Transaction Reaction: Jason Kubel

The Arizona Diamondbacks sign Jason Kubel to a two-year deal with an option; total value of the deal is $15 million.

• With the Kubel signing, yet another of the "second-tier" corner outfielders has signed, with both Willingham and Cuddyer signing last week.  My guess is that Carlos Beltran will be signing soon, perhaps as early as today or tomorrow.  The St. Louis Cardinals present the most likely destination at the moment.
• This is a good move for the Diamondbacks.  Kubel, is a good professional hitter, having posted a career slash line of .271/.335/.459, with an average of 22 home runs per 162 games, and at age 29, he is in the prime of his career.  In going from Minnesota to Arizona, Kubel is moving from a pitchers' park to a hitters' park, which should enhance his numbers.  Kubel represents an upgrade offensively (though a downgrade defensively) in left field over Gerardo Parra, who will likely now move to a fourth-outfielder role, adding overall depth to the roster.
• A quick glance at the Diamondbacks depth chart (D-backs Depth Chart) shows how this organization has quietly put together a young a talented team, who after making the playoffs last year under Kirk Gibson, should be a force in the NL for years to come.