Explain to me please the logic of acquiring Manny Machado, who will be a free agent after the season and is going to cost $16 million this year. Are the D-backs thinking they can sign him long term, and if so, why not just re-sign J.D. Martinez?
-- Carl, Phoenix
Machado is an outstanding player, and with the D-backs in position to contend again this year, if they could add him to the lineup, they'd happily do it. The $16 million deal he recently agreed to for 2018 would certainly blow a hole in their budget for this year, but keep in mind that this ownership group has not been afraid to spend money when it felt like the player or players added could really make a difference.
The key thing here is the D-backs are not going to go "all in" as they have following their past two postseason appearances, having seen that strategy not work out in either 2008 or '12. So, while they would love to add Machado, they are not willing to give up players who they see as key to the future. I would imagine that, more so than money, this is what has kept the deal from happening.
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What does Yasmany Tomas' recent arrest for speeding mean for his future in Arizona?
-- Zack, Glendale, Ariz.
It was unfortunate to see that Tomas was allegedly driving 105 mph on the Loop 101 last week, but it does not affect his contract status with the D-backs.
Any chance the D-backs make a move or two before Spring Training? (Say J.D., please say J.D.)
-- Ken, Phoenix
Yes. And no. I do think the D-backs will do something before Spring Training. Looking at the roster, they could really use some depth to the outfield, because -- to answer your second question -- I don't see them bringing Martinez back. The only way I could see them getting Martinez would be on a one-year deal, and I don't see him going that route. With more than $30 million committed to Zack Greinke in each of the next four seasons, I don't know how they could pay Martinez $25 million-plus over that same period. I could be wrong -- I was surprised when they signed Greinke to the $206.5 million deal two years ago -- but I would not get my hopes up if I were you.

Is there any deferred money in Greinke's contract that could be used for current players?
-- Peter, Denver
Greinke's deal, per Cot's Baseball Contracts, contains $62.5 million in deferred money. There is $10 million deferred from 2016-18, $10.5 million in 2019 and $11 million in 2020-21. Without getting into all the complexities, that is not just money that can be spent elsewhere because it has to be accounted for in the budget and funded.