It's a good day for the Arizona Diamondbacks if early reports prove true. Utility man (and former ASU Sun Devil) Willie Bloomquist is said to have agreed to terms with the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to Scott Miller, of CBS Sports the contract is a two-year, $3.8 million deal.
Bloomquist was a big part of the Diamondbacks success in 2011 thanks to the versatility he brings on the field and the example he sets for his teammates.
Willie was originally brought in as a back up at various infield and outfield positions but was elevated into a larger role at short stop after Stephen Drew's season-ending injury. His glove as an everyday player at short was exposed but he's a great fit in a utility role.
The D-backs already brought back short stop John McDonald who is known more for his defense than his bat and with Stephen Drew expected to recover from ankle injury the Bloomquist signing does create a bit of a logjam at short.
The Bloomquist and McDonald signings, however, give the D-backs some insurance should Drew suffer a setback or take longer than expected to return to form. Drew could miss spring training and a the first few weeks of the season. After that much time off, it might take him awhile to get back to be productive starting player.
Bloomquist has also played second and third base and left field during his career which makes him a valuable bench player who gives the team great depth.
Bloomquist hit .266 on the season with an on-base percentage of .317. He stole 20 bases on the season and was the lead-off hitting in five playoff games. Bloomquist had seven hits and three stolen bases in five playoff games.
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