D-backs avoid arbitration with 12 players

PHOENIX -- After a flurry of activity Friday, the D-backs have agreed to terms with 12 of their 13 players eligible for salary arbitration.
Friday at 11 a.m. MST was the deadline for teams to reach agreements with players before exchanging filing numbers, and the only player not to sign was right-hander Shelby Miller.
The D-backs filed a salary figure of $4.7 million, while Miller's side countered with $4.9 million.
Miller made just four starts last year before injuring his elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery. He is not expected to return to action until around midseason.
Miller made $4.7 million last season after taking the D-backs to arbitration and losing his hearing.
Miller and the D-backs' arbitration hearing will take place between Jan. 29 and Feb. 16 unless the two sides reach an agreement beforehand. Teams can settle with players right up until the arbitration panel makes its ruling.
Prior to Friday, the D-backs had reached agreements with right-hander Randall Delgado ($2.25 million) and lefty Patrick Corbin ($7.5 million).
On Friday, the club agreed with outfielder A.J. Pollock ($7.75 million), third baseman Jake Lamb ($4.275 million), left-hander Robbie Ray ($3.95 million), catcher Chris Herrmann ($1.3 million), right-hander Taijuan Walker ($4.825 million), right-hander Brad Boxberger ($1.85 million) and left-hander Andrew Chafin ($1.195 million), as well as outfielder David Peralta and infielders Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed.
D-backs GM Mike Hazen credited work by assistant GMs Amiel Sawdaye and Jared Porter, along with director of baseball operations Sam Eaton, for getting such a large class under contract.
"It was a lot of work by Jared, Amiel and Sam Eaton, but ultimately we were able to come to a lot of agreements, which is good," Hazen said. "Obviously we still have one to tackle, and then after that we'll be able to focus on preparing for the season."