randy and scouting responsibilities over the years -- including a job Johnson's No. 51 uniform, five bobblehead giveaways and managing D-backs chief baseball officer Tony La Russa with theme nights throughout the year. -A Wichita in 1973.

Johnson will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer -- The Legends in Scouting Award, in which nominees are selected he'll be wearing a D-backs cap on his plaque -- and the club will and voted upon by the scouting community, is given annually to honor the starting pitcher with a special bobblehead giveaway on those who have demonstrated a strong work ethic while July 25, which coincides with Hall of Fame weekend in maintaining the high standards set by scouts before them over Cooperstown. The organization will retire his uniform number the course of an entire career. The banquet honors scouts, during a special ceremony on Aug. 8, when Arizona welcomes players, executives and managers, while raising money to support the Reds. the foundation's mission of helping scouts in need by providing emergency resources through grants to the scouts and their D-backs Mini Plans go on sale next Monday, allowing fans to families. secure their seats for these festivities. Marshall spent a combined nine years in the Majors, playing for five seasons and managing for four. He became the first 5

│

American-born player from a Major League roster to sign with a the course of an entire career," according to a release sent out by Japanese team in 1963. He spent three years playing for the the Diamondbacks. Chunichi Dragons, batting .268 with 78 home runs and 252 RBIs. D-backs to give away 5 bobbleheads in 2015 By FOX Sports Arizona Randy Johnson will enter Hall of Fame with Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/d-backs-announce- Diamondbacks cap 2015-promotional-schedule-011615 By Zach Buchanan / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks announced the 2015 015/01/16/randy-johnson-enter-hall-of-fame-with- promotional schedule, highlighted by the retirement of Randy diamondbacks-cap/21861919/ Johnson's No. 51 and bobblehead giveaway in 2015.

Legendary pitcher Randy Johnson will enter the Hall of Fame as D-backs mini-plans will go on sale Jan. 26 allowing fans to a representative of the Diamondbacks, a fact the team will secure their seats for the historic festivities and include options leverage as part of its promotional schedule for the 2015 season. for a 10-Game Mini-Plan and Prime Seat 6-Pack.

When his induction was announced, Johnson evaded questions Johnson will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of on which team's hat his Hall of Fame bust would feature, but on Fame this year and the D-backs will honor him with a special Friday the Hall announced that the Diamondbacks were selected Hall of Fame bobblehead giveaway on July 25, which coincides over the , with whom he came into his own. with Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown. In addition, the D- backs will retire Johnson's uniform No. 51 during a special Johnson won a World Series and four Cy Young Awards with ceremony on Aug. 8. Johnson recently rejoined the D-backs' Arizona, but had a bitter divorce after the 2008 season that led organization and will serve as Special Assistant to the President to him recording his 300th win with the . & CEO .

"After reflecting the last week and conferring with the Hall of The D-backs will give away five bobbleheads in 2015, including Fame, we've come to the decision that the Diamondbacks logo D-backs Hello Kitty (April 11), Josh Collmenter (May 9), Tony on my Hall of Fame plaque makes the most sense," Johnson said La Russa (June 6), A.J. Pollock Star Wars (July 18) and Randy in a statement released by the museum. "I want to express my Johnson Hall of Fame (July 25). Additional new and exciting most sincere thanks to all the teams I played for — Montreal, giveaway items include a Paul Goldschmidt Cap (April 25), D- Seattle, Houston, the and San Francisco — backs Mother's Day Ladies' Soft-style T-shirt (May 10), D-backs and particularly all of the fans for supporting me. I'm very Fedora (May 24), D-backs Fun Socks (July 19), D-backs humbled by this honor." Insulated Lunch Bag (July 26) and D-backs Beer Stein (Sept. 12).

The Diamondbacks will give away 20,000 Johnson Hall of Fame The D-backs will be home for the holidays and will celebrate bobbleheads at their July 25 game, the day before Johnson's with fans on Mother's Day (May 10), Father's Day (June 21), induction in Cooperstown. The team will also retire his No. 51 Fourth of July and Labor Day (Sept. 7), and will honor our jersey on Aug. 8. heroes on Sept. 11.

Other bobblehead giveaways include Diamondbacks Hello Kitty Fans can expect several specialized theme nights throughout the (April 11), Josh Collmenter (May 9), Tony La Russa (June 6) and season, including Country Night (April 25), Superheroes Night Star Wars A.J. Pollock (July 18). The team will also give away (May 22), Outdoor Recreation Night (May 23), Native American Paul Goldschmidt caps on April 25, a Diamondbacks fedora on Recognition Day (June 20), Star Wars Night (July 18), Alumni May 24, a Diamondbacks backpack on June 20 and a Day (Aug. 9), and Hispanic Heritage Day (Oct. 3). Also Diamondbacks beer stein on Sept. 12. returning in 2015, the club will host post-game fireworks shows, presented by Gila River Casinos, following 12 Friday night home Diamondbacks' Jim Marshall honored with scouting award games and one special fireworks night on Fourth of July. By Zach Buchanan / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 The D-backs' 2015 promotional dates are available at 015/01/17/jim-marshall-diamondbacks-scouting-legends- dbacks.com/giveaways, with highlights below: award/21924663/ 2015 Magnet Schedule, courtesy of Pepsi (40,000 fans on April 6 Jim Marshall, the Arizona Diamondbacks' senior advisor of vs. Giants) Pacific Rim Operations, was honored with Professional Baseball Scouts Foundations' Legends of Scouting Award at the 12th Street Festival (April 6 vs. Giants) annual "In The Spirit of the Game" banquet Saturday in Los Angeles. Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (April 10 vs. Dodgers)

Marshall, 83, has been with the organization since its inception D-backs Hello Kitty Bobblehead (10,000 fans on April 11 vs. and is credited with introducing the club to the Asian market. Dodgers)

The award, voted upon by the scouting community, is given to Country Night, presented by Wyndham Vacation Ownership those who have "demonstrated a strong work ethic while (April 24 vs. Pirates) maintaining the high standards set by scouts before them over 6

│

Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (April 24 vs. Pirates) Randy Johnson No. 51 Retirement (Aug. 8 vs. Reds)

Paul Goldschmidt Cap, courtesy of Sanderson Ford (20,000 fans Alumni Day, presented by Sanderson Ford (Aug. 9 vs. Reds) on April 25 vs. Pirates) Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (Aug. 28 vs. A's) Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (May 8 vs. Padres) Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (Sept. 11 vs. Dodgers) Josh Collmenter Bobblehead, courtesy of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (20,000 fans on May 9 vs. Padres) D-backs Beer Stein, courtesy of Budweiser (10,000 21+ fans on Sept. 12 vs. Dodgers) Mother's Day (May 10 vs. Padres) Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (Oct. 2 vs. Astros) Ladies' Soft-style T-shirt (10,000 moms on May 10 vs. Padres) Hispanic Heritage Day, presented by Budweiser (Oct. 3 vs. Superheroes Night (May 22 vs. Cubs) Astros)

Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (May 22 vs. Cubs) Hispanic Heritage Day Street Festival, presented by APS (Oct. 3 vs. Astros) Outdoor Recreation Night (May 23 vs. Cubs) D-backs' Trumbo, Reed still without deals for 2015 MLB Network Bag (20,000 fans on May 23 vs. Cubs) By Jack Magruder / FOX Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/d-backs-trumbo- D-backs Fedora, courtesy of Gila River Casinos (20,000 fans on reed-still-without-deals-for-2015-011615 May 24 vs. Cubs) PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks and right-hander Jeremy Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (June 5 vs. Mets) Hellickson on Friday reportedly agreed on a $4.275 million contract for 2015, leaving outfielder Mark Trumbo and closer Tony La Russa Bobblehead, courtesy of Chevrolet (20,000 fans Addison Reed as the only arbitration-eligible players left. on June 6 vs. Mets) The sides are to exchange salary figures today, and the Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (June 19 vs. Padres) arbitration process will continue until an agreement is reached or an arbitrator sets the player's salary at one figure or the other. Native American Recognition Day, presented by Gila River Hearings would begin Feb. 1. Casinos (June 20 vs. Padres) With about $10 million expected to go to Trumbo and Reed and D-backs Backpack, courtesy of Gila River Casinos (20,000 fans another $7 million to the remaining players with less than three on June 20 vs. Padres) years service time, the D-backs are projected to spend about $85 million on payroll this year, among the reasons they can consider Father's Day (June 21 vs. Padres) free agent right-hander James Shields.

Fourth of July (July 4 vs. Rockies) Trumbo made $4.8 million in his first year of arbitration in 2014, when he slashed .235/.293/.415 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (July 4 vs. Rockies) while missing almost half the season with a stress fracture in his left foot. Trumbo averaged one RBI every 5.4 at-bats, the Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (July 17 vs. Giants) highest of his career. His average of one homer per 23.4 at-bats was his lowest. Star Wars Night (July 18 vs. Giants) Reed, who was was 1-7 with a 4.25 ERA and 32 saves in 38 A.J. Pollock Star Wars Bobblehead (20,000 fans on July 18 vs. chances, is entering his first year of arbitration eligibility. He Giants) made $538,500 last year, his first with the D-backs.

D-backs Fun Socks (10,000 fans on July 19 vs. Giants) Earlier, the D-backs signed David Hernandez to a $2 million deal to avoid arbitration in mid-December and infielder Cliff Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (July 24 vs. Brewers) Pennington for $3.275 million on Dec. 29. They already had picked up the options of Daniel Hudson and Matt Reynolds. Randy Johnson Hall of Fame Bobblehead (25,000 fans on July 25 vs. Brewers) The fact Yasmany Tomas' six-year, $68.5 contract is weighted heavily on the back side is a factor. Tomas is to make $2 million D-backs Insulated Lunch Bag, courtesy of Arizona Milk this year, $4 million in 2016, $6 million in 2017 and $10 million Producers (5,000 kids on July 26 vs. Brewers) in 2018, with one quarter of his $14 million bonus to be paid each year. Gila River Casinos Fireworks Night (Aug. 7 vs. Reds) 7

│

Randy Johnson will have Diamondbacks cap on Hall of Randy Johnson will enter Hall of Fame as member of Fame plaque Arizona Diamondbacks By FOX Sports Arizona By ArizonaSports.com http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/randy-johnson- http://arizonasports.com/42/1799393/Randy-Johnson-will- arizona-diamondbacks-cap-baseball-hall-of-fame-011615 enter-Hall-of-Fame-as-member-of-Arizona-Diamondbacks

Randy Johnson's Hall of Fame plaque will bear an Arizona Randy Johnson will be the first man to enter the National Diamondbacks cap. The announcement was made Friday Baseball Hall of Fame as an Arizona Diamondback. morning by the Hall of Fame. Johnson will wear a D-backs cap on his Hall of Fame plaque, the ---- Hall of Fame museum announced Friday. Arizona Diamondbacks ✔ @Dbacks It's official. The #Dbacks logo will appear on the cap of the Hall ---- of Fame plaque for Randy Johnson. #RJ51HOF Arizona Diamondbacks ✔ @Dbacks ---- It's official. The #Dbacks logo will appear on the cap of the Hall of Fame plaque for Randy Johnson. #RJ51HOF In an accompanying annoucement, the Diamondbacks said they ---- will retire Johnson's No. 51 in a ceremony at before a game with Cincinnati on Aug. 8. The left-hander, who is part of a four-man 2015 Hall of Fame class, played eight seasons for the D-backs from 1999-2004 and While Johnson pitched 10 seasons for the Seattle Mariners and 2007-08 and guided Arizona to its first and only World Series eight for the Diamondbacks, he enjoyed his greatest success in championship in 2001. Arizona. He was the Cy Young Award winner in each of his first four seasons with the D-backs and was co- Johnson, who won four Cy Young awards with the D-backs MVP of the . from 1999-2002, will have his number retired by the team in August. He had a 118-62 record and 2.83 ERA while making 232 starts for the D-backs. ---- Arizona Diamondbacks ✔ @Dbacks For the Mariners, he was 130-74 with a 3.42 ERA in 266 starts. The #Dbacks will retire Randy Johnson's No. 51 during a special He won the Cy Young Award with Seattle in ceremony at Chase Field on Saturday, Aug. 8. #RJ51HOF 1995 as part of a stellar Mariners team that is credited with ---- saving baseball in Seattle. With Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez leading the team into the playoffs, the Celebrities announced for Waste Management Phoenix Washington state legislature voted to fund a new stadium for the Open Pro-Am team after citizens had voted down a sales tax referendum By ArizonaSports.com designed to fund the stadium. http://arizonasports.com/22/1800174/Celebrities-announced- for-Waste-Management-Phoenix-Open-ProAm Johnson and the other three members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2015 -- Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz -- will Waste Management Phoenix Open officials announced the be formally inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on celebrity lineup Monday for the 2015 Annexus Pro-Am. Sunday, July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y., as the centerpiece of a four-day celebration of baseball. Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, who led the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth in 2014, will be making his Each Hall of Fame plaque will be revealed as the prelude to each second straight appearance at the pro-am. He is just one of electee’s induction speech on July 26. The Hall of Fame plaque, several current and former Cardinals that will participate in the which serves to reflect the totality of a career, details an event. individual’s accomplishments in the game in approximately 90 words, while listing each team on which an individual played or Bob Barker will not be participating, but the coach of the NCAA managed. An artist rendering of the individual being honored championship-winning Ohio State football program will take the tops the Hall of Fame plaque, and in many instances, a cap, greens in Scottsdale. where a logo may or may not featured, is included. An NBA legend will also participate, as will a current Arizona "The Museum staff works with each inductee by suggesting an Diamondbacks pitcher and a team legend who was recently appropriate logo option, or no logo at all," said Jeff Idelson, voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. "For those whose most compelling contributions clearly took Two ESPN sportscasters and two country music singers are also place with one team, a logo makes sense. For those whose slated to play among the star-studded field. careers were built significantly among multiple teams, not having a team logo is equally acceptable. Regardless of the selection, a The Annexus Pro-Am tees off at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, Hall of Famer belongs to every team for which he played or on TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course. The Waste Management managed, as well as every fan who followed his career." Phoenix Open is a week of festivities that begins on Jan. 26 and concludes on Feb. 1. 8

│

had a cup of coffee with the Diamondbacks, Orlando To see some of the standout names in the Jan. 28 pro-am, click Hernandez, Livan Hernandez, Jose Fernandez, Yunel Escobar, through the photos below. Odrisamer Despaigne, Aroldis Chapman, Yoenis Cespedes, Yuniesky Betancourt, among others, made significant Diamondbacks tap Cuba: Scherzer returns to Arizona roots contributions. By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/diamondbacks-tap-cuba- Now, the Diamondbacks made their influence known in scherzer-returns-to-arizona-roots exploring the Cuban market, which prompted Bud Selig, who leaves next week as baseball’s Commissioner, to say, “we talked Some might consider the Diamondbacks’ recent signing of two about a Cuba in detail” during the recent owners’ meetings. Cuban-born players as a particular twist of fate. Still, the movers and shakers are always exploring ways to obtain Just a month ago, the Diamondbacks clearly appeared out of the talent. picture to an effort to obtain the services of Yasmany Tomas, a raw power hitter, whom the organization believes has “We have the internationalization of the game continuously on tremendous potential. our radar screen,” Manfred said. “We’ll continue to search for the best players.” Plus, no pundit had right-handed pitcher Yoan Lopez, a hard- throwing 21-year-old, on the Arizona radar screen. BACK TOGETHER

Undaunted by previous huge contacts to marginal players and When the Nationals signed right-hander Max Scherzer to a reluctance to enter the free-agent market with force, Ken reported seven-year, $210 million contract Monday, the 30-year- Kendrick, the team’s managing partner, opened his checkbook old became reunited with Nats’ general manager . and dished out $68.5 million (six years) for Tomas, who will be given first opportunity to win the third base job in this spring. The fact that Washington entered the Scherzer sweepstakes in That represented the biggest contract in Arizona franchise mid-January might be due to the fact that Rizzo decided to jump history. into the discussion.

Then, Kendrick wrote a check for a reported $8.27 million and As the Diamondbacks’ director of scouting from 2000 to 2007, awarded Lopez the largest bonus in club history. On Monday, Rizzo was responsible for drafting Scherzer into the Arizona the Diamondbacks signed Lopez to a minor league contract, and organization. Selected in the first round, and 11th overall, he will likely open the 2015 season with the Double-AA Mobile Scherzer spent his first two major league seasons with Rizzo and BayBears. the Diamondbacks.

While both call Cuba their home country, each defected and thus With a 0-4 mark his first season in 2008, Scherzer improved to fell under specific major league baseball’s international signing 9-11 the next year, a 4.12 ERA but fanned 174 hitters in 170 regulations. innings. That winter, the native of Chesterfield, Mo. was sent to Detroit as part of a three-team transaction. Still, the Diamondbacks’ foray into the previously restricted island could help open the gates for further development. After Scherzer was dealt, Rizzo, who was by-passed for the Diamondbacks’ GM position, bolted and became general “Keep in mind both (Tomas and Lopez) defected, so we really manager of the Nationals in 2009. didn’t go into Cuba,” said Rob Manfred, who takes over as baseball’s 10th commissioner on Jan. 25. “We’ll keep a close eye As part of the deal involving Scherzer, the Diamondbacks on what the Obama administration does from this point. We received Edwin Jackson from the Tigers and from need to be very cognizant how the laws of the the Yankees. pertain going forward.” Since the trade, Kennedy was moved to San Diego and Jackson Arizona is not the first team, in recent years, to go after Cuban has played for the White Sox, the Cardinals, the Nationals and talent. the Cubs.

With a rich, baseball history, the game was introduced to the Randy Johnson to go into Hall of Fame as a Diamondback island in the 1860s. That’s when students returned from By Kim Hastings / Examiner.com attending American schools and initiated the game. http://www.examiner.com/article/randy-johnson-to-go-into- hall-of-fame-as-a-diamondback Even before Fidel Castro took power in 1959, many stars, such as Minnie Minoso, Camilo Pascual, Tony Taylor, Mike Cueller In an announcement sure to surprise Mariners' fans, Randy and Sandy Amoros had arrived and played on major league Johnson (aka "The Big Unit") has decided to enter baseball's teams. Hall of Fame as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Johnson made the announcement from his Arizona home Friday Since Castro assumed power, additional players, like Tony Perez afternoon. The decision was likely based on Johnson's World of Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine fame and recently Jose Abreu, Series title with Arizona. A contributing factor was believed to Yasiel Puig, Rey Ordonez, , Juan Miranda, who 9

│ be Johnson's current employment as a member of the Arizona Johnson is scheduled to be enshrined in Cooperstown on July 26 front office. along with Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and infielder Craig Biggio. Johnson won the bulk of his games as a member of the Mariners. His 130 wins for Seattle rank him second in team "I couldn't be happier," Hall told MLB.com on Thursday. "It's a history. Only Jamie Moyer won more games for the Mariners. combination of Randy and the Hall of Fame. They get together and talk about what makes most sense. I actually think he was Students of Seattle baseball recall Johnson as being the ace of highly decorated in Arizona and that those were his best years. I the staff on the 1995 team credited with saving baseball in The think it's only fitting that our first Hall of Famer is Randy Emerald City. The big lefty was 18-2 during that halcyon season. Johnson." He received the American League Cy Young Award for his achievements that year. Johnson pitched for the Diamondbacks from 1999 to 2004 and again for parts of the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He finished with a Johnson's 1998 departure from the Seahawks was under less record of 303-163, 3.29 ERA and his 4,875 strikeouts is tops than ideal circumstances. Disenchanted with the direction of the among left-handers on baseball history. Only Nolan Ryan Mariners and ready to move on Johnson slipped to 9-10 with an recorded more career strikeouts. uncharacteristically high 4.33 ERA. The M's traded Johnson to Houston, where he compiled a 10-1 record and a 1.28 ERA in Johnson won five Cy Young Awards, four with the 11 starts. He led the Astros to the Diamondbacks and one with Seattle. In all, Johnson played 22 Division crown in his half season as a member of that team. years in the majors for Montreal, Seattle, Houston, Arizona, the New York Yankees and San Francisco. Surrounding his two stints in Arizona, where he won 118 games, Johnson played with the New York Yankees and the San Perhaps Johnson's best season was 2002, the year after he help Francisco Giants. It was as a member of the Giants that Johnson guide the Diamondbacks to the World Series win over the New won his 300th game. York Yankees. In that season, Johnson went 24-5, 2.32 ERA in 260 innings of work. The most strikeouts recorded in one season In the statement in which he made the Hall of Fame team was in 2001 when he fanned 372 batters in 249 innings. designation announcement Johnson thanked, by name, all of the teams for whom he played. The announcement about which Influential in helping the Diamondbacks to the 2001 title, team's name would be on Johnson's Hall plaque was prominent Johnson went 3-0 during that World Series and posted a 1.04 on the Diamondbacks' website. No mention of the ERA. announcement could be found on the Mariners' site early Friday afternoon. HELLICKSON SIGNS

Johnson selects Diamondbacks logo for Hall plaque On Friday, the Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with right- By Mark Brown / Examiner.com hander Jeremy Hellickson. http://www.examiner.com/article/johnson-selects- diamondbacks-logo-for-hall-plaque Acquired from the Rays in an off-season deal, Hellickson signed a one year contract for a reported $4.275 million. In 2014 with When Randy Johnson appeared before the media to discuss his the Rays, Hellickson, who will be 28 by opening day, earned a Hall of Fame induction earlier this month, the first question reported $3,625 million. asked reference his hat. Last season, Hellickson missed nearly the first half of the season “Have you decided which logo will be on your plaque,” a due to elbow surgery and finished with 1-5 record and a 4.52 reporter asked. ERA in 13 starts.

“Haven’t made that decision and I’ll think about that,” was In four years with the Rays, Hellickson recorded a 40-36 mark Johnson’s response. and a 3.78 ERA in 108 starts.

In the end, the decision took only a few weeks because Johnson Hellickson’s signing now leaves pitcher Addison Reed and came to the conclusion that his most influential years as an outfielder Mark Trumbo as remaining Arizona players who are intimidating left-handed pitcher was with the Diamondbacks. arbitration-eligible.

That concluded, Johnson reached his decision late Thursday Sports shorts: Johnson to have D-backs hat on plaque night when he told team president Derrick Hall that he will sport By Associated Press a Diamondbacks logo in his induction plague. Johnson is the http://tucson.com/sports-shorts-johnson-to-have-d-backs-hat- first player who played any part of his career with Arizona to be on-plaque/article_e8d8c538-8fcd-5148-a797-9e6fb3745447.html inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame. PHOENIX — Randy Johnson will wear an Arizona Based on Johnson’s decision, the Hall of Fame made the formal Diamondbacks cap on his plaque in baseball’s Hall of Fame. announcement Friday morning. The Hall of Fame made the announcement Friday.

10

│

Johnson had said it was out of his hands as to whether the cap The newest members of the Hall of Fame will be formally would be from the Diamondbacks, from his previous team, the inducted on July 26 in Cooperstown, New York. The ceremony Seattle Mariners, or have no insignia at all. is part of a four-day celebration of baseball and the players in the Hall of Fame. Johnson said in a statement Friday that after thinking about the issue and conferring with Hall of Fame representatives, they Johnson to wear D-Backs cap in Hall of Fame came to the decision that “the Diamondbacks logo on my Hall By Steve Stout / CBS 5 of Fame plaque makes the most sense.” http://www.kpho.com/story/27869072/johnson-to-wear-d- backs-cap-in-hall-of-fame Johnson had his biggest success with Arizona, winning four consecutive Cy Young Awards and a World Series title. Johnson, the fireball throwing lefthander who pitched for six teams in a 22-year career, won four Cy Young awards and a • The Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with right-hander World Series with the Diamondbacks. Jeremy Hellickson, agreeing to a one-year contract for $4,275,000. Arizona acquired Hellickson in an offseason trade The Hall of Fame and Museum made the announcement Friday with Tampa Bay. that the Diamondbacks cap was selected.

• and the Tigers avoided arbitration with a record- Johnson will be the first representative of the Diamondbacks in setting deal. Price agreed to a $19.75 million contract, the largest the Hall of Fame. one-year deal for a player who filed for arbitration. Johnson is among four electees to the Hall. Craig Biggio, and • Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals agreed to a $7.4 million, pitchers Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz were also selected. one-year contract and avoided salary arbitration. The caps of the other three players will be made Jan. 22.

• Pittsburgh and South Korean infielder Jung Ho Kang finalized "After reflecting the last week and conferring with the Hall of an $11 million, four-year contract on Friday. Also, former UA Fame, we've come to the decision that the Diamondbacks logo standout on my Hall of Fame plaque makes the most sense," Johnson said. "I want to express my most sincere thanks to all the teams I was among nine of the Pirates’ 12 players who played for – Montreal, Seattle, Houston, the New York Yankees filed for arbitration earlier this week who agreed to one-year and San Francisco – and particularly all of the fans for contracts. The 29-year-old will make $5.4 million, more than supporting me. I'm very humbled by this honor." double the $2,595,000 he earned last season when he converted 33 of 37 save opportunities. The four players will be inducted Sunday, July 26 at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. The induction ceremony will be • Infielder and the Yankees finalized a $5 million, televised live on the ML Network. one-year contract, a deal that puts him in position to become Randy Johnson picks Diamondbacks logo for Baseball Hall New York’s starting . of Fame By Kristi Tedesco / KVOA - Tucson • and Baltimore reached agreement http://www.kvoa.com/news/randy-johnson-picks- on a $12 million contract for next season and catcher Matt diamondbacks-logo-for-baseball-hall-of-fame/ Wieters got a one-year deal for $8,275,000. PHOENIX- Randy Johnson will wear an Arizona • The San Padres and All-Star Tyson Ross agreed to a one-year Diamondbacks cap on his plaque in baseball's Hall of Fame. deal. Randy Johnson to wear Diamondbacks hat in Hall of Fame Previously, Johnson had said the logo decision was out of his By Becca Smouse / ABC 15 hands. Then, in a statement today, he said "the Diamondbacks http://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/randy- logo on my Hall of Fame plaque makes the most sense." johnson-to-wear-diamondbacks-hat-in-hall-of-fame Johnson also said, "I want to express my most sincere thanks to NEW YORK - The National Baseball Hall of Fame and all the teams I played for -- Montreal, Seattle, Houston, the New Museum announced that an Arizona Diamondbacks logo will York Yankees and San Francisco -- and particularly all of the appear on the cap for Randy Johnson’s plaque. fans for supporting me. I'm very humbled by this honor."

Johnson’s induction marks the first time a Diamondbacks logo Randy Johnson was with the Arizona Diamondbacks 1999-2004, will be featured on a player in the Hall of Fame. His plaque will and again 2007-2008. He was elected to the Hall on January 6th also include a brief description about his professional along with Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio. accomplishments and other teams Johnson has played for. The 2015 Class will be formally inducted into the National Johnson, along with Craig Biggio, Pedro Martinez and John Baseball Hall of Fame July 26 in Cooperstown, New York. Smoltz, were elected into the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Johnson enters as Diamondback Writers’ Association of America on January 6. By Damien Alameda / Tucson News Now

11

│ http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/27871598/johnson- early July, to honor the Class of 2015 at the National Baseball enters-as-diamondback Hall of Fame and Museum.

(COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.) – The National Baseball Hall of The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an Fame and Museum has announced that an Arizona independent not-for-profit educational institution, dedicated to Diamondbacks logo will appear on the cap of the Hall of Fame fostering an appreciation of the historical development of plaque for 2015 Hall of Fame electee Randy Johnson. The cap baseball and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, selections for the remainder of the Hall of Fame Class of 2015 – exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience as Craig Biggio, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz – will be well as honoring those who have made outstanding announced on January 22. contributions to our National Pastime. Opening its doors for the first time on June 12, 1939, the Hall of Fame has stood as the The Hall of Fame Class of 2015 will be formally inducted into definitive repository of the game's treasures and as a symbol of the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 26 in the most profound individual honor bestowed on an athlete. It is Cooperstown, N.Y., as the centerpiece of a four-day celebration every fan's "Field of Dreams," with its stories, legends and magic of baseball and their careers as part of Hall of Fame Weekend shared from generation to generation. 2015. Biggio, Johnson, Martinez and Smoltz were elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America on The Smile Generation Wins D-backs Ambassador Award January 6. By The Smile Generation http://blog.smilegeneration.com/events/smile-generation-wins- “After reflecting the last week and conferring with the Hall of dbacks-ambassador-award/ Fame, we've come to the decision that the Diamondbacks logo on my Hall of Fame plaque makes the most sense,” said The Smile Generation® was presented with the D-Backs Johnson. “I want to express my most sincere thanks to all the Ambassador Award at the Arizona Diamondbacks MVP (Most teams I played for – Montreal, Seattle, Houston, the New York Valuable Partner) show for their partnership efforts during the Yankees and San Francisco – and particularly all of the fans for 2014 Major League Baseball season. supporting me. I'm very humbled by this honor.” We at The Smile Generation are honored to have been awarded Each Hall of Fame plaque will be revealed as the prelude to each the distinction of outstanding ambassador partner to the Arizona electee's induction speech on July 26. The Hall of Fame plaque, Diamondbacks organization for the 2014 MLB season. The which serves to reflect the totality of a career, details an Dbacks are one of the earliest sponsored teams of The Smile individual's accomplishments in the game in approximately 90 Generation, and we are very grateful for the relationship and words, while listing each team on which an individual played or their contributions to the Arizona community at large. managed. An artist rendering of the individual being honored tops the Hall of Fame plaque, and in many instances, a cap, Kevin Lawton, Regional Partner for the Desert Mountain where a logo may or may not featured, is included. Region, on winning:

“The Museum staff works with each inductee by suggesting an Our partnership with the Dbacks has allowed us a unique appropriate logo option, or no logo at all,” said Jeff Idelson, opportunity to continue to raise awareness for The Smile President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Generation in Arizona and many additional baseball markets. As “For those whose most compelling contributions clearly took a Diamondbacks fan, I’m so proud of the team’s efforts and place with one team, a logo makes sense. For those whose their relentless pursuit of greatness. The Dbacks and their shared careers were built significantly among multiple teams, not having goal of community activation continue to be an ideal partner for a team logo is equally acceptable. Regardless of the selection, a The Smile Generation. We look forward to many more great Hall of Famer belongs to every team for which he played or years ahead…and hopefully a World Series Championship! managed, as well as every fan who followed his career.” Kristie VanEngelen, Account Services Executive, summed up The four newest members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame the recognition: will take their permanent place in Cooperstown on Sunday, July 26, with the ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT – televised The Arizona Diamondbacks organization was pleased to be able live on MLB Network, highlighting four days of celebratory to recognize The Smile Generation for their years of partnership. events and programs for baseball fans of all ages, as part of Hall 2014 was a standout year, which included some of our most of Fame Weekend 2015, July 24-27. popular promotions to date: “Baxter’s Ears” Hat and Birthday Bash, the employee rally, and more!We are so glad to be able to Hall of Fame Weekend 2015 will also feature the Saturday, July highlight your team’s efforts through the D-backs Ambassador 25 Awards Presentation, when J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Award! Tom Gage and Ford C. Frick Award winner Dick Enberg will each be honored. The Weekend will include family programming Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall is a model for baseball fans of all ages, including the July 25 Parade of leader who puts his customers above all else. He created and Legends and a July 27 Legends of the Game Roundtable installed the FAWTSY (Find A Way To Say Yes) customer discussion event with the four inductees. service principle throughout the Dbacks organization.

More than 50 Hall of Famers are expected to return for Hall of Fame Weekend, with the full list of returnees to be announced in 12

│

We at The Smile Generation also believe in FAWTSY. We help autographed and photographs to a George Washington patients find the dental health they need, through trusted, local signature with a starting auction price of $15,000. dentists. According to Gilbert, this year, the Foundation helped a scout who couldn't afford to remain in hospice and paid for him to stay there until he passed away. The family of another scout was Scouts dinner highlights best aspects of the game unable to pay his funeral costs. The Foundation interceded. Greats come together for awards ceremony, auction to benefit families in need "Recently, we've had more people under claim, more people that By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com we've helped," said Gilbert, a former player, scout, agent and http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106742628/barry-m-bloom- now consultant to White Sox chairman . "Every professional-baseball-scouts-foundation-awards-dinner- single time that a general manager gets fired, a new general highlights-best-aspects-of-the-game manager comes in and they bring their own people. It has nothing to do with competence. Then all of a sudden, you see a LOS ANGELES -- There's nothing better on the West Coast in lot of veteran scouts out of work. the offseason than the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation Awards Dinner. This year, the 12th annual soiree was staged on "When they go to get jobs other than baseball, it's: 'What kind of Saturday night by founder Dennis Gilbert at the famous Century work experience do you have?' And being a baseball scout trains Plaza Hotel. you for absolutely nothing else than being a baseball scout. So who wants to hire a 65-year-old guy who has been a scout for The affair, in honor of outgoing Commissioner Bud Selig, always the last 25 years? Those are the people we really help the most." offers a bit of the poignant and the absurd. And that's why the baseball community gathers here every year The absurd: Comedian Garry Shandling did a bit about baseball's among a bevy of current and retired scouts. The dinner attracts pace of game, an issue being addressed by the experimental use about 1,200 annually, including fans who have paid hundreds of of a 20-second clock at the top levels of the Minor Leagues dollars per ticket to take part in the auction and mingle with the this coming season. greats.

Mimicking Red Sox slugger David "Big Papi" Ortiz, Shandling On Saturday night, 11 of the 66 living members of the National slowly donned a pair of batting gloves, first the left hand, Baseball Hall of Fame -- not including this summer's incoming repeatedly loosening and tightening the Velcro strip into the quartet of inductees -- were in attendance. That group included microphone. Phil Niekro, Paul Molitor, , , , Bobby Cox, Rich "Goose" Gossage, , "You can't hear this [scratching] sound on TV," he said. George Brett, Brooks Robinson and .

Shandling then stepped away from the mike and slowly, They were joined by Ford C. Frick Award winners Vin Scully methodically worked on the right hand, pulling the glove out of and Bob Uecker, plus former and current owners Reinsdorf, his back pocket, loosening and tightening the Velcro strip, Tom Werner of the Red Sox, Lew Wolf of the A's, Bill Giles of loosening and tightening the Velcro strip. the Phillies and Peter O'Malley of the Dodgers. Selig is always there and was joined by Commissioner-elect Rob Manfred, who "I've actually gotten a soda and a hot dog and done an entire set said in prepared remarks that attending the dinner was one of at the Improv waiting for Big Papi to hit," Shandling quipped. the things that makes him most proud to be part of the sport of baseball. The poignant: Jim Marshall, an Arizona Diamondbacks scout for the past 20 years, was one of five scouts given the Legends in It is everything that is good about the sport: people helping Scouting Award this year. Marshall, a former player and manager people who are such a big part of the baseball family. with a resume a mile long, is 83 years old and has been in the game for 63 years. He's been around so long that in 1962, More of the absurd: Uecker, the long-time Brewers announcer, Marshall was an original New York Met. was shown on a short video mimicking his famous Miller Lite commercial about attending a game at Dodger Stadium. Being "The Scouts Foundation is very special, and I appreciate being moved by an usher, he mused that his seat "must be in the front honored," Marshall said afterward. "The Foundation does all row." He wound up near the back row of an empty upper deck, that it can to help people in the game and bolster anyone who similar to where his statue is now located behind home plate at has problems and financial needs." Miller Park.

Really, this is what the Scouts Foundation is all about: Honoring The video showed Uecker at a table in the kitchen sitting down the scouts -- who discover the players and are the bedrock of the to eat his meal. Later, he entertained with a monologue as only sport -- and helping those who have fallen on hard times in their Uecker can. As usual, he killed. advanced years. The backbone of the dinner is a silent and not- so-silent auction of sports and entertainment memorabilia that More of the poignant: being given the Tommy raises about $1 million a year, most of that money distributed to Lasorda Managerial Achievement Award. Baker, whose playing scouts in need and their families. The items range from the usual career flourished under Lasorda, has been out of the game since he was dismissed by the Reds after the 2013 season, and he is 13

│ now running his own winery near his adopted hometown of Though Johnson may be most identified for his eight years and Sacramento, Calif. Baker said prior to the dinner that he was two stints with the D-backs, who appointed him as a special honored to be here among the scouts. assistant to Hall on the day he was elected, he was brought up by the Expos, played 10 seasons with the Mariners, went 10-1 with "Scouts are the lifeblood of this game, they are," he said. "Scouts a 1.28 ERA in 11 late-season starts for the Astros in 1998, won do the work. I was very lucky. I came across some great scouts at 34 games (17 and 17) in two seasons for the Yankees and a very young age. They motivate these young men to think that recorded his 300th career win in his final season of 2009 with his they might be able to play their dreams out. Scouts have been a hometown Giants. He grew up in Livermore, Calif. big part of my life. Scouts are very unheralded." Johnson wasn't given the chance to finish his career with the D- Save for every year on this night, at least. backs when he became a free agent after the 2008 season. Contract talks broke down and he signed with San Francisco. Big Unit's Hall of Fame plaque to feature D-backs logo The D-backs inked free-agent right-hander Jon Garland instead. Arizona to retire Johnson's uniform number in August Considering it all, Johnson could have mimicked Greg By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com and Tony La Russa, who last year were inducted into the Hall http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106595160/d-backs- without any logo on their plaques so not to offend any of the logo-to-be-depicted-on-randy-johnsons-hall-of-fame-plaque other teams they worked for.

PHOENIX -- Randy Johnson will be inducted into the National "Yeah, I know. He could have done that and I'm thrilled he Baseball Hall of Fame this summer as a member of the D-backs. didn't," Hall said. "I can't thank him enough for that. It's appropriate. He and I have had conversations in the past. I was Johnson told club president Derrick Hall about his decision on always hoping he would go in as a D-back. He kept it close to Thursday and the Hall of Fame made a formal announcement the vest, but I'm absolutely ecstatic for everybody that he is." on Friday morning. In addition, the D-backs will retire Johnson's No. 51 in a ceremony at Chase Field on Aug. 8. Hall said the team will also distribute Johnson bobbleheads on July 25, when the D-backs will be home playing the Brewers. Johnson will be inducted along with fellow pitchers John Smoltz Two weeks later, before a 5:10 p.m. MT game against the Reds, and Pedro Martinez and 3,000-hit-club member Craig Biggio on Johnson's number No. 51 will be the second retired by the D- July 26 in Cooperstown, N.Y. The 6-foot-10, left-handed backs, who previously honored Luis Gonzalez by hanging his Johnson, second all-time with 4,785 strikeouts, will be the first No. 20 on the white upper right-field façade at Chase Field. member of the D-backs to go into the Hall with their logo Johnson's number will join his former teammate along with the appearing on his plaque. No. 42 worn by , which is retired throughout Major League Baseball. "I couldn't be happier," Hall told MLB.com on Thursday. "It's a combination of Randy and the Hall of Fame. They get together "That day we'll do a big, broad celebration of Randy, retiring his and talk about what makes most sense. Obviously he had number, and then we'll have the alumni game the next day," Hall options. Seattle might have made some sense, Montreal. He talks said. "It'll be a great event." about Houston, although he was there the shortest, he had some of his best days there. I actually think he was highly decorated in D-backs' MVP show a hit with Hall again as the star Arizona and that those were his best years. I think it's only fitting Club president hosts late-night format presentation to honor that our first Hall of Famer is Randy Johnson." sponsors By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com Hall broke the news Thursday to a crowd of business partners http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106580014/barry-m- and season-ticket holders during the team's annual Most bloom-d-backs-most-valuable-partner-show-again-a-hit Valuable Partner dinner and show in Chandler, Ariz. CHANDLER, Ariz. -- It never hurts to be a bit self-deprecating, Biggio will be the first player to go in as an Astro, the team for D-backs president Derrick Hall said on Thursday night. And which he played his entire 20-year career, during which he then he and his staff went out and proved it during the club's amassed 3,060 hits. Smoltz, like fellow staff mate Tom Glavine fourth annual Most Valuable Partner show and dinner in the did last year, will be inducted as a Brave. Smoltz pitched the first theater at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. 20 of his 21 big league seasons in Atlanta. That leaves only Martinez's logo in question, although there has been some The show, cast in a late night television comedy format with Hall suggestion that he will go in as a member of the Red Sox, the hosting as a little bit Jimmy Fallon and a little bit Jimmy Kimmel, organization for which he had his most formidable years. started off with a bang, as Hall showed a video highlight of the D-backs' forgettable 64-98, 2014 season. It lasted all of about 15 Johnson was non-committal two weeks ago, after he was elected seconds with sidekick Cullen Maxey, the team's executive vice into the Hall of Fame by eligible members of the Baseball president of business operations, noting that the highlight was Writers' Association of America with 97.3 percent of the vote. the season's last pitch. He had 118 of his 303 wins, pitched a perfect game, shared the 2001 World Series Most Valuable Player Award and won four of "And the crowd got it, they understood it," Hall said about the his five Cy Youngs for the D-backs. group of around 250 that included club sponsors, business partners and season-ticket holders.

14

│

Moments later, as Hall went through his pre-scripted monologue, he mused about the torture report recently released Chase Bank, Coors Light, Smile Generation and Jack in the Box by the federal government. all won major awards for advertising and community involvement campaigns. Raising Cane's, a local multioutlet "Well, they did a torture report about the D-backs, too," Hall restaurant that specializes in chicken fingers, was named the deadpanned. "We made the fans sit through 162 games." Rookie of the Year. Safelife won the Silver Slugger and Fry's Food Stores was the Gold Glove winner. Circle K, a chain of Bah, bam. The second set is at 10:30. Don't forget to tip your convenience stores that has been a D-backs sponsor since Day 1 waitress. in 1998, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. And once again, Taco Bell was the Fan Favorite. This coming season, if the "We felt like we had to poke fun at ourselves the whole time," D-backs score a modest five runs or more during a game at Hall said backstage afterward. "I was hoping that the players Chase Field, fans will be able to turn in their ticket stubs the next wouldn't take offense. But they get it. They understand you have day for free tacos. to poke fun at yourself. They were terrific. They would come up in between skits or sets and whisper in my ear, 'Oh, you're killing No wonder the fans love it. No wonder the business partners eat it. This is so great. This is so fun.' They weren't offended. They up the entire show. were on board. I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out." "They like it. You can see they have fun here," Hall said. "They Many current and former D-backs took part in the antics and show up year after year. They're competitive. They want to win. handed out the annual awards to longtime and newer sponsors I mean, they come out from New York, they come out from who are treated as part of the family. Chicago and California. They come here for this. It's a biggie. It's gotten to the point where other teams will call us and ask for the Josh Collmenter squashed eggs on the head of a D-backs playbook, you know, 'How do you make that happen?' And I executive. Bronson Arroyo, Mark Trumbo and Aaron Hill joined don't know that many can duplicate it because we have such a the band and jammed to Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free talented staff and production crew. It's unbelievable." World." Hill and Trumbo played guitars and Arroyo, who channels Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, sang the vocals. They Actually, they'd have to borrow Hall, the part-Fallon/part- rocked. Kimmel, who pulls the entire show together.

There was good news. Arroyo, who underwent Tommy John New faces, new places set up intriguing spring surgery on his right elbow this past season, said he's about to Best-laid plans could change with position battles on horizon begin throwing again on Monday. Paul Goldschmidt, presenting By Doug Miller / MLB.com the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Awards, waggled his left hand http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106784972/many-players-will- in the air and told the crowd: be-wading-into-new-waters-as-spring-training-position-battles- heat-up "All healed!" The Major League Baseball offseason is filled with high Goldschmidt was hit with a pitch and missed the last two expectations and best-laid plans, with the goal of busy October months of the season with a fractured bone in that hand. He nights being the motivation for transactions and depth-chart said he's been working out regularly at the club's Salt River maneuvers, major and minor. Fields complex and is raring to go. With yearly turnover coming from ever-fluid positioning created "You've got to laugh about it," Hall said. "Then it's time to turn by free agency and the trade market, teams embark on new the page and move forward." strategies come Spring Training. Even though the exhibition games of the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues will go far toward The concept is this: Rather than having the usual staid business- determining who will take the field throughout the 2015 season, to-business summit every year to brainstorm about projects and the 30 big league clubs already have certain concepts set in campaigns with sponsors, the D-backs came up with this January. approach, which is certainly novel in professional sports and might not be mimicked much in the business world. Here are cases where players could be testing new waters, whether it be changing position, finally arriving as full-time The past three years, the show was a replica of the Academy players or trying out the Major Leagues for the first time: Awards with Hall playing different characters and presenting the awards in that Oscars, Golden Globes and Emmys style. Not Yasmany Tomas, 3B, D-backs: Sure, Tomas has played a bit of this year. third base during an impressive career in Cuba, but now he's slated to man the hot corner as a $68.5 million-over-six-years "We've talked about it for awhile, that's kind of how I my franchise slugger in his first go-around in U.S. professional ball meetings, which we call First Fridays," Hall said. "It's on the at the highest level. It's bold, but with Tony La Russa and Dave couch with D. Hall. So Rob, who's our producer, said, 'Why Stewart at the helm of the organization, did you expect anything don't we take that concept and do the late-night talk show for different? our corporate partners?' It was working so well with the Academy Awards, but we thought it was time for a refresh. And and Rusney Castillo, OF, Red Sox: Both got a taste it was perfect timing." of the bigs last year and looked promising enough to think that 15

│ there's a chance they'll play alongside each other for nine innings On Monday, people around Major League Baseball joined with a night on the Fenway green. But Castillo also is new to the all those who celebrated MLK Day of Service, observing more States from Cuba and Betts is a converted second baseman of a "day on" than a "day off." Clubs and players volunteered in blocked at the position by . There are still their communities to help neighbors, work on civic projects, visit adjustments to be made. hospitals and family shelters, participate in MLK heritage events and generally getting involved. Marcus Semien, SS, A's: Semien has all of four big league appearances at shortstop in limited action over the last few This annual holiday is observed on the third Monday of January seasons for the White Sox, but now that Oakland has dealt each year, but to mark the Jan. 15 birthday of the late civil rights Yunel Escobar to Washington for reliever Tyler Clippard, he's leader. the heir apparent at the anchor position in the A's infield. Unless general manager makes another deal, of course. Phillies center fielder Ben Revere attended the Martin Luther King Jr. Sharing the Heritage Celebration and Day of Service , SS, Yankees: Speaking of shortstops, Gregorius event, held in partnership with the Citizens Bank Foundation, at is no stranger to the gig, but this gig? Replacing an all-time The African American Museum in Philadelphia. It was a legend in retired captain ? That's a whole other celebration with special events and activities, including hands-on assignment that pretty much defines "new waters." service projects, a community celebration with live performances, readings and more. Revere, who welcomed guests Dellin Betances, RP, Yankees: On the same team, Betances in the auditorium and thanked fans for taking part in this year's could very well jump into the closer's role after a dominant MLK Day of Service, was raised in Atlanta and taught the campaign (1.40 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 135 strikeouts in 90 innings) importance of the civil rights movement at an early age. as the setup man for departed David Robertson, who signed with the White Sox after ably filling 's ninth- "He's definitely an inspiration," Revere said. "When I think of inning role. him, I think of equality, opportunity and peace. That's the main focus. Growing up in the South at that time, it was tough. But he Arismendy Alcantara (OF), Javier Baez (IF), (OF), never gave up. He never stopped believing. He just kept going." Cubs: Will this terrific trio of prospects-turned-big-leaguers-on- the-cusp be penciled in as Opening Day regulars? It remains to The Mets produced a video about King, with Lance Johnson and be seen -- and the outfield picture got more crowded with the Lenny Harris discussing his legacy. trade for Dexter Fowler -- but the potential is there, and the Chicago brass expects to win now after offseason upgrades, "I think he wanted equality for all ethnic groups," Johnson said. including one of the highest-ticket free agents on the market in "He wanted things to be fair, he wanted everybody to have a new staff ace Jon Lester. All three have shown remarkable talent chance to live the American dream. And basically that's just what -- and that they have a lot to learn. he wanted, fairness."

Others: Dalton Pompey, OF, Toronto; Joc Pederson, OF, "It was a great impact on them, especially the African-American Dodgers; Christian Vazquez, C, Red Sox; Jose Ramirez, SS, ballplayer today, to reach out and find out who he really is Indians; Anthony Gose, OF, Tigers. inside," Harris said. "Because he'd done so much for American people in general to make sure he established the rights of your MLB gives back on MLK Day of Service own, the feelings of your own rights, just to be on top and where Clubs, players volunteer in their communities to help neighbors you should be in life, just to progress." on national holiday By Mark Newman / MLB.com For the surviving family of Jackie Robinson, the day was http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106747528/mlb-gives-back- especially meaningful. The Brooklyn Dodgers infielder who on-mlk-day-of-service broke baseball's color barrier in 1947 also became an influential civil rights leader and King's friend in the movement during the grew up in Oakland, a future Major League star '60s. pitcher, and the remarkable things he saw and heard as a boy about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. are vivid in his memory Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, attended the movie "Selma" now, at the age of 57. on MLK Day as part of three generations in their family -- along with her daughter Sharon and two granddaughters. "I used to ask my parents why he endured the things he did for no apparent reason," said Stewart, the senior vice president and "MLK Day is a workday for all of us," said Sharon, educational general manager of the D-backs. "I was too young to understand consultant for MLB. "It's a day of reflection and appreciation for his cause. I understand now that nothing you accomplish in this Dr. King and his work and words, but more importantly it asks life time comes without great sacrifice, persistence, courage and each of us what we are doing to serve our communities and keep strength. Those characteristics gave me the opportunity of the values he espoused alive. That's what it means to me. So equality, and to be looked at like all men. that's why my family chose to go Monday to see 'Selma,' three generations, so we can see it together and purposely chose a time "Dr. King gave his life for that. I am forever grateful, and so are when we can sit down and reflect on it. my kids and their kids." "Part of the way you continue to make a difference in people's lives is by doing the kind of outreach that our clubs are doing. 16

│

Same thing with our Jackie Robinson Scholars -- they're out writing contests. The contests are featured throughout doing service. There are different ways, and service is one of Milwaukee Public Schools and the City of Milwaukee. them." Bob Kendrick, head of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen and Blue Jays pitcher Kansas City, tweeted the sentiment of the day there: Marcus Stroman were examples of many players who tweeted messages of meaning: For more information and ways to get involved, visit MLBCommunity.org. In Dallas, participants in the Foundation's "just keep livin" program volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank, D-backs, righty Lopez sign Minors contract helping to generate a total of 18,754 meals going to families. The Club likes Cuban starter's fastball, slider, sees 'good upside Rangers Foundation created a partnership with Matthew and potential' Camila McConaughey and their "just keep livin" Foundation in By Josh Jackson / MiLB.com 2011. The partnership includes the creation an after-school http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150117&conten program centered on nutrition, exercise and wellness for local t_id=106693066&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp&sid=milb high school students. The program has had a dramatic impact over the last four years for just keep livin students at Pinkston Move over, Roberto Baldoquin. High School in Dallas; Sam Houston High School in Arlington; and Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth. The D-backs have signed Cuban-born right-hander Yoan Lopez to a Minor League deal with a $8.27 million bonus, MLB.com In Houston, Astros staff members volunteered at four locations reported on Saturday. That figure makes Lopez the recipient of during the day. The itinerary included Shriners Hospital for the largest bonus doled out under new international guidelines. Children, Star of Hope Women and Family Shelter (lunch service), Star of Hope Men's Development Center (lunch The previous record was set by Baldoquin, a 20-year-old service), and Houston Food Bank. shortstop, who received a bonus of $8 million for signing with the Angels four weeks ago. The White Sox Volunteer Corps -- which unites White Sox fans through service opportunities within the Chicago area -- had 60 Lopez, 21, works with four pitches, and Arizona believes two of members assist City Year with a large scale beautification project them are already advanced. at Gage Park High School and Rachel Carson Elementary School. Volunteers worked on many projects, including painting, "Yoan is a good-looking young starter with good upside light construction and educational activities to enhance these potential," D-backs senior vice president of baseball operations important spaces on the South Side of Chicago. De Jon Watson said in a statement. "His delivery and arm work very well. He features a plus fastball and slider, and his curveball White Sox Charities supports the City Year program at Tilden has good shape and depth and should play average. The Career Community Academy, which places City Year Corps changeup has a chance to have swing-and-miss value down the members in classrooms to provide in-school academic support road. We are excited to add another quality arm to the and mentoring, in addition to afterschool programming for organization." students most at risk of dropping out of school. ---- Mariners reliever Fernando Rodney was in South Korea visiting Jesse Sanchez ✔ @JesseSanchezMLB with U.S. military troops as part of a USO tour, spending MLK RHP pitcher Yoan Lopez is officially a #Dback. Pictured here Day in a unique way to make a difference. with DBacks GM Dave Stewart. #Cuba ---- In the days leading up to MLK Day, the D-backs were part of two key events in the Phoenix area. One was the 21st annual The righty comes with three years of experience in Cuba's Serie MLK Jr. Living the Dream Community Dinner celebration, in Nacional de Beisbol, where he went 15-13 with a 3.76 ERA over which several D-backs executives were in attendance. 47 games -- 39 of them starts. He stands at 6' 4"and weighs 190 Additionally, D-backs senior vice presidents Marian Rhodes and pounds. De Jon Watson attended the ceremonial naming of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Phoenix on Thursday. The D-backs signed another Cuban, Yasmany Tomas, to a six- year deal worth $68.5 million earlier in the offseason. The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee hosted its 16th annual Randy Johnson picks Arizona logo Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, where community and By Jerry Crasnick / ESPN.com state leaders gathered for the largest MLK Day event in the state http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12179383/randy-johnson- of Wisconsin. About 700 community and state leaders were opts-arizona-diamondbacks-logo-hall-fame- expected to gather, as the Brewers donated game tickets to the bust?ex_cid=espnapi_public attendees. Randy Johnson became a major league star with the Seattle Also, Brewers Community Foundation is a "Legacy Sponsor" of Mariners, but he'll enter the Baseball Hall of Fame representing The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts' 31st annual Dr. the Arizona Diamondbacks. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. About 1,900 people attend annually. The event includes arts, speech and 17

│

"After reflecting the last week and conferring with the Hall of On Saturday, we laid out the areas in which each American Fame, we've come to the decision that the Diamondbacks logo League team has depth or lacks depth; now it's time for the on my Hall of Fame plaque makes the most sense," Johnson said National League team examinations. Let's get to it. in a statement released by the Hall on Friday. "I want to express my most sincere thanks to all the teams I played for -- Montreal, Arizona Diamondbacks Seattle, Houston, the New York Yankees and San Francisco -- and particularly all of the fans for supporting me. I'm very Deep in ... humbled by this honor." : Outfield depth hasn't been an issue for the Diamondbacks in recent years, but this group might be the most Johnson was elected to the Hall on Jan. 6 along with Pedro talented of all of those groupings. Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio. His 97.3 percent plurality was the eighth highest in the history of Hall of Fame Healthy seasons from Mark Trumbo and center fielder A.J. balloting behind Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Ty Pollock, who was having a great season before a fractured hand Cobb, George Brett, Hank Aaron and Tony Gwynn. knocked him out of action for three months, would be a major boost to an offense that finished 25th in the majors in runs Johnson posted a 130-74 record and a 3.42 ERA and won a Cy scored last season. Young Award in 9½ seasons with Seattle. Although he spent more time with the Mariners than any other club, he went 118- They'll be joined by Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas -- unless he 62 with a 2.83 ERA over eight seasons in Arizona and captured somehow proves he's a capable defender at third base -- with four of his career Cy Young Awards with the Diamondbacks. Ender Inciarte and David Peralta both pushing for playing time after strong rookie seasons. Johnson pitched a perfect game for Arizona at age 40, and he was named co-MVP of the 2001 World Series with Curt Light in ... Schilling after they combined to pitch Arizona past the Yankees Starting pitching: A trio of impressive pitching prospects, Archie in seven games. Bradley, and , gives the Diamondbacks a glimmer of hope for the not-so-distant future. On the same day that Johnson was elected to Cooperstown last Unfortunately, that future cannot come soon enough; only week, the Diamondbacks announced that he would be returning Bradley is realistically expected to reach the majors in 2015. to the team in a front-office capacity as a special assistant. This summer, Johnson will join Luis Gonzalez as the only Arizona It's hard to imagine a team that plans on giving the ball to either players to have their uniform numbers retired. Josh Collmenter or Jeremy Hellickson on Opening Day staying in the pennant race very long. With several unproven young "The Museum staff works with each inductee by suggesting an pitchers plus Trevor Cahill (5.61 ERA in 2014) vying for the last appropriate logo option, or no logo at all," Hall president Jeff three spots in the rotation, it could be another long season in Idelson said in the statement. "For those whose most compelling Arizona. contributions clearly took place with one team, a logo makes sense. For those whose careers were built significantly among multiple teams, not having a team logo is equally acceptable." Deep in ... Greg Maddux and Tony La Russa both entered the Hall of Fame Starting pitching: The Braves appear to be in full rebuild mode, last summer with no logos on their plaques after enjoying major but they have a chance to stick around in the pennant race much success with multiple teams during their careers. longer than anyone expects. That's because their starting pitching, led by Julio Teheran and Alex Wood, should continue The Hall of Fame will announce the logos for the three other to be one of the best in the league. new members next Thursday, but there won't be any suspense in the decisions. And while they've traded away three of their best hitters this offseason in Jason Heyward, and Evan Gattis, their Biggio played 20 seasons with the , and Smoltz pitching depth has improved greatly. spent almost all of his career with the Atlanta Braves before late cameos with Boston and St. Louis. Martinez, who broke in with Shelby Miller, acquired from the Cardinals, likely will be the No. the and , made four All- 3 starter. Mike Foltynewicz, acquired from the Astros, and Star teams and won two Cy Young Awards with the Red Sox Manny Banuelos acquired from the Yankees, will compete for before spending four seasons with the and the No. 5 spot in the rotation. Tyrell Jenkins (also acquired from closing out his career in 2009 with the Phillies. the Cardinals) could help in 2016, while Max Fried (acquired from the Padres) might be the best pitching prospect in the Strengths, weaknesses of NL teams system. The positions where each team has depth or lacks depth as season approaches Light in ... By Jason Martinez / ESPN.com Outfielders: Trading away Heyward and Upton would have been http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12188705/where- an easier pill to swallow for Braves fans had there been some national-league-teams-depth-lack-depth-mlb young talent ready to step in. But that wasn't the case.

18

│

And that's why former Yankees prospect Zoilo Almonte (career than the Jason Bourgeois-versus-Brennan Boesch battle that was .211 BA, 2 homers, 33 K's in 149 MLB plate appearances) is shaping up before the Byrd acquisition. probably the team's best option to play left field. Light in ... The addition of Nick Markakis should help lessen the blow, but Relief pitching: Aroldis Chapman is one of the best closers in he'll be returning from neck surgery, and B.J. Upton's days as a the game. But unless the current plan is to have him pitch two- productive hitter could be behind him for good. to three-inning stints next season, it's going to be tough to get him a lead. Trading away Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon didn't help the Deep in ... cause, with their unproven replacements being much less likely : With Anthony Rizzo and at the corners to pitch deep into games. More often than not, the Reds will be and some combination of Javier Baez, and turning to Sam LeCure, Jumbo Diaz and Manny Parra with the Addison Russell up the middle, the Cubs could have the most game on the line in the seventh and eighth innings, which is far talented infield in baseball both in the near future and for years from ideal. to come. Cuban pitcher Raisel Iglesias, who signed a seven-year deal with Rizzo, who was 10th in NL MVP voting in 2014, is the old man the team last June, could prove to be the answer. But he's of the group at age 25. Castro, who is entering his sixth big expected to come to camp as a starter, and despite an impressive league season and is already a three-time All-Star, is only 24 years performance in the , no one really knows old. Baez and Bryant both have the power potential to hit at what to expect in his first pro season. least 30-35 homers. While Russell has no clear path to the majors despite being one of the best prospects in the game, he'll likely have a shot at the Deep in ... second base job if Baez's high totals (95 K's in 229 Outfielders: No team is in better position than the Rockies to plate appearances in 2014) are outweighing his power deal from a position of strength, their outfield, to improve a production. position of weakness, their starting pitching. More on the latter momentarily. Light in ... Outfielders: On paper, an outfield of Chris Coghlan, Arismendy Carlos Gonzalez's stock has fallen in recent years due to his Alcantara and Jorge Soler looks like it could be good. Coghlan inability to stay healthy for a full season, but he's still just 29 finally returned to the form that earned him Rookie of the Year years old and could hit in the middle of any team's lineup. honors back in 2009, Alcantara combined for 20 homers and 29 stolen bases between -A and the majors in 2014, and Soler The values are rising, however, for Charlie Blackmon, Corey showed that he could be a middle-of-the-lineup force during his Dickerson and Drew Stubbs, each coming off very good 24-game big league stint. seasons, and minor leaguers David Dahl and Raimel Tapia, who are quickly becoming two of the better outfield prospects in the In reality, though, those three players are major question marks game. heading into 2015. Coghlan easily could revert back to the unproductive player he was between 2010 and 2013. Alcantara Light in ... hit .205 with a 17-to-93 walk-to-strikeout ratio in his 70 big Starting pitching: It's hard to predict how any pitcher will fare league games. And Soler is not the only young player to burst once they arrive in the majors and are forced to pitch their home onto the scene and impress over a small sample of plate games at . As a result, the Rockies' starting pitching appearances; if history has taught us anything, it's hit or miss on depth is seemingly never deep enough. those guys. As things stand now, the organization's pitching depth wouldn't As such, veteran backups Chris Denorfia and Ryan Sweeney be sufficient for any team, much less one that plays at a hitter's could end up playing a bigger role than expected in 2015. haven like Coors Field. After Jorge De La Rosa, the Rockies will do their best to survive the long season with Jhoulys Chacin, Jordan Lyles, Tyler Matzek and possibly even Jair Jurrjens and John Lannan filling out the rotation. Deep in ... Corner outfielders: Adding Marlon Byrd wasn't exactly a move They do have two terrific pitching prospects, Eddie Butler and that was going to excite the Reds' fan base after a disappointing , on the verge of the majors. Unfortunately, that doesn't 86-loss season, but it was the right move. Plenty of outfield have quite the same effect for the Rockies as it would for any talent is on the way. But it probably wasn't going to arrive in other organization in baseball. 2015, which is why the Reds dealt for a veteran with one year left on his contract (and an option for 2016) to be a stopgap Los Angeles Dodgers solution. Deep in ... Yorman Rodriguez, Kyle Waldrop and Jesse Winker could all be Middle infielders: Between new double-play combination Howie ready to compete for a starting job in 2016, which is much better Kendrick and and a group of backups that could 19

│ include Justin Turner, , Alex Guerrero and The Marlins eventually will have to decide whether Gordon's Enrique Hernandez, the team has sufficient talent and depth up speed and Hechavarria's defense make up for their inability to the middle for 2015 and beyond. reach base often enough.

However, with Kendrick and Rollins set to become free agents after the season, their stay with the Dodgers could be a short one. Prospect Corey Seager, who is set to begin the season in Deep in ... Double-A, should be ready to take over at shortstop, while Outfielders: Carlos Gomez has replaced as the Darnell Sweeney (.850 OPS, 14 HR, 15 SB in Double-A) could team's perennial MVP candidate. But if Braun comes back compete with Guerrero and Hernandez for the second base job strong after offseason thumb surgery, the Brewers have a chance in 2016. to field one of the most productive outfields in the game.

Light in ... has hit a homer every 19.3 at-bats in his 200 big Starting pitching: It's hard to find a weakness on this Dodgers league games, and Gerardo Parra is one of the best fourth team, but if there's one area of concern, it's the starting rotation, outfielders in the game. which includes two pitchers, Brett Anderson and Brandon McCarthy, who have seemingly been on the disabled list more Light in ... than they've been active in their careers. Anderson has pitched Relief pitching: The Brewers have done very little this offseason, 206 1/3 total innings over the past four seasons, while McCarthy which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The lineup and rotation aren't was hampered by injuries much more often during the first half weak links, by any means, so major additions weren't needed. of his big league career (2005-2010), but the injury-prone tag The bullpen is another story, though. hasn't gone away completely. He has averaged only 24 starts per season since 2011. Closer is far from his days as a dominating power pitcher, and Tyler Thornburg are On paper, a healthy Dodgers rotation is one of the best returning from injuries that kept them out for most of 2014, and assembled in recent memory. But if Zach Lee, or lefty Will Smith had a 7.27 ERA over his final 34 appearances Joe Wieland is forced into the rotation for an extended period of after posting a 1.36 ERA during the first three months of the time, which is likely, the drop off will be significant. season.

Miami Marlins New York Mets

Deep in ... Deep in ... Starting pitching: Even without ace Jose Fernandez, who is Starting pitching: Most teams would love to have Dillon Gee in recovering from Tommy John surgery, or offseason acquisition the No. 4 or 5 spot in their rotation. On this Mets team, he's , who has stated he won't play for any team that's not their No. 6, which means he'll be in the bullpen if he's not on the West Coast, the Marlins are in terrific shape in the traded. pitching department. The highly anticipated arrival of top prospect Noah Syndergaard The acquisition of Mat Latos further strengthened a starting isn't far away, while lefty Steven Matz (2.24 ERA, 2.2 BB/9, 8.4 rotation with a pair of emerging top-of-the-rotation starters, K/9 in 24 starts between high and Double-A) could take Henderson Alvarez and Jarred Cosart, and several good pitching his spot as the next great Mets prospect. arrived in prospects, including Justin Nicolino and Jose Urena, who could 2012, followed by Zack Wheeler in 2013 and Jacob deGrom last arrive in the next year or two. season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the trend continue with Syndergaard in 2015 and Matz in 2016. Once Fernandez returns, possibly by midseason, this group has a chance to be one of the best in baseball. Light in ... Corner outfielders: The Mets' pitching staff is ready to win in Light in ... 2015, and it'll need some help from the offense, which is why Middle infielders: Just as an abundance of depth in a certain area Michael Cuddyer and , who will be 36 and 34, can give teams the upper hand in trade talks, a lack of depth can respectively, on Opening Day, need to stay healthy and cause teams to overpay in a trade. This might have been the case productive. when the Marlins included their best pitching prospect, Andrew Heaney, in a deal to acquire Dee Gordon to fill a hole at second Having Eric Campbell, John Mayberry Jr. and Kirk Nieuwenhuis base. fill in occasionally is fine, but it will be hard to get this team to the next level if either of their starting corner outfielders go While Gordon does provide an upgrade at the position and will down for an extended period of time. wreak havoc on the basepaths, he had struggled in the big leagues prior to last season, and despite posting outstanding overall numbers, he had just a .300 OBP after the All-Star break. He'll team up with shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, who has a Deep in ... career .286 OBP. Nothing: Depth has not been a strength for the Phillies, which is why they've struggled the past few seasons when key players have either been injured or just haven't produced. By passing on 20

│ opportunities to trade players when they have value, the necessary rebuilding process has been delayed. Light in ... Shortstops: Since the end of the regular season, the Padres have Trading Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd is a step in the right cut ties with starting shortstop Everth Cabrera and traded away direction, as they've acquired three good starting pitching prospects Jace Peterson and Trea Turner. prospects who could start the season in Double-A. A deal involving ace Cole Hamels could be next. While Alexi Amarista did an admirable job filling in for an injured Cabrera in 2014, he has never done it over a full season, Light in ... and he has a career .279 OBP in 423 big league games. Clint Starting pitching: Not even a healthy teaming with Barmes, who will be 36 years old on Opening Day and hasn't Hamels atop the rotation will be enough to make this Phillies been a productive hitter in years, could end up getting a bulk of team competitive. There isn't nearly enough help behind them. the playing time.

Aaron Harang gives them a veteran innings-eater in the No. 3 The team's best shortstop prospect, Jose Rondon, is probably spot, although his fly ball tendencies could hurt him at Citizens two years away from the majors. Bank Park. David Buchanan and Jerome Williams, the projected fourth and fifth starters, were both surprisingly very good after San Francisco Giants each joined the rotation in 2014, but don't expect it to happen again in 2015. What you can expect is a lot of young pitchers Deep in ... who aren't ready for the majors auditioning for a spot in 2016. Relief pitching: After facing off against a dominant Royals bullpen in the World Series, it's easy to forget that the Giants have a pretty good bullpen of their own.

Deep in ... Reliability is a better description for the group of Santiago Outfielders: While I wouldn't go so far as calling Andrew Casilla, Sergio Romo, Jeremy Affeldt, Javier Lopez, Jean Machi McCutchen, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco the best and Yusmeiro Petit, although an infusion of power arms could outfield in baseball, mostly because Polanco is unproven, they be arriving soon. certainly could be in the very near future. Hunter Strickland and Erik Cordier, who can both hit triple And if Polanco still isn't ready to claim the starting right field digits on the radar gun, could arrive in the majors in 2015, as job, Travis Snider is more than capable of stepping in, as could Steven Okert, a lefty with a mid-90s fastball. evidenced by his .880 OPS while playing regularly in the second half of last season. Light in ... Third basemen: After losing free agent Pablo Sandoval to the Light in ... Red Sox, the Giants opted against giving the third base job to Catchers: Without , the Pirates will turn to Adam Duvall and instead traded for Casey McGehee. Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart as their catching duo, which tells you what they think of Tony Sanchez. The No. 4 pick in the With the 26-year-old Duvall, who hit 27 homers in Triple-A last 2009 draft, Sanchez has not been able to establish himself as the season, seemingly not in the team's future plans at the hot corner team's "catcher of the future" while spending most of the past and no other decent third base prospects down on the farm, the three seasons in Triple-A. Giants will be in the same boat next offseason when McGehee becomes a free agent. The future now appears to belong to Reese McGuire, the team's first-round pick in 2013, but he's slated to start the year in high St. Louis Cardinals Class A and is at least three years away from the big leagues. Deep in ... Outfielders: As a whole, the Cardinals' outfield has it all. is still one of the best hitters in the game. Along with Deep in ... being an outstanding defensive right fielder, 25-year-old Jason Corner outfielders: The Padres' outfield was crowded before the Heyward has the ability to put together an MVP-caliber season acquisitions of Matt Kemp, Wil Myers and Justin Upton. It's just at the plate. Jon Jay has hit better than .300 in three of his five a lot more talented now. seasons. Peter Bourjos might be the best defensive center fielder in baseball. And Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty are ready There's not much balance with this group, though. While the to step in when needed. only true center fielder on the roster, Cameron Maybin, will mostly be limited to late-inning defensive duty, the team is Light in ... stacked with corner outfielders, likely forcing Myers to start in Nothing: The Cardinals have been one of the best-run franchises center field. in baseball for years. They've had 14 winning seasons, 11 playoff appearances and two World Series titles over the past 15 years, Two very good prospects, Rymer Liriano and Hunter Renfroe, and roster depth has been a huge part of that success. are also waiting in the wings and could battle for a starting job in 2016. That is, unless the Myers-in-center-field experiment isn't a Like every other team in the league, they lose players to injury or success and he's moved back to a corner spot. free agency, but they never seem to miss a beat. There is 21

│ seemingly always a player in the minors ready to step in. And in salary, meaning that anything he makes in the minors or majors the rare case there's not, they make the smart moves to acquire while under D-backs control is gravy. But as the team surely the right players in free agency or through trades. knows, the signing will cost them in at least three other very meaningful ways. 1. $8.27M is not $8.27M, thanks to a 100% luxury tax that will Deep in ... be paid on the D-backs’ international amateur bonus pool Starting pitching: The Nationals' rotation was expected to have overage. Without knowing how close they were to their bonus one weak link in 2014, but Tanner Roark proved otherwise with threshold before signing, we can still estimate the present his breakout season. financial cost of the Lopez signing to be in the neighborhood of $16M. Still a good deal. Depth shouldn't be a major issue, either. Blake Treinen did well as a spot starter, and A.J. Cole, the team's second-best pitching 2. Losing the ability to sign any international amateur for more prospect, should be ready if a long-term need should arise. than $300,000 between July 2015 and July 2017 is a pretty big deal; in fact, you can’t argue that Lopez is worth a lot without Light in ... simultaneously admitting that other amateurs over a two year Relief pitching: Trading away Tyler Clippard, who had a 2.63 period could be worth as much, or more. Pursuant to an ERA with an average of 74 relief appearances and 29 holds per addendum to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the D-backs season over the past five years, leaves the Nats with a late-inning will still be penalized even if the sport transitions to an void. international draft, by losing picks. This is easily the biggest cost associated with the Lopez signing, especially considering they As of now, Aaron Barrett, who had his ups and downs as a were slated for a 2015-2016 bonus pool more than twice the size rookie, and Craig Stammen are in line to replace him as the top of their 2014-2015 pool. setup man, with Matt Thornton and Jerry Blevins expected to be the primary lefties. 3. Timing the D-backs’ bonus position with that of powerhouses that will include several other teams, like the Yankees and Red While all four should have key roles in the bullpen, none of them Sox, and could end up including the Dodgers as well. This is is the type of pitcher to strike fear into an opponent trying to very important. The Yankees went about their bonus-busting come back from a deficit late in the game. business the absolute right way this year: if they were going to bust, they were going to try to get everyone they liked. The fact Jeremy Hellickson avoids arbitration that the D-backs weren’t going to have to contend with the By Associated Press Yankees over the next two bonus periods makes Cost #2 that http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12179324/jeremy- much more costly; the Cubs lurk, but more could be done in the hellickson-arizona-diamondbacks-agree-deal-avoid- next two periods without the Yankees bidding. But as a arbitration?ex_cid=espnapi_public completely separate cost, the D-backs will now have its first opportunity to buy amateurs over $300,000 at the exact time PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have avoided when the Yankees and Red Sox and Angels and others will also arbitration with right-hander Jeremy Hellickson, agreeing to a have its first opportunity in two years. Not only will the D-backs one-year contract for $4,275,000. be able to get far less out of their 15-16 and 16-17 bonus pools, but chances are pretty good they’ll get less out of their 17-18 The Diamondbacks acquired Hellickson in an offseason trade pool, too. with the . It may sound like I’m very negative about the Lopez signing, but Hellickson, the 2011 AL Rookie of the Year, spent most of last that’s not really true. I’m excited by Lopez, especially after season on the disabled list. He was 1-5 with a 4.52 ERA and reading Jeff’s piece yesterday, and the lost opportunities only made $3,625,000. He has a 43-36 career record with a 3.75 ERA. matter if you assume the team would have seized those opportunities, which is far from a sure thing. Perfect is the Outfielder Mark Trumbo and reliever Addison Reed swapped enemy of good, and all that. Still, we will know much more come proposed arbitration figures. Trumbo asked for a raise from $4.8 late July or August in terms of whether the D-backs handled all million to $6.9 million, and the Diamondbacks offered $5.3 of this correctly. million. Reed, in arbitration for the first time, asked for $5.65 million and was offered $4.7 million. Part of it is that we’ll get a much clearer picture of who Lopez is A Guide to Minimizing the Opportunity Cost of the Yoan — this is something the D-backs organization probably already Lopez Signing knows, but the rest of us won’t be as far behind on sizing him By Ryan P. Morrison / Inside the 'Zona up come the summer. The rest of it is that, although the D-backs http://insidethezona.com/2015/01/guide-minimizing- have switched gears with their international pool strategy, a lot opportunity-cost-yoan-lopez-signing/ depends on whether they still put the pedal to the metal.

As Jeff Wiser broke down yesterday, in Cuban right-hander There are three prongs to that attack. Yoan Lopez, the D-backs added an asset worth far more than the $8.27 million it took to get him inked. As he also covered in Pursue currently available international amateurs great detail, Lopez also cost much more than that $8.27 million. For starters, that figure is a signing bonus, not a guaranteed 22

│

This list starts and almost ends with Yoan Moncada, a “potential As I said, this is mostly about Moncada, but not completely. All franchise player” who Jeff discussed yesterday. With Andrew of ’s Top 30 from in advance of the signing Velazquez (who could have moved Chris Owings) out of the period have been signed, even at least one that had a pre-deal fall picture and Brandon Drury still a questionable choice at the through. But hey, Moncada isn’t on there, and neither is Lopez. keystone, one needs to be pretty high on Domingo Leyba to There’s still five and a half months before the end of this signing think that second base is not area of need for the D-backs in the period. The D-backs should stay frosty, and jump on any other not-too-distant future. I hesitate to bounce Jake Lamb from the promising amateur that is eligible to sign before the next signing medium-term picture because I have kind of a thing for the guy, period in July. Who knows, he might not even be from Latin but there’s also a decent chance that third base becomes a place America — Junichi Tazawa signed with the Red Sox as an where the D-backs could add to the major league squad in a amateur once upon a time. couple of years; even if Yasmany Tomas sticks there in the short term, he could be moved off of the position if and when Mark Sell 2014-2015 international signing bonus slots Trumbo departs in two years. In other words, Moncada fits; even if you dream big on Drury, one of either second or third When the dust settled after the Yankees’ international amateur base could be available. There’s also the consideration that blitzkrieg last summer, the thought occurred: why were the Moncada could be so good that it would make tons of sense to Yankees even keeping their tradeable bonus slots? The market move other players out of the way. for bonus slots came into focus shortly thereafter when Tommy La Stella was traded by the Braves to the Cubs for slots. The price for Moncada will be high, although the cost may not be. The D-backs set a record for international amateurs with the For it to make sense to trade away slots that would force you to Lopez signing, besting the $8M figure that saw Roberto pay additional luxury tax, you’d have to get a return greater than Baldoquin sign with the Angels. The main point, though, is that the luxury tax. But in the wake of the La Stella deal, that looks he can’t do any additional opportunity cost damage; now that the possible, and that’s the nature of the Beyond the Box Score D-backs will face Cost #2 (the important one) and Cost #3 piece that Jeff hooked into his Yoan Lopez article yesterday. above, the overall cost of signing Moncada drops significantly. If Essentially: the D-backs’ first slot for this year’s pool is #15, for it takes Moncada takes $40M to sign, the team that gets him $778,000. If they traded that slot away, that $16M estimate for would pay an additional $40M in tax to the league. That sounds the true cost of the Lopez signing would rise to $16.78M, rich, but consider this: the D-backs appeared willing to eat a because $778,000 of the approximately $11M in bonuses they’re $20M posting fee to sign Masahiro Tanaka last winter or Kenta paying to international amateurs would suddenly have a luxury Maeda this winter. It seems that the team would only sign James tax associated with it. Shields if he came at a discount, but what move would you prefer: $80M for four years of an aging Shields, or $80M for full That means that for that particular bonus slot, the team would club control over Moncada? I take Moncada given that choice, need to receive something of greater value in return in order for seven days a week and twice on Sundays. the exchange to be worthwhile. No one (including me) is saying that trading 2014-2015 slots would be easy, or even possible. A Part of the problem may be that $40M could be too low. The D- team cannot increase its bonus pool through trades to more than backs beat the Yankees to Lopez, but supposedly, New York 150% of the amount it starts with, per the CBA, so most teams could operate at a profit even if it had a $500M payroll. Luxury interested in acquiring them will be interested just to limit their tax is hard to swallow, but it won’t count against the major luxury tax, making slots no more worth it to them than they are league payroll tax — which could make those dollars look like a to the D-backs. I was all geared up to pitch a specific match more attractive spend to the Yankees. And as best I can tell, the here, but I can’t find them. The teams that we know are over the signing bonus wouldn’t count, either, unless Moncada signs a limit are well over the limit, except, perhaps, for the Rays (some major league deal (which would guarantee him a spot on the 40- data is missing). Further complicating matters: trades need to man). The Yankees have already been proven to be smart about include all of particular slot, which is part of why we often see their international amateur spending this period, and the smart slots go in both directions when they get traded (it’s kind of like money is on the Yankees’ smart money. The Red Sox have this), and that can make it even harder for a team to add exactly oodles of smart money, too. And now, it looks like the Dodgers 50%. are in the fray with some smart money of their own (and don’t bet against Jesse Sanchez’s intel). Yeesh. Still, this is another channel the D-backs need to keep watching — if they find a buyer, it would help make Lopez worth it In the end, would it be shocking to see Moncada get a bonus (especially if they got a player back, instead of cash). It’s not over $50M? I don’t think so, considering the winner’s curse. outside the realm of possibility that a team that didn’t quite bust Chances are not great for the D-backs to snag Moncada, which its limit might want to sign an additional amateur that comes out is probably one reason why signing Yoan Lopez wasn’t as great of the woodwork. as it might otherwise appear. But honestly, I had kind of counted the D-backs out for Tomas and Lopez. The team should at least Make pre-deals for future international signing bonus slots keep tabs on Moncada, and see if they can turn the two Cuban players they just signed into a recruiting asset — no one’s saying You’re hearing it here last: although teams can’t technically Moncada has to take the top bid, and just like Lopez’s interest negotiate with players before the relevant signing period begins, was apparently piqued by the idea that the D-backs could it happens. All the time. Deals are frequently made as early as provide a fast path to the majors, maybe Moncada’s can be, too. December of the preceding year (when the players in question Free agency is where the real money is. are probably 15), and for all I know they happen even earlier.

23

│

And it’s the big time amateurs that cause bonus pool problems; If the Hall of Fame decided Johnson would go in as a member teams can sign as many as six under $50,000 without those of the Arizona Diamondbacks, he'd be the first in franchise players’ bonuses counting against their pools, and any particular history. Ditto for the Seattle Mariners. team can sign an infinite number of players for under $10,000, at least per the CBA. If you happen to be a team that wants to hit The decision, handed down Friday, wasn't exactly surprising — the 100%-150% range on your bonus pool, then, you need to The Big Unit will wear a D-backs cap. It's where he won his start planning — early. World Series ring. It's the team that appointed him to a special- assistant job right after the Hall of Fame announcement and also Now is the time for the D-backs to start to feel out other teams will be retiring his number. It's also where he showed up for a about their 2015-2016 slots, which are going to be just about press conference after the Hall of Fame news. worthless to the D-backs. In addition to specific slots, teams start with a smallish but distinct pool of money — the D-backs All that was left was the declaration. In a press release issued by will have plenty of cash to sign any of the players under the Hall of Fame, Johnson said of the decision: $300,000 that they can get their hands on. What they don’t have is an ability to spend up to their full bonus pool, which is likely “After reflecting the last week and conferring with the Hall of to be over $5M. Fame, we’ve come to the decision that the Diamondbacks logo on my Hall of Fame plaque makes the most sense,” said Pre-deals between teams would be a little sketchy, no question. Johnson. “I want to express my most sincere thanks to all the But the Yankees and Red Sox and Angels are in a similar teams I played for – Montreal, Seattle, Houston, the New York position (although their pools are going to be nowhere near as Yankees and San Francisco – and particularly all of the fans for high, so they might be more inclined to keep what they have). supporting me. I’m very humbled by this honor.” Some teams might only be willing to make that extra pre-deal or two with amateurs if they feel pretty sure that they have an Meanwhile, the Hall of Fame explained the process from its side: arrangement with the D-backs in place to help make sure they don’t bust their pool despite going to 140% of what they’re “The Museum staff works with each inductee by suggesting an currently likely to be allotted. Fewer teams willing to plan like appropriate logo option, or no logo at all,” said Jeff Idelson, that would mean a smaller market in July for the D-backs’ slots. President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It just makes sense — as does the D-backs putting a November “For those whose most compelling contributions clearly took reminder in their calendar to start shopping their 2016-2017 place with one team, a logo makes sense. For those whose slots, as well. careers were built significantly among multiple teams, not having a team logo is equally acceptable. Regardless of the selection, a Making pre-deals for future slots is probably more important Hall of Famer belongs to every team for which he played or than the other two prongs here, especially considering the managed, as well as every fan who followed his career.” unlikelihood of signing Yoan Moncada, and even pre-deals don’t matter a ton. It’s a little like being on a diet, breaking down and The Mariners certainly had a good case. Johnson didn't win a ordering a giant Yoan Lopez cheeseburger. The damage is done, World Series ring there, but he did win more games in Seattle even if you leave the last few onion rings on the plate — but it and spend more time in that uniform (10 years vs. eight in still matters. Small victories, friends. Arizona). At least they've got Ken Griffey Jr. coming next year.

I still think the smartest play for the D-backs was to write 2014- Johnson was the only real cap mystery among this year's Hall of 2015 off, to add a few slots and spend big but within their Fame class. The others haven't been officially announced yet, (newly-increased) bonus pool for 2015-2016 (considering it’s but they're no-brainers — Craig Biggio will go in with a Houston going to be huge), and then to bust their pool in the 2016-2017 Astros cap, John Smoltz as a member of the Atlanta Braves and period, when they’d be out of sync with the Yankees, Red Sox, Pedro Martinez with his logo. and probably Cubs and Dodgers, too. I like the Lopez deal, in part because I’m not sure what the D-backs would have done Oh, and hopefully his Jheri curl. otherwise — but the team still has some housekeeping before we can call it a win. Randy Johnson's Hall of Fame plaque will have Diamondbacks cap Randy Johnson will go into Hall of Fame wearing D-backs By Matt Snyder / CBSSports.com cap http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on- By Mike Oz / Yahoo! Sports baseball/24965995/randy-johnsons-hall-of-fame-plaque-will- http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/randy- have-diamondbacks-cap johnson-will-go-into-the-hall-of-fame-wearing-a-d-backs-cap- 183135635.html Last week, we learned that Randy Johnson was included among a group of four inductees to the Hall of Fame via the BBWAA One fanbase was going to be thrilled, the other was going to be voting process. Friday, the Diamondbacks made an bummed. Newly elected Hall of Famer Randy Johnson could announcement that should be pretty exciting for fans of the still- only wear one team's cap on his plaque when he's enshrined in young franchise: July. Unless, of course, he went the Greg Maddux route and went in with a blank cap. ---- Arizona Diamondbacks ✔ @Dbacks

24

│

Randy Johnson will be the first player to represent the #Dbacks http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/2496 in the National @BaseballHall of Fame. #RJ51HOF 7176/diamondbacks-mark-trumbo-exchange-arbitration-figures ---- Diamondbacks outfielder Mark Trumbo filed for $6.9 million in Of Johnson's 22 seasons, 18 were spent with either Arizona or arbitration, while the team filed for $5.3 million, CBSSports.com Seattle. There's been a bit of an ongoing debate since the results baseball insider Jon Heyman reported Friday. of the Hall of Fame election came out as to whether Big Unit would wear a Mariners cap, D-Backs cap or go blank. Trumbo is in his second year of arbitration eligibility after making $4.8 million last season. He hit .235/.293/.415 with 14 Here's what Johnson did with each of the two clubs. home runs and 61 RBI in 328 at-bats in 2014.

Seattle (10 years): 130-74, 3.42 ERA, 128 ERA+, 2162 K, 1.25 Archie Bradley Tops List of Arizona Diamondbacks WHIP, 5 All-Star Games, 1 Cy Young Prospects By Kevin Bonneville / SI.com Arizona (8 years): 118-62, 2.83 ERA, 164 ERA+, 2077 K, 1.07 http://heatwaved.com/2015/01/18/archie-bradley-tops-list- WHIP, 5 All-Star Games, 4 Cy Youngs arizona-diamondbacks-prospects/

He spent more time in Seattle, but was obviously much more For the second consecutive year, right-handed pitcher Archie dominant in Arizona. There's also the transcendent 2001 Bradley head a list of Arizona Diamondbacks prospects postseason, in which Johnson was 5-1 with a 1.52 ERA and 47 conducted by Baseball America. strikeouts against eight walks in 41 1/3 innings. He came out of the bullpen on zero days' rest in Game 7 to collect the win as the Here’s the entire list from Baseball America. D-Backs took their only World Series championship. 1. Archie Bradley, RHP My guess is that if the race was close, the tipping point was that postseason, though four Cy Youngs to one in addition to that 2. Braden Shipley, RHP postseason probably means it wasn't that close. 3. Aaron Blair, RHP As the Diamondbacks now have their first individual wearing their cap in the Hall, the Mariners still have none. 4. Yasmany Tomas, 3B/OF

Seattle fans shouldn't have to wait long, though. Ken Griffey Jr. 5. Touki Toussaint, RHP will surely be inducted next year and sport a Seattle cap. is eventually taking that route as well. 6. Jake Lamb, 3B

Players can provide input, but ultimately the decision as to the 7. Brandon Drury, 2B/3B logo on the cap lies with the Hall of Fame, which decides based upon "where that player makes his most indelible mark." 8. Pete O’Brien, C/1B

It's subjective, of course, but the Johnson decision makes sense. 9. Domingo Leyba, 2B/SS

Though not officially announced yet, the other inductees' caps 10. Nick Ahmed, SS are rather obvious: Pedro Martinez, Red Sox (the other, albeit very remote, possibility is blank, due to his time with the Expos); It’s no surprise that the top three prospects and four of the first John Smoltz, Braves; Craig Biggio, Astros. five are pitchers. This has been a big strength of this organization for several years now as five pitchers were on the Diamondbacks, Addison Reed exchange arbitration list in 2014 and four were on it the year before. With all the numbers moves made by the front office this winter, that seems like it will By R.J. White / CBSSports.com remain the case for several years ahead. http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/2496 7217/diamondbacks-addison-reed-exchange-arbitration- Despite having a down year in 2014, Bradley still deserves to be numbers the D-Backs top prospect. Even with 3+ years of pro ball under his belt, Bradley is still only 22 and has the best overall stuff out Diamondbacks pitcher Addison Reed has filed for $5.6 million of any guy in this group. He’ll be given a chance to earn a in arbitration, while the team has offered $4.7 million, rotation spot during the spring. CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman reports. The remaining arms on this group are pretty impressive as well. Reed is eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason. He racked up 32 saves in 2014 and has tallied 101 saves over the Shipley and Blair don’t have the flash or name recognition that last three seasons. Reed also posted a 4.25 ERA and 69:15 K:BB Bradley has, but they both have a very good chance to make an ratio in 59 1/3 innings last season. impact at Chase Field in the not too distant future. With both having spent time at Double-A in 2014, there’s a real good Diamondbacks, Mark Trumbo exchange arbitration figures By R.J. White / CBSSports.com 25

│ chance that both righties begin the year at Reno and see time in Johnson, in his career with the Diamondbacks, posted a 2.83 Phoenix at some point in 2015. ERA with 118 victories and 2,077 strikeouts. He also had a perfect game for the Diamondbacks in 2004, when he retired 27 The real wild card out of the group is Toussaint, last year’s first straight Atlanta Braves. round pick. The 18-year-old really struggled in his first year of pro ball (8.48 ERA over 28.2 innings), but he has tremendous ---- upside and the stuff to be an ace of a staff down the line. 120 Sports ✔ @120Sports The @Dbacks announce they will retire Randy Johnson's No. 51 As far as the position players, I’m not as high on them as I am on August 8th. with the pitchers. ----

Tomas will start the season off with the big league club, so I’m Johnson also had a great career outside of Arizona, most notably not entirely sure it’s fair to put him on this list with him having with the Seattle Mariners. He also spent part of his career with not played an inning of pro ball over here in America. Scouts Montreal, Houston, San Francisco, and the New York Yankees. always talk about his power, but some of them worry whether he’s going to hit for a high enough average and if he can find a In addition to retiring Johnson’s number, the Diamondbacks will position to field. be having Randy Johnson Hall of Fame bobblehead night on July 25. Lamb had a rough time of it after he was called up last season, so it’s too early to make a full judgment on him. He might not ---- have a chance at making the roster though with Tomas moving Arizona Diamondbacks ✔ @Dbacks to the hot corner. #Dbacks will also honor @RJ51Photos with a special Hall of Fame Bobblehead on July 25. Nod if you approve. O’Brien might be the guy to get most excited about. He’s hit a ---- total of 66 home runs over his first three minor league seasons, including 34 last season. The former Yankees farm hand might With Johnson going into the hall as a Diamondback and having have the fastest track to the big leagues as well with the D-Backs done so much for the organization, it is only fitting they finally having only Tuffy Gosewisch and Oscar Hernandez on the 40- get to honor one of the greatest pitchers to ever toe the rubber. man roster at the moment. Johnson will also serve as a special assistant to the The last two prospects are middle infielders, an area where the Diamondbacks front office. Diamondbacks already have quality depth. Leyba is a few years away from being ready, but the majority of scouts seem to like Predictions for Each Top Offseason Acquisition's Career him. Ahmed has a great glove, but I don’t see how he’s going to with the Diamondbacks hit enough to make any sort of impact. By Adam Young / Bleacher Report http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2332420-predictions-for- This is a group that will largely judged by how well the pitchers each-top-offseason-acquisitions-career-with-the-diamondbacks turn out. If this organization can hit on most of these guys, they should be competitive in a highly competitive National League The Arizona Diamondbacks needed to be active this offseason West. If not, they could be in a world of hurt. after an MLB-worst 64-98 record in 2014. There have been several additions to the pitching staff worth noting—Jeremy Arizona Diamondbacks to retire Randy Johnson's number Hellickson, Rubby De La Rosa and Allen Webster, to name a By Charles Rahrig V / SI.com few. http://fansided.com/2015/01/16/arizona-diamondbacks-retire- randy-johnsons-number/ The top offensive acquisition was Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas. Randy Johnson won four Cy Young awards and a World Series in Arizona and is being honored for it The D-Backs and general manager Dave Stewart's offseason moves will be judged on whether the young pitchers can stay Randy Johnson is the most decorated Arizona Diamondback of healthy and if Tomas can live up to the hype. all-time and was probably the greatest player to wear the purple and turquoise (yes, he wore the red too.) After being announced Here are the predictions for how each offseason acquisition's as a Hall of Fame inductee a couple weeks ago, the Arizona career will play out in Arizona. Diamondbacks decided they are going to honor “The Big Unit” by retiring his No. 51 jersey. Allen Webster

Johnson will have his number retired on August 8, when the Acquired from the Red Sox in exchange for , Diamondbacks take on the Cincinnati Reds. Johnson isn’t the Webster provides the D-Backs with a hard-throwing right- first Diamondback to have his number retired. Former outfielder hander with not too much mileage. and 2001 World Series hero Luis Gonzalez had his number retired by the club in 2010. The 24-year-old spent two seasons in Boston, going 6-5 despite an awful 6.25 ERA in 18 starts. Even more concerning was his 46 walks in 89.1 . 26

│

Still, GM Stewart has faith in this new acquisition. According to Hellickson went 40-36 with a 3.78 ERA in five seasons with the AZCentral.com, Stewart lists Webster as the fifth starter in his Rays. current rotation. He is not a power pitcher like Webster or De La Rosa. However, He cited the need for "power arms" like former Arizona greats Hellickson has shown the ability to be a consistently solid starter Randy Johnson and as the reason behind the in MLB. In his first three seasons in Tampa Bay, Hellickson won Miley trade that brought Webster to the desert. Webster's 27 games and held a respectable 3.06 ERA. He won the AL fastball ranges from 92-96 mph. Rookie of the Year in 2011.

Once ranked No. 46 on MLB.com's 2013 Top Prospects list, An elbow injury caused him to miss time and could have Webster may be just what the D-Backs need to bolster the contributed to his struggles the past two seasons. Yet, he should starting rotation for the foreseeable future. Stewart's comments be fully healthy entering his tenure with the D-Backs. A change point toward Webster seeing action early, which should help him of scenery may be all Hellickson needs to regain his 2011 form. mature and fix the control problems that harmed him. He officially signed a one-year deal on Friday to avoid He is scheduled to be a free agent in 2020. arbitration.

Career Prediction Career Prediction

Webster begins his D-Backs career as a starter, eventually Hellickson shows why he was an offseason bargain and leads the moving to the bullpen once returns from injury. team in wins in 2015. He stays in Arizona for several years to He figures out his control problems after a move to the bullpen come and serves as the D-Backs' No. 3 starter behind Corbin and becomes a solid seventh-inning reliever with the potential and Josh Collmenter—making Rays fans regret trading him. for a spot start on occasion. Yasmany Tomas Rubby De La Rosa The signing of the Cuban outfielder was certainly the highlight The other piece to the Miley deal happens to be another young of the Arizona offseason. But there is a lot of hype involved, flamethrower. The 25-year-old from the Dominican Republic especially with the six-year, $68.5 million deal Tomas signed. sports a fastball ranging from 95-100 mph. Last season, Mark Trumbo was supposed to be a complement to In four seasons with the Dodgers and Red Sox, De La Rosa Paul Goldschmidt—but that wasn't the case. Trumbo only went 8-15 with a 4.34 ERA. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is better played 88 games due to injury, hitting only 14 home runs in the than Webster's at 2.11. hitter-friendly Chase Field.

As another heralded MLB prospect, De La Rosa's ceiling is Now Tomas will be the focus in the batting order. Anything less extremely high. He also has Stewart's confidence, listed as his than 30 home runs will likely disappoint D-Backs fans. No. 2 starter on the depth chart. Goldschmidt is set to return from a fractured hand, while Because he has more starts under his belt than Webster, De La Trumbo enters the season healthy. That leaves opposing pitchers Rosa should be able to make an immediate impact in the to face Goldschmidt, Trumbo and Tomas consecutively (and not rotation while Corbin and Daniel Hudson recover from elbow necessarily in that order). surgeries. Opposing pitchers will not be able to pitch around all three of He is scheduled to become a free agent in 2018. these hitters. Even if Tomas follows Goldschmidt and Trumbo in the order, he should see plenty of RBI opportunities. Career Prediction Expect Tomas to provide much-needed power to a D-Backs De La Rosa begins 2015 as the No. 2 starter and has an up-and- team that finished 25th in MLB in home runs last season. down season. At times, he shows potential to dominate hitters, but he sometimes becomes wild and struggles to go deep into Career Prediction games. Tomas makes an early impact similar to what Jose Abreu did in Within a few seasons, De La Rosa will leave the rotation to Chicago last season. His power and presence in the lineup will become the D-Backs closer, where he can consistently unleash also help Goldschmidt and Trumbo put up 30-plus home runs his 100 mph fastball. for several years.

Jeremy Hellickson Although he may never overtake Goldschmidt as the face of the franchise, Tomas will break Luis Gonzalez's record for all-time Acquired from the Rays for two prospects, Hellickson will be an home runs (224) if Goldschmidt fails to do so. unquestioned member of the D-Backs rotation beginning in 2015. 27

│

Baseball Hall of Fame announces Randy Johnson’s plaque New Cougars pitching coach Doug Bochtler admits “I don’t to feature Diamondbacks cap have a coaching job because of my playing career,” a run that By Andy Clayton / New York Daily News lasted parts of six seasons with four clubs. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/randy-johnson- hall-fame-plaque-feature-d-backs-cap-article-1.2081045 Instead, it’s an intense dedication and diligence to his craft that piqued the parent Arizona Diamondbacks’ interest. Although the Big Unit had a longer stint with the Mariners and won more games in Seattle (130-118), it was in 2001 that Each offseason, Bochtler fans the flame while working with Johnson helped pitch Arizona to a World Series title. pitchers from pre-teen through college age at the Cherokee Baseball and Softball Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee. He even Randy Johnson will head into Cooperstown wearing a credits the experience for enhancing his effectiveness with Diamondbacks cap. aspiring major leaguers.

Although the Big Unit had a longer stint with the Mariners and “Coaching is communicating, and it’s communicating the won more games in Seattle (130-118), it was in 2001 that knowledge I have to the players that are entrusted to me,” Johnson helped pitch Arizona to a World Series title. Bochtler said. “The more people you work with, the more people that you see, the more ways you learn how to The Baseball Hall of Fame made the announcement Friday that communicate effectively. You also don’t get stuck in the same the D-backs logo will appear on the plaque for the 2015 Hall of old thing of, ‘This worked for the last five guys I had.’ You have Fame electee. to make it work for everybody.”

“After reflecting the last week and conferring with the Hall of Bochtler enters his fifth season with the D’backs organization Fame, we’ve come to the decision that the Diamondbacks logo with a sound understanding of the Midwest League. on my Hall of Fame plaque makes the most sense,” said Johnson. “I want to express my most sincere thanks to all the Last season, he was pitching coach of the South Bend teams I played for – Montreal, Seattle, Houston, the New York SilverHawks, since renamed the Cubs after Kane County and Yankees and San Francisco – and particularly all of the fans for South Bend essentially swapped affiliates. South Bend’s 3.49 supporting me. I’m very humbled by this honor.” ERA ranked fourth in the 16-team MWL as the club, not unlike the Cougars, dealt with a heavy dose of roster moves. Johnson along with Craig Biggio, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz were elected to the Hall of Fame on Jan. 6. In that regard, Bochtler figures he’ll work with some 2014 retreads in Kane County, although he doesn’t waste much time The cap selections for the other three new Hall of Famers will on guesswork before spring training begins in March. be announced on Jan. 22. “There’s so many things that shake out during spring training,” The Class of 2015 will be formally inducted on Sunday, July 16 Bochtler said. “I”ll have my eyes on certain people that we’re in Cooperstown. projecting to go toward over to Kane County, but when I get the kids and they’re officially mine, it’s a little bit different.” Johnson, a five-time Cy Young Award winner, was the leading vote getter, being named on 534 of the 549 ballots, including Bochtler is especially noted for his ability to teach the changeup. one that was left blank. Johnson’s 97.3% is the eighth-highest He’s helped big leaguers past and present with the pitch, percentage in the history of the balloting, trailing Tom Seaver including Jason Frasor, Trevor Hoffman and Johan Santana. (98.94), Nolan Ryan (98.7), Cal Ripken, Jr. (98.5), (98.2), George Brett (98.2), Hank Aaron (97.8) and Tony Gwynn “My last few years as a player, I was basically a coach in Triple- (97.6). A, so it wasn’t a real stretch for me to get into coaching,” Bochtler said. “I guess it was a little bit more difficult to get back in than I would have thought. But I got in my first year trying. There’s a lot of guys wanting to get back coaching who have a difficult time getting in just because there’s so few jobs, you know.”

‘W’ flag redux: Cougars manager Mark Grudzielanek won’t know the makeup of his first club until at least two months from now, but he’s at least certain of one thing.

He plans to put a premium on playing winning baseball, a philosophy that runs counter to his own minor league experience Cougars pitching coach’s craft piques Diamondback’s in the Montreal Expos system from 1991 to 1994. interest By Kevin Druley / Kane County Cougars “I don’t think I ever heard that before back in the day when I http://www.kcchronicle.com/2015/01/19/cougars-pitching- played,” Grudzielanek said. “I don’t think that was an issue. coachs-craft-piques-diamondbacks-interest/ax1rtmr/ They really didn’t care about winning back then. So when you go 28

│ out there and have that drive for these kids, and you can push Geivett will deliver all Osprey games live on ESPN Montana these kids in a way, I think it’s awesome and beneficial for them 102.9 FM in the long run.” By Missoula Osprey http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150115&conten Competing as a Cubs affiliate, the Cougars won a franchise- t_id=106501838&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t518&sid=t518 record 98 games last season, including a 7-0 postseason run to the Midwest League title. Several new Cougars figure to tout MISSOULA, Mont. - The Missoula Osprey announced today the their own 2014 championship pedigree. Arizona’s Short-A addition of Tyler Geivett as the new Voice of the Osprey. affiliate at Hillsboro, , won the title Geivett will also fill the role of media relations coordinator upon last fall. his arrival to Missoula in early June.

Meet and greet: A few tickets still remain for the Cougars’ “Meet Geivett is in his eighth year working in the Loyola Marymount the Diamondbacks” hot stove event on Jan. 30. Bell, University Athletics department, including his second as Grudzielanek and D’backs vice president/special assistant to the Assistant Athletics Director, External Communications. general manager Bob Gebhard are set to be on hand for a fan Q&A that follows a buffet dinner in the Fifth Third Bank He currently travels with the LMU baseball program and serves Ballpark super suite. as the radio broadcaster for all road games. Having called 200- plus LMU baseball games so far in his career, he is preparing to “We’re all looking forward to getting there and getting in touch begin his eighth season on the air in February of this year. with the community,” Bell said. “I’ve heard such good things about the fan base, it’s just an exciting time for us. We’re excited Geivett will call every Osprey game, both home and away this to get there and take it in and get to know the community.” season on the O's radio nest, ESPN Montana 102.9 FM and online at MissoulaOsprey.com. He will also serve as an in-season “Meet the Diamondbacks” admission is $50. Doors open at 6 media contact, contribute to the official Osprey website, and p.m., with dinner to begin at 7. For information or for tickets, write content for the Osprey blog, Bird Droppings. call the Cougars at 630-232-8811 or visit www.kccougars.com. "Tyler has an outstanding track record and we welcome him to the Osprey family," Jeff Griffin, Osprey Vice President/General

Manager, said. "He is a quality individual, who is driven to Hillsboro Hops’ GM K.L. Wombacher honored by Portland deliver an excellent broadcast. I look forward to him adding his Business Journal own flare to Osprey baseball this summer." By Hillsboro Hops https://hillsborohops.wordpress.com/2015/01/15/hillsboro- Under his current title, Geivett serves as the primary media hops-gm-k-l-wombacher-honored-by-portland-business-journal/ relations contact for the LMU baseball, volleyball, swimming, rowing, and tennis programs. Hillsboro Hops Executive Vice President and General Manager K.L. Wombacher has been named to the Portland Business Prior to beginning his tenure at LMU, Geivett earned a degree in Journal’s “Forty Under 40″ list. psychology with a minor in sport management from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Following his ---- graduation, he worked the 2007 Major League Baseball season in Mike McMurray @mikemhops the public relations department for the . Congrats to @HillsboroHops GM & EVP KL Wombacher on being named to the Portland Biz Journal's "40 Under 40" list. "I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to pursue my passion of #pbj40u40 broadcasting at the professional level," Geivett said. "Everyone ---- in the Osprey organization has been extremely welcoming, and I cannot wait to start calling Osprey baseball games and living in The award is given to professionals less than forty years of age the beautiful city of Missoula." who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and a commitment to the Portland community. This is a tremendous Geivett will make his professional baseball radio debut when the honor for the man who leads our staff. O's open the season on the road against the Helena Brewers June 18. The Osprey home opener is set for June 24 against K.L. joined the organization in 2001 when they were still the Helena. Osprey ticket plans are still available and can be , and was instrumental in moving the franchise to purchased at the MSO Hub Box Office, by phone at (406) 543- Hillsboro. He has been twice named the Northwest League 3300, and online at MissoulaOsprey.com. Executive of the Year in 2008 and 2013. In 2014, K.L. celebrated his first-ever Northwest League Championship when the Hops defeated the .

A hearty congratulations to K.L. from his staff and all of Hops Nation. January 20, 2015 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews

Tyler Geivett Named New Voice of the Missoula Osprey 29

│

January 20, 2015  Rangers had “in-depth” trade talks about Cole Hamels  Kang can earn $750,000 annually in bonuses from before the deal 6:31 pm EST (NBC Pirates 11:56 am EST (The Associated Press) Sports)  Pirates designate Jake Elmore for assignment 11:50 am  Report: Rangers acquire Gallardo from Brewers 6:13 EST (NBC Sports) pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Nori Aoki finalizes $4.7M, 1-year deal with Giants  Cards pitcher Martinez honors Taveras, hopes to start 11:40 am EST (The Associated Press) 6:06 pm EST (The Associated Press)  If you can’t hack it in baseball, try cricket? 11:32 am  Giants held private workout for Yoan Moncada 5:55 EST (NBC Sports) pm EST (NBC Sports)  Phil Coke is in The Best Shape of His Life 11:03 am  Fowler traded from Astros to Cubs for Valbuena and EST (NBC Sports) Straily 5:49 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Players to Avoid: AL East 10:48 am EST (Rotoworld)  Here's what's on the Orioles' to-do list 5:45 pm EST  Do the Orioles have a surplus of catchers? 10:32 am (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Sources: Rangers acquire Yovani Gallardo from  Here’s one reason why baseball isn’t dying, you guys Brewers 5:29 pm EST (Yahoo Sports) 10:30 am EST (NBC Sports)  Yovani Gallardo trade to the Rangers finalized 5:16 pm  Will the Rangers try to sign Yovani Galllardo long EST (NBC Sports) term? 10:20 am EST (NBC Sports)  Coveted hurler Scherzer reportedly headed to Nats  The Tigers basically cut bait on Max Scherzer after he 4:58 pm EST (AFP) rejected their $144 million offer last year 9:40 am EST  Fans at Cubs Convention react to Rizzo's bold (NBC Sports) prediction 4:42 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  The man who invented instant replay has died 9:10 am  AP source: Scherzer, Nationals agree to $210M, 7-year EST (NBC Sports) deal 4:25 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Free agent shopping has slowed, but hasn't stopped  Kevin Gregg throwing a showcase for about 15 teams 9:05 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) 4:09 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Given all the advantages he’s had, is  Nationals favored again to win World Series after the 21st best GM of all time? 8:28 am EST (NBC Sports) signing Scherzer 3:58 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid  Major League Baseball puts Fred Wilpon in charge of Atlantic) its finance committee. No, really. I’m not joking 7:38  Report: Nationals likely to host the 2018 All-Star Game am EST (NBC Sports) 3:02 pm EST (NBC Sports)  ‘Fill in the blank’- Scherzer contract means ____ for  Pros/cons of trade options post-Scherzer signing 2:18 Sox 12:04 am EST (Comcast SportsNet New England) pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Michael Wacha says he is “extremely healthy” 1:53 pm January 19, 2015 EST (NBC Sports)  UPDATE: Astros in “serious discussions” with Ryan  Krukow on Giants adding Aoki: 'Bochy likes guys like Vogelsong 11:47 pm EST (NBC Sports) that' 1:49 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  The Mets will have a bigger scoreboard at Citi Field  Report: Nationals open to trading Stephen Strasburg this season 11:02 pm EST (NBC Sports) 12:48 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Looking at the biggest contracts for pitchers after  Report: Giants hold private workout for Cuban Scherzer's deal 10:35 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid prospect Moncada 12:43 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Atlantic) Area)  Angels release right-hander Yoslan Herrera so he can  Krukow: 'I thought Scherzer was an idiot,' but 12:26 pm pitch in Japan 9:58 pm EST (NBC Sports) EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Cubs GM Jed Hoyer says moving Luis Valbuena  Nationals give Max Scherzer record contract with doesn’t change Kris Bryant’s timetable 8:55 pm EST deferred money 12:14 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid (NBC Sports) Atlantic)  Aoki passes physical, deal with Giants official 8:03 pm  Orioles looking to give Hassan a shot in outfield 12:00 EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Hoyer doesn't see Cubs making big pitching deal now  Sources: Max Scherzer’s 7-year, $210 million deal with 8:02 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) Nats contains historic deferrals 11:48 am EST (Yahoo  Brewers trade pitcher Yovani Gallardo to Rangers 8:01 Sports) pm EST (The Associated Press)  Max Scherzer’s seven-year deal with Nationals worth  Brewers GM Doug Melvin doesn’t expect to pursue $210 million 11:45 am EST (NBC Sports) James Shields 7:57 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Max Scherzer's departure leaves big hole in Tigers'  Sports News Minute: Cubs taking renovation route rotation 11:35 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) over new ballpark 7:07 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet  With Max Scherzer, 2015 Nats resemble 2011 Phillies Chicago) 11:29 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  Report: Astros in 'serious discussions' with Vogelsong  What the Dexter Fowler trade says about the win-now 6:49 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) Cubs 11:28 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

30

│

 New baseball tournament for top 12 national teams announced 11:16 am EST (The Associated Press) January 20, 2015 • MLB.com  Cubs acquire Dexter Fowler in a trade with the Astros http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions 10:48 am EST (NBC Sports)  Report: Nationals plan to keep Jordan Zimmermann Last updated: Tue, January 20, 2015, 03:34 EST 10:41 am EST (NBC Sports)  Report: Brewers, Rangers have deal in principle for Monday, January 19, 2015 Yovani Gallardo 9:31 am EST (NBC Sports)  Ben Zobrist and his wife took out a full-page ad to Team Player Transaction thank Rays fans 9:08 am EST (NBC Sports) Traded From from Astros,  Bud Selig on St. Louis: “You are the best baseball city.” Dexter Chicago Cubs Houston (for RHP Dan Straily 8:02 am EST (NBC Sports) Fowler and 3B Luis Valbuena)  Scherzer deal will interest, not affect Orioles 7:57 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Traded From from Cubs, Chi.  Why Nationals should keep their loaded staff together, Houston Dan Straily Cubs (w/3B Luis Valbuena for Astros even after adding Max Scherzer 5:14 am EST (Yahoo OF Dexter Fowler) Sports)  Regression Candidates: SPs 2:16 am EST (Rotoworld) Traded From from Cubs, Chi. Houston Luis  Now with Max Scherzer, Nationals’ rotation could be Cubs (with P Dan Straily for OF Astros Valbuena historically elite 12:44 am EST (NBC Sports) Dexter Fowler)  Source: Max Scherzer agrees to seven-year deal with Nationals 12:27 am EST (Yahoo Sports) Los Angeles Yoslan Signed to Play in Japan,  Reports: Scherzer agrees to long-term deal with Angels Herrera (Yokohama DeNA BayStars) Nationals 12:18 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) Traded From from Rangers,  Max Scherzer has a seven-year deal with the Nationals Milwaukee Corey Texas (for P Yovani Gallardo, 12:05 am EST (NBC Sports) Brewers Knebel four-player deal)  Washington Nationals 2015 roster preview: Bryce Harper 12:01 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) San Francisco Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015; Opt Nori Aoki Giants 2016)(one-year contract) January 18, 2015  Cardinals' Wacha has no concerns about shoulder Sunday, January 18, 2015 11:15 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Marlins sign Don Kelly to a minor league deal 11:03 pm Team Player Transaction EST (NBC Sports)  Report: Nationals not interested in trading Ian Boston Red Quintin Signed to a Minor League Desmond 10:59 pm EST (NBC Sports) Sox Berry Contract  Nationals sign Kila Ka’aihue to a minor league deal Signed to a Minor League 10:26 pm EST (NBC Sports) Chicago Cubs Daniel Bard Contract  Report: Nationals have 'checked in' on reliever Casey Janssen 9:40 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Los Angeles Signed to a Minor League  Report: Scherzer has a seven-year deal with the Erik Bedard Dodgers Contract Nationals 9:33 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)  Dodgers sign Erik Bedard to a minor league deal 9:14 Signed to a Minor League Don Kelly pm EST (NBC Sports) Contract  Nationals have checked in on Casey Janssen 8:23 pm EST (NBC Sports) Washington Kila Signed to a Minor League

 Nats sign ace Max Scherzer to multiyear deal, sources Nationals Ka'aihue Contract confirm 8:21 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Saturday, January 17, 2015  Report: Max Scherzer “close” to signing a seven-year deal 7:12 pm EST (NBC Sports) Team Player Transaction  Cubs: Kris Bryant will try to force the Opening Day decision 6:35 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) Francisley Signed to a Minor League  Chicago Cubs Sale, Samardzija, Quintana give White Sox MLB's best Bueno Contract SP trio 6:11 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Report: Rangers close to acquiring Yovani Gallardo Los Angeles Collin Signed, ( 2015)(avoids arbitration) from Brewers 6:03 pm EST (NBC Sports) Angels Cowgill

San Francisco Gregor Signed, ( 2015-2016)(two-year

Giants Blanco contract, avoids arbitration)

31

│

32