Clippard says D-backs' potential drew him to Arizona

PHOENIX - Reliever Tyler Clippard says that Arizona's potential to contend for a title was a big reason he signed with the Diamondbacks.

''They've proven this offseason that they're taking the steps in the direction of becoming a championship organization,'' Clippard said in a conference call on Tuesday, ''which was something that was very high on my radar as far as the teams that I wanted to be with.''

The right-hander, who turns 31 on Sunday, said he wanted ''to be pretty sure on my end I was going to be with a really good team, and Arizona definitely is that.''

The Diamondbacks signed Clippard to a two-year, $12.25 million contract, a move intended to add proven experience to the bullpen.

Arizona was one of baseball's top offensive teams last season but pitching was a problem. The Diamondbacks addressed that in a big way by signing one of the game's best, Zack Greinke, to a six-year, $206 million deal, and trading for starter Shelby Miller from Atlanta.

Clippard joins a bullpen that's now fairly set with closer Brad Ziegler and relievers Daniel Hudson, Andrew Chafin, Randall Delgado and Josh Collmenter already pretty much assured spots on the roster. That leaves one, possibly two, bullpen slots open for competition this spring.

Clippard has been a setup man most of his career, including last season with the NL champion New York Mets after joining them in midseason. But he knows that role, which was held by the hard-throwing Hudson last season, won't necessarily be his in Arizona.

''At this point in my career I want to contribute on any level that the team needs me to contribute,'' he said, adding that it takes more than one or two pitchers to make a great bullpen.