The Arizona Diamondbacks have been looking to avoid arbitration with their best relief pitcher Brad Ziegler. Ziegler posted a 2.16 ERA last season between the Oakland Athletics and his trade to the Diamondbacks, and was one of the most effective bullpen pitchers the D-Backs had to use. Ziegler had filed for a big deal as he was up for arbitration, but came to terms with Arizona for a deal that mutually satisfied both parties.
MLB Trade Rumors has the story about Ziegler's deal.
The Diamondbacks have agreed to a one-year deal with Brad Ziegler, avoiding arbitration, MLBTR has learned. The right-handed reliever will earn $1.795MM in 2012.
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As MLBTR's Arbitration Tracker shows, the Riverfront Sports client filed for $1.945MM while the Diamondbacks countered with a $1.46MM offer.
The Diamondbacks now have an excellent arm out of the pen that can help charge their lineup. He should be a useful complement to an underrated starting rotation that should help win a lot of games next season in the NL West, a division not really well-known for its offensive firepower. As a right-handed specialist, Ziegler will have his hands full trying to hold down some of the best hitters in the West.
To talk about Ziegler and the Diamondbacks, head to AZ Snake Pit.