Hazen making moves to improve pitching, OF defense

PHOENIX — New general manager Mike Hazen did not wait until the Winter Meetings to get started on his plan to retool the Arizona Diamondbacks, but there is still much work to be done when Major League Baseball’s decision-makers gather next week.

On Thanksgiving Eve, the D-backs pulled off a five-player trade with the Mariners that netted right-hander Taijuan Walker and infielder Ketel Marte while jettisoning infielder Jean Segura, outfielder Mitch Haniger and lefty Zac Curtis.

Prior to that deal, Hazen made a smaller move when he claimed outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker from the Cardinals off waivers.

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The two transactions — while different in stature — reveal what Hazen’s top two priorities are this offseason: improve the pitching staff and the outfield defense. Look for the D-backs to continue to try and do that during the Meetings.

MLB.com and MLB Network will have wall-to-wall coverage of the 2016 Winter Meetings from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center outside Washington, D.C. Fans can watch live streaming of all news conferences and manager availability on MLB.com, including the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 8 …

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