SnakeBytes 2/24: The New Wave
Diamondbacks News
The D-backs made a strategic trade, acquiring Kelly from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Bratt, Drake, and David Hagaman. This deal provided a unique opportunity as the players were traded for each other, creating a dynamic where youngsters and a veteran coexist in the same clubhouse.
Bratt shared an amusing anecdote, "When I introduced myself, I made sure to tell him I got traded for him. He thought that was pretty cool, too. But he’s been another guy who’s been awesome to talk to and pick his brain."
Lawlar, a young player, has shown promising results in the Cactus League, going 4-for-6 with two home runs against right-handed pitchers. This performance aligns with his goal of improving his ability to hit off-speed pitches.
Manager Lovullo expressed confidence in Lawlar's development, stating, "We want him to continue to control the zone, have good plate coverage, have awareness on the outer half, check off of spin that isn’t there. We’ve seen that in spurts at different times, and we know what he’s capable of doing."
Around the League
Skubal, a pitcher, is navigating a dual commitment. He's pitching for Team USA in the WBC while also preparing for the Tigers' season. Skubal hinted at his plan to start in pool play and potentially rejoin the team as a spectator if Team USA advances to the finals.
Soto, a star player, finished second in the 2021 MVP voting, but now faces competition from Ohtani, who has won the MVP in the two seasons since moving to the NL. Soto aims to surpass Ohtani's dominance and secure an MVP title.
In baseball history, Bill Mazeroski's walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series is a legendary moment. However, it sparked controversy, as Mazeroski, a light-hitting second baseman, was elected to the Hall of Fame despite his limited offensive contributions.
Among the players who didn't trade this offseason, Ketel Marte was a prominent figure in trade rumors. Arizona's general manager, Mike Hazen, dismissed the possibility of a trade, but the D-Backs received inquiries from interested teams, including the Mariners.
The Mariners, however, were not willing to include Cole Young in the deal, which limited the progress of negotiations. The desire to join a team with recent World Series success, like the Dodgers, adds complexity to the situation.
Tucker, a player joining the Dodgers, praised the organization's commitment to winning, stating, "This is just an organization that I thought was first class from the top down. Really good players and a really great fan base. Everyone, from the front office and the coaching staff to the guys that we see in the locker room every day, is committed to winning. So, just taking all that into account, this is just a place that I want to be a part of."
