Diamond Notes: May 2000 Archives

Matt Mantei went onto the disabled list for a second time in a month. He is suffering from a weak arm and will begin rehabilitation this week. The Diamondbacks have placed him on the same workout program they used for Todd Stottlemyre last year as he recovered from a torn rotator cuff. Mantei continues to throw on the side and is reporting no pain. In his absence, the Diamondbacks have been using a bullpen by committee. Byung-Hyun Kim continues to dominate his opponents and is the Diamondbacks best hope for a closer. Vicente Padilla was brought up from Tucson to fill Mantei's roster spot and has looked very good in his outings for the Diamondbacks. Even with the emergence of these two young stars, the Diamondbacks continue to talk with other teams about possibly acquiring another relief pitcher. The name that seems to come each time is Roberto Hernandez of Tampa Bay. Arizona tried to trade for Hernandez last season but a deal could not be worked out. Talks are resuming between the teams. Don't be surprised to see a trade happen before the all-star break. Given the log jam of outfielders the Diamondbacks possess, it seems most logical that the trade will involve some package of these players.