D-Backs pick up an arm
The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired right-handed reliever Jon Rauch from the Washington Nationals in exchange for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio.
Rauch was the Nats’ closer, and had a 4-2 record with 17 saves in 22 opportunities and a 2.98 ERA. Rauch, a 6-year veteran, is 29 years old, and is the tallest pitcher in Major League History at 6 foot 11.
Bonifacio was considered one of the brighter prospects in the Diamondbacks’ system. He was 2 for 12 with 2 runs batted in this season with the Diamondbacks. In Triple-A Tucson, he hit .302 with 1 home run, 29 rbi, and 17 stolen bases.
Rauch gives the Diamondbacks’ ailing bullpen some options (although they still don’t have any lefties). He is a capable closer, and gives Bob Melvin the flexibility to move the struggling Brandon Lyon to a setup role in the absence of Juan Cruz. And if the trade doesn’t work out, it at least gives the Diamondbacks’ off-season hoops team an imposing front line, with Rauch and 6′10″ Randy Johnson starting up front.
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Posted by Vince Marotta
Vince has been part of the Phoenix Sports scene in a few different capacities. First as a fan, Vince has been yelling at his tv during Suns and ASU games since the late 1970's. Vince also saw the media side of things as a radio talk show host from 1996 to 2002, and then again in 2007.
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