Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
By now everyone knows all about the trade the Arizona Diamondbacks completed recently which sent top pitching prospect Touki Toussaint to the Atlanta Braves for small change. This might not have been the best deal in the world, but the backlash it has gotten the D’backs officials would make you think they just traded Babe Ruth. As much as this trade seems to show a lack of vision in Dave Stewart and other officials, there is a chance for redemption if they are buyers at the MLB trade deadline.
It might sound odd at this point with all the negative press, demotions and other things going wrong in Arizona, but this team is far from throwing in the towel on the 2015 season. They are only four games out of first place in the NL West which is easily one of the divisions that can see two teams march far in front of the rest of the pack. In fact, that is probably going to happen again this season with the only question being which teams will it be?
The D’backs did not trade every good chip to the Braves this past week, believe it or not. They actually do have some pieces that teams might want to take a look at such as Chris Owings. Sure, Stewart says he probably won’t trade Owings, but someone will have to go if they are going to bring in a good player via trade. This team is still in the fight, and they really owe it to their fans to actively buy via trade.
They do not need offensive help at this point. They are seventh in MLB in batting average and runs scored, and right in the middle of the pack in homers. Their relief corp could use a little help after Addison Reed took a dive early in the season, but the biggest problem is starting pitching. There are no Diamondbacks fans scratching their heads at that statement right now to be sure.
Someone could step up or return to form in a big way, sure, but they shouldn’t wait on that. If anything they should trade for a good starting pitcher who can help them compete with the big names in their division right now. Josh Collmenter hasn’t been perfect in the rotation this season and has had success in the bullpen in the past, so one reliable starter could improve the entire pitching outlook of the team.
That in turn would help them compete this season which would redeem the not-so-great trade they pulled off with Toussaint. If, on the other hand, they decide to sell everything this season and throw in the towel when they are really close to competing, it would be very bad for the team officials. In fact, that might mean that the biggest problem here is in the front office. Let’s hope they don’t let that happen.
David Miller is an MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
