"In trading right-hander Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday for a package of four players, the Diamondbacks recouped a major-league starter, three minor-league prospects and significant salary relief - perhaps not in that order.

The Diamondbacks acquired veteran left-hander Joe Saunders, who will step into their rotation Thursday in Philadelphia; two minor-league pitchers in right-handed reliever Rafael Rodriguez and left-handed starter Patrick Corbin; and a player to be named, who sources say will be highly regarded prospect Tyler Skaggs, a 19-year-old left-handed starter.

They also shed close to $33 million that's owed to Haren, who is signed through 2012 with a team option for 2013, though it's unclear just how much of that money will be reallocated to next year's payroll, which Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall said will decrease.

The deal drew immediate skepticism from those within baseball and those who cover it, some of whom called it a salary dump and were critical of the quality of players received.

Interim General Manager Jerry Dipoto, making his first deal three weeks after his former boss - Josh Byrnes - was fired, said the deal allows the Diamondbacks to restructure their roster, reallocate dollars and replenish the farm system.

"We were able to add to our club now," he said, "provide for our club's future and, at the same time, we were able to create a better balance and flexibility in the way our dollars have been allocated . . . to better tend to the different holes on our major-league club."

Though Saunders has just a 4.62 ERA in 20 starts, Dipoto praised his ability to win games and rack up innings and cited his postseason experience."