Arizona Diamondbacks Trade Rumors

Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero.
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March 12
Arizona Republic
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks aren't ready to admit it, but right-hander Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero. As of now, it's unclear how much time Webb might miss. But replacing a Cy Young contender, of course, is virtually impossible. Mentally getting over his loss might not be easy, either. Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick said throughout the off-season that the return of Webb was tantamount to a big-ticket free-agent acquisition. Right-hander Dan Haren said last month that the Diamondbacks "will probably go as far as (Webb) takes us." Even General Manager Josh Byrnes spoke strongly in December about Webb's importance, saying, "I don't think there's ..."
Diamondbacks' Brandon Webb may start the season on DL
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March 6
Arizona Republic
 
"Right-hander Brandon Webb's "stagnant" condition, to use his word, has the Diamondbacks acknowledging for the first time that he could begin the season on the disabled list. "If we get 30 starts from him, great," General Manager Josh Byrnes said Friday. "If we get 20, that's great. We just need to get it right." Byrnes said that if Webb doesn't get in a Cactus League game by around next weekend, he probably won't have time to get ready for his first start of the season. He was scheduled to start on April 7 in the third game of the season. Webb said he wasn't able to "let loose and let it go," which has been evident in his below-normal velocity in the two bullpen sessions open to reporters. ..."
D-backs hoping they can wrap up Reynolds
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March 5
SI.com
 
"The Diamondbacks, fresh of their $51.25 million, six-year deal with rising star Justin Upton, have offered about $13.5 million over two years to slugging third baseman Mark Reynolds and are meeting with him Friday with hopes of making progress. The sides are said to remain a bit apart, as Reynolds is seeking a deal similar to the $18-million, two-year deal Prince Fielder received to cover his first two arbitration years while the D-backs see Dan Uggla and his $13 million take during his first two arbitration years as the better comp. Reynolds' people pointed out in meetings that he has more all-around skills than Fielder, including baserunning ability and better defense. But while the ..."
Diamondbacks, Upton close to 6-year contract extension
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March 3
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks are on the verge of locking up one of baseball's best young players. The club and 22-year-old right fielder Justin Upton are closing in on a six-year deal worth "a shade above" $50 million, according to a source close to the discussions, a contract that would buy out all three years of Upton's arbitration years and his first two seasons of free agency. The deal is expected to be finalized and announced today. Upton declined comment, as did Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes. The contract would run through 2015, meaning Upton would be eligible to enter the free-agent market for the first time at 28. Playing most of last season at age 21, Upton was named an All-Star ..."
Diamondbacks, Upton close to 6-year contract extension
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March 2
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks and right fielder Justin Upton are on the verge of agreeing to a contract extension that would keep him with the team for the next six years. The deal, first reported by foxsports.com, is said to be worth in the neighborhood of $50 million. Talks heated up on Monday night and the extension could be announced as soon as Wednesday."
Diamondbacks may give catcher Montero a long-term deal
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February 25
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks already are engaged in conversations with right fielder Justin Upton and third baseman Mark Reynolds about long-term contracts. It appears the team is considering doing the same for catcher Miguel Montero. Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick dropped Montero's name in a conversation with reporters as the Diamondbacks were preparing for their first full-squad workout of spring training. "He's certainly a guy that we have a lot of faith in for the future, so yeah I think there's potential opportunity to sign him for more than just a single year," Kendrick said. It was news to Montero - good news. "I would like to, but I haven't heard anything," he said. "If they're thinking ..."
Reynolds, Upton deals on D-backs' radar
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February 18
MLB.com
 
"Their arbitration-eligible players all taken care of thanks to the Valentine's Day signing of right-hander Edwin Jackson, the D-backs front office will turn its attention to signing players with less than three years of big league service. That typically involves one-year deals, but in the case of third baseman Mark Reynolds and right fielder Justin Upton, it appears the D-backs have at least begun to explore multiyear pacts. When asked about the long-term futures of Reynolds and Upton in Arizona during a question-and-answer session during last weekend's FanFest, general manager Josh Byrnes said, "We always have those conversations. Whether we can get them done or not, I don't know. It's ..."
What an extension might look like for Mark Reynolds
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February 5
Arizona Republic
 
"We've heard there is some mutual interest from the Diamondbacks and third baseman Mark Reynolds in working out a contract extension and that the club is expected to make an offer sometime before spring training. There are some indications that the sides could talk about a three-year deal. In theory, that sort of contract could work for both sides. Reynolds still is a year away from becoming eligible for arbitration for the first time, so his salary for 2010 will be club-controlled, i.e., in the $500,000 range. So if they did a three-year deal this off-season (2010-12), it would cover two arbitration seasons, leaving him with one year of arbitration eligibility left before he would become a ..."
Benson throwing again, looking for work
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February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"A number of National League teams are keeping track of Kris Benson's progress, including the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds and Nationals, according to one major league source. The Dodgers are also looking to add starting depth but are a more remote possibility, sources indicated. Last week, Benson's agent said he expected the free agent right-hander to join a new team within the next few weeks. Benson has made only eight appearances in the majors since 2006, in large part because of injuries. He pitched in the majors and minors for Texas last year, with minimal success. But Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton, is encouraged by the fact that he's already throwing his fastball, curveball, slider and ..."
Diamondbacks announce non-roster invitees for spring training
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February 2
Arizona Republic
 
"The Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers will report to Tucson on Feb. 19, with the first workout on Feb. 20. The remainder of the squad is scheduled to report on Feb. 23 and workout Feb. 24. Along with the players on the 40-man roster that will take part in workouts, the Diamondbacks have announced the 17 non-roster invitees: Pitchers (9): Right-handers T.J. Beam, Josh Ellis, Barry Enright, Kyler Newby, Rodrigo Lopez, Wes Roemer, Bryan Shaw and Matt Torra; left-hander Tommy Layne."
Diamondbacks, Drew agree to $3.4 million contract
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January 20
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with shortstop Stephen Drew on Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.4 million deal. Only right-hander Edwin Jackson, acquired from Detroit last month, remains unsigned among the Diamondbacks arbitration-eligible players. Jackson and the club filed arbitration figures on Tuesday. Jackson asked for $6.25 million and the club countered at $4.6 million."
D-backs avoid arbitration with Jackson
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January 15
MLB.com
 
"The D-backs agreed to terms with Conor Jackson on Thursday on a one-year deal worth $3.1 million. Jackson had been eligible for salary arbitration. The 27-year-old suffered through a miserable 2009 season, hitting just .182 with one homer in 30 games. Jackson was bothered the entire season by a case of Valley Fever, which sapped his strength and forced him to spend most of the campaign on the disabled list. Jackson finished the season on the disabled list and participated in the club's instructional league as well as spending six weeks in the Dominican Republic playing winter ball. "For me to go down to the Dominican, too, that was the supreme test," Jackson said recently. "Different ..."
Arizona Diamondbacks agree to terms with Adam LaRoche
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January 14
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks added a slugging first baseman to their lineup on Thursday by agreeing to sign free agent Adam LaRoche. The deal, first reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reportedly is for one year and worth between $4 million to $6 million, according to various reports. The deal reportedly includes an option for 2011 with a buyout that would bump the guaranteed value into the $5.5 million range, but this is still unconfirmed. Final details still are being negotiated but that the contract could be finalized as soon as Friday, assuming his physical exam goes smoothly. The move comes as a surprise in that LaRoche was rumored to have been seeking a deal worth considerably more. He ..."
LaRoche agrees with Diamondbacks
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January 14
SI.com
 
"The Diamondbacks and Adam LaRoche have an agreement on a one-year deal that will be finalized as soon as he takes a physical, SI.com has confirmed. The deal will pay LaRoche between $4 million and $5 million, sources say."
Ojeda likely staying put
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January 14
Arizona Republic
 
"The signing of 2B Kelly Johnson gave the Diamondbacks the option of trading IF Augie Ojeda, but club officials are saying now they are not likely to make a deal anytime before spring training. It appears the Diamondbacks didn't receive an offer tempting enough to move the versatile Ojeda and instead will head into spring training with both Ojeda and Tony Abreu as backup infield options. It's still possible a deal occurs down the line, particularly if, say, Abreu comes to spring training and plays a tremendous shortstop, easing concerns about his ability to be a suitable backup at that position. But Ojeda fits the club well enough that the Diamondbacks don't seem to be in any hurry to move ..."
Signs point to Brandon Webb leaving D-Backs after 2010
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January 11
Arizona Republic
 
"Picture Brandon Webb in a Chicago Cubs hat. Or wearing a Washington Nationals jersey. Or maybe pitching for the Cincinnati Reds or Baltimore Orioles. We don't mean to spoil your breakfast, but Webb's comments last week to ESPN.com were just the latest indication that the Diamondbacks sinkerballer is preparing himself for a change of address sometime in the range of late 2010/early 2011. As disheartening as the thought is for Diamondbacks fans of him pitching anywhere else, here's the thing about this situation: It's really no one's fault. "Obviously, you want to see what's out there and do the best deal you can for yourself and your family," Webb told ESPN.com. "That's probably No. 1. ..."
Webb eyeing rebound after lost 2009
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January 7
ESPN.com
 
"With all due respect to John Lackey, Randy Wolf, Rich Harden, Joel Pineiro, Jason Marquis, Doug Davis and Jon Garland, this will not go down as the free-agent winter that fulfilled a pitching-deprived general manager's dreams. That comes next offseason. Sometime around the 2010 Congressional elections, Cliff Lee, Josh Beckett, Javier Vazquez and Ted Lilly will go to market. And if all goes according to plan, they'll be joined by a healthy, productive, exceedingly popular Brandon Webb. Remember him? From Opening Day 2004 through the end of 2008, Webb ranked second in the majors to Johan Santana with 1,135 innings pitched. He won a Cy Young Award in 2006, reeled off a streak of 42 ..."
Diamondbacks show interest in Matt Capps, Kelly Johnson
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December 15
Arizona Republic
 
"A pair of new names popped up on the Diamondbacks' radar this weekend in reliever Matt Capps and second baseman Kelly Johnson, two players who were not tendered contracts by their previous teams, thus becoming free agents. Because both are coming off subpar seasons, they would have cost more next year than their previous teams wanted to pay. But they represent enticing buy-low options for the Diamondbacks - and several other teams, if the baseball rumor mill is to be believed. Capps entered the 2009 season with a 3.06 ERA in 217 1/3 career innings. But he struggled with a 5.80 ERA, along with increases in his walk and home-run rates, prompting the Pittsburgh Pirates to cut ties with him ..."
Diamondbacks interested in Kelly Johnson and Randy Winn
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December 14
Arizona Republic
 
"First, we have confirmation that the Diamondbacks do, in fact, have interest in 2B Kelly Johnson, not that that's surprising. They've been linked to him in trade rumors in the past -- last off-season there were Conor Jackson-for-Johnson rumblings -- and it only makes sense that they'd have interest now that he's available. Johnson was non-tendered by the Braves on Saturday after hitting .224 with a .303 on-base and .389 slugging this season. That's a .692 OPS, down from the .795 he posted in his first three seasons in the majors. He's an average-to-below average defensive second baseman. Johnson probably would have been in line to make $3 million or more in arbitration had he been ..."
D-Backs among teams interested in Capps
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December 14
Arizona Republic
 
"Reliever Matt Capps' agent said Sunday afternoon that his client has received interest from "seven or eight teams" a day after Capps was non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Diamondbacks were one of those teams. "It seems like there's a lot of interest out there," agent Paul Kinzer said. "We're going to see what's out there and talk about it this week." Kinzer said Capps, who had been the Pirates closer for parts of the past three seasons, is open to being a setup man. "On a good team, if he had an opportunity to win, yeah, he's open," Kinzer said. "Or a place where he'd have an opportunity to be there if somebody struggled.""
Kendrick says Diamondbacks 2010 team budget is flexible
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December 13
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick wasn't in Indianapolis last week, where his club was involved in pulling off the biggest trade at baseball's winter meetings, so on Friday morning the team's baseball operations staff caught him up on everything he missed. "The process goes to the next step, because we still have some holes to fill," Kendrick said, referring to the team's need for another reliever and a hitter. "We still have money to spend and we're still talking." Kendrick reiterated that the club's payroll for 2010 will be above this season's $73 million, but he wouldn't elaborate beyond saying it would be in the "mid-70s." He also said the number was flexible, assuming ..."
Duchscherer interested but not likely for D-Backs
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December 9
Arizona Republic
 
"From the just-so-you-know department: former Oakland RHP Justin Duchscherer's agent said on Tuesday his client has the Diamondbacks high up on his list of teams he'd like to pitch for in 2010. However, we were told today that signing Duchscherer isn't likely for the Diamondbacks. This could be for one of two reasons: In a pre-blockbuster world, Duchscherer, who lives in Chandler, might have made sense. But with RHP Edwin Jackson and RHP Ian Kennedy filling the Nos. 3 and 4 spots in the rotation once The Big Deal gets announced, there's much less need for a starter. Another possibility is that the Diamondbacks took a look at his medicals -- something that Duchscherer's agent, Damon Lapa, ..."
Tigers' trade of Curtis Granderson, Edwin Jackson almost complete
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December 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"From all indications, the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a three-team deal in which they'd send centerfielder Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and right-hander Edwin Jackson to Arizona. The trade would reduce the Tigers' payroll by millions for the next few years. According to foxsports.com and cbssports.com, the deal would bring the Tigers the following four players, all young, low-priced and years away from free agency: • Arizona right-handed starting pitcher Max Scherzer. In his first full big-league season, Scherzer went 9-11 with a 4.12 ERA. He throws hard -- 95-96 m.p.h. with movement. The Diamondbacks have had concerns about his durability and his ability to develop a third pitch to ..."
Diamondbacks dealing for pitchers Jackson, Kennedy
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December 8
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks are closing in on the completion of a blockbuster three-team deal that will net them two starting pitchers in exchange for one. In a deal that reportedly has been on-again, off-again over the first two days of baseball's winter meetings, the Diamondbacks are set to acquire Detroit's Edwin Jackson and the New York Yankees' Ian Kennedy, two right-handers who will slot into the rotation behind Dan Haren and Brandon Webb. In exchange, the Diamondbacks will send right-hander Max Scherzer and lefty reliever Daniel Schlereth to the Tigers, who also are expected to receive two players from the Yankees . The Yankees will get star outfielder Curtis Granderson. The deal has yet to be ..."
Yankees get Granderson in pending three-way deal
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December 8
New York Post
 
"The Yankees have completed a three-team trade that gives them center fielder Curtis Granderson, pending a review of medical records, according to a source. Two executives involved in the deal said the structure is basically that Arizona would get pitchers Edwin Jackson (Tigers) and Ian Kennedy (Yankees), the Yankees would get Granderson, and the Tigers would receive reliever Daniel Schlereth and starter Max Scherzer from Arizona, and outfielder Austin Jackson, pitchers Phil Coke and Mike Dunn from the Yankees. One key element to the deal is that Kennedy pitched in the Diamondbacks' back yard in the Arizona Fall League and showed he had his command back after aneurysm surgery. Arizona ..."
Yanks acquire Granderson in three-way trade with Tigers and Diamondbacks
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December 8
New York Daily News
 
"The Yankees made a big splash on Day 2 of the Winter Meetings, dealing for Curtis Granderson in a three-way trade with the Tigers and Diamondbacks. The Yankees will deal Austin Jackson, Ian Kennedy and Phil Coke for Granderson, according to a source, removing reliever Mike Dunn from the original three-way trade that had hit a road block late Monday night. The Diamondbacks will receive Edwin Jackson and Kennedy, while the Tigers will receive Austin Jackson and Coke from the Yankees and Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth from Arizona. The trade has not been officially announced, as the three teams must first review the medical records of all players involved. After the trade talks hit a snag ..."
Yankees, Tigers, Diamondbacks Three-Way Deal Could Be Completed by 2 PM ET
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December 8
AOL.com
 
"A three-way deal that would send center fielder Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and right-hander Edwin Jackson to the Diamondbacks "has legs," a major-league source said Tuesday. The Tigers and Diamondbacks were waiting on the Yankees to sign off on the deal, with an answer expected by 2 PM ET. Detroit would get right-hander Max Scherzer (described by one scout as having No. 2 starter potential if he can throw strikes) from Arizona and center-field prospect Austin Jackson from New York. The Tigers would also get other players or prospects. Granderson, who turns 29 in March, has three years and $25.75 million left on his contract, with a team option for 2013. He hit .249 with a .780 OPS in ..."
Blockbuster three-way trade appears to be close
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December 8
SI.com
 
"The blockbuster three-way trade that would send top young pitcher Edwin Jackson to the Diamondbacks, Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and good young players to the Tigers appears to be close to getting done. In the latest form of this trade, the Yankees, who balked late Monday night, would surrender slightly less. Now they'd be sending top outfield prospect Austin Jackson and reliever Phil Coke to Detroit, plus pitching prospect Ian Kennedy to Arizona, in order to land Granderson from Detroit. The Diamondbacks would wind up with the two pitchers, Edwin Jackson and Kennedy, while the Tigers would get Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth, Austin Jackson and Coke. The Yankees and Tigers were ..."
Clubs eyeing Putz
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free agent reliever J.J. Putz is drawing interest from a number of teams, including the Cubs, White Sox, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Nationals and Tigers, major league sources said late Monday night. Putz recently held a throwing session for scouts in Arizona. He is seeking to re-establish himself as a late-inning presence, after having surgery to remove a bone spur from his right (throwing) elbow earlier this year. Putz had a 5.22 ERA for the Mets this season and didn't pitch after June 4. He was an All-Star closer as recently as 2007 before averaging only 38 innings over the past two seasons because of injuries/"
Kennedy unlikely to head to Arizona
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"The Diamondbacks, described by a source Monday as one of two teams interested in Adam Kennedy, have minimal interest in the free-agent second baseman, according to a major-league source. While the D-Backs like Kennedy, they do not plan to spend money at second base, preferring to use in-house alternatives instead."
Three-team blockbuster deal back on?
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers, Yankees and Diamondbacks are regaining momentum in their three-way trade talks involving All-Star center fielder Curtis Granderson at the winter meetings, multiple sources said. One person went so far as to say that the teams are getting "closer" to an agreement, while another said that ideas are still being exchanged among the clubs. According to a scenario described by multiple sources on Monday night, the Yankees would surrender four players in all: center fielder Austin Jackson and left-handed relievers Phil Coke and Michael Dunn to Detroit; and right-hander Ian Kennedy to Arizona. Sources said Tuesday that the Diamondbacks currently aren't willing to send prospects to New ..."
D-Backs targeting Tigers' Jackson?
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December 8
Arizona Republic
 
"he Diamondbacks wasted little time getting their name in the rumor mill on the first day of baseball's winter meetings. In their annual quest to add a starting pitcher, this year's top target appears to be Detroit's Edwin Jackson, and if you believed the rumors making the rounds at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown late Monday afternoon, the Diamondbacks were one of the favorites to land the right-hander. But by the end of the evening, a report had surfaced saying discussion of a blockbuster, three-way deal between the Diamondbacks, Tigers and New York Yankees had reached an impasse. According to foxsports.com, the Diamondbacks would have received Jackson and Yankees right-hander Ian ..."
Yankees working on 3-way Granderson trade
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December 8
New York Post
 
"The Yankees' effort to acquire center fielder Curtis Granderson from Detroit intensified yesterday when Arizona joined the process. Two club sources said the Yankees spent the first day of the Winter Meetings talking to the Tigers and Diamondbacks about the possible blockbuster deal. According to a Foxsports.com report later confirmed by The Post, the teams discussed a three-way trade that would bring Granderson to The Bronx, send pitcher Edwin Jackson from Detroit and Ian Kennedy from the Yankees to Arizona, and the Tigers would receive right-hander Max Scherzer from Arizona as well outfield prospect Austin Jackson, and left-handed relievers Mike Dunn and Phil Coke from the Yankees. "They ..."
Sources: Yanks have discussed big trade
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December 8
Foxsports.com
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"This would be a blockbuster. The Yankees, Diamondbacks and Tigers have discussed a three-way trade that would send Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson to New York and right-hander Edwin Jackson to Arizona, major-league sources say. The talks are at an impasse, according to one source. The proposed deal is being pushed by the D-Backs, but was rejected by at least one of the two other teams, the source says."
Sources: Tigers close to trading starter Jackson
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December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers are close to trading right-hander Edwin Jackson, according to major-league sources. The identity of the team is not known, but both the Diamondbacks and Mariners are known to have interest. The discussions have been more serious with Arizona than Seattle, according to one source. The Angels, meanwhile, are still pursuing both Jackson and Detroit center fielder Curtis Granderson. The Brewers, Mets and Dodgers are not on Jackson, sources said."
Mets, D-backs showing most interest in 2B Kennedy
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December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mets and Diamondbacks are the teams showing the most interest in free agent Adam Kennedy, major-league sources say, viewing him as a potential starter at second base. The Mets, if they traded Luis Castillo, could sign Kennedy as a less expensive option than Orlando Hudson. The Diamondbacks, who traded Felipe Lopez to the Brewers last July, also are looking for help at second. Three other teams also are showing interest in Kennedy, but for more of a super-utility role, one source said."
Could Doug Davis go back to Milwaukee?
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December 7
Foxsports.com
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"Steve Canter, the agent for Doug Davis, said "multiple clubs" are showing interest in the free agent left-hander. Davis is unlikely to return to Arizona, where he went 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA this year and tied for the National League lead with 34 starts."
Trade for D-backs' Jackson unlikely
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December 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The Braves have always liked the Diamondbacks' Conor Jackson. They need a right-handed hitter, and they need a first baseman after declining to offer salary arbitration to Adam LaRoche. The fit would be perfect, but a trade is unlikely. The D-backs only would move Jackson for a young starting pitcher, major-league sources say, and the Braves are not about to part with right-hander Jair Jurrjens or righty Tommy Hanson in such a deal. In fact, the Braves are not even among the teams to express recent interest in Jackson, and the clubs that have called are likely to end up discouraged. Jackson, 27, did not play after May 11 last season due to valley fever, but again appears healthy. He ..."
Tracy among 3 not offered arbitration
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December 2
Arizona Republic
 
"The Diamondbacks announced Tuesday that they are not offering salary arbitration to three outgoing free agents,: starter Doug Davis, left-hander Scott Schoeneweis and first baseman Chad Tracy. Davis ranks as a Type? B free agent - meaning he would return a compensatory draft pick if and when he signs elsewhere - but the Diamondbacks would first need to offer him arbitration in order to collect the pick. The Diamondbacks decided not to offer because of the risk that he might accept. Davis would have earned more money in arbitration than the club can afford - perhaps around $9 million - plus the Diamondbacks simply do not appear to have interest in bringing him back."
Johnson an unlikely target
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November 27
MLB.com
 
"With the D-backs looking for a veteran first baseman, there are some that have speculated free agent Nick Johnson would be a good choice. While that may be the case, it seems unlikely given that there has been significant interest in him. Foxsports.com reported recently that the Mariners, Giants, Mets and Yankees all had interest in Johnson, who will be looking for a multi-year deal. With a little more than $10 million to spend and a more pressing need in the starting rotation, don't look for the D-backs to be in the bidding for Johnson."
Cubs trade Heilman, add 2 years to Grabow's deal
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November 20
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Cubs took two key steps in shaping their 2010 bullpen Thursday, even as they continue to work and wait on their bigger offseason tasks of trading Milton Bradley and acquiring another outfielder. After agreeing to a two-year contract extension worth at least $7 million with free-agent lefty reliever John Grabow, the Cubs traded arbitration-eligible right-hander Aaron Heilman to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two prospects. Heilman, who made $1.62million in 2009, was one of 10 Cubs eligible for arbitration this winter and was considered expendable given the team's relative bullpen depth. ''We obviously for years liked Aaron, in his Mets days,'' said general manager Jim Hendry, who acquired ..."
D-backs acquire Heilman from Cubs
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November 20
MLB.com
 
"Cross one thing off the D-backs' offseason to-do list. Arizona bolstered its bullpen on Thursday, acquiring right-hander Aaron Heilman from the Cubs for a pair of Minor Leaguers. Heilman was 4-4 with a 4.11 ERA and one save in 70 games for the Cubs. The 31-year-old walked 34 and fanned 65 while holding opponents to a .257 average. "He's a pedigree guy," D-backs general manager Josh Byrnes said. "A former first-round pick with a lot of success in the Major Leagues. He's someone we feel will really strengthen our bullpen." With the D-backs, Heilman likely will pitch as a setup man for closer Chad Qualls. "He's pitched in pressurized situations before in terms of his role and the markets ..."
Cubs deal Heilman to Arizona for two prospects
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November 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs sent reliever Aaron Heilman to Arizona on Thursday for a pair of minor-league prospects. Heilman didn't figure into the Cubs 2010 plans, and was likely to be non-tendered by the club next month. In return, the Cubs received left-handed reliever Scott Maine, who went 4-5 with seven saves and a 2.90 ERA at Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Reno, and first baseman Ryne White, who hit .266 with six homers and 52 RBI at Class-A Visalia."
Free-agent arms a tricky proposition
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November 12
Arizona Republic
 
"If you surveyed 10 baseball executives who were walking the halls of the Hilton O'Hare this week, you would have received 10 different viewpoints of how the market for free-agent starting pitchers will shake out this off-season. Some see a class so weak beyond right-hander John Lackey that they believe only two other pitchers, Randy Wolf and Joel Pineiro, will secure multiyear deals. Others envision a depressed market causing salaries to fall below expectations. Some say the opposite, believing starters will end up getting more than they should because of demand. The course the Diamondbacks chart in finding a dependable starting pitcher likely will be determined by which of those theories ..."
Webb throws for first time since surgery
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November 12
MLB.com
 
"For the first time since undergoing right shoulder surgery in August, D-backs ace Brandon Webb threw a baseball on Wednesday. Webb played catch with a football to get loose for about 15 minutes and then spent another 15 minutes throwing a baseball from around 60 feet. "No problems and no pain," Webb told MLB.com. "I was very encouraged." Webb's throwing session came less than a week after the D-backs exercised his $8.5 million contract option for next season. The right-hander, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2006 and finished second in the balloting in '07 and '08, made just one start last season before suffering from discomfort in his right shoulder. After trying to rehab ..."
D-Backs GM: Snyder progressing
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November 10
Arizona Republic
 
"In the middle of the afternoon Monday, the Diamondbacks' front-office contingent arrived at the Hilton O'Hare, a decidedly less-posh destination for the general managers' meetings than for last year's proceedings in Dana Point, Calif. But instead of being able to announce a trade with Toronto, Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes was left discussing catcher Chris Snyder, whose health came into question when the Blue Jays called off a potential deal shortly after performing a physical exam Sunday. Byrnes ultimately echoed comments Snyder made to mlb.com earlier in the day. Snyder has progressed as expected after his Sept. 23 back surgery, Byrnes said, adding that there is nothing else ..."
No deal: Toronto calls off Snyder trade
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November 8
Arizona Republic
 
"Concerns about catcher Chris Snyder's surgically repaired back caused the Toronto Blue Jays to nix a trade that would have brought first baseman Lyle Overbay to the Diamondbacks. Not sure if Snyder "failed" the physical exam he was scheduled to undergo today or what the exact terminology is here, but we know that his condition was the reason Toronto called it off. Snyder underwent a microdiscectomy surgery, a procedure that is designed to relieve pressure off a nerve in his back. It's not considered a major surgery, but if you're Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos you obviously want to be completely sure he's going to be fine, especially since he's owed $11.25 million over the next couple of ..."
Possible D-backs, Jays deal on hold
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November 8
MLB.com
 
"A potential deal between the D-backs and Blue Jays that would have sent Chris Snyder to Toronto and Lyle Overbay to Arizona has been put on hold, a Major League source said Sunday. The two sides had been making progress on the deal as of Saturday before hitting a snag. There has been plenty of speculation that Snyder would be dealt this offseason with the emergence of backup Miguel Montero last season. Snyder, who signed a three-year, $14.25 million extension last winter, was hampered for most of the 2009 season with back problems that eventually required surgery and limited him to just 61 games. He hit .200 with six homers and 22 RBIs. Overbay was initially drafted by the D-backs in the ..."
D-backs, Jays talking possible deal
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November 8
MLB.com
 
"The D-backs and Blue Jays are "making progress" on a deal that would send catcher Chris Snyder to Toronto and first baseman Lyle Overbay to Arizona, according to a Major League source. Snyder, 28, was hampered for most of the 2009 season with back problems that eventually required surgery and limited him to just 61 games. He hit .200 with six homers and 22 RBIs. Overbay was initially drafted by the D-backs in the 18th round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft and played for the D-backs from 2001-03 before being dealt to the Brewers prior to the '04 season as part of a trade that brought Richie Sexson to Arizona. Last season, the 32-year-old hit .265 with 16 homers and 64 RBIs in 132 games. ..."
D-Backs discussing Snyder-for-Overbay swap
Comment
November 8
Arizona Republic
 
"Miguel Montero's breakout season has made Chris Snyder the Diamondbacks' catcher most likely to be traded this off-season, and Snyder's name popped up this weekend in a rumor that just might have legs. Baseball sources said the Diamondbacks are talking about a trade that would send Chris Snyder to the Toronto Blue Jays for first baseman Lyle Overbay. It is unclear how far the trade talks have progressed, but because Snyder had back surgery in September, the Blue Jays presumably would want him to undergo a thorough examination. Last off-season, it was Montero's name that surfaced in rumors. But when Snyder went down with back problems in midseason, Montero stepped in and never looked back, ..."