Obviously building a strong bullpen is a must. Your thoughts?
-- Allen, Vancouver, Wash.

Anytime we talk to D-backs GM Mike Hazen either prior to the Trade Deadline or during the offseason he repeats a familiar phrase: You’re always looking for bullpen help. Performance by relievers are the hardest to predict in baseball because of how they can vary widely from one year to the next. With that in mind, I think you’ll see them try to add to the 'pen this offseason. Hazen specifically mentioned adding to the backend of the 'pen when he gave his wrap-up press conference the day after the season ended. Archie Bradley pitched well after being moved into the closer’s role during the season, so if the 2020 season started right now he would be their closer. Over the last several offseasons, though, the D-backs have declined to name a closer, which leaves them the ability to sell a potential free agent reliever on the opportunity to close in Arizona. We’ll see how that plays out this winter, but look for the D-backs to definitely try to add a couple of relievers.

What is the direction that pitching coaches may go? Traditional or SABER-styled coaching?
-- Jim, Vienna Austria

First, thanks for following all the way from Austria, Jim! As for the pitching coach spot, I think whoever they go with will be probably be fluent in both traditional and analytics when it comes to pitching. Having the ability to understand the analytics is important, but the biggest part is being able to communicate the relevant parts to the pitchers. Dan Haren, the team’s pitching strategist, and Alex Cultice, their run prevention coordinator, do a lot of the analytic work as well as the baseball operations department. Whoever they hire will need to be a good communicator who can work with the analytics and also communicate it to the pitchers.

Should Tim Locastro be an everyday player?
-- Brendan, Mesa, Ariz.

I really enjoy watching Tim Locastro play the game of baseball. His all-out style and enthusiasm is impressive and he can make things happen when he’s in the game. That being said, I think he probably fits best in a backup outfield role, coming off the bench and getting the occasional start to inject some energy in to the lineup. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo talked often during the season about starting “energy guys” on day games after night games, players who play with a lot of energy on days when regulars sometimes are not quite as sharp. I certainly think Locastro is a valuable guy to have on a roster because he can play all three outfield positions -- and probably third base in a pinch -- as well as impact the game on the bases. He has a knack for getting hit by pitches that is absolutely amazing and that helps boost his on-base percentage.

Will the D-backs work on bunting in Spring Training?
-- Michael, Phoenix

Every single spring teams work on bunting so, yes, you can rest assured the D-backs will. Keep in mind that as pitchers throw with higher velocity these days and nastier movement with their pitches it not only makes it harder to connect when swinging, but also when bunting.

Do you think they’ll see what they have with [Steven] Souza [Jr.]/[David] Peralta coming back or make a splash for a corner outfield slugger?
-- Alex M., Phoenix

I think they will definitely look to add to the outfield this offseason. Both Steven Souza Jr. and David Peralta have had injury issues the past couple of seasons and with the possibility of Ketel Marte moving back to second base there is clearly a need for some outfield depth. Whether that involves a big name free agent, I wouldn’t necessarily count on that. I still think that if they add an outfielder it will more likely be via a trade then a free agent signing. They also face a decision as to whether or not to tender a contract to Souza, who is going to be eligible for salary arbitration for the final time.

How did the D-backs do signing all of the June draft picks?
-- Bob S., Oro Valley, Ariz.

Bob, they were very pleased with the number of players they were able to get signed. You can see for yourself they signed their first 23 selections and were not surprised by any later in the Draft that they did not sign.