After finding a backup catcher in Henry Blanco the Diamondbacks “will next turn their attention to finding a right-handed bat who can play left field” and are targeting Xavier Nady or Austin Kearns, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.
Gilbert speculates that Nady could have a slight edge because he has experience at first base in addition to seeing plenty of time in the outfield. Arizona is looking for a right-handed bat because projected starting left fielder Gerardo Parra swings from the left side of the plate.
Nady missed nearly all of 2009 following Tommy John elbow surgery and struggled to bounce back with the Cubs this year, hitting just .256/.306/.353 with six homers in 347 plate appearances. He’s a career .297/.367/.451 hitter versus lefties.
Kearns was more productive this year, hitting .263/.351/.395 in 461 plate appearances for the Indians and Yankees, and has a .261/.383/.416 career line off southpaws. He’s also a superior defensive outfielder and a year younger than Nady.