The Diamondbacks started off the day by finalizing the long awaited decision of exercising J.J. Putz's $6.5MM option for 2013. It turns out that was small potatoes compared to the move they would pull later in the day – a three-team deal sending Chris Young to Oakland and bringing in Heath Bell from Miami. Here's more on the D'Backs..
- Some scouts are already speculating that Putz could be on the trading block after Bell's arrival, tweets Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. However, Miller notes that General Manager Kevin Towers is a fan of strong bullpens and would relish the chance to have David Hernandez, Bell, and Putz as the club's 7-8-9 relievers (Twitter link).
- Towers believes that Bell can help "get the ball" to Putz, tweets Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. That would seem to infer that Putz is still part of the club's plan for 2013, but the closer would absolutely have value if the D'Backs chose to shop him.
- Prior to the deal being announced, Towers told Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com (via Twitter) that he will talk to Putz about a contract extension. "I hope he finishes his career in a Diamondbacks uniform," said the GM.
*David Hernandez
With AZ only having to pay only $13 mil over 2 years for Bell, I think this is a great pick-up for them. Bell had a horrible first half of 2012, but was pretty good in the second half. Putz, as good as he has been in AZ, is always good for 1 or 2 DL stints each season with back issues flaring up. Having Bell as the 7-8 inning guy with Hernandez and Putz closing games out gives them extra insurance.
Heath Bell is an awfully expensive gamble to be insurance for both Putz and Hernandez. With the Dbacks having two long arms in the bullpen, there’s little reason for paying that much for a guy that projects to be a 7th Inning guy.
Furthermore, if he was throwing tantrums in Miami because he was not closing (and thus not seeing his vesting option kick in) he’s going to be sorely disappointed in Arizona where he’s the third best option for the role.