Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers answered questions from fans during an MLB.com chat today, and here are some of the hot stove-related items…
- The D'Backs and Miguel Montero are "quite a ways a part in dollars right now" in regards to a multiyear extension but "there's a desire to get something worked out on both ends and that's a real plus." The two sides avoided arbitration just minutes before their schedule hearing when Montero agreed to a one-year, $5.9MM deal. Back in September, I suggested that a three-year, $21MM extension (plus an $11MM option for 2015) would be a fair price for a Montero extension.
- Towers said the team is probably done making Major League roster moves for the offseason. The D'Backs only remaining needs are minor league catchers and middle infielders to add depth.
- To that same end, Towers said the D'Backs will look at second basemen, catchers and overall put a larger emphasis on quick, athletic position players in the amateur draft. Towers admitted that it's hard to predict what players will still be around when Arizona makes the 26th pick of the first round, but "we're hopeful we can continue to pick at the back end of the draft, as that would mean our big league club is playing well."
- The Snakes will "be much more aggressive than we have in years past" on international signings, Towers said, due to the new collective bargaining agreement's cap on draft signings. Towers predicts several other clubs will be similarly active with international players.
I don’t see any reason for Montero to accept that deal. He could at least make Victor Martinez money on the open market and he’s better defensively than Victor.
3/21MM seems quite a bit light for Montero, he’s entering his last season of arbitration and if he can make it 130+ games behind the plate and put up another .351 wOBA, he should be in line for a pretty big deal, considering how hard it is to find catchers than can hit.
I’m thinking 4/32. He’s an elite catcher, but hasn’t been consistently healthy. Thoughts anyone?
2/15 tops. Burned by the Snyder signing, and Snyder was a way better defender. Can’t tie into a catcher who missed half a season in 2010 btw – for 3 years. He may have already peaked. His CS rate is a very much a product of a Gibby driven concerted effort to hold runners, coupled with real improvements from Montero. 2 yrs ago, the RF & CF were fielding his throws on the hop, and he had to wait for a ball to stop rolling before putting a fork in it to throw it back to the pitcher. Never buy high. Paying now is buying high.
Kubel was/is insurance against him walking this year. Still get a lefty power bat behind Upton if Montero chases the money. Personally, I would expect a regression from Montero 15/70/.270 – and THAT would still be a good season. Pay after that season, not this one.
I agree.