"The focus all off-season has been on pitching - on upgrading the rotation, on further reinforcing the bullpen. And even after trading for Trevor Cahill and signing Takashi Saito in the past 10 days, it still seemed as though the Diamondbacks were focused on arms.

And then they turned around and agreed to terms with outfielder Jason Kubel on a two-year, $15 million deal.

It's an interesting signing, both because it came out of nowhere and because of the questions it raises, most of which revolve around incumbent left fielder Gerardo Parra.

Do the Diamondbacks have that little faith in Parra's offensive ability? Do they intend to trade him?

The answer to the first question almost certainly is a resounding yes. And, in many ways, I don't blame them."