We've got quite a full Inbox this week, filled once again with postseason questions, but also a couple that look ahead to 2018. We're going to be doing a few more of these over the next couple of weeks, so please continue to email or tweet your questions to me. The more I get, the more I'll answer.
Now on to the questions:
How would the D-backs' bullpen look for the National League Wild Card Game? Would Arizona take on more relievers for the one game?
-- R.C., Nogales, Ariz.
This is a really good question. Assuming the D-backs make it to the NL Wild Card Game, I would expect them to carry more relievers than usual and more bench players. Should they win that contest, they can then reset their roster to a more traditional look for the best-of-five NL Division Series.
Teams in the past have carried the pitcher they intended to start, as well as maybe one other starter in case of injury, a long extra-inning game or whatnot, and then a few extra relievers to give them more flexibility with matchups, fresh arms, etc. They also could carry a couple of extra position players to give them more pinch-hitting and pinch-running options. This is a situation where maybe a guy is kept on the roster because he is particularly good defensively or for his baserunning ability.
:: Submit a question to the D-backs Inbox ::
Does Jimmie Sherfy qualify for the postseason?
-- Bob, Oro Valley, Ariz.
Yes, Sherfy is eligible to be put on the postseason roster. Anyone on the 40-man roster or the 60-day disabled list as of Aug. 31 qualifies. It will be interesting to see what Arizona does with him. While Sherfy is young and doesn't have much big league experience, he has pitched well since coming up. Over the next couple of weeks, he could pitch himself into contention for more high-leverage opportunities.
How do you see the infield next season? Who's the odd man out among Chris Owings, Ketel Marte, Brandon Drury and Nick Ahmed, or would the D-backs carry all four?
-- Adrienne, Chandler, Ariz.
Remember when we all thought Arizona had too many shortstops, and then suddenly it didn't? I would imagine all four of those players will be back next year unless the team feels it can get significantly better in another area by trading one of them. Once again, I think there will be a battle for playing time at shortstop next spring. But as we've seen this year, having depth at such an important position can be a real strength.