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To emerge as Diamondbacks starting , Gosewisch faces tough challenge Attention to detail could put Hernandez in bigs By Mark Brown / Examiner.com Catcher's defensive skills believed to be Major League-ready http://www.examiner.com/article/to-emerge-as-diamondbacks- Steve Gilbert / MLB.com starting-catcher-gosewisch-faces-tough-challenge http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/109947182/attention- to-detail-could-put-d-backs-catcher-oscar-hernandez-in-major- leagues Opposite Attracts: Appreciating ’s Oppo- Goldy gets 'huge honor' of college retiring number Field Prowess D-backs star is first player to get accolade from Texas By Joe Lemire / Grantland State http://grantland.com/the-triangle/mlb-paul-goldschmidt- By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com arizona-diamondbacks-opposite-field-power-beating-the-shift/ http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/109936316/arizona- diamondbacks-paul-goldschmidt-gets-huge-honor-of-texas-state- Paul Goldschmidt Is Healthy And Ready To Go university-retiring-number By Tony Fischer / SI.com - Fansided http://heatwaved.com/2015/02/21/paul-goldschmidt-healthy- Locante shows off 'electric stuff' in D-backs camp ready-go/ Reliever impressive in first official session By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com Diamondbacks' Jake Barrett hoping to earn bullpen role in http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/109949522/reliever- 2015 will-locante-shows-off-electric-stuff-in-arizona-diamondbacks- By Brandon Wise / CBSSports.com camp http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/2507 7531/diamondbacks-jake-barrett-hoping-to-earn-bullpen-role-in- Diamondbacks prospect Archie Bradley looking for 2015 bounce-back year By Nick Piecoro / The Arizona Republic Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley looking to bounce back in http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 2015 015/02/21/diamondbacks-prospect-archie-bradley-looking-for- By Bradon Wise / CBSSports.com bounce-back-year/23811743/ http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/2507 7502/diamondbacks-archie-bradley-looking-to-bounce-back-in- Diamondbacks' Jake Barrett hoping fitter form leads to 2015 big-league shot By Zach Buchanan / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 015/02/21/diamondbacks-jake-barrett-hoping-fitter-form-leads- to-big-league-shot/23812027/

Boivin: Brandon Knight great addition to Suns; Catching up with Diamondbacks By Paola Boivin / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat- index/2015/02/21/boivin-brandon-knight-great-addition-to- suns/23808095/

Positive Bradley attacking D-backs competition after tough '14 By Kevin Zimmerman / FOX Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/archie-bradley-d- backs-pitching-competition-022115

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February 22, 2015 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews

February 22, 2015 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

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Goldschmidt and his wife, Amy, were in San Marcos, Texas, for Texas State Baseball's Annual Lead-Off Dinner when the Attention to detail could put Hernandez in bigs announcement was made. Catcher's defensive skills believed to be Major League-ready Steve Gilbert / MLB.com "I had no idea and my wife had no idea," Goldschmidt said. http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/109947182/attention- "They let my parents know so they drove in. That's pretty cool. to-detail-could-put-d-backs-catcher-oscar-hernandez-in-major- It's a huge honor; there have been a lot of great players there, so leagues hopefully I can continue to represent the university well."

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Following Saturday's practice, D-backs The jersey retirement ceremony will take place Tuesday before catcher Oscar Hernandez sat in front of his locker and began the Bobcats take on the University of . writing on a small yellow pad. With the D-backs' first full-squad workout set for Wednesday, Hernandez had just finished catching some bullpen sessions, and Goldschmidt will be unable to attend the ceremony. His parents, while it was still fresh in his mind, he wanted to make sure he David and Kim, will be there on his behalf. noted what pitches a particular threw and what that pitcher was working on. "I'm glad they're there," Goldschmidt said. "They supported me so much from a young age, starting with Little League, and they "It's important to me, especially not knowing these guys that I drove up many times to watch me in college, so I know they'll keep track of it," Hernandez said. enjoy it. There have been so many people who have helped me, whether it was before college, during, after. It starts with my The D-backs selected Hernandez from the Rays organization parents, my brothers Rob and Adam, and all their support. My with the No. 1 overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft last December, wife, who I met there at Texas State, the support she gave me in and he must stay in the big leagues all season or be offered back college and in pro ball as well." to Tampa Bay. He was chosen because despite the fact that he played in the last year, the D-backs feel Goldschmidt is Texas State's all-time leader in home runs and he is ready defensively for the Major Leagues. RBIs. As a junior in 2009, Goldschmidt helped lead the Bobcats to the Southland Conference championship that included a "I think on the defensive side, he's definitely ahead of the game," record 41 wins. D-backs Chip Hale said. Goldschmidt becomes the first Texas State baseball player to It's attention to detail, like the notes he keeps, that helps have his jersey retired and will be just the fifth across all sports at Hernandez to stand out defensively. the university.

Hernandez .249 last year, but Hale said Hernandez has good "They're great leaders there, they're great role models," strength and could develop at the plate. Goldschmidt said of the Texas State coaching staff. "When you're a college kid and away from home for the first time, to "There are some things to work out," Hale said. "We're up for have coaches that can be role models on and off the field is the challenge and I think he is, too." important. They treat guys with respect and honesty. When they recruited me, everything they said was true. They treated us Hernandez will be given every opportunity to win a spot on the exactly as they said they would. They expected a lot out of you, roster. The D-backs have eight in camp and the but if you did things the right way, then they would have your competition for the two openings is "wide open." back no matter what."

Goldy gets 'huge honor' of college retiring number Coincidentally, Goldschmidt did not get to choose his number D-backs star is first baseball player to get accolade from Texas with the D-backs, either. State By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com Selected by Arizona in the eighth round of the 2009 First-Year http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/109936316/arizona- Player Draft, he was given No. 44 when he reached the big diamondbacks-paul-goldschmidt-gets-huge-honor-of-texas-state- leagues on Aug. 1, 2011. university-retiring-number "When I [was] called up, they just handed me a jersey and I SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- When he showed up to play baseball at wasn't going to complain," he said. "I've never been a big guy , Paul Goldschmidt was given uniform with numbers. As long as they gave me a jersey, it could have No. 37 in large part because it was the jersey that was big enough been any number from zero to infinity and I wouldn't have to fit him. cared."

Turns out Goldschmidt will be the last person to wear 37 as Locante shows off 'electric stuff' in D-backs camp Texas State surprised the D-backs a couple of Reliever impressive in first official bullpen session weeks ago with the news that it was retiring his number. By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/109949522/reliever- will-locante-shows-off-electric-stuff-in-arizona-diamondbacks- camp 3

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frontline starting pitching, Bradley, 22, might still represent the SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- D-backs left-hander Will Locante could Diamondbacks' best hope. not help but notice the difference between throwing a bullpen session in Major League camp as opposed to over on the Minor And yet everything feels different this year as he enters camp. League side. The media attention is scaled back, the hype dialed down. He enters camp residing somewhere between untouchable prospect The 25-year-old threw a bullpen Saturday afternoon, his first and just another guy. He has shown he is capable of having a since camp officially opened, but his fourth since arriving in bad year. Now he must show he is capable of making a Arizona earlier in the month. comeback.

"In Minor League camp, there's no one watching but the ," "For me, I would definitely say after the bad year I had last year, Locante said. "You come over here and there's fans, there's I'm coming in this year with a chip on my shoulder with front-office people, everyone is watching so you just have to something to prove," he said. "Last year was just a bad year for focus more and not let it get to you. Once you let a couple go, me. I'm looking for a bounce-back year." then it's the same game; home plate is still 60 feet, 6 inches away." In 83 between -A and -A, Bradley posted a 4.45 ERA. His control took a step back and his D-backs manager Chip Hale only caught the tail end of dropped. More concerning was Bradley's stuff, which seemed Locante's session Saturday, but he had seen the ones he threw slightly diminished from the year before. His lost a prior to camp opening, and pitching consultant couple of miles per hour and scouts said his secondary pitches told Hale that he was impressed with how Locante looked. lacked the same bite.

"He has electric stuff," Hale said. "He's got a great arm." "I never felt like the ball was coming out the way I wanted to," he said. "I felt like the whole season I was searching for that and Selected in the 11th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, I never found it." Locante improved his command last year, and in his second straight year with Class A South Bend, he went 3-0 with a 1.53 But peel back the struggles and positives emerge. Aside from ERA in 43 relief appearances. learning how to handle expectations, he said he also discovered how to get through a down year, a lesson he expects to recall Diamondbacks prospect Archie Bradley looking for often whenever he struggles again. bounce-back year By Nick Piecoro / The Arizona Republic "You don't skate through the minor leagues, go to the big http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 leagues and never fail," Diamondbacks pitching coordinator Dan 015/02/21/diamondbacks-prospect-archie-bradley-looking-for- Carlson said. "You go through all the good and they just bounce-back-year/23811743/ don't walk through leagues."

Archie Bradley wouldn't change much. If he had it to do over As an example, Carlson pointed to right- again, if he could rewind last year's back to the hander , who was sent back to the minors both beginning, he would still set his sights on the with the Diamondbacks and the before his career roster. He would still push hard, would still expect a lot out of finally took off. himself. "I'm glad that (Bradley's) first failure was in the minor leagues," But he would change one thing – the same thing he plans to Carlson said, "because it teaches you how to get up off the mat." handle differently this year in his second go-round in big league camp. He would stop worrying so much about what others are From Carlson's perspective, there were more positives. He expecting of him. thought Bradley gained confidence with his change-up, using the pitch effectively at times in the , where he "Maybe I would have toned it down a little bit as far as not also introduced a new pitch, a /cutter that Carlson sees as a letting all the media and all the, I guess, hype or expectations ride potential weapon against right-handed hitters. on me," he said. "I put pressure on myself anyway, and my goal was to make the team last year. It's the same this year, but I was Bradley believes his success will ultimately hinge on the most so caught up on every pitch and every outing. You just can't fundamental of skills: fastball command. His struggles there, he pitch like that. You don't succeed when your mind-frame is like says, are confined to short bursts, and he believes cutting those that and you put that much pressure on yourself." erratic stretches from a few batters to a few pitches would make a huge difference. A lot went wrong for Bradley last year. He faltered late in spring training and was sent back to the minors. He struggled early then "That's what makes (Clayton) Kershaw, (Jake) Peavy, (Madison) was shut down with elbow discomfort. And when he returned, Bumgarner, all those guys, so great," he said. "After one or two he struggled some more. pitches off, they make the adjustment. I think that's my biggest deal, figuring out, 'OK, am I leaving early? Am I not staying Still, by most accounts, he remains not only one of the back?' Things that I'm talking to some of these older guys about Diamondbacks' top prospects, but also one of the better that I'm trying to figure out is how to make the adjustment pitching prospects in baseball. In an organization desperate for quicker." 4

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"They're going to see that and be like, 'Whoa, this guy looks Some in the organization believe Bradley went to such lengths different. He's trying to fight,'" the 23-year-old said. "That's what last season to improve his strike-throwing that it ultimately I'm going for. It makes a difference." detracted from his effectiveness. They hope Bradley returns to his confident and aggressive self. Lefty options

"I don't think he's ever going to be spotting up perfect on the The Diamondbacks figure to have left-hander Oliver Perez corners," Carlson said. "I think that detracts from what he does. working in a seventh- or eighth- role this year, but if the I think his fastball, , slider and change-up are going to team is looking for more of a situational southpaw they figure to be plenty effective enough. I think it's a mentality, getting back have options. Manager Chip Hale mentioned three players – to being the aggressor." Matt Reynolds, Dan Runzler and Justin Marks – who could fill that role. Bradley had moments late last year when he did just that, including in the fall league All-Star Game, when he threw two Joe Thatcher was the team's lefty specialist last year, but he was strong innings, hitting 96 mph with his fastball. So far, he said, traded to the in the middle of the season. it's carried over into camp. He hopes it continues. "We have some depth there that I don't think we had at the end "I'm ready to get some hitters in the box," he said, "and see how of last year," Hale said. the ball comes out." Reynolds was on the shelf for all of last year recovering from Diamondbacks' Jake Barrett hoping fitter form leads to Tommy John surgery, getting healthy just as the season ended. big-league shot He doesn't have much track record against lefties, however. By Zach Buchanan / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 Marks and Runzler are in camp as minor-league free agents. 015/02/21/diamondbacks-jake-barrett-hoping-fitter-form-leads- Marks also hasn't seen much success against left-handers while to-big-league-shot/23812027/ bouncing around the systems of the , and , but Runzler has good Right-hander Jake Barrett has been in the mix for a spot at the numbers against them while spending his entire career as a San back of the ' bullpen since last spring Francisco Giants prospect. training. After being drafted in 2012 out of Arizona State, Barrett started getting mentioned as a potential high-leverage Will Locante is another bullpen lefty in camp for the reliever in the majors along with toward the end of Diamondbacks, although he is likely more of a high-leverage the 2013 season. option.

Stites got his big-league call-up last season, but Barrett did not, Trumbo arrives despite a strong 3.09 ERA between Double- and Triple-A. This spring, he hopes being in better shape will push him over the Though he didn't suit up, made an hump. appearance at the team's training facility Saturday while pitchers and catchers went through workouts. Trumbo is fresh off of Barrett finished last season around 240 pounds but is down to winning his arbitration hearing against the Diamondbacks, 220 this season. He said it's the lightest he's been since his locking in his 2015 salary at $6.9 million. The team had filed for freshman or sophomore year of high school. $1.6 million less than that.

After feeling overweight in camp last year, Barrett committed to "It'll be nice to see him," Hale said. "I've talked to him and slimming down along with one of his brothers. Through a texted with him, so I've been in contact. I'm sure he's in good stricter diet and more exercise he was able to shed the pounds, spirits." and his brother lost almost 40. Boivin: Brandon Knight great addition to Suns; Catching He's not worried about losing any power, though. He's known up with Diamondbacks for a fastball that reaches the upper 90s. By Paola Boivin / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat- "I haven't seen how hard I'm going to throw yet, either," he said. index/2015/02/21/boivin-brandon-knight-great-addition-to- "If I sit at 220 and stay strong, I'll probably stay at 220 then." suns/23808095/

Barrett still sits in a crowded pack fighting for spots in what is Some final thoughts on Goran Dragic's exit and Brandon likely to be a seven-man bullpen. There's enough competition Knight's arrival: that two of the organization's top reliever prospects – Jimmie Sherfy and Kaleb Fleck – aren't even in big-league camp. •The addition of Knight will be terrific for the Suns. He is 23, quick and an underrated defender. With 3-point shooting and Barrett hopes showing up trimmer opens some eyes and helps spacing such a huge part of the present-day NBA, his abilities him stand out from the crowd. from the perimeter will be huge for this team. •I don't know who got in Dragic's ear at the end – it's clear someone did – and his whole disrespected hoo-ha was over the 5

│ top. But I also don't think he should be characterized as an agitator either. He was a consummate pro during his time here. Gosewisch was asked if any of Diamondbacks' many pitchers He simply made a sloppy exit. stood out to him. He said everyone looked promising but •A Miami journalist told me Dragic won over a big portion of mentioned Will Locante, 25, as someone he had never seen the Heat fan base Saturday when he answered several questions before. at his introductory press conference in Spanish. Yes, Dragic speaks several languages. "I caught him a week ago and just, great arm, very deceptive," he •The stat the Heat surely liked most this season: When Dragic said. "He's got some good sink and out of a lefty you don't see was playing point without the other two point guards, he that very often. I think if he can locate his fastball and have a averaged 27.9 points and 9.8 assists per 48 minutes. slider, he's going to be successful." •One of his agents, Rade Filipovich, told the Miami Herald that Dragic is excited to play point again. "It's a great fit," he said. Locante posted a 1.53 ERA in 53 innings for Low-A South "Goran and (Dywane) Wade to bring the ball up, create offense, Bend. very good shooters, very interesting team. A playoff team. He feels lucky he ended up in Miami. He's very happy." ASU flashback •TNT's Charles Barkley loves this trade for the Heat: "Are they as good as Cleveland, Toronto, Washington, Chicago, Atlanta? Funny how, back in the day, a college basketball program's They're in the conversation. Yes, they are," he said. "They added hiring of an assistant coach to help lure a star recruit was seen as an All-Star point guard. That was the one thing they were controversial. missing. They went from irrelevant (to relevant). They got a lot better today. The two big winners today were Oklahoma City It couldn't have worked any better for ASU when James Harden and Miami." and his coach at Artesia High in Lakewood, Calif., Scott Pera, •Knight's high school, Pine Crest in Fort Lauderdale, also came to Tempe together. Pera was hired in the summer of 2006 produced Wayne Huizenga and Kelsey Grammer. as the director of basketball operations and Harden committed two months later. (ASU also offered a scholarship to Harden's Baseball banter teammate, Derek Glasser).

The off-season meant different things to Diamondbacks players. The results speak for themselves. Harden, of course, is one of the top players in the NBA and a badge of honor for ASU. Pera Pitcher Addison Reed got married. Sort of. He already wed last has proven to be a successful coach, moving on to be an year, at a courthouse, but in November he had a party in San assistant at Penn after leaving Tempe and is now the associate Diego celebrating the event with close friends and family. head coach at Rice.

"Great time," he said. "And then we went to Maui for a week." Quick hits

Pitcher Oliver Perez, who grew up in Mexico, took family to Big - What is the toughest road trip in the Pac-12? One could make a Bear Lake in Southern California, where some experienced snow pretty strong argument for the Arizona swing. Last season, the for the first time. Wildcats went 9-0 in conference games at home, the Sun Devils 8-1. With teams traveling in pairs, that makes Arizona the "That's the dream as a kid to have Christmas in the snow," he toughest road trip in the Pac-12 during the past 18 seasons. The said. "You can make a snowman. It was fun for them." last to do that were the Bay Area schools – California and Stanford – in the 1997 season. Perez, 33, said he didn't see snow until his early 20s. - Those Miller brother sure have a knack for success on their Pitcher took a 15-day European trip, stopping in home courts. Heading into Saturday's game, Arizona coach Sean Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice and Prague. He had been to Miller has won 35 in a row at home. Archie Miller has won 18 Europe before, when he was in high school, but this visit was far straight at University of Dayton Arena. better, he said. - Quote: "Every day is to allow the pitcher to have a great outing More comfortable? and to do everything I can to make his outing better. If he has a great outing it makes me feel good. If he has a bad outing, it "More money," he said, smiling. crushes me as much as him I think." – Gosewisch.

Catcher Tuffy Gosewisch traveled, too, with his wife up and Positive Bradley attacking D-backs competition after tough down the coast of California, but spent much of the off-season '14 working out at the Diamondbacks facilities at Salt River Fields. By Kevin Zimmerman / FOX Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/archie-bradley-d- He already was there in November and was impressed by the backs-pitching-competition-022115 amount of players that also came in regularly. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The temperatures have cooled around "There were a ton of people," he said. D-backs pitcher Archie Bradley.

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The first-round pick from 2011 still appears highly-ranked on -- Hale watched 30-year-old lefty Matt Reynolds pitch and liked prospect lists -- a spot ahead of teammate Braden Shipley at 25th what he saw, especially from the splitter. Reynolds is returning on ' top 100 list. But already, at the age of 22 from Tommy John surgery and is improving well. The D-backs years old, the luster to his potential is fading. picked up a team option on Reynolds' contract at the end of October. Despite the Diamondbacks having only one lock in the starting rotation, Josh Collmenter, Bradley's chances of making the team -- Hale said non-roster invitees Dan Runzler and Justin Marks, are as likely as those of any other prospects. This a year after he both lefties, stood out Saturday, and that special assistant Dave believed he had a very good shot at making the club. Duncan liked what he saw from lefty Will Locante.

Answers to the D-backs' questions atop the mound haven't been -- Hale on how he'll distinguish pitchers that will win the roster solved through two days of workouts, especially without the help spots: "When you talk about mixing the analytical part of the of live hitters. Bradley, after dealing with injuries the past two game with us now, you have to look at all those numbers. But years and fighting rocky stints at times in the minors, soon will when you watch a guy and what he does during the game and make his case that going 54-2/3 innings with a 4.12 ERA at the success he has, does he want that ball for that extra inning? Double-A Mobile and 24-1/3 innings with a 5.18 ERA for And when things get tough, can he get out of the tough Triple-A Reno in 2014 isn't where he projects this year. situation? Those are the guys we're looking for."

"I thought it was pretty bad," Bradley said. "I'm not going to To emerge as Diamondbacks starting catcher, Gosewisch sugarcoat it. I've put in a lot of work mechanically, try to change faces tough challenge some things and get better and I'm looking for a bounceback By Mark Brown / Examiner.com year. http://www.examiner.com/article/to-emerge-as-diamondbacks- starting-catcher-gosewisch-faces-tough-challenge "I'm a very positive and upbeat guy, and for me to go through those struggles of something I've never gone through before, it When Diamondbacks’ manager Chip Hale declared the catching was tough at times. I feel like it's only going to help me this year situation as “wide open,” those were the words Tuffy Gosewisch and throughout my career." did not want to hear.

The positive way to look at it for the positive mind is this: Though anointed here at the start of spring training as number Bradley's chance at making the opening day roster is good with one on the Diamondbacks’ depth chart, there is an uneasy cloud every player starting with a blank slate under a new staff. Bradley which hangs over Gosewisch. credited them with making sure his mind was right, and it's a good thing Hale and Co. are approaching his past with an open As the back-up for a year ago, Gosewisch mind. realized he was stuck behind a roadblock and declared ready to go at a moment’s notice. Animated with a quick smile and "I always look at the past to learn, but never think a guy can't friendly handshake, the 31-year-old former Arizona State improve on that," Hale said. standout appeared comfortable in that role and approached his condition for granted. On Saturday, the competition remained wide open, but Hale gave a few not-too-surprising hints at which pitchers will work Now, the situation is vastly changed, his words appear more into what roles. measured and his disposition deliberate. Still, the confidence is there and Gosewisch says he’s ready for whatever may come. , and Vidal Nuno could flip-flop from starting roles to helping out in the bullpen, as they have in “I don’t take anything for granted,” he said the other day in the the past. Bradley, Braden Shipley and Aaron Blair, the three Salt River clubhouse. “I know there are guys out there who want pitchers who appear on Baseball America's top 100 prospect list, this job, and I only know who much I have to work.” will be treated as starters throughout the spring, as will newcomers and Robbie Ray. With the free agent market this off-season of essentially of one catcher, and the Diamondbacks committed to unload Montero’s Of the group of youngsters, Bradley's career has been filled with $40 million albatross around the neck of the franchise, the highest highs and the lowest lows. Maybe that experience Gosewisch was named by default. gives him an edge. Once Russell Martin signed with the , quality "I think he is here to make the team," Hale said. "I think that's free agent catchers evaporated as quickly as an ice cream cone in his mindset, and that's what it should be." the searing desert sun.

NOTES Since Martin’s signing, the Diamondbacks picked up 21-year-old Oscar Hernandez, a Rule 5 acquisition from the Rays' -- Two days after Mark Trumbo won his arbitration organization and signed veteran to a minor league case to earn $6.9 million this season, he appeared at camp. contract with an invitation to spring training. Position players report Tuesday and will begin practice on Wednesday. Said Hale: "I'm sure he's in good spirits." Waiting in the wings is Peter O’Brien, whom the Diamondbacks acquired from the Yankees last summer for Martin Prado. With 7

│ the reputation as a strong hitter but lacking defensive skills, Before wielding the thundering stick that indiscriminately O’Brien took that challenge and worked on defensive demolishes all sides of the baseball, including the oft-neglected improvement during the Arizona Fall League. inner half that generates the “oppo power” an opposing All-Star pitcher deems “ridiculous,” Paul Goldschmidt started small. During the opening day of drills last Friday, O’Brien clearly demonstrated his offensive skills. That’s when he hammered As a teenager, Goldschmidt took hitting lessons from Joe several pitches over the left field fence and banged a few more Canizaro, a Houston-area instructor whose son, Jay, played four off the fence. big league seasons. Among the myriad drills Joe ran his prized pupil through was using a miniature 22-inch Louisville Slugger in “Tuffy has the most experience within the organization and soft toss to help Goldschmidt swing quickly and stay inside the Laird the most overall experience,” said manager Chip Hale. baseball. Joe says that Goldschmidt’s “lightning-fast” hands “You also have to like O’Brien. He’s been working with (bench enabled him to master the drill swiftly. coach Glenn Sherlock) and has really improved.” “That kind of muscle memory and repetition of being short and During the recent off-season, Dave Stewart, the team’s general quick to the ball allows the ball to travel further, and you can manager, said O’Brien would be in Sedona Red sooner than make a decision later,” Jay says. “That’s the whole key to later. While his ascend to the majors could be made before the hitting.” All-Star, O’Brien’s improvement behind the plate and power at the plate make for an encouraging combination. The small-scale irony is that this drill helped spawn a nemesis: Joe learned it from Jay, who picked it up from Frank Cacciatore, During Montero’s final seasons with Arizona, then-manager his hitting coach in Double-A Shreveport — an affiliate of the told reporters that Montero was penciled in for , one of the teams Goldschmidt has made a around 140 games of the 162-game schedule. living destroying since debuting with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011. In the offseason, Stewart modified that number to indicate the Diamondbacks’ starting catcher would start around 120 games. The larger impact is that it helped forge the league’s top For Gosewisch, any number is up there on his radar screen. practitioner of a rudimentary skill that has eroded so severely, baseball’s new commissioner is considering a rule change to The issues of endurance and durability then are not issues. compensate.

“It’s all mental,” Gosewisch pointed out. “I can catch all 162 Until an errant early-August fastball from then-Pirates reliever games, I’m ready. Whatever they want is fine with me. I’m here broke the fourth metacarpal of Goldschmidt’s left and ready to strap it on every day.” hand, the 2013 NL MVP runner-up was enjoying another ascendant season. He’d led the NL with 36 home runs in ’13, COMING UP and at the time of his 2014 injury, he was tops in the league in doubles and ranked in the top five in on-base and slugging When position players take the field for their first workout on percentage. Wednesday, they will face live pitching and not a pitching machine. This is the group of pitchers who took the mound last Goldschmidt, who also suffered a hand fracture in college,1 says Friday. he was close to 100 percent by the end of the 2014 regular season and isn’t concerned about his health entering spring That would include Yoan Lopez, Robbie Ray, Rubby De La training. Rosa, Braden Shipley, Aaron Blair and Allen Webster, players acquired in the off-season or, last season, in the Diamondbacks’ “My hand feels great,” Goldschmidt says during a recent phone minor league system. interview. “Honestly, I forget I even broke it.”

Facing Lopez could be the most challenging. The 22-year-old That quick recovery and consistent mind-set won’t surprise defector from Cuba was impressive in his first mound effort of anyone who knows Goldschmidt. Ron Eastman, Goldschmidt’s the spring last Friday. His fastball exploded and demonstrated coach at Houston baseball powerhouse The Woodlands High strong command of pitches. School, has won three national coach of the year awards and three state titles, and he’s coached 23 eventual MLB draft picks, Daily workouts are open to all fans and begin at 9 a. m. Fans are including first-rounders Jameson Taillon and Kyle Drabek. But encouraged to park in the Desert parking lot. even amid that illustrious cadre of baseball alumni, Goldschmidt stands out in Eastman’s mind for his work ethic, character … and opposite-field power.

Opposite Attracts: Appreciating Paul Goldschmidt’s Oppo- “Paul hit the inside half of the baseball better than any high Field Prowess school kid I’ve ever seen,” Eastman says. By Joe Lemire / Grantland http://grantland.com/the-triangle/mlb-paul-goldschmidt- When Mike Rutledge, a tax attorney by day who also coaches the arizona-diamondbacks-opposite-field-power-beating-the-shift/ Houston-area Kyle Chapman summer team, watches MLB highlights of his former star, he sees the same familiar swing path. 8

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1946 column for the Boston Globe: “It takes time to break away “I’m sure it’s been tweaked, but that swing has not changed from your natural habit. Hitting to the opposite field is a science. since he was 16 years old, not materially,” Rutledge says. (For his Players who have accomplished this skill have required many part, Goldschmidt says he’s “never really thought about” his long hours of practice. That’s what I’m going to have to do.” swing’s evolution.) And that’s exactly what Goldschmidt did. “I think his BP really Though the injury limited Goldschmidt’s overall 2014 tells you who he is because of his consummate work, his production, that consistent stroke helped him match his stellar consistent approach,” Harrington says, speaking as though time 2013 campaign in other areas: In 109 contests last season, in the cage were a window into Goldschmidt’s baseball soul. “If Goldschmidt batted .434 when pulling the ball in play, according a person really wanted to identify Paul’s personality, then watch to Baseball-Reference’s hit location data, but batted .517 when him take practice.” hitting the ball to the opposite field. To appreciate how much of an anomaly that is, consider that in 2014, the average right- Much of that work centered on learning to spray the ball all handed batter posted a .395 average on balls in play to the pull around the field. Harrington says that Goldschmidt seemed to side and a .287 average the other way. Furthermore, aim for the top of the outfield wall — line-drive height — Goldschmidt has hit 34 percent of his 85 career home runs to during batting practice rather than the bleachers themselves, and either right field or right-center field; by comparison, all other Trip Couch, the former Arizona area scout who advocated major league right-handed hitters have slugged 14 percent of drafting Goldschmidt, once told me, “He’s just always been their homers to right or right-center since Goldschmidt’s rookie more of a line-drive guy. He wasn’t an awe-inspiring BP home season. run guy as an amateur.”

In an era of increasingly pull- and power-happy hitters, Chad MacDonald, a special assistant to the GM with the Braves Goldschmidt is a rarity. Batters’ declining tendency to hit to the who worked in amateur scouting with the Diamondbacks when opposite field has become so pervasive that baseball has seen a the club drafted Goldschmidt, also touts Goldschmidt’s focused corresponding, exponential rise in defensive overshifting in and disciplined approach. “He really tracks the ball a little longer recent seasons, particularly in 2014, and even on right-handed than most guys,” MacDonald says. “Most guys are dead-pull batters. guys, and most home runs are to the pull side, but he’s pretty patient. He lets the ball get deep and can hit them out to right- There were 2,357 shifts across the majors in 2011, but 13,296 in center for sure.” 2014, according to Baseball Info Solutions. And though there’s debate on the topic, many argue that such a jump has It’s easier to hit an outside pitch to the opposite field than it is to contributed to leaguewide batting averages being at their lowest do so with one thrown inside, but doing so requires exercising in 42 seasons. Many hitters’ ability to go the opposite way is so the patience to let the ball get deep over the plate, practically into poor that Rob Manfred, who took over as MLB commissioner the catcher’s mitt. The Diamondbacks led all teams with four on January 25, suggested that eliminating overshifts might be a instances of catcher’s last season; Goldschmidt good way to inject additional offense into the game. accounted for all four.

“It’s not anything I’ve really studied so I can’t really have an “For a big, strong guy, he can manipulate a baseball pretty well,” opinion,” Goldschmidt says. “Most of the numbers say defenses former Arizona general manager says. “It’s are doing pretty good, but as a hitter it’s not something I’ve ever strength, it’s trust in yourself, it’s slowing that heart rate down.” really thought about. I just try to hit the ball hard, and hopefully they don’t catch it. Where they’re playing is out of your control Goldschmidt, who is 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, is surprisingly as a hitter.” spry for his size, having led Arizona in stolen bases twice. But his laborious efforts more than his natural athleticism have made Despite Goldschmidt’s modest demurral, there is an antidote to him the player he is. the shift, and it’s a discipline at which the first baseman excels: hitting the ball where it’s pitched. “He really works on staying connected with his lower half and being able to drive that ball to the opposite field,” says “Paul is smart enough to realize the majority of the hitting he Diamondbacks hitting coach Turner Ward, who was retained was going to probably do was to center field or right field,” says this offseason despite front office and managerial changes. “It’s Ty Harrington, Goldschmidt’s college coach at Texas State. “So not just a gift — it’s something that he truly works on.” he trained himself and trained on the idea of hitting balls middle- away, which is where the majority of people pitched him in Goldschmidt worked to develop not only the fundamentals of college. And then he had the ability, the strength, and the his swing, but also his power. He was so dedicated to training [physicality] to hit balls out to center field or right-center.” that, as a teenager, he worked out even while recovering from a stress fracture in his back. Told to avoid doing any rotational No less an authority than Ted Williams, arguably the greatest movements with his torso, Goldschmidt went to the gym and hitter who ever lived, confessed that opposite-field hitting wasn’t lifted with his lower body. The evening he received medical easy. He faced some of the first defensive overshifts in baseball clearance to resume full activities, he went for a three-mile run history, including one devised by former Indians player-manager and then met Joe Canizaro to hit the rest of the evening. Such Lou Boudreau, in which all four were on the right side diligence paid dividends. of second base. After first seeing the shift, Williams (as recounted in The Kid by Ben Bradlee Jr.) wrote in a September “His biceps looked like double ice-cream scoops,” Rutledge says. 9

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“I almost forgot I broke it,” Goldschmidt said of his hand. Goldschmidt’s high school power — which included a state- “Honestly, it was a completely normal offseason.” title-winning to straightaway center field at a Triple-A stadium that Canizaro says hasn’t come down yet — didn’t According to a report by AZCentral.com, the Dbacks first immediately translate to the college level, however. baseman won’t be limited in any way this spring. Although he plans to wear a protective plan in his surgically repaired hand Goldschmidt, who hit cleanup for Texas State as a freshman, while in the batters box. broke the hamate bone in his left hand in his fourth collegiate game, and after taking six weeks off to recover, he had trouble That is great news for the Diamondbacks line-up that has the mustering anything more than singles. By his 19th game of the potential to be productive in 2015. Mark Trumbo is set to season, Goldschmidt still hadn’t managed an extra-base hit, and retrun to the Diamiondbacks after winning his arbitration his power outage became a large enough point of conversation hearing. There are fears that Trumbo is on the downside of his that when he finally doubled at Central Arkansas in his 59th at- career but that said he still has enough pop to produce 20 bat after returning from injury, “the whole dugout jumped up homruns. That will be more than adequate protection for and started hollering and screaming,” Harrington says. Goldie who will probably hit third in the line-up this season.

Goldschmidt homered only once as a freshman and didn’t hit Goldie and Mark Trumbo could become a solid 1-2 punch in the any the following summer in the — “I middle of the line-up. Further developement from youngsters don’t know if I want to blame it on [the injury],” Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock could help set the table for the says. “It kind of sounds like an excuse” — but the power arrived D-backs sluggers. shortly thereafter. He led the Southland Conference in home runs the next two years, belting 17 as a sophomore and 18 as a Goldschimdt could be in line for a monster season. Before a junior (when he also led Division I with 88 RBIs). In the minors, hand injury forced him to miss 50 games last season, Goldschmidt averaged a homer every four games at all three Goldschmidt had 19 home runs and had a sluggers chance to get minor league levels he saw, and by the third, Double-A, the to the 30 mark for the second consecutive season. Goldschmidt scouting report on his opposite-field power was well known. (28) will look to make up for lost time this season and could make a run at eclipsing the 36 home run mark he set in 2013. “Goldschmidt had hit a home run on top of our clubhouse in That could make waiting for the Diamondbacks youth right field,” says Rays starter Matt Moore, who pitched for the movement a little less intolerable and give the fans something to and joined Goldschmidt in the 2011 root for. Double-A All-Star Game. “The whole time [facing him] I was like, ‘Just don’t leave something over the middle or away. Just For all the latest news and views about the Arizona miss in.’” Diamondbacks stay connected to Heatwaved on facebook and . USA Today named Goldschmidt its 2011 minor league player of the year for his 30 home runs in 103 games even though he Diamondbacks' Jake Barrett hoping to earn bullpen role in spent the final two months of the season in the majors. 2015 Goldschmidt homered twice for the Diamondbacks in that By Brandon Wise / CBSSports.com season’s NLDS against the Brewers — one a and http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/2507 both to the opposite field. Asked if he was surprised that 7531/diamondbacks-jake-barrett-hoping-to-earn-bullpen-role-in- Goldschmidt skipped Triple-A and made such an immediate 2015 impact in the majors, Ward, who managed Goldschmidt in Double-A, says, “I was surprised I had him that long.” Second-year pitcher Jake Barrett is heading to spring training in hopes of landing a spot in the Diamondbacks' bullpen, the same About the only thing quicker than Goldschmidt’s ascension goal he had last year. through the minors is the record speed at which all of his former coaches rush to praise him. There’s only one naysayer in the lot: In stints between Double and Triple-A in 2014, Barrett posted a Goldschmidt, who deflects credit as strongly, patiently, and 3.09 ERA and cut his weight down to 220 pounds from 240, effectively as he swats . Rather than accept the praise, according to AZCentral.com. he goes the other way. "I haven't seen how hard I'm going to throw yet, either," he said. Paul Goldschmidt Is Healthy And Ready To Go "If I sit at 220 and stay strong, I'll probably stay at 220 then." By Tony Fischer / SI.com - Fansided http://heatwaved.com/2015/02/21/paul-goldschmidt-healthy- Barrett is hoping his weight loss will grab some attention from ready-go/ the coaching staff.

The Arizona Diamondbacks should have a potent line-up this "They're going to see that and be like, 'Whoa, this guy looks season largely because of the return of Paul Goldschmidt. After different. He's trying to fight,'" Barrett said. "That's what I'm surgery to correct a broken hand suffered near the end of the going for. It makes a difference." 2014 campaign, Goldschmidt is approaching this spring like the injury never even happened. Diamondbacks' Archie Bradley looking to bounce back in 2015 By Bradon Wise / CBSSports.com 10

│ http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/2507  Orioles defeat Alejandro De Aza in arbitration hearing 7502/diamondbacks-archie-bradley-looking-to-bounce-back-in- 10:31 am EST (NBC Sports) 2015  Rangers GM Jon Daniels defends Jurickson Profar against criticism over injury 10:05 am EST (NBC Sports) Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley didn't have an ideal  Outfielder loses arbitration hearing to Orioles 10:01 am rookie camp in Arizona. But he's not letting that change how he EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) feels heading into spring training this year.  Nationals workouts begin this morning 9:38 am EST

(Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Maybe I would have toned it down a little bit as far as not letting all the media and all the, I guess, hype or expectations ride on  Nationals pick up 2016 option on manager Matt me," Bradley said. "I put pressure on myself anyway, and my Williams 8:57 am EST (NBC Sports) goal was to make the team last year. It's the same this year, but I  Nats pick up Williams' 2016 contract option 8:24 am was so caught up on every pitch and every outing. You just can't EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) pitch like that. You don't succeed when your mind-frame is like  Cubs: Jon Lester plans on letting his game do the that and you put that much pressure on yourself." talking 1:30 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Tomase: Betts' feelings 'aren't hurt' if not starting RF Bradley went 3-7 in stints with three different minor-league clubs 12:30 am EST (Comcast SportsNet New England) in 2014, posting a 4.45 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 83 innings pitched. February 20, 2015  wants to help Domonic Brown 11:35 pm "For me, I would definitely say after the bad year I had last year, EST (NBC Sports) I'm coming in this year with a chip on my shoulder with  Nationals pitchers and catchers workouts begin 11:19 something to prove," he said. "Last year was just a bad year for pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) me. I'm looking for a bounce-back year."  Blue Jays first-rounder Max Pentecost had shoulder surgery 10:55 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Farrell: 'Newness and eagerness’ for Red Sox 10:15 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)

 MLB implements no-fly zone for ’s drone 9:45 pm EST (NBC Sports)  New-look White Sox open camp with playoff expectations 9:03 pm EST (The Associated Press)

 Ogando feels 100 percent after injury-plagued 2014 8:51 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)  Mariners' Montero looks for new beginning with new look 8:40 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Former White Sox scout Gary Woods passes away 8:40 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

 Most Cubs, White Sox not in favor of proposed rule changes 8:36 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  What they’re saying about the new pace of play rules

8:35 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Why has concerns about MLB's effort to pick up the pace 8:28 pm EST (Yahoo Sports)  A's minor league pitcher hit with second drug suspension 8:14 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  A's spring training Day 1: Encouraging signs early 8:12 February 21, 2015 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews  Cardinals plan to limit Wainwright's workload 8:04 pm EST (The Associated Press) February 21, 2015  New manager Maddon, Cubs getting to know each  Hamels' trade request ruffled feathers at Phillies camp other in camp 8:00 pm EST (The Associated Press) 11:13 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Roberto Hernandez will be late to Astros’ camp due to  Red Sox extend John Farrell’s contract 11:09 am EST visa issues 7:25 pm EST (NBC Sports) (NBC Sports)  comes to White Sox with chip on his  White Sox: Jesse Crain is optimistic about his health shoulder 7:02 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) 10:51 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Hanigan: ‘The vibe in this clubhouse has been  Red Sox give Farrell contract extension 10:42 am EST awesome’ 7:02 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England) (Comcast SportsNet New England)  Papelbon: 'I would go anywhere that wants me' 7:01 pm  Orioles beat Alejandro de Aza in salary arbitration EST (The Associated Press) 10:34 am EST (The Associated Press) 11

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 What will Cubs do with ? 6:57 pm EST  : ‘Dream come true’ to pitch at Fenway (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) 3:24 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)  Oakland's Parker, Griffin looking ahead to June, not  Even before he arrives, A-Rod dominates Yanks' April 6:44 pm EST (The Associated Press) spring 3:22 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Verlander feeling strong after 'normal' offseason 6:33  With contract expiring, pressure is on Padres manager pm EST (The Associated Press) Black 3:22 pm EST (The Associated Press)  'Switch pitcher' turns heads in A's camp  tells Diamondbacks he’s sitting out the 6:26 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) season 3:12 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Oakland and Atlanta minor league pitchers suspended  Haren joins Marlins, while Fernandez looks forward to 6:21 pm EST (The Associated Press) return 2:56 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Red Sox manager John Farrell on :  No yap from Pap – Phillies' ready to lay it on the “He’s our right fielder.” 6:15 pm EST (NBC Sports) line 2:55 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  Robin Ventura predicts playoffs for confident White  Tanaka feels last year's elbow injury is behind him 2:54 Sox 6:06 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) pm EST (The Associated Press)  New O's outfielder trying to fit in with new team 5:46  The Angels’ negotiations for a new lease are going pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) nowhere 2:52 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Cubs catcher Welington Castillo can't worry about  What they're saying: Get healthy, 2:47 pm trade rumors 5:45 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  MLB makes small pace of game changes, passes on  Levine: Hello, pitchers and catchers 2:26 pm EST bigger steps 5:40 pm EST (The Associated Press) (Comcast SportsNet New England)  Mets reveal innings limit plans for Matt Harvey this  Alderson: Matt Harvey could throw 200 innings this season 5:36 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) year 2:19 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Farrell likes what he sees from Red Sox rotation 5:27  Joe Saunders is back with the Mariners 2:14 pm EST pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England) (NBC Sports)  Angels add another month to ’s post-  Tim McClelland is retiring 1:57 pm EST (NBC surgery recovery timetable 5:23 pm EST (NBC Sports) Sports)  McLouth's shoulder nearly 100 percent again 5:21 pm  Why Bruce Bochy's health scare may not force him to EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) consider retirement 1:44 pm EST (Yahoo Sports)  No contract envy for White Sox Chris Sale 5:18 pm  announces steps to quicken EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) pace of play 1:43 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Former Blue Jay trying to win job as Wieters' backup  Nationals report to Viera for 2015 spring training 1:38 5:17 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  MLB seeks to speed up pace of play 5:11 pm EST  Showdown: Dozier vs. Pedroia 1:38 pm EST (Rotoworld) (AFP)  Royals plan to develop Brandon Finnegan as a starter  Garrett Richards hopes to be back from knee injury by 1:20 pm EST (NBC Sports) 5:09 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Farrell: If healthy, Victorino is 'our right fielder' 5:00 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)  Giants spring training Day 3: Wotus likes replay tweaks 5:00 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) February 21, 2015 • MLB.com  Mat Latos hates the new pace-of-play rules, properly- http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions cooked hamburgers 4:50 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Farrell not concerned over Sandoval's weight 4:28 pm Last updated: Sat, February 21, 2015, 03:35 EST EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)  Orioles pitcher fights back from injury 4:17 pm EST Friday, February 20, 2015 (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Giants' Cain 'pretty much full speed' in bullpen session Team Player Transaction 4:07 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) Signed, ( 2015)(wins  Showalter gives his take on MLB's replay changes 3:56 Mike Minor pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) arbitration)  Pablo Sandoval 1-on-1: Not worried about the weight Casper Signed to a Minor League 3:48 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England) Detroit Tigers Wells Contract  Scherzer eager to join dominant Nats rotation 3:31 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Milwaukee Donnie Signed to a Minor League

 MLB announces new rules that hopefully will speed up Brewers Murphy Contract pace of play 3:31 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Joe Signed to a Minor League  Bochy released from hospital, sent home to rest 3:31 Saunders Contract pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) 12

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Arizona Mark Signed, ( 2015)(wins

Diamondbacks Trumbo arbitration)

Kansas City Franklin Signed to a Minor League

Royals Morales Contract

Pedro Signed, ( 2015)(wins Alvarez arbitration)

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Wilin Signed, ( 2015)(loses Rosario arbitration)

Kansas City Eric Signed, ( 2015-2016)(two-year

Royals Hosmer contract, avoids arbitration)

Rickie Signed as Free Agent, ( Seattle Mariners Weeks 2015)(one-year contract)

Edgar Seattle Mariners Designated for Assignment Olmos

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