Any chance the D-backs go for a center fielder and move Ketel Marte back to second base after late-season injury?
-- Josh, Phoenix

This is a great question. D-backs general manager Mike Hazen was non-committal about how the club is going to handle this situation. They are looking into whether playing center field played a role, or the turf, or moving from center to second base, or if it was simply a matter of playing too much and not getting enough days off. As far as the way their roster is constructed at the moment, having Marte play center seems to make the most sense given that they have other options at second base -- Eduardo Escobar, Josh Rojas etc. But they may also let it play out during the offseason and see if a center fielder that they like is available in a trade. Marte’s flexibility to play both positions really helps give them options.

Hi Steve, a couple of questions ... of those D-backs players going in to free agency in 2020, which ones will the D-backs extend?
-- Gavin, Beerwah (Queensland) Australia

First off, Gavin, thanks for following all the way from Australia. What a beautiful country. Really enjoyed my brief time there for the 2014 opener. I would think the D-backs will try and talk with shortstop Nick Ahmed about an extension. Whether they can come to an agreement is another matter. Ahmed is an elite defender at a premier position and he has become a valuable contributor with the bat as well. I don’t think he’ll come cheap so the question is whether the D-backs will want to meet his asking price given that they’ll have shortstop options in Ketel Marte and up-and-comer Geraldo Perdomo in the organization after 2020. Left-hander Robbie Ray is another guy that they might talk to, but a left-hander like him probably is going to want more than the D-backs would be willing to give.

Which Minor League players have the best shot of making the 2020 team out of Spring Training?
--Brent, Nazareth, Pa.

I’m assuming you want someone who has not been up in the big leagues yet, so I won’t include anyone that has any big league time. I’d say right out of Spring Training that Andy Young would have a shot. He’s a versatile infielder that they got in the Paul Goldschmidt trade last offseason and the D-backs were impressed by his work with the bat at both Double-A Jackson and Triple-A Reno this year.

How is the starting rotation shaping up for next year? I feel like the top of the rotation is not as good without [Zack] Greinke but the bottom and beyond is very deep and they’ll have lots of options.
--Dave, San Tan Valley, Ariz.

A benefit to the injuries and struggles of some of their starters this year is that a lot of young pitchers gained some very valuable big league experience. Guys like Taylor Clarke, Alex Young, Jon Duplantier and Zac Gallen spring to mind. So I agree with you, they miss a little something without Greinke at the top of the rotation, but the depth they have makes it an area of the team that would be a lower priority this offseason when it comes to adding pieces.