The Diamondbacks will be in the hunt for Kenta Maeda if the Japanese righty is made available this winter, GM Dave Stewart told reporters (including MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert). “I love Maeda,” Stewart said. “I love him. We have a lot of video and film and we have people who have seen him. We think that he’s got a chance to be very successful in Major League Baseball. We’re going to try to be in on the market when he does post, if he does post.” Here’s some more notes from Stewart and other Snakes-related items…
- Stewart confirmed the team’s interest in Chad Billingsley, saying the right-hander is “definitely a possibility for us.” Billingsley has been sidelined for almost two full seasons due to Tommy John surgery and a torn flexor tendon. Stewart represented Billingsley back when the GM was a player agent.
- “I don’t know how big we’re going to play” for Yasmany Tomas, Stewart said, given the Cuban outfielder’s escalating price tag. The D’Backs do like Tomas’ potential and they “definitely have to consider being a part of that.”
- The Diamondbacks want to acquire a starting pitcher, though Stewart won’t pay too much of a prospect cost to do so. “I’m not trying to put us in a backward position, especially in our Minor League system,” the GM said.
- Stewart again stressed that he hasn’t “shopped any of our players,” including catcher Miguel Montero, though “all of our players have been asked about. That’s the best way I can put it.” Montero has been rumored to be available as Arizona looks to free up some payroll space. Stewart said he hasn’t spoken to Montero about the trade rumors since “I don’t see any point in raising concerns when there are none.”
- Montero’s market is examined by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, who feels that while Montero could be draw attention from teams who fail to sign Russell Martin, the Arizona catcher’s recent poor hitting and hefty contract could be deterrents. “If [the D’Backs] won’t chew down any dollars, I’d say the return won’t be as good as most think. It also depends on how motivated the acquiring club is,” a rival executive told Piecoro.
- Stewart is keeping an open mind about whether to use Daniel Hudson as a starter or a reliever as the right-hander continues his recovery from his second Tommy John surgery, Piecoro reports. “We had a discussion about that, and we’re not really sure. We’d like to best utilize him in a way that we can get the most out of him,” Stewart said. “We’re going to have to have more discussions with our training staff, and I’d like to ask some people externally about what they think of his condition and how we can best utilize him without hurting him.”
Welcome too New York Kenta….Tanaka will need a friend……..
A lot of teams will be in the hunt for Kenta Maeda. He pitched well in the exhibition game this morning. He looks like a #3 or 4 MLB starter. He may be an alternative to Brandon Mc Carthy.
Dbacks should trade montero and Blair to the cubs for Jorge soler
The Cubs should say no
Loudly.
Why would Stewart openly play his hand with that statement? Surely he went to GM 101 school. And I know, don’t call you shirley.
Maybe he is trying this new strategy where he says exactly what he is thinking, betting that everyone will think he is playing games.
Dunno, he made some quizzical statements when he was Kemp’s agent.
Stewart Sure Loves Maeda.
Dave, it’s Maeda….. not Madea!!! Common mistake, though.
“All”? All of their players have been asked about? Some GM or GMs named every single one of the Diamondbacks’ players, or said, “Look, Dave — we are interested in ALL of your players. Will you trade them to us for all of our players?”
Reading on NPB and they are saying that the Carp will get the full $20 million posting fee and then Maeda will get money similar to Rusney Castillo. Even if they are saying that including the posting fee he will get 7yrs/$72.5 million, that seems excessive for a guy that everyone is saying projects as a #3-#4 starter in MLB.
The Hiroshima Carp are looking at getting the max posting fee of $20 million and some are saying Maeda will get Rusney Castillo type money. Even if all Maeda gets is 7 years and $52.5 million, that seems excessive to me for a guy that projects as a #3-#4 starter in the majors.
It’s difficult to imagine Billingsley landing anything but a minor league contract.