Inbox: What are odds of Bradley, Lamb trades?

Is there a chance that Archie Bradley or Jake Lamb could be traded?
-- Tomas G., Gilbert, Ariz.
I don't see that happening right now. I think if the season started today, Bradley would be the closer -- and manager Torey Lovullo has a lot of confidence in him. As for Lamb, they are counting on him to possibly play first base -- depending on what other moves they make. Another thing to keep in mind is that Lamb is coming off an injury, so even if they did want to trade him -- which I don't believe they do -- other teams would probably want to see him play before trading for him.
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If the D-backs have so many pitching prospects, why don't they trade Robbie Ray?
-- Erin B., Mesa, Ariz.
While they don't seem to be pursuing a trade involving Ray, I'm sure that it is possible that another team could come to them with an offer that they couldn't refuse for the left-hander. That said, they do have some pitching prospects, but Ray is a lefty who has shown that he can dominate at the big league level, and those types of pitchers are hard to find.

The D-backs appear eager to unload anyone who has the chance of making big money through a new contract. Is it safe to say they will become the Rays of the NL?
-- Joe A., Paradise Valley, Ariz.
I don't think that's a fair characterization of where the D-backs are at. They had a club-record Opening Day payroll last year that was a little more than $130 million, eclipsing the previous high by nearly $20 million. The trade of Paul Goldschmidt -- which I'm guessing is what you're referring to -- was made in order to get some talent back in the system before likely losing him to free agency next year. If the D-backs were really intent on simply cutting salary, they could have dealt players like outfielder David Peralta, Ray, Zack Greinke and anyone else due for a big raise in arbitration. Instead, their Opening Day payroll will probably be close to what it was last year.
We know it is difficult to trade Yasmany Tomás with his contract, but will he be invited to Spring Training? What are the plans for him? I know he is off the 40-man roster. Can he be a backup at first base?
-- Jim M., Phoenix
Yes, you can expect Tomas to receive a non-roster invite to Spring Training. D-backs GM Mike Hazen did say the team might take a look at what Tomas looks like at first base to see if he could be an option over there particularly against left-handed pitching. Whether or not he can do it, I don't know.
Will Christian Walker get more playing time? Or will he go back to Triple-A?
-- Dustin V., Tucson
Walker is another player who will get a look at first base this spring. The D-backs like the thump in his bat. Obviously with Goldschmidt at first previously, there simply wasn't enough playing time for Walker to show what he could do. He is certainly a viable candidate to see time at first.