Arizona Diamondbacks News

Mark Reynolds and Arizona Diamondbacks Finalize Three-Year Deal
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March 19
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"I never really thought Mark Reynolds strikeouts were an issue and apparently the Arizona Diamondbacks don't think so either. Yesterday, the Diamondbacks officially signed the slugging third baseman to a new deal. Reynolds is only 26, so the Diamondbacks will have Reynolds during his prime years. Last year, Reynolds hit .260 with 44 home runs, 102 RBI, 24 stolen bases, and of course led the major leagues in strike outs with 223. He was also the only person to master hitting home runs at Citi Field. I think no matter what Reynolds does, he will be known for his epic strikeout rate. Over the last two years, Reynolds has struckout 427 times. That's a lot of whiffs. I wrote back in September ..."
D'Backs Looking For Rotation Depth
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March 19
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"A National League executive tells Joel Sherman of the New York Post that the D'Backs are exploring trades for rotation depth. Brandon Webb is recovering from a shoulder injury, so the D'Backs have some concern about their starting five. Right now, that group consists of Dan Haren, Edwin Jackson and some combination of Ian Kennedy, Billy Buckner, Kevin Mulvey and Rodrigo Lopez. Sherman says the Yankees are "almost certain" to trade Chad Gaudin or Sergio Mitre before the season starts. Like their division rivals, the Blue Jays could trade starting pitching. The D'Backs had interest in Jays pitcher Dana Eveland earlier in the offseason. Sherman says the Blue Jays would be very happy to move ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Gerardo Parra has to keep hitting
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March 19
Arizona Republic
 
"Outfielder Gerardo Parra's swing is smooth and easy, a stroke that produces high numbers of line drives and ground balls. His future role in the big leagues might be tied to how many more of the former he hits than the latter. Most baseball scouts don't foresee Parra developing into a big-time power threat, and because he isn't great defensively in center field, he probably will need to hit for average - and keep on hitting - to have value as a regular corner outfielder. "For me, he has a chance to be a .300 hitter in the big leagues," said Junior Noboa, the Diamondbacks' director of Latin American operations. "The more time that he spends in the big leagues, he's going to be a better ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Mark Reynolds signs deal, finds focus
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March 19
Arizona Republic
 
"Nouveau-riche third baseman Mark Reynolds was asked whether he has any plans after his three-year, $14.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks became official Thursday. "I'm going to act like I don't even have it, honestly," he said. "It's basically just a relief off my shoulders and nothing else." Reynolds, who signed for $50,000 as a 16th-round draft pick out of Virginia, has the security of his first big contract but says his hard-nosed style won't be going anywhere. The deal covers the 2010-12 seasons and includes an $11 million club option for 2013. "It's peace of mind," he said, "but I have to go out and play still and prove that I'm worth what the Diamondbacks invested in me." ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Opening Day lineup shaping up
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March 18
Arizona Republic
 
"For the first time in spring training, Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch's lineup had an Opening Day look to it, with all eight of the club's anticipated everyday players together on Wednesday afternoon. Hinch wasn't ready to say the same batting order will be used on April 5, but he dropped a few hints about the way he plans to construct the lineup, and it appears some parts are more set in stone than others. Here's how the first eight hitters lined up Wednesday: 1. Stephen Drew, SS; 2. Conor Jackson, LF; 3. Justin Upton, RF; 4. Adam LaRoche, 1B; 5. Mark Reynolds, 3B; 6. Miguel Montero, C; 7. Kelly Johnson, 2B; 8. Chris Young, CF. Hinch seems most settled on the middle of the lineup, with ..."
Brandon Webb hopes to return for late April
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March 18
Arizona Republic
 
"Right-hander Brandon Webb feels his arm suddenly has come back to life, flipping his mind-set for the better and injecting some much-needed optimism into his road back from shoulder surgery. "It felt like I was throwing hard as hell," he said, recalling a throwing session he had with teammate Dan Haren on Sunday in Surprise. "It felt like I was throwing 95." Even better for his outlook: The doctor who performed his surgery in August was there watching him throw and came away so impressed he didn't even feel the need to examine him. "I was letting it go almost all the way," Webb said. "I felt like I had more left in the tank even. It was good, really good." As good as he feels, Webb seems ..."
Webb: 'It felt like I was throwing hard as hell'
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March 17
Arizona Republic
 
"Right-hander Brandon Webb feels his arm suddenly has come back to life, flipping his mind-set for the better and injecting some much-needed optimism into his road back from shoulder surgery. "It felt like I was throwing hard as hell," he said, recalling a throwing session he had with teammate Dan Haren on Sunday in Surprise. "It felt like I was throwing 95." Even better for his outlook: The doctor who performed his surgery in August was there watching him throw and came away so impressed he didn't even feel the need to examine him. "I was letting it go almost all the way," Webb said. "I felt like I had more left in the tank even. It was good, really good." As good as he feels, Webb seems ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks take a look at 16-year-old prospect
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March 17
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks had 16-year-old Wagner Mateo at their minor-league complex for a workout on Monday, having the slugging outfielder take batting practice and face pitchers in front of several of their top evaluators. Mateo was one of baseball's more coveted Latin American free agents last summer and was set to receive a $3.1 million signing bonus from St. Louis before the Cardinals voided the contract, citing concerns about the vision in Mateo's right eye. Mateo is expected to work out for at least four other teams in Arizona. The Diamondbacks, who don't seem overly concerned about Mateo's vision, appear willing to make him an offer - if they haven't done so already - although it almost ..."
Diamondbacks pitcher Jordan Norberto making big strides
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March 17
Arizona Republic
 
"Truth be told, left-hander Jordan Norberto's chances of landing a spot on the Opening Day roster probably aren't great, and that is why pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. absolutely loves Norberto's mind-set in spring training. "If you ask him, he thinks he's vying for a spot on this club," Stottlemyre said. "I love that. I love the competitive side of him." If Norberto keeps pitching the way he has through the first two weeks of Cactus League play, he'll make the decision a difficult one for the Diamondbacks. Norberto has pitched only 24 innings above Class A, but you wouldn't know it in spring training. In four appearances, he has allowed a walk and a hit batter - no hits or runs - and ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks call Cliff Lee's high pitch 'bush league'
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March 16
Arizona Republic
 
"In an unusual sight for a spring-training game, benches and bullpens cleared Monday after Seattle's Cliff Lee buzzed a fastball over the head of Chris Snyder during the third inning, a pitch the Diamondbacks believed was intentional, unnecessary and unsportsmanlike. "It's bush league," third baseman Mark Reynolds said. "Stuff like that doesn't need to happen anytime, especially in spring training." Lee, who was ejected, collided with Snyder in the first inning while trying to back up home plate after a base hit. Snyder was getting in position near home plate to tell the incoming baserunner whether to slide. "He said something, 'My bad, I guess,' " Snyder said of Lee. "We were fine." Or so ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks, Mark Reynolds agree to 3 years, $14.5 million
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March 16
Arizona Republic
 
"Third baseman Mark Reynolds knew he probably shouldn't have been talking about it - and he did attempt to bite his tongue a little Monday afternoon - but it seemed as if his relief and excitement about agreeing to terms on a new contract won out during a moment with reporters. "If it gets done," he said, knowing full well that his three-year, $14.5 million deal is almost certain to be completed in the next day or so, "it's a relief." Less than two weeks after striking a $51.25 million deal with their young franchise cornerstone, right fielder Justin Upton, the Diamondbacks gained cost certainty with another homegrown talent in Reynolds, whose skill set had the potential to cost a lot in ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks can live with Justin Upton's growing pains
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March 15
Arizona Republic
 
"Just because he still is a little raw in certain areas doesn't mean the Diamondbacks are uneasy with any of the growing pains Justin Upton is experiencing. "I'll just say this in general: He's 22 years old, and it's all good," said bench coach Kirk Gibson, who managed the Diamondbacks' split-squad game Sunday against the Rangers in Surprise. "You could go look in the sky and I'd say, 'Man, what a beautiful, blue sky.' And you could say, 'Yeah, but there's a cloud over there.' But look, Justin Upton is all good. There's nobody that wouldn't take that kid. He's light years ahead of where he was last year. "Do we wish we could click our fingers and he'd be the total (package) right now? . . . ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' bullpen bolstered by Bob Howry
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March 15
Arizona Republic
 
"There's nothing wrong with youth on a major-league roster. Too much of it at one particular spot, however, can lead to problems. Consider the Diamondbacks ' bullpen, for example. "That's the one thing I heard they really wanted to fix," right-hander Bob Howry said. "They wanted to get more-established guys to come in and fill out those back-end roles, and I think they've done that." To solidify late-inning help in front of closer Chad Qualls, the Diamondbacks signed Howry as a free agent from the Giants and acquired fellow right-hander Aaron Heilman in a trade with the Cubs. At 36, Howry is older than his manager, 35-year-old-old A.J. Hinch. But he's plenty durable. In the past five years, ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Augie Ojeda does it all for the fans
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March 14
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks infielder Augie Ojeda is a fan favorite, and he understands why. Aside from being undersized, he is scrappy, a gamer, gritty and . . . you get the idea. What Ojeda doesn't understand is why everyone else isn't. "Everyone should be a fan favorite," he said. "The fans, all they want to see is for you to go out there and bust your tail, play hard. If you have four at-bats and you average four seconds to first base, that's 16 seconds that you're going to be running. That's not that hard. We should all be doing it. "The fans pay a lot of money to see the games. We should all be hustling." And that, in a nutshell, is Augie Ojeda. He is 5 feet 9 (maybe) and isn't an everyday player. ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks buoyed by fresh start
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March 14
Arizona Republic
 
"Internally, the Diamondbacks are healed. An invisible wall no longer stands between players and management. The problem guys have been swept out of the room. This team has a new identity and camaraderie, armed with men who love to hunt. "If we (trained) in the southeast United States, we'd have 15 deer head on the locker-room wall," third baseman Mark Reynolds said. "These days, the only thing on the clubhouse television is the Outdoors channel." Skeptics surely are rolling their eyes. Spring training is all about sunshine, literally and otherwise. The Diamondbacks are no different, and all this talk of renewal won't make Brandon Webb throw the ball like he once did, or help an easily ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Cole Gillespie makes good impression
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March 14
Arizona Republic
 
"Before he was traded to the Diamondbacks last summer in the Felipe Lopez trade, Cole Gillespie was playing mostly left field in the Brewers organization, which he thought might be a bad sign for his prospect standing. "They've got (Ryan) Braun up there, and they're not planning on moving him anytime soon," Gillespie said. But here in his first spring training with his new organization, Gillespie is playing all three outfield positions, and his play is opening the eyes of Diamondbacks evaluators as well as rival scouts. Manager A.J. Hinch said this week that the team hadn't put a lot of thought in carrying five outfielders. But after Gillespie delivered another big hit Saturday - an RBI ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' offense showing positive signs
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March 13
Arizona Republic
 
"For years, the Diamondbacks have envisioned having a tough, deep lineup, a group of hitters who can strike at any time, any place. It hasn't happened. Could this finally be the year? As usual, there are positive signs early in the Cactus League season to suggest that maybe - just maybe - they can evolve into one of the National League's better run-scoring units. "You can kind of see where our offense could take a big step," Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes said. The glass-half-full version: Left fielder Conor Jackson and second base import Kelly Johnson - both coming off rough seasons - have had success, getting production commensurate with their grinding at-bats. Shortstop ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Ian Kennedy develops sinking fastball
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March 13
Arizona Republic
 
"Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Ian Kennedy's bread-and-butter pitch, he said, is his four-seam fastball, a straight, low-90s offering he can control well. But he came away from his start Friday with growing confidence for his sinking, two-seam fastball. "I feel pretty good with it," he said. "That's a pitch I need. The four-seamer can be pretty straight, and you have to hit the spot. The two-seamer you can let it do its thing and let guys hit it and get ground balls." Kennedy, who gave up just two hits and a walk in three scoreless innings, said he committed to the sinker during last year's Arizona Fall League season. "You look at the best pitchers, and they all have it," he said. "It's ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks would have 'big hole' in rotation without Brandon Webb
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March 12
Arizona Republic
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks aren't ready to admit it, but right-hander Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero. As of now, it's unclear how much time Webb might miss. But replacing a Cy Young contender, of course, is virtually impossible. Mentally getting over his loss might not be easy, either. Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick said throughout the off-season that the return of Webb was tantamount to a big-ticket free-agent acquisition. Right-hander Dan Haren said last month that the Diamondbacks "will probably go as far as (Webb) takes us." Even General Manager Josh Byrnes spoke strongly in December about Webb's importance, saying, "I don't think there's ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Tony Abreu makes good early impression
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March 12
Arizona Republic
 
"In the first week of spring-training games, Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Tony Abreu has shown what he can do, both at the plate and in the field. It's nothing Dodgers third-base coach Larry Bowa hasn't seen before. "I think he can help a team," Bowa said. "I'm telling you, this kid can do some things. The key for him is just to stay healthy." Abreu, who the Diamondbacks acquired in last season's Jon Garland deal, said Thursday he felt good, fully healthy after a 2009 season in which he came back from hip surgery and suffered an ankle injury. It's evident in his recent production. He went 2 for 3 with a double Thursday, a day after going 3 for 4 with a home run and a triple. He is 10 for ..."
Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero.
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March 12
Arizona Republic
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks aren't ready to admit it, but right-hander Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero. As of now, it's unclear how much time Webb might miss. But replacing a Cy Young contender, of course, is virtually impossible. Mentally getting over his loss might not be easy, either. Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick said throughout the off-season that the return of Webb was tantamount to a big-ticket free-agent acquisition. Right-hander Dan Haren said last month that the Diamondbacks "will probably go as far as (Webb) takes us." Even General Manager Josh Byrnes spoke strongly in December about Webb's importance, saying, "I don't think there's ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Kelly Johnson sees early improvement
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March 11
Arizona Republic
 
"It's early, very early - a point Kelly Johnson quickly raises in the conversation. But so far, Johnson looks a lot more like the player who was one of baseball's better offensive second basemen than the guy who lost his job with the Atlanta Braves last season. "I feel good," he said. "I feel comfortable again." He's 4 for 10 with a double and a pair of walks in four Cactus League games. At one point last season, he recalled, things were going so badly that the only kind of pitch he could hit was something inside. "I was just sitting back and spinning," he said. But he took suggestions from several people - including former Braves teammates Chipper Jones and Brian McCann - as he tried to ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks' Ryan Roberts sees proof that he belongs
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March 11
Arizona Republic
 
"Do you know when a major leaguer finally feels like he's found a home? For the Diamondbacks' Ryan Roberts, it was when he reported to spring training this year and happened to look inside the waistband of his baseball pants hanging in his locker stall. "They had my name stitched into them," the second baseman said, beaming. "You have no idea what that was like to see. "I mean, last year, they just gave me anybody's old pants. They could have belonged to (pitcher) Leo Rosales or some other guy. They never really fit. I'd just get somebody's pants and they'd write my uniform number on the inside with a black Sharpie." After a year of proving he belongs and adjusting to the hand-me-downs in ..."
Diamondbacks' Brandon Allen finding comfort zone in batter's box
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March 10
Arizona Republic
 
"First baseman Brandon Allen played at two levels with the Chicago White Sox, was with two more clubs after being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and then finished the year in the Arizona Fall League. Five teams, five hitting coaches. Allen, soft spoken and always respectful, said he tried to take something from every coach but admitted, "It gets in your head a little bit." So when Diamondbacks hitting coach Jack Howell began working with him this spring, his goal for Allen was simple - find a comfort zone. The search is over. Everyone from opposing scouts to team executives have commented on Allen's impressive batting practice sessions, which have translated into success in games. ..."
Diamondbacks infielder Rusty Ryal aims for bench role
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March 10
Arizona Republic
 
"Rusty Ryal cringes at the idea that he has been an under-the-radar prospect in his professional career. That last year would qualify as some kind of emergence for the versatile Arizona Diamondbacks infielder. "If you want to go check statistics out - this game is pretty statistical - I've been pretty consistent with my numbers, having success," he said. "It's not like I all of a sudden showed up." In some ways he is right; his progression has been slow and steady, his success more workmanlike than eye-popping. But a year ago at this time, you might have had trouble finding believers - perhaps even within the Diamondbacks organization - who would have predicted he would post the type of ..."
D-Backs closer Chad Qualls ready after tough injury
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March 9
Arizona Republic
 
"It all happened so fast, nobody really knew for certain what exactly had just happened. Not even Chad Qualls, the guy lying on the pitcher's mound, writhing in pain. "I thought he got hit by the ball," Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch said. "You couldn't really tell by watching from the dugout," catcher Miguel Montero said. "But when I watched the replay on TV, it was ugly." Qualls, the Diamondbacks' closer, was trying to shut down the Houston Astros in a late-August game at Chase Field and needed just one more out. He threw a fastball to Jason Michaels, who hit a sizzling line drive. Qualls tried to get his glove on it as the ball screamed toward his face. "I told my wife later that I ..."
Diamondbacks have many options at top of order
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March 9
Arizona Republic
 
"They say it's lonely at the top. Not if you're the Nos. 1 and 2 hitters at the top of the batting order for the Diamondbacks. Manager A.J. Hinch is sticking to his plan to use multiple players at the top two spots through spring training until gradually fine-tuning his preferred order. Things appear virtually set in the middle, with the Nos. 3-6 spots likely going to Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Adam LaRoche and Miguel Montero. "But we've got a number of guys who could see time at the top," Hinch said. Shortstop Stephen Drew would appear to be the front-runner for the leadoff role, a spot he's previously occupied. But that could change, with the role falling to anyone from center fielder ..."
Diamondbacks' Brandon Webb no closer to making spring training debut
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March 8
Arizona Republic
 
"To say Brandon Webb has hit a wall in his comeback attempt might be laying it on too thick. But the former ace clearly has a fence to scale if he hopes to make it back from shoulder surgery and it's been a process that seems to yield new highs and lows every other day. Lately, the updates haven't been positive. And it may stay that way for a while. Three days after saying he felt "stagnant" during a bullpen session, Webb played catch Sunday and is no closer to making his spring-training debut in a Cactus League game. Manager A.J. Hinch said the Diamondbacks will be extra cautious from this point on with Webb, adding the right hander has "hit a bump in the road where he's plateaued a bit in ..."
Diamondbacks' Conor Jackson happy to be back on field
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March 8
Arizona Republic
 
"The interview had concluded, but Conor Jackson had a question of his own. "Promise that this is the last story about valley fever?" he said, his thick eyebrows arched upward. Jackson couldn't be more eager to put 2009 behind him. And the Diamondbacks can't wait to get his bat back in the lineup. Jackson missed the final 4 1/2 months of the season after contracting valley fever, an illness contracted by breathing in spores of fungus in desert soil. He struggled to maintain his energy level from day to day, lost 30 pounds, and called the experience the toughest thing he has had to go through in his life. He said he couldn't stop smiling during Thursday's Cactus League opener, in which he ..."
Diamondbacks' Chris Young gets rare bunt hit
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March 7
Arizona Republic
 
"Chris Young did a little of everything on Saturday in Scottsdale, including a little of something he'd like to do more: bunting. Young homered, doubled and beat out a bunt for a hit when he pushed the ball down the first-base line in the first inning. "I've got to use my speed more this year," Young said. "That's one of the traits that I have as a player and if I want to do my part, I'm going to have to try to use everything - power, speed, good defense. Everything I can do to help the team win, basically." According to Stats Inc., Young had only one bunt hit last season and just eight in the past three years. "It's something that can be in his game a lot," manager A.J. Hinch said. "If he ..."
Diamondbacks' Mark Reynolds tiring of contract 'distraction'
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March 6
Arizona Republic
 
"Third baseman Mark Reynolds slumped in his chair and leaned against a wall in the visiting clubhouse at Hohokam Park, his body language matching his exasperated tone when talking about his ongoing contract talks with the Diamondbacks. "It's just a distraction," he said. "I didn't know it would be this much of a distraction." The ongoing discussions between Reynolds and the Diamondbacks come on the heels of the team's $51.25 million agreement with right fielder Justin Upton. The team also has had talks with catcher Miguel Montero, but there are indications those won't lead to a new deal. Reynolds said his discussions are focused on a three-year deal that would run through 2012, leaving him ..."
Diamondbacks' Brandon Webb may start the season on DL
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March 6
Arizona Republic
 
"Right-hander Brandon Webb's "stagnant" condition, to use his word, has the Diamondbacks acknowledging for the first time that he could begin the season on the disabled list. "If we get 30 starts from him, great," General Manager Josh Byrnes said Friday. "If we get 20, that's great. We just need to get it right." Byrnes said that if Webb doesn't get in a Cactus League game by around next weekend, he probably won't have time to get ready for his first start of the season. He was scheduled to start on April 7 in the third game of the season. Webb said he wasn't able to "let loose and let it go," which has been evident in his below-normal velocity in the two bullpen sessions open to reporters. ..."
D-backs hoping they can wrap up Reynolds
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March 5
SI.com
 
"The Diamondbacks, fresh of their $51.25 million, six-year deal with rising star Justin Upton, have offered about $13.5 million over two years to slugging third baseman Mark Reynolds and are meeting with him Friday with hopes of making progress. The sides are said to remain a bit apart, as Reynolds is seeking a deal similar to the $18-million, two-year deal Prince Fielder received to cover his first two arbitration years while the D-backs see Dan Uggla and his $13 million take during his first two arbitration years as the better comp. Reynolds' people pointed out in meetings that he has more all-around skills than Fielder, including baserunning ability and better defense. But while the ..."
Diamondbacks' Chris Young says Justin Upton needs no advice
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March 5
Arizona Republic
 
"Usually around Diamondbacks camp, wherever Chris Young is, Justin Upton isn't far behind. So it's no surprise Young is excited his close friend signed a six-year, $51.25 million deal on Wednesday. "Hopefully we can play together for years to come," Young said. But even from someone who already has a long-term deal of his own, Young, who is signed through 2013 with a team option for '14, says he doesn't plan to impart any wisdom on his close friend. "J-Up takes care of his business the right way and he's going to continue to bust it every day," Young said. "He's not going to let up at all. He's going to continue to come with it. His main goal is winning. I don't think he's a guy that's all ..."
Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb 'stagnant' in bullpen session
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March 5
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks kicked off their Cactus League season on Thursday afternoon, but it was a session in the morning that means more to their hopes of contending. Right-hander Brandon Webb threw another bullpen session. It didn't go especially well. Webb said his surgically repaired shoulder is fine, but overall he feels "stagnant," believes he is lacking intensity and lamented that he hasn't been able to "let loose and let it go." The usual caveats: It's still very early and Webb has yet to face hitters, which could ratchet up his intensity. But his lack of progress raises concerns about whether he will be ready to start the season. For the glass-half-empty types: Will he again be the Webb ..."
Brandon Webb still trying to 'let loose'
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March 4
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Webb feels healthy, his shoulder feels fine, he says. Problem is, the ball isn't coming out the way he would like. "Still can't let it go," Webb said. Webb threw another bullpen session on Thursday morning, his eighth such session since February in his road back from shoulder surgery. But in this one, he didn't feel like he moved the chains. "It was average," he said. "I feel like I'm kind of stagnant right now. I want to feel some progression every time and I feel like the last couple of times I've been out, it's been about the same." He said that suffering a setback is in the back of his mind. "I don't want to overdo it, either," he said. "I don't want ..."
Diamondbacks pitcher Bryan Augenstein ready to apply what he learned
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March 4
Arizona Republic
 
"Right-hander Bryan Augenstein experienced a little of everything last season, a year in which he jumped from Double-A to the majors, was sent back to the minors, spent time on the disabled list because of an elbow injury and finished up in the Arizona Fall League. "I took a lot from last season," he said. "I think the most-beneficial thing I can take is what I learned about my body throughout the whole year." In the competition for a spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation, Augenstein hopes he can take what he learned and stay healthy for the entire year, something he hasn't been able to do in his three seasons as a pro. Augenstein had a 2.98 ERA in 81 2/3 innings in the minors last season but ..."
Diamondbacks' Justin Upton: 'I want to be great'
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March 4
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton doesn't see how his new $51.25 million contract extension could put any more pressure on him to perform than what he already puts on himself. "I want to be great," he said at a news conference Wednesday to announce his new deal, the second-largest in franchise history. "If you want to be great, then you set your goals higher. That's what I do to myself. Sometimes I go too far and beat myself up over it, but it's something that I think I can handle. It's what I strive for. I'll continue to work towards that." The contract buys out all three of Upton's arbitration years (2011-13) and his first two years of free agency, meaning the Diamondbacks have ..."
Diamondbacks, Upton finalize $51 million contract extension
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March 4
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton doesn't see how his new $51.25 million contract extension could put any more pressure on him to perform than what he already puts on himself. "I want to be great," he said at a news conference Wednesday to announce his new deal, the second-largest in franchise history. "If you want to be great, then you set your goals higher. That's what I do to myself. Sometimes I go too far and beat myself up over it, but it's something that I think I can handle. It's what I strive for. I'll continue to work towards that." The contract buys out all three of Upton's arbitration years (2011-13) and his first two years of free agency, meaning the Diamondbacks have ..."
Diamondbacks, Upton close to 6-year contract extension
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March 3
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks are on the verge of locking up one of baseball's best young players. The club and 22-year-old right fielder Justin Upton are closing in on a six-year deal worth "a shade above" $50 million, according to a source close to the discussions, a contract that would buy out all three years of Upton's arbitration years and his first two seasons of free agency. The deal is expected to be finalized and announced today. Upton declined comment, as did Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes. The contract would run through 2015, meaning Upton would be eligible to enter the free-agent market for the first time at 28. Playing most of last season at age 21, Upton was named an All-Star ..."
Sources: Upton, D-Backs close to multi-year deal
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March 3
Foxsports.com
 
"The Diamondbacks are close on a new contract for right fielder Justin Upton, according to major league sources. The deal is believed to be for six years in the $50 million range. Under those terms, the contract would cover all three of Upton's arbitration years and his first two free-agent years. He still would be eligible for free agency at 28."
Diamondbacks, Upton close to 6-year contract extension
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March 2
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks and right fielder Justin Upton are on the verge of agreeing to a contract extension that would keep him with the team for the next six years. The deal, first reported by foxsports.com, is said to be worth in the neighborhood of $50 million. Talks heated up on Monday night and the extension could be announced as soon as Wednesday."
Diamondbacks focus on shoring up defense
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March 2
Arizona Republic
 
"Though injuries played a part in the Diamondbacks' ugly 2009 season, they didn't explain everything, including a defense that was among the least-dependable in the majors. Improving in that area has been a major focus of A.J. Hinch's first spring training as manager. So far he has liked what he has seen. "We've had really efficient, crisp team defense drills every day," Hinch said. "I've had the motto that we're going to do it right or we're going to do it again. We've had some reloads from time to time to make sure that we finish doing it right. "I've been very happy with the attention span of our guys during the drills and most importantly the quality of work that we're getting. We're ..."
Betancourt won't pitch Thursday
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March 1
InsideTheRockies.com
 
"Reliever Rafael Betancourt will not pitch one inning Thursday in the Cactus League opener against the Diamondbacks as scheduled, feeling he is not yet ready to pitch in a game as he makes up for more than three weeks missed due to illness. Jason Hammel will start as scheduled against the Diamondbacks. But Jorge De La Rosa, who was not supposed to pitch in that game, is now scheduled to work two innings, as is Hammel. Betancourt said he lost 10 pounds and didn't work out from Dec. 27 until Jan. 19 when he reported to Denver for a physical after getting sick right after Christmas. "There's no reason for me to rush anything right now," Betancourt said Monday morning. "I feel fine so far. ..."
Diamondbacks pitcher Blaine Boyer's recruiting pays off with Adam LaRoche, Kelly Johnson
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February 28
Arizona Republic
 
"It won't show up in any of the preseason magazines, but Blaine Boyer's recruiting class was a strong one this off-season. The Diamondbacks reliever's technique was part college coach, part general manager: He worked the phones, appealed to the emotions, even tried his hand at negotiating, and ultimately he got his targets to sign on the dotted line. For the Diamondbacks to land a pair of free agents in first baseman Adam LaRoche and second baseman Kelly Johnson, it's a win-win for everyone, Boyer said. The club upgrades the right side of its infield. And Boyer gets to reunite with two of his better friends. Only problem is, he put in all that work and didn't get his commission. "Next ..."
D-Backs' Dan Haren looking for a complete season
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February 27
Arizona Republic
 
"Even with his second-half hiccup, a blemish that has dogged him for most of his career, Diamondbacks right-hander Dan Haren ranked among the best pitchers in the majors last season. Still, Haren already is thinking about what he needs to do to avoid another repeat. "It's the ability to bounce back after a rough one," he said. "Some of it can be mental more than physical because my stuff is there at the end of the year. It's not my stuff diminishing. "You get hit around one or two times in the big leagues, it's not easy to get out there again. You lose a little bit of that confidence. I've been better at dealing with that as I've gotten older and hopefully I can be even better with that ..."
Diamondbacks' Miguel Montero impressed with Edwin Jackson
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February 26
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks right-hander Edwin Jackson is known for his explosive fastball - a pitch he showed off during Thursday's workout - and sharp slider. But catcher Miguel Montero thinks those pitches are just part of the story. "At first I thought he was just a fastball-slider guy," Montero said. "After looking at his videos to try to get to know him a little better before catching him, he's got a nasty change-up. He's got three plus pitches - fastball, slider, change - and he's got a good curveball, too." Jackson said the change-up gradually improved throughout his career, finally taking shape sometime between the end of the 2007 season and the beginning of '08. "I had always had it, but it ..."