Diamondbacks exercised RHP Jon Rauch’s $2.9 million contract option for 2010.
Rauch had a 6.56 ERA in 23 1/3 innings after being acquired by Arizona, but the Diamondbacks chose to overlook his struggles and guarantee his 2010 salary before this weekend's deadline. Had they declined his option, they still would have controlled his rights for 2010. However, he could have made $4 million-$5 million through arbitration with a strong season in 2009. Rauch is likely to enter next season as a setup man for Chad Qualls, but unless the Diamondbacks acquire a true closer, he'll be a definite sleeper for saves.