2 shocking Opening Day decisions that feature former Yankees players

Opening Day rosters are set, and if you're keeping tabs on former New York Yankees players throughout the league, you've surely raised your eyebrows by now. A pair of guys we didn't think much of have won jobs and could play big roles for their new clubs.

We should really send the Arizona Diamondbacks a fruit basket or something because their actions this winter officially closed the door on two pesky Yankees-related rumors. Not only did they slam the door shut on the mistake that a Nolan Arenado trade would have been, but it ensured that the Yankees couldn't reunite with noted arsonist Jonathan Loáisiga ... who will now be a member of the D'Backs bullpen.

Out in Colorado, the Rockies have been meticulously collecting mid-and-low grade Yankees' prospects. The latest of which, TJ Rumfield, was blocked in New York as a left-handed-hitting first baseman, and ended up being the price the club paid to acquire meatball enthusiast Angel Chivilli.

Jonathan Loaisiga's departure won't hurt Yankees, but TJ Rumfield's might

You have to feel bad for those in Diamondbacks world who believe that Loáisiga can be a reliable high-leverage reliever. They're banking on the 31-year-old staying healthy, but we all know how quickly that can change. We also know that health doesn't mean he'll actually pitch well.

Cracking Arizona's bullpen isn't some great achievement, either. As bad as the Yankees' bullpen was at times last year, it was still better than the Diamondbacks' woeful collection of relievers, who combined for a 27th-ranked 4.82 ERA. Adding Loáisiga was one of the few moves they actually made to try to bolster that unit over the winter. Woof.

Rumfield, on the other hand, actually showed out this spring. Similar to Ben Rice, who blocked him, Rumfield hit at every level, but was more of a contact over power bat with low strikeout rates and solid walk numbers. His skills were on full display and then some this spring.

The soon-to-be 26-year-old hit .286/.359/.554 with five homers and just two strikeouts. That performance earned him the Abby Greer Award, which is essentially the Rockies' spring training MVP. He took that momentum to claim Colorado's starting first base job and is now on his way to his big league debut.

Chivilli's 12.38 ERA in spring training makes it seem as if New York already lost this trade. It's too early to truly come to that conclusion, but it's not looking good. One has to wonder if Rumfield was able to hit right-handed if he would have gotten an opportunity here.

As the season unfolds, Rumfield might just prove to be a viable big leaguer, which will sting a little bit. As for Loáisiga, well, good luck, Arizona! You'll need it.