"Looking to dive headfirst through their window of opportunity, the Diamondbacks acquired right-hander Trevor Cahill and reliever Craig Breslow from the Oakland Athletics on Friday, opting for the certainty of established pitchers over the potential upside of prospects.

In exchange, the Diamondbacks gave up three minor leaguers, including right-hander Jarrod Parker, who for three consecutive years rated as the No. 1 prospect in the organization. Outfielder Collin Cowgill and reliever Ryan Cook also were in the deal.

At a time when multiple teams in the National League West seem to be retooling, the Diamondbacks view the trade as a way to beef up for what they hope is a prolonged run.

"We see a window here, specifically in the NL West after winning the division," Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers said. "We're in kind of a go-for-it mode to stay on top of the division. We still feel like we have a lot of starting pitching depth as well coming along."

Cahill gives the Diamondbacks a young, established and controllable arm to plug into the rotation alongside right-handers Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson. He had a 4.16 ERA in 207 2/3 innings this season, one year after posting a 2.97 ERA and rating as one of the best pitchers in the American League.

He's owed $29 million over the next four seasons in a deal that also includes two club options for 2015 ($13 million) and 2016 ($13.5 million).

Cahill said he knew the A's were looking to make deals but was surprised he was the first to go."