Diamondbacks Trade Rumors

"The Diamondbacks have not yet approached Upton about a long-term deal, and Upton has said he is in no rush to sign. General Manager Josh Byrnes won't comment on the subject, but the team is bound to try to sign him - and it figures to be a unique negotiation, considering Upton's talent is unanimously heralded in the industry. Unlike someone such as Scott Boras, Upton's representative, Larry Reynolds, figures to be open-minded about a deal."

"The avalanche of pre-arbitration deals with talented young players continued Friday with the announcement of third baseman Evan Longoria's $17.5 million deal with Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton, who is arguably the most talented young player in the game, said he hasn't been presented with a multiyear contract offer, and he's fine with that."

"The D-Backs have had intermittent talks with Orlando Hudson’s camp about an extension since late in 2007, but the sides appear so far apart that it would take a major move by one to rekindle meaningful dialog."

"The Diamondbacks and center fielder Chris Young appear to be closing in on a long-term contract, and an announcement on the deal could come sometime early this week."

"Scouts for the Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals clustered behind a chain-link fence to watch Ponson's latest reincarnation. A pitcher who once huffed and puffed to muster an 88 mph fastball threw with little obvious effort and significantly more velocity. "I'm throwing nice and free again. I don't have to force anything," Ponson said."

"But because Hudson is eligible for free agency after this year, some wonder if this will be his last spring training with the D-Backs - as much as he says he wants to stay and as much as they seem to appreciate his play."

"Negotiations between the Diamondbacks and free agent Trot Nixon are in the fine-print stages, with a resolution expected shortly."

"The Diamondbacks are in discussions with free-agent outfielder Trot Nixon about a one-year, minor-league deal. The club would like to bring in Nixon to give it additional options in case infielder Chad Tracy (knee) is not ready by Opening Day."

"The Diamondbacks appear more and more likely to land outfielder Trot Nixon. The D-Backs have offered Nixon a minor league contract, industry sources said Tuesday, and it is likely they would agree to an out clause if Nixon is not guaranteed a spot on the 25-man roster by the last week in March."

"Trot Nixon impressed the Diamondbacks with his offense in a workout Sunday and they continue with internal talks about offering him a minor league contract, their only option."

"General Manager Josh Byrnes said the club would probably decide in the next day or so whether to extend a contract offer to free-agent outfielder Trot Nixon, who worked out for the Diamondbacks and three other teams on a back field Sunday."

"The Diamondbacks are considering signing veteran outfielder Trot Nixon, who worked out at their minor league facility Sunday. "

"The Diamondbacks have discussed parameters of a contract with Valley resident Keith Foulke, who is looking to return to the major leagues after sitting out last season because of a bone spur in his right elbow."

"One-time Toronto phenom Eric Hinske could sign with Arizona as insurance in case third baseman Chad Tracy doesn't meet his ambitious schedule of returning by Opening Day. Tracy underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee last season. Tracy's rehab was slowed in November when he developed blood clots."

"Representatives from more than 20 teams watched former major league reliever Keith Foulke throw off a mound last week in Tempe. The Diamondbacks were among them, and they seem to have been adequately impressed to pursue the former All-Star closer. The Diamondbacks have spoken with Foulke's agent in recent days and appear poised to make an offer to the right-hander - if they haven't done so already."

"As Chad Tracy continues his rehabilitation with an eye on Opening Day, the Diamondbacks are considering their options in case the infielder's return from knee surgery takes a little longer than he hopes. Among the free agents they are considering is Eric Hinske, an Arizona resident who spent last season with the Red Sox, hitting .204 with six home runs in 186 at-bats."

"The Diamondbacks have had brief discussions with the representative for reliever Brandon Lyon about a multiyear contract, but agent Barry Meister said the sides have some hurdles to overcome if a deal is to be reached...Lyon, along with right-hander Tony Peña, is a candidate to take over as closer for Jose Valverde, who was dealt to Houston last month. "

"Second baseman Orlando Hudson is excited about what the 2008 Diamondbacks might be able to accomplish. But he still isn't hopeful about being in Arizona beyond this season."

"The Diamondbacks have heard reports that Japanese free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda has selected the Los Angeles Dodgers, but they do not necessarily believe them. Meanwhile, they continue to move forward on a possible Dan Haren deal."

"While considering paying the high cost in talent that a trade would require, the Diamondbacks still are trying to bolster their rotation by paying a higher cost in dollars instead. The Diamondbacks recently improved their contract offer to Japanese free agent Hiroki Kuroda, going up in dollars but not years from their original offer of three years and $27 million."

"Reports out of the winter meetings in Nashville that the Mariners had offered a four-year contract to Japanese starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda were incorrect. A well-placed source in the Mariners organization said Monday night the team had not offered Kuroda a four-year deal and has no plans to make such an offer. The Dodgers and the Diamondbacks have offered three-year contracts."

" In the meantime, the Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly continue to wait for an answer. The Diamondbacks remain linked strongly to reports that they are the favorite to land A's starter Dan Haren, with the East Valley Tribune reporting Monday that Arizona will include outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and pitcher Brett Anderson, all prospects, in any potential deal. Whether the A's will hold steadfast in their demand for pitching prospect Max Scherzer, remains unclear."

"The Diamondbacks, who appear to be the most ardent suitor for Dan Haren, spent the weekend waiting to hear from Oakland on their most recent trade proposal. The D-Backs’ package still is believed to include top prospects Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio and Brett Anderson."

"As expected, Livan Hernandez declined salary arbitration at the Friday deadline, making his departure from the Diamondbacks official."

"The Diamondbacks continue to be regarded as legitimate suitors for free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, and it might seem as if their foray into the Japanese market is sudden, unexpected."

"Near the end of the winter meetings, the A's appeared as if they might stand pat and go onto the 2008 season with their core intact. Now, however, talks are heating up again about Oakland pitchers Dan Haren and Joe Blanton, and it looks as if general manager Billy Beane is once more considering rebuilding. "

"According to a team in discussions with the A's about Dan Haren, the Yankees are interested in the stud right-hander if Oakland is serious about moving him. Nevertheless, if the A's must have Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, Haren won't land in The Bronx... With Arizona willing to part with up to five talented prospects, the Yankees probably would have to add Kennedy to Hughes and at least another piece."

"The Plan-A types are Oakland right-hander Dan Haren and Japanese free agent Hiroki Kuroda. There appeared to be little movement on either front, and Byrnes was awaiting word on whether Kuroda was planning a stop in Phoenix in his reported upcoming trip to the U.S."

"After three days of talks, the D-Backs were unable to meet Oakland’s asking price on a package for right-hander Dan Haren, their No. 1 target, or make another transaction after dealing Carlos Quentin in the first few hours Monday, rendering three days of room service and nonstop plotting the only reward."

"So if the D-Backs are unable to acquire Oakland’s Dan Haren or Japanese free agent Hiroki Kuroda, they will not make a play for returning starters such as Benson, Matt Clement or David Wells, all of whom have been effective when healthy."

"Washington is still in the market for a catcher, and the names most frequently circulated this week -- Paul Lo Duca, Johnny Estrada and Damian Miller -- remained the most likely targets. Lo Duca is drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, and his agent, Andrew Mongelluzzi, said late Wednesday that he is hopeful of drawing one or two more teams into the mix. Washington officials were not optimistic that a trade for a catcher -- likely Arizona's Miguel Montero -- was feasible, though Bowden continued to say he preferred that route. "

"After two days in which they swung a trade and watched rumors surface about their interest in Oakland ace Dan Haren, there seemed to be little of substance going on for Arizona. There were rumors of the Diamondbacks "shopping" closer Jose Valverde, a word choice that General Manager Josh Byrnes disputed."

"The Royals are now expected to turn their full attention to pursuing Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who is also drawing heavy interest from the Mariners, Diamondbacks and Dodgers. Kuroda, 32, spent the last 11 years with the Hiroshima Carp of Japan’s Central League. He was 12-8 with a 3.56 ERA last season in 26 games."

"The Diamondbacks didn't make any moves Tuesday, but they were a major topic of conversation throughout the corridors of the Gaylord Opryland Resort as they continue their pursuit of starting pitching. Along with Japanese free agent Hiroki Kuroda, whom the Diamondbacks have been after for weeks, you can add the name of Oakland ace Dan Haren, whom Arizona and the A's discussed in a meeting Monday night. "

"Omar Minaya, the Mets’ general manager, said Tuesday that he planned to speak with the representative of Liván Hernández, a free-agent pitcher who played last season for Arizona."

"This year, Oakland again is entertaining offers for two starters, but the circumstances are vastly different. General manager Billy Beane isn't shopping Dan Haren and Joe Blanton; he's simply prepared to listen - and, if blown away, he'd consider giving up one or both. As of late Tuesday afternoon, he didn't think the prospect of moving either was very high. "The fact of the matter is that (any trade) is more unlikely," Beane said. "Which is fine.""

"There continues to be industry belief the D-Backs will be a player if Oakland decides to trade Dan Haren and/or Joe Blanton, although nothing is likely to happen at the top end of the pitching market until Johan Santana’s fate is determined... The trade of Quentin — to the Chicago White Sox for a low-level minor league first baseman — does nothing to damage the D-Backs’ chances of trading for a high-end starting pitcher, Byrnes said."

" Not long before the Diamondbacks sent outfielder Carlos Quentin to the Chicago White Sox for 20-year-old first baseman Chris Carter, word spread through the spacious Gaylord Opryland Resort that the Seattle Mariners had made a four-year, $44 million offer to Japanese free-agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, whom Arizona also is pursuing."

" Multiple industry sources indicated that if the A's trade starting pitcher Dan Haren during the meetings, a deal involving Joe Blanton eventually will follow. Those moves would deprive the A's of two pitchers who combined for 29 wins and 452ª innings in 2007 and would signal next season as a year of transition."

"The Tigers want Haren enough that they might be induced to part with outfielder Cameron Maybin and pitcher Andrew Miller, according to one source. Both would be on the A's wish list. Arizona is emerging as a viable trading partner even though it isn't likely to part with its young big-leaguers."

"The first day of baseball's winter meetings at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center did not end with a trade of Twins ace Johan Santana, but by all accounts it ended with the Mariners out of the bidding for his services. But Hiroki Kuroda, the Japanese veteran whom the Mariners quickly targeted at the outset of the offseason, is still in play, with the race down to Seattle, the L.A. Dodgers and possibly Arizona."

"Two years ago, the Diamondbacks and ace Brandon Webb used a Jake Peavy contract as a guideline for discussions on a deal of their own. It could happen again."

"The Diamondbacks are sure to investigate what it would take to pry a starting pitcher away from the Oakland A's, who are said to be considering dealing right-handers Dan Haren and Joe Blanton."

"Including free-agent 1B Tony Clark, one of the most respected players in the game, who has been mentioned as a potential Rays target. If he ends up in Tampa Bay, you can bet his bat won't be the only reason the Rays sought his services."

"Add a left-handed bat, probably a rightfielder/DH type, and a bonus if he could play first (kind of like Greg Norton used to, but better). Darin Erstad looks like a perfect fit, but Rays are also considering free agents Geoff Jenkins, Brad Wilkerson, Cliff Floyd, Tony Clark, Mike Lamb, Mark Sweeney, Corey Koskie and, yes, Norton. Plus there are trade options."

"We don’t know for sure where the Diamondbacks stand in their pursuit of Japanese free agent Hiroki Kuroda -- haven’t yet been able to speak with his U.S.-based agents, who have been in Japan this week; they probably wouldn't give much away anyway -- but there are some reasons to believe Arizona might have a shot at him, despite the prevailing notion that Seattle is the leading contender."

"The Diamondbacks will offer salary arbitration to right-hander Livan Hernandez at today’s deadline, but they neither expect him to accept or particularly want him back."