2010 Diamondbacks Projected Roster and Payroll

The Diamondbacks made several transactions during the last few days, and we now have a pretty good idea about the projected roster for 2010. As expected, the D’backs picked up Brandon Webb’s $8.5M option. Pitchers Doug Davis, Scott Schoeneweis, and Daniel Cabrera filed for free agency, and pitchers Yusmeiro Petit (Mariners) and Doug Slaten (Nationals) were claimed off waivers.  Petit was probably the only one being considered for a 2010 roster spot, but as an extreme fly-ball pitcher, he was never a good fit in Chase Field  (Pitching in Safeco Field, with the Mariners’ outstanding outfield defense behind him, is probably the best possible place for Petit). Outfielders Trent Oeltjen and Alex Romero were also outrighted to AAA, taking them off the 40-Man roster.

After all of these moves, here is what the 25-Man Opening Day Roster and Payroll might look like, given the players currently on the team.

This total team payroll is only around $60M, much below the $73M spent in 2009. However, the Diamondbacks have stated repeatedly that they are not planning to reduce payroll in 2010, so there is certainly an opening to sign a couple of free agents. The most expensive player on the roster, Eric Byrnes at $11M, will probably be a reserve or might even be released. In fact, the salary for the five bench players exceeds that of the starting lineup.

One likely position for a free agent signing would be at the 1B or LF position. Brandon Allen, despite a 3-Run HR in Saturday’s Arizona Fall Leagie Rising Stars game, has been struggling in the AFL and has only played 53 games in AAA. If the D’backs feel he is not ready for the starting job, they may opt for a free agent or trade, with Conor Jackson available to play either 1B or LF. A recent trade rumor had backup catcher Chris Snyder going to Toronto for 1B Lyle Overbay, but those trade talks have reported ended.

The other likely upgrade is in the starting rotation.  The front three, with Webb, Haren, and Scherzer, should be very good if healthy, but the back of the rotation is questionable. Also, all five of the current starters are right handed, so bringing in a left-handed starter would make sense. The bullpen, aside from closer Chad Qualls, is very inexperienced, so adding a veteran relief arm is also likely.

In the next post, we’ll take a look at the available free agent options for the starting rotation and bullpen.

Tags: Brandon Allen, Brandon Webb, Chad Qualls, Conor Jackson, Dan Haren, Eric Byrnes, Justin Upton, Mark Reynolds, Miguel Montero, Stephen Drew, Tony Abreu