The Arizona Diamondbacks have an organizational hole at shortstop after cutting ties with Stephen Drew by trading him to the A's. According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic News, D-backs general manager Kevin Towers is focused on finding next year's shortstop via trade.
"We'll probably have to trade a good player -- or a couple of good players -- to find [a shortstop]," Towers said in Piecoro's article.
Towers could build a trade offer around a talented, young starting pitcher. Depending on the development of the team's top prospects, the Diamondbacks could have Patrick Corbin, Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs competing for two rotation spots behind Ian Kennedy, Trevor Cahill and Wade Miley. Daniel Hudson, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, should be ready to rejoin the rotation around midseason.
Potential trade targets could include J.J. Hardy of the Orioles (signed through 2014, and Baltimore could shift Manny Machado to shortstop in 2013), Sean Rodriguez of the Rays (prospect Hak-Ju Lee projects as Tampa Bay's long-term starter) and Zack Cozart of the Reds (speedster Billy Hamilton likely will be Cincinnati's long-term starter).
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