Arizona Diamondbacks Trade Rumors

Diamondbacks have interest in pitcher Bartolo Colon
January 14
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks still are perusing the free-agent market for a veteran starting pitcher to compete for a spot at the end of their starting rotation, and right-hander Bartolo Colon appears to be their latest interest. Nothing was expected to be solidified immediately, but a league source said the Diamondbacks have interest in the 16-year journeyman, who turns 39 in May. Colon started 26 games last season for the New York Yankees, going 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA with 40 walks and 135 strikeouts in 1641/3 innings. Colon became expendable to the Yankees after their acquisitions Friday night of Michael Pineda in a trade with the Seattle Mariners and free agent Hiroki Kuroda, whom the Diamondbacks"
Mora says he isn't retired from major league baseball
January 12
Baltimore Sun
 
"Melvin Mora's retirement has been greatly exaggerated. Or at least exaggerated for this country, he claims. A report out of Venezuela last month said that Mora, who played most of his career with the Orioles, issued a tearful retirement announcement while playing winter ball in Venezuela. The story ran in several places, including The Sun. But Mora said that was news to him. Despite multiple reports to the contrary out of Venezuela, Mora said what he announced was that he was no longer going to play in Venezuela because he didn't want to leave his family every year. But he doesn't intend to give up the sport altogether. He is still hoping to play in the majors in 2012."
Diamondbacks not interested in trading Gerardo Parra
January 5
Arizona Republic
 
"In the days after the Diamondbacks' surprise signing of outfielder Jason Kubel, General Manager Kevin Towers said he fielded phone calls from teams curious about outfielder Gerardo Parra's availability. As always, he listened. But he said this week he likes his club better with Parra than without him. "I'm not really motivated to move him," Towers said. "I think it's a good fit. I think Parra will still play a lot." Towers envisions Parra seeing more time in center field and right field, a way of resting starters Chris Young and Justin Upton, particularly against tough right-handed pitching."
Source: Orioles interested in former Diamondbacks LHP Joe Saunders
December 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles' primary search this offseason continues to be pitching, and one free agent they have had multiple conversations with is lefty Joe Saunders, according to an industry source. Saunders, 30, was 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA in 212 innings last year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, who did not tender him a contract this offseason. Saunders would have been in his final year of arbitration this offseason but now is a free agent and has been linked to several teams — with varying degrees of interest — including the Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers. Clubs have been waiting for Saunders' contract expectations to come down before his market"
Former long-time Oriole Melvin Mora announces retirement
December 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"According to a report out of Venezuela, former longtime Oriole Melvin Mora announced his retirement from major league baseball Thursday while in his home country. Mora, who will turn 40 in February, was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks last June after hitting .228 in 127 at-bats for the Diamondbacks. He said earlier this winter that he wanted to play again if he could find the right opportunity, but apparently that did not happen. Mora was traded to the Orioles by the New York Mets in July 2000 as part of then-GM Syd Thrift's fire sale. He played for the Orioles for the next 9 ½ seasons spanning 1,256 of his 1,556 career games. He made two All-Star teams for the Orioles and, in 2004,"
Twins are reportedly close to agreement with righty Marquis
December 22
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins might have found a starting pitcher in veteran righthander Jason Marquis. According to a foxsports.com report, the Twins are close to an agreement with Marquis, 33, who is 104-98 in his career and was 8-6 with a 4.43 ERA in stints with Washington and Arizona last season."
Diamondbacks shift gears, agree to terms with outfielder Jason Kubel
December 19
Arizona Republic
 
"Tired of waiting around in their pursuit for pitching help, the Diamondbacks shifted gears and went after a bat, agreeing to terms with free agent outfielder Jason Kubel on a two-year deal worth more than $15 million. The deal is pending a physical scheduled for Monday afternoon in Phoenix. Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers, reached on his cellphone in Paris, where he and his wife are vacationing, said the club had a "significant" offer out to free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda for "10 days to two weeks" before signing Kubel."
Sox may pursue Joe Saunders
December 13
CSN New England
 
"Among players non-tendered by other clubs, left-handed starter Joe Saunders, formerly of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is someone in whom the Sox have an interest. Saunders, a free agent, was 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA last year for the Diamondbacks, his first full season in Arizona after being traded by the Angels in July 2010. He made $5.5 million in 2011."
D-backs closing in on deal with Saito
December 13
MLB.com
 
"The D-backs are closing in on a one-year deal with free-agent reliever Takashi Saito, a baseball source confirmed Monday. Saito, 41, was 4-2 with a 2.03 ERA for the Brewers this past season while being limited to 30 games with oblique and calf issues. In six seasons, the Japanese-born right-hander has a 2.18 ERA and 84 saves. He had a career-best 39 saves with the Dodgers in 2007."
Diamondbacks acquire starter Trevor Cahill, reliever Craig Breslow in trade with Athletics
December 10
Arizona Republic
 
"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"
A's Gonzalez hottest lefty at meetings
December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The left-handed pitcher most in demand at the winter meetings is not either of the top free agents, C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle. No, the lefty generating the most attention is the Athletics' Gio Gonzalez, who is attracting trade interest from nearly a dozen teams, major league sources say. The Tigers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Reds and Phillies are the known suitors for Gonzalez, according to sources. Other clubs including the Blue Jays, Nationals, Red Sox, Rangers and Rockies also are known to be pursuing starting pitching and likely have some interest in Gonzalez. The Yankees have had only minimal conversations with the A's about Gonzalez and are not a factor in the discussions, a source"
Diamondbacks' talks with Miguel Montero at standstill
November 16
Arizona Republic
 
"When it comes to a long-term contract, interest is mutual between the Diamondbacks and catcher Miguel Montero. The question seems to be about the length of the term. General Manager Kevin Towers said he has spoken with Montero this off-season about a contract extension, but talks are at a standstill because Montero is seeking more guaranteed years than the Diamondbacks are comfortable offering. "He's a big part of our organization," Towers said Tuesday at the Pfister Hotel, where he spent the day in meetings with fellow general managers. "I'm hoping at some point in time there's a meeting of the minds on where we go and we can find middle ground where we'd be comfortable.""
Joe Saunders' future with Arizona Diamondbacks unclear
November 14
Arizona Republic
 
"Joe Saunders doesn't allow his thoughts about next season to drift too far before he stops them cold. He might have less than 1 1/2 seasons with the Diamondbacks, but the left-hander says he feels a connection to the organization and doesn't want his days with the team to come to an end. "I just want to be a part of it," Saunders said when asked about the team's chances for 2012. "For me, I hope they want me back. It would be a great honor to be back and be able to make another run at this thing. "That's where I'm at. I can't worry about stuff I can't control." This season, Saunders provided stability and durability to a club that won 94 games and the National League West, but his results"
2B Aaron Hill agrees to 2-year deal with Arizona Diamondbacks
November 14
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks hope second baseman Aaron Hill's next two years will be similar to his final six weeks of the season. Hill agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Diamondbacks worth north of $10 million - a deal that will be finalized once as he completes a physical exam tentatively scheduled for early this week, according to a source. Hill earned $5 million last season with the Toronto Blue Jays and Diamondbacks, who acquired him in a mid-August deal that revitalized him offensively."
Diamondbacks re-sign Willie Bloomquist to two-year deal
November 9
Hardball Talk
 
"Whatever bad blood there was between agent Scott Boras and the Diamondbacks over the Willie Bloomquist situation was short-lived, as Scott Miller of CBSSports.com reports that Arizona has re-signed the veteran utility man to a two-year, $3.8 million contract. Boras said earlier this week that the Diamondbacks were upset with Bloomquist for declining his half of a $1.1 million mutual option for 2012, so they acted quickly to re-sign fellow utility man John McDonald to a two-year deal instead. Or as Boras put it: "They got emotional and they went out and signed a guy who hit .169.""
Communication breakdown between Diamondbacks, agent, hurts Willie Bloomquist's chances to remain in Arizona
November 6
Arizona Republic
 
"Versatile infielder/outfielder Willie Bloomquist is drawing "a lot of interest" on the free agent market, agent Scott Boras said, adding that his client could land with a team that views him as more than a utility player. But it's a possibility that job won't be with the Diamondbacks, and there is disagreement between the team and Boras as to who's to blame for the communication breakdown that got them here. A few days after learning that Bloomquist had declined his end of a $1.1 million mutual option, the Diamondbacks agreed to terms on Wednesday with infielder John McDonald on a two-year, $3 million deal, seemingly filling their need for a utility man off the bench. General Manager Kevin"
Communication breakdown between Diamondbacks, agent, hurts Willie Bloomquist's chances to remain in Arizona
November 6
Arizona Republic
 
"Versatile infielder/outfielder Willie Bloomquist is drawing "a lot of interest" on the free agent market, agent Scott Boras said, adding that his client could land with a team that views him as more than a utility player. But it's a possibility that job won't be with the Diamondbacks, and there is disagreement between the team and Boras as to who's to blame for the communication breakdown that got them here. A few days after learning that Bloomquist had declined his end of a $1.1 million mutual option, the Diamondbacks agreed to terms on Wednesday with infielder John McDonald on a two-year, $3 million deal, seemingly filling their need for a utility man off the bench."
Arizona Diamondbacks agree to terms with John McDonald
November 3
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks purchased an insurance policy at shortstop Wednesday, agreeing to terms with defensive specialist John McDonald on a two-year deal. McDonald, whom the team acquired from Toronto in August along with second baseman Aaron Hill, had filed for free agency earlier this week. Shortstop Stephen Drew still is rehabbing from the season-ending ankle injury he suffered in July, and his status for Opening Day remains up in the air. Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers said last month that he wanted to prepare for the possibility that Drew wouldn't be ready to start the season on time."
Arizona Diamondbacks complete slew of transactions
November 1
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks made several transactions Monday, according to General Manager Kevin Towers. Arizona exercised the mutual options on catcher Henry Blanco and infielder Willie Bloomquist, and declined the options on left-handed pitcher Zach Duke and infielder Aaron Hill."
Angels hire Dipoto as general manager
October 28
Foxsports.com
 
"Jerry Dipoto will be the Los Angeles Angels' new general manager, and an official announcement is expected after the World Series, FOXSports.com has learned. Dipoto, a former relief pitcher in the major leagues, had most recently served as the Arizona Diamondbacks' senior vice president of scouting and player development. Before that he got front-office experience with the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox. Dipoto also had been a leading candidate for the Orioles' GM vacancy, sources said. The Angels were expected to conduct a lengthy interview process, but apparently made a more rapid decision to ensure that they got their man. The Angels' job will not be Dipoto's first as a general"
Tyler Skaggs, Paul Goldschmidt honored by Diamondbacks
October 19
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks named left-handed pitcher Tyler Skaggs and infielder Paul Goldschmidt the organization's Pitcher and Player of the Year, respectively. Skaggs, 20, went 9-6 with a 2.96 ERA (52 ER in 158 1/3 IP) and .218 opponents average with 49 walks and 198 strikeouts in 27 starts between Class-A Advanced Visalia and Double-A Mobile."
Diamondbacks' Justin Upton returns to lineup, then gets hit again
September 28
Arizona Republic
 
"Baseball players often talk about going to the plate with a clear head. There was no doubt that Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton was able to do that Tuesday night after taking Monday off to be on the safe side following Sunday's game, in which he was hit on the bill of his helmet by a pitch. "It was a precaution," Upton said. "There was nothing that I didn't pass. They just wanted to give me an extra day." Upton had to retake the neurological test when he arrived at Chase Field on Tuesday, but he said the staff did not believe he had suffered a concussion from San Francisco pitcher Tim Lincecum's first-inning fastball. Upton took his base and came around to score but felt nauseous"
Miguel Montero making huge strides
September 16
Arizona Republic
 
"Years ago in Venezuela, a young Miguel Montero, seemed destined to become a catcher. "I didn't have the body to be a shortstop or outfielder, so that that was the only way I could go," he said. He chose the right path. Montero, having a breakout year with the Diamondbacks, has evolved into one of the major league's top catchers. Not only is he firmly beginning to grasp all of the nuances that go with the position, he has matured as a player and is one of the leaders on a team that has been the surprise of baseball. Montero, who recently had an 18-game hitting streak, is having the best all-around year of any catcher in the National League. He leads in RBIs, hits, extra-base hits, runs,"
Diamondbacks 2011 season already a smashing success
September 16
Arizona Republic
 
"Ken Kendrick is another state. Geographically, that means Colorado. Emotionally, it's more like delirium. His Diamondbacks keep pushing, pushing, pushing. His manager won't be content until the team reaches the World Series. Why, just the other day, Kirk Gibson barked at a reporter who kept asking about his manager of the year credentials. You won't hear that in every dugout. "I'm thrilled we have leadership that thinks that way," Kendrick said. "But I'm very proud of what they've achieved already, and I'll take that to the bank.""
Miguel Montero eager to remain with Diamondbacks
September 7
Arizona Republic
 
"Miguel Montero doesn't know whether the Diamondbacks will approach him this off-season with a contract extension, and he doesn't have a sense for whether the sides would be able to work out a deal if they did. But the Diamondbacks catcher hopes the team does, and he said he would welcome the opportunity to remain long-term in the organization with which he broke into the majors. "They're more than welcome to come to me in the off-season," Montero said. "Obviously, I want to stay here. My family likes Phoenix, so it's always good to stay here. I like the front-office guys. I like the fans. I like everybody. I would be more than happy to stay here." One club source said it is "probable""
Diamondbacks willing to play through pain late in season
September 6
Arizona Republic
 
"It wasn't entirely clear if manager Kirk Gibson believes center fielder Chris Young's second-half slump has anything to do with the left-thumb injury that has bothered him since June. What was perfectly obvious, however, is that Gibson likes that Young and many of his other players are willing to play through pain. "I love it," Gibson said. "I'm not sure it's always been that way (with this team)." Gibson cited Willie Bloomquist's example from Sunday afternoon in San Francisco, when he twisted his ankle at shortstop but remained in the game. "He does not want the trainer to come out there," Gibson said. "He'll do it to where he's not smart sometimes, but I'd rather deal with that than have"
Robby Hammock among the Diamondbacks' call-ups
September 3
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks made a handful of anticipated September call-ups and one that surprised everyone - even the player himself. Veteran Robby Hammock, best known for catching Randy Johnson's perfect game in Atlanta in 2004, was among five players added to the roster with expanded rosters in advance of Friday's series opener against the Giants. Infielder Geoff Blum and lefty reliever Alberto Castillo were activated from the disabled list, and right-handers Sam Demel and Ryan Cook were added to the roster to further bolster the bullpen. Those were expected. Hammock's call-up wasn't. Hitting .257 with an .848 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) in 101 at-bats for Triple-A Reno, he had"
Arizona Diamondbacks designate Cody Ransom for assignmen
August 25
Arizona Republic
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated infielder Cody Ransom for assignment to make room on the 25-man roster for newly acquired infielders Aaron Hill and John McDonald. Hill and McDonald were acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for infielder Kelly Johnson on Tuesday. Hill, 29, hit .225 (89-for-396) with 15 doubles, a triple, 6 home runs and 45 RBI in 104 games with the Blue Jays this season."
Diamondbacks' J.J. Putz putting in extra work after injury
August 19
Arizona Republic
 
"Three weeks after his stint on the disabled list, closer J.J. Putz is feeling good, and he believes the work he's putting in with the training staff will pay dividends the rest of the season. It's already evident that his body is responding better now than it was before he missed three weeks with elbow tendinitis. Twice he's pitched three days in a row, something he did just once pre-DL time - and which played a part in irritating his elbow in the first place. He said he's putting in extra time with Ken Crenshaw and the rest of the Diamondbacks training staff. "Ken has had me on a pretty strict routine as far as (scapulas), shoulders, elbows and forearm," Putz said. "We've been sticking to"
Diamondbacks second baseman Kelly Johnson sits vs. Phillies
August 17
Arizona Republic
 
"Though slumping second baseman Kelly Johnson was frustrated to find himself out of the Diamondbacks' lineup in the opening game of a big series, he had no trouble keeping the big picture in mind. "It's been a struggle," Johnson said of his season. "But it's been a lot of fun being on this team, one of the most fun teams I've ever been on playing baseball. That's even without having personal success." Johnson, who struck out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning Tuesday, is 4 for 38 (.105) through 10 games in August, and manager Kirk Gibson left him on the bench for the second game in a row, using Sean Burroughs at third base while shifting Ryan Roberts to second. "The way I've been"
Diamondbacks select Wade Miley, place Jason Marquis on disabled list
August 17
Arizona Republic
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks have selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Wade Miley from Triple-A Reno, placed right-handed pitcher Jason Marquis on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right fibula and designated right-handed pitcher Kevin Mulvey for assignment. Miley, 24, was 4-1 with a 3.64 ERA (22 ER in 54.1 IP) and .255 opponents average with 16 walks and 56 strikeouts in 8 starts with the Aces."
Parker: It's France or nothing
August 17
San Antonio Express-News
 
"If Tony Parker is going to play anywhere overseas during the NBA lockout, it's going to be his native France. That's what the Spurs' point guard told ESPN.com after a Les Bleus exhibition in London on Tuesday. There have been reports that Parker was in discussions to play in China should the lockout linger. Though Parker acknowledged informal talks with teams in China, he says his focus is on France, where he is part owner of the French League powerhouse ASVEL. He tells ESPN.com he won't make a decision about a lockout landing spot until after the Eurobasket tournament ends in September. A lot will depend on his health. "I want to see if I'm healthy, if I'm hurt and by then we will also"
Diamondbacks sign Lyle Overbay, put Xavier Nady on 15-day DL
August 14
Arizona Republic
 
"Washing his car in the driveway of his home south of Seattle on Friday evening, Lyle Overbay jumped a little when his cell phone rang for the third time that day. "I knew something was going on," he said. What was going on was this: the Diamondbacks wanted to sign the left-handed hitting first baseman they drafted in the 18th round of the 1999 draft. He became available after he was cut loose by the Pirates earlier this month. The signing was necessitated when first baseman Xavier Nady went on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left hand after getting hit by a pitch. Nady, who ran the bases after he was hit and did not realize he had suffered a fracture, was scheduled for a medical"
Jason Marquis once again thinking of returning home, will look at Mets this offseason
August 14
New York Daily News
 
"Jason Marquis first wants it understood that he is focused on the Arizona Diamondbacks, and their pennant race. Whenever that ends, though, the New York product will turn his attention home, and once again wonder about the Mets. "I try not to extend my focus past (this year), but obviously I have always had a desire to pitch at home," said the Brooklyn-born Marquis, who still lives in Staten Island, and who faces the Mets Sunday. "I'm a New York guy, and I have always dreamed of playing for the Yankees or Mets, representing my hometown." Marquis, 32, and the Mets have flirted before, when the righthander was a free agent before last season (he is a free agent again this offseason). Despite"
Diamondbacks acquire Jason Marquis in trade with Nationals
July 31
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks beefed up their pitching staff Saturday by acquiring help at the back of the rotation, and they say they're still hoping to fortify their bullpen in the hours before Sunday's 1 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline. Right-hander Jason Marquis, acquired from the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor-league infielder Zach Walters, should give the Diamondbacks stability at the back of the rotation, an area where they have cycled through multiple pitchers throughout the season. Marquis is scheduled to make his Diamondbacks debut Wednesday in San Francisco, though manager Kirk Gibson wouldn't say who will be bumped from the rotation to make room. "He definitely makes us stronger"
Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers says he won't risk team's future
July 29
Arizona Republic
 
"Before the season, Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers figured he would be active at the trade deadline - but he imagined it might be as a seller rather than a buyer. Instead, nearly four months into baseball's marathon season and fewer than 72 hours away from Sunday's non-waiver trade deadline, Towers is trying to weigh the pros and cons of being what he called a "small buyer." And while doing so, he says the organization has the big picture in mind. That picture looks pretty good. At the big-league level, they are playing surprisingly well, particularly because they are coming off back-to-back seasons with 90-plus losses. They have several young pitchers who not only are having"
Kevin Towers considers taking on contract
July 29
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks might not want to part with a top prospect, but General Manager Kevin Towers appears to have the financial flexibility to consider taking on salary from a team looking to dump payroll. "I think ownership is willing to add to make this club better, and if we're able to financially add to the ballclub without giving up our inventory, that would be (ideal) for us," Towers said. "Sometimes there's decent players out there and teams are just looking for cash relief." One club that could fit the description is the Baltimore Orioles, who have two veteran right-handers, Koji Uehara and closer Kevin Gregg. Uehara entered Thursday with a 1.80 ERA and a $4 million option for 2012"
Amid trade rumors, Lee focuses on finishing strong
July 29
Baltimore Sun
 
"Derrek Lee has been in this situation before, so he is probably the last guy who is going to be affected by hearing his name in trade rumors. With the Chicago Cubs last year, Lee vetoed a deal to the Los Angeles Angels before the nonwaiver trade deadline. A month later, the veteran first baseman approved a trade to the Atlanta Braves and was part of their playoff team. Lee's first — and likely only — season with the Orioles has been a struggle, but the 35-year-old is swinging the bat as well as he has all season, and his defense and clubhouse presence would seemingly be attractive to contenders. The Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates could be two potential fits, and both clubs"
Diamondbacks look for reliever as trade deadline looms
July 27
Arizona Republic
 
"Though Sunday's non-waiver trade deadline is approaching, General Manager Kevin Towers says the "lightning round" of trading season has yet to begin. But when it does, he expects the Diamondbacks to be able to land a reliever who can help them not only in the season's final two months but also in 2012. It might cost them more in terms of talent, but Towers sees it as a hole they'll have to plug at some point anyway. "Our hope would be that if we make a deal, to have somebody who'd be here beyond this year," he said. "If not, we're going to be out there this winter looking for that guy once again." Towers reiterated that the club's focus remains on pitching, though he didn't rule out"
Diamondbacks sign top draft pick Trevor Bauer
July 26
Arizona Republic
 
"Never one to follow convention, right-hander Trevor Bauer didn't do the usual slow-play out of baseball's June draft. Instead, the No. 3 overall pick signed with the Diamondbacks on Monday and will report to High-A Visalia, where he will make his professional debut in a start Saturday. Bauer signed a four-year major-league deal guaranteeing him $4.45 million with a signing bonus of $3.4 million. If he were to begin next season in the big leagues and stay there through the end of the contract he would earn about $7 million. Historically, most top draft picks wait until just before the Aug. 15 signing deadline to sign, a way to milk a few more bucks out of the club that drafted them. Bauer,"
D'Backs talking trade for Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez
July 25
Hardball Talk
 
"The Diamondbacks entered Sunday's action with a healthy 54-47 record, but they're four games behind the Giants in the National League West and five games back of the Braves in the Wild Card race. To remain competitive, the D'Backs need to make a high-impact move at this year's trade deadline. And it appears they might be poised to do just that."
Beltran, Reyes are top names for unpredictable trading season
July 15
SI.com
 
"The trading season began rather bizarrely, with the Mets rushing to trade Francisco Rodriguez, their star high-priced closer with the scary vesting option, a new agent and a missing no-trade list. K-Rod's previous agent failed to submit his 10-team no-trade list, and Mets higher-ups became concerned that his just-hired agent, Scott Boras, might try to rectify this situation. Although there was seemingly no way to submit a list that was already two years late, Mets GM Sandy Alderson didn't think it was worth taking a chance a trade could be stalled by a debate over the missing list. Shortly after Boras was hired, the Mets were telling interested teams K-Rod would be somewhere else "within"
Kevin Towers: Roster moves coming
July 14
Arizona Republic
 
"Changes are coming Thursday for the Diamondbacks, but as to what specific roster moves will be made, General Manager Kevin Towers wouldn't get too specific. "All I can tell you is there will be movement in a couple of areas," Towers said. "And maybe more movement later in the week. More on the position-player front. That's as far as I'll go." The Diamondbacks are working out this afternoon at Chase Field in advance of Friday's game against the Dodgers, whom they will play to open a 10-game post-All-Star break homestand One move could be infielder Geoff Blum, who had knee surgery in April after the Diamondbacks signed him to a two-year deal in the off-season. Blum, who is 6 for 14 with two"
Mora to be released
June 30
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks infielder Melvin Mora is being given his unconditional release, and the Diamondbacks will make a corresponding move Friday. "We're just going to move on in a different direction, kind of reshape our bench a little bit," Gibson said. "We'll decide what we want to do on Friday." Mora, who was batting .228, appeared in 41 games. He signed a one-year, $2.3 million deal in the off-season and was targeted as the starting third baseman. "It's tough to leave when you're around your family," Mora said. " . . . I was supposed to play third base but (Ryan) Roberts has been playing well. I didn't get playing time at third base, and it's something different, so for me it's hard to get hot."
D-backs president says team can spend at deadline
June 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks, losers of three straight, swapped relievers with their Class AAA affiliate on Tuesday: right-hander Yhency Brazoban and left-hander Alberto Castillo are in; righties Esmerling Vasquez and Bryan Shaw are out. And if those fixes don't work, more expensive bullpen reinforcements could arrive soon. Diamondbacks president/CEO Derrick Hall told FOXSports.com on Tuesday that first-year general manager Kevin Towers will have the ability to add payroll leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. "We've got the flexibility," Hall said in a Tuesday telephone interview. "Our ownership group is willing to invest in this team. We've told KT, 'If we're in it, we'll do"
Realingment: D-backs, Astros two candidates to move to AL
June 14
USA Today
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks could be the team most likely to change leagues if Major League Baseball implements realignment in its new collective bargaining agreement. "We would do whatever's best for baseball," said Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall, whose team would move to the American League West from the National League West under one of the plans being discussed by MLB and the players' association. "Most would say us or the Astros would be best candidates (to shift leagues)." Another option would be for the Houston Astros to move to the AL West from the National League Central, but outgoing team owner Drayton McLane says he wants the team to stay in the NL. The changes would put 15"
Arizona Diamondbacks' Kevin Towers eyes minor leagues
June 12
Arizona Republic
 
"Despite sputtering in recent games, the Diamondbacks still rate among the better offensive teams in the league. But they're always looking to get better, and one option is to reach down for help from their minor-league system. Perhaps then it's no surprise that General Manager Kevin Towers has spent the past few days watching the club's Double-A Mobile affiliate play in Birmingham, Ala., where he has gotten a first-hand look at first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who has been perhaps the best hitter in all of minor-league baseball this season. Towers said he was there Thursday to see Goldschmidt crush a ball "about 500 feet" against a left-hander who was throwing 95 mph. "That's one of the"
Sources: MLB, players talk realignment
June 12
ESPN.com
 
"A simple form of realignment being seriously considered has been raised in the labor talks between Major League Baseball and the players' association, according to four sources: two leagues of 15 teams, rather than the current structure of 16 teams in the National League and 14 in the American League. According to a highly ranked executive, one consideration that has been raised in ownership committee meetings is eliminating the divisions altogether, so that 15 AL and 15 NL teams would vie for five playoff spots within each league. Currently, Major League Baseball has six divisions."
Should the Arizona Diamondbacks go after Mets' David Wright?
June 3
Arizona Republic
 columnist Dan Bickley
"The Diamondbacks will go window shopping near the trade deadline. They could take a swing at Mets star David Wright, reportedly on the trading block in New York. Sounds tempting. Wright is a career .302 hitter. He has 5 All-Star Game appearances in 8 years as a professional. For a few years, he was the best third baseman in New York. He is signed through 2012 with a $16 million team option in 2013. He is currently recovering from a stress fracture in his lower back. Recently, he was publicly criticized by team owner Fred Wilpon, who described Wright as a nice guy but not nearly as good as people think. Yet Wright is only 28, and from 2006-08, he was a consistent MVP candidate. Some think"