It’s been a highly disappointing debut season for Mark Trumbo in Arizona, writes Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, who examines whether or not the D’Backs should explore the concept of trading Trumbo this season. Trumbo hasn’t hit much when healthy, and while he hasn’t been charged with any errors in left field, he also displayed poor range when playing there (prior to Paul Goldschmidt’s injury). However, as Piecoro notes, much of that could be due to a stress fracture in Trumbo’s left foot — an injury that has limited him to just 79 games this year. Trumbo’s price tag could top $6MM in arbitration this season, and he may well be best-suited for an AL team or a team with an opening at first base. However, despite those factors, Piecoro concludes that the Snakes have traded too many players with their value at a low point in recent seasons, and moving Trumbo now would be an instance of history repeating itself. Instead, he feels that even if Arizona decides trading Trumbo is best, it should be done after he has a chance to rebuild some value in 2015.
Here’s more on the D’Backs and the NL West…
- Cliff Pennington views himself as an everyday player and would like more at-bats, he tells Piecoro, but that doesn’t mean he’s unhappy with the Diamondbacks. Rather, he very much likes his teammates and the atmosphere in Phoenix. Still, given Arizona’s bulk of shortstop candidates — the team has Didi Gregorius, Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed as potential Major League options — Pennington’s future with the team is uncertain. As Piecoro notes, he’ll be due a raise on his $2.75MM salary in his final trip through arbitration. The Diamondbacks are looking to trim payroll, and Pennington could be considered expendable due to his loftier price tag. He’d have little trouble finding work in the event of a non-tender, Piecoro implies, and I’d imagine that there could be clubs in need of infield help that are intrigued by Pennington’s solid defense and his .253/.346/.358 batting line this season.
- Cameron Maybin feels he can be more productive with everyday at-bats, he tells Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune, and he’ll play in the Dominican Winter League this offseason to get some reps after an injury- and suspension-shortened season. Maybin says his goal is to help the Padres in an everyday role, though his comments could imply that he feels he might be traded: “For me, I feel like if I’m healthy, I can be somebody’s really good everyday center fielder. …a big part of going to the Dominican Republic is making sure I’m ready for spring training so I can help whoever – mainly the Padres.” The 27-year-old is owed $16MM over the next two seasons, which makes him a difficult trade candidate given his lack of recent production. However, he’s a former No. 10 overall pick and top prospect, so teams may be willing to gamble on a rebound, particularly in a more hitter-friendly environment. Should he bounce back, his contract would actually turn into quite the asset, as he’s owed $7MM in 2015, $8MM in 2016 and has a $9MM option (1MM buyout) for 2017.
Trading away Trumbo for pennies on the dollar after a bad season sounds like a very Kevin Towers-like thing to do. Good thing he’s not in charge any more,,,
It’s a strange position for the Dbacks. On the one hand, trading Trumbo at the low point of his career would be a bad move. On the other hand, he’s really not a good fit. He’s not a left fielder, and he potentially could be a good fit for a team that needs a 1B or DH. I think they should shop him, but not settle if they don’t like the return
You forgot a crucial step in the Kevin Towers Method which involves smearing the player in the media and then patting yourself on the back when you get $0.10 on the dollar in a return.
Trumbo did lead the league in home runs and was 2nd in RBIs (might have been the other way around) until he got hurt. So the idea that the injury really did effect him seems pretty valid. Trumbo has also been a notoriously streaky hitter over his career
He had a rough go returning from injury, but since Goldy went down, Trumbo has been pretty good. He’s hit around .280 and is just starting to hit for power and drive in runs again. An injury shortened season and recovery time is no reason to be down on Trumbo, he is what he is: huge power, streaky, and not suited to any defensive position.
I don’t mind Trumbo at first, but he can’t stay there. I would suggest not belittling him, but looking to trade him during the offseason. He doesn’t have a good place to play and would block some of Arizona’s good young outfielders. A team like Seattle or Oakland should be interested in Trumbo to spice up their lineups with a little more power.
One other thing, how is it that Pennington is an everyday player? He doesn’t have plus speed or power. He plays solid defense and is decent, not great with the bat. It seems he’s gotten too much playing time as is.
Will he replace Jeter? Who knows? He has hit about as well as him this year, but that isn’t saying much.
ML average bat with solid D at SS plays.
How is Trumbo disappointing? He batted .234 last year and is up to .235 this year! Why on Earth Towers traded Tyler Skaggs and Adam Eaton to get him, well, that’s another question.
He was also coming off of back to back 30 HR seasons and Arizona had what looked to be a terrible offense outside of Goldschmidt. It ended up being a robbing Peter to pay Paul move, though.
If Maybin stopped getting hurt every year, I am sure he will receive everyday at-bats
Safe to say that Trumbo with two good feet would still have poor range in the outfield. Heck, he’s have poor range at first base too.