Inbox: Will D-backs target pitching in the offseason?
Beat reporter Steve Gilbert answers D-backs fans' questions
The pitching depth could be improved. What do you see the D-backs doing in the offseason? -- Tommy, Gilbert, Ariz.
I think they view their offseason priorities as pitching, pitching and more pitching. They would like to add at least one starter to the rotation and I would not be surprised at all to see them make another serious run at Reds closer Aroldis Chapman. They were aggressive in pursuing Chapman at the Trade Deadline and clearly view him as the top closer in the game right now.
Not counting offseason moves, what is prediction for rotation next year? -- Jared, Lincoln, Neb.
I think Patrick Corbin is a sure bet for the rotation for next year. After that they will have some hard choices to make. Can Chase Anderson make the adjustments he's working on now to keep the ball down? Will Robbie Ray's secondary stuff improve so that he is able to put hitters away and pitch deeper into games? Do they want to pay Jeremy Hellickson what he's going to make in salary arbitration? Has Rubby De La Rosa shown them he has made enough progress this year, or is he better suited for a short role out of the bullpen? What will Jhoulys Chacin show them in his final few starts of the year and would that be enough for them to want to bring him back? How did Archie Bradley look to them after he was activated off the disabled list and pitched in the Minors? These are all some of the questions they will need to ask themselves when looking at next year's rotation and that makes it impossible to predict the rotation right now.
Video: OAK@ARI: Anderson's six strong innings
Any reason to think the D-backs would shop [Jake] Lamb or [Brandon] Drury, or one of their four everyday outfielders in the offseason? -- Chris Doud, Waddell, Ariz.
If the D-backs expect to acquire high-level pitching in the offseason via a trade, instead of free agency, then they will likely have to part with some of the young talent in the organization, and that includes the depth they have in the infield and outfield at the big league level.