The Diamondbacks will probably split the playing time again between Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero at catcher again in 2008. Snyder will probably play more again this season as he’s the better defender. Snyder played in 110 games last season for the Diamondbacks and he was 82 for 326 (.252 avg, .775 OPS) with 37 runs scored, 13 homers and 47 RBIs. Snyder threw out 26% of the runners that tried to steal on him last season and D-Backs pitchers had a 3.73 ERA with him behind the plate.

24-year old lefty swinging Miguel Montero is the Diamondbacks likely catcher of the future as he has shown good power at every step of his minor league development. He played in 84 games last season for the Diamondbacks and he was 48 for 214 (.224 avg, .689 OPS) with 30 runs scored, 10 homers and 37 RBIs. Montero threw out 20% of the runners that tried to steal on him last season and D-Backs pitchers had a 4.81 ERA with him behind the plate.

31-year old Robby Hammock is around for another season. He played in 34 games for the D-Backs last season and he was 11 for 45 (.244 avg, .595 OPS) with 5 runs scored. He played well behind the plate for the Diamondbacks as he threw out 3 of 4 runners that tried to steal on him and D-Backs pitchers had a 4.62 ERA when throwing to him.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: C

The Diamondbacks have signed 33-year old lefty swinging outfielder Trot Nixon to a minor league contract. Nixon played in 99 games for the Indians last season and he was 77 for 307 (.251 avg, .678 OPS) with 30 runs scored, 3 homers and 31 RBIs. Nixon has now played in 1,081 games in his major league career and he is 989 for 3,592 (.275 avg, .830 OPS) with 577 runs scored, 136 homers and 554 RBIs. This was a nice move by the Diamondbacks as Nixon will be good insurance in case Chad Tracy isn’t ready to go when the season starts.

The Diamondbacks made a couple of huge moves in the off-season. The biggest was adding Dan Haren from the A’s for six prospects. Haren will slot between Brandon Webb and Randy Johnson in the D-Backs strong rotation. The Diamondbacks also acquired young starting right handed pitchers Juan Gutierrez and Billy Buckner to provide depth in the system. Chad Qualls will likely pitch in the 8th inning this season for the D-Backs but he could wind up replacing Jose Valverde at closer. 2B/OF Chris Burke was the only position player that was added that should make the team out of spring training. He could have a huge role if Justin Upton has a tough spring.

OFF SEASON GRADE FOR THE FRONT OFFICE: B-