The Diamondbacks management continues to bet on this season’s team, making yet another trade. This time they acquired David Eckstein from the Toronto Blue Jays for minor league pitcher Chad Beck. Eckstein, hitting .277 with 18 doubles in 260 at-bats, adds a desperately needed consistent veteran bat to the D-Backs line-up. Eckstein will likely split time at second base with Augie Ojeda, but Bob Melvin figures to play the hot-hand the rest of the way.
Eckstein’s on-base percentage is .354 this season, by comparison, the man he replaces, Orlando Hudson had an OBP of .367 and Augie Ojeda reaches base at a .357 clip. Eckstein is a feisty player who brings World Championship experience to a young baseball club. In 2006, Eckstein was voted the World Series MVP for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is a tough out, and gets under the skin of opposing pitchers. He strikes out just over 10% of the time (27 times in 260 at-bats). Compare that to the D-Backs sluggers:
Adam Dunn - Strikes out 32% of the time (137 SO in 429 AB)
Mark Reynolds - Strikes out 37% of the time (171 SO in 460 AB)
Chris Young - Strikes out 26% of the time (140 SO in 538 AB)
If nothing else, Eckstein will put the ball in play, something critically needed to help balance out the all-or-nothing sluggers on the team.
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