Arizona Diamondbacks Player/Pitcher Of The Weekend: Bryan Shaw Gets First Award, Aaron Hill Wins Again

MLB Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates Serious About Acquiring Justin Upton, According To Report

With all the trade winds swirling around Arizona Diamondbacks rightfielder Justin Upton, at this point nothing might surprise anyone. However, one team name that has popped up might be a considered a surprise and that would be the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark.

According to Stark, the Pirates had scouts attending the game between the D-backs and the Chicago Cubs, and he also tweeted this:

#Pirates so serious about Justin Upton they're sending signals they could include Starling Marte in an Upton deal -- but not Cole or Taillon

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 15, 2012

Cole is right-handed pitching prospect Gerrit Cole and Taillon is another right-handed pitching prospect Jameson Taillon. Marte is an outfielder.

What is interesting is that Arizona already has pitching and outfield depth in the majors and in the minors. While any of those prospects certainly could be of interest to the team, it does not fill their needs at third base, shortstop or at catching prospects.

The trade deadline is quickly approaching, so these rumors will pick up speed as we get closer. Whether an actual deal comes out of it all still seems like a ways off, but you never know when teams get desperate, and Upton is the type of player that teams get desperate for.

Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at AZ Snakepit.

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Arizona Diamondbacks Scoring Drought Continues In Chicago

The Diamondbacks continue their road scoring struggles as they lose to the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in the final game of their three-game series at Wrigley Field. Coming into the game, the Diamondbacks have averaged 5.1 runs per game at home, and only 3.6 runs per game on the road. The D-backs have lost three consecutive games since the All-Star break, and were outscored by the Cubs 15-3 in the series. With the win, the Cubs have evened the season series with the D-backs at three games apiece.

Trevor Cahill started on the mound for the Diamondbacks, and went 5 2/3 innings. Cahill is known as a slow starter and averages a 6.88 ERA in the first inning. Although he only allowed four hits, Cahill struggled with his control early on. Cahill walked the Cubs leadoff batter David DeJesus to start the game. After a wild pitch advanced DeJesus to second, Anthony Rizzo hit a line drive to right field, scoring DeJesus, and giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.

In the second inning, Cahill again walked the leadoff batter. The walk came back to haunt Cahill, as Darwin Barney hit his fourth home run of the season down the left field line, scoring two. Barney's homer gave the Cubs a 3-0 lead, which was more than enough to hold off the Diamondbacks. This was the eighth home run Cahill has given up in his last five starts.

After giving up three runs in the first two innings, Cahill settled down and put out 12 of the next 13 Cubs batters. After Cahill walked Anthony Rizzo for his third walk of the game, and Alfonso Soriano followed with a single to left field with one out in the sixth, Cahill was pulled for Craig Breslow. Breslow, Bryan Shaw, and J.J. Putz shut out the Cubs the remainder of the game.

The Diamondbacks ended the game with seven hits, but left 13 runners on base. They were shut down by Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza, who threw seven complete innings, striking out seven D-backs. The Diamondbacks never really threatened until Aaron Hill homered to left field off of relief pitcher Shawn Camp with two outs in the top of the eighth inning. That would be the only run the D-backs could generate on the day, as their offense continues to struggle.

The Diamondbacks will head to the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati for a four-game set against the Reds before heading back home.

Arizona Diamondbacks Intent On Doing Things The Hard Way

MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Upton Could Be Traded To Oakland Athletics

The Justin Upton trade rumors won't die down. That is due to, in part, the fact that Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers won't let it die down. He is one to believe that everyone can be had, and even Upton could be traded.

In Upton's contract, he has a no-trade clause that allows him to veto four teams. Previously, those teams were the Athletics, Royals, Tigers and Indians.

However, his contract stipulates that he can change those teams each year, and, according to Ken Rosenthal, Upton has changed those teams.

Oakland is now not on that list. Late Friday night, I tweeted, "Justin Upton could have been perfect for the Athletics. The problem: They're on his no-trade list."

Correction: The Athletics were on Upton's no-trade list. They no longer are, according to sources with knowledge of his contract.

Just because Oakland is off his list, though, doesn't necessarily mean a trade will happen or even is a consideration. Yes, the D-backs and A's have both been part of big trades. Following the 2007 season, the two teams made the big deal of the offseason with Dan Haren coming to Arizona. Then last offseason, Arizona brought in Trevor Cahill and Craig Breslow in exchange for Jarrod Parker, Colin Cowgill and All-Star Ryan Cook.

Oakland could use Upton in their outfield to build on and they have salary room, but they really do not have what Arizona needs.

So, while Upton could not stop a trade to Oaktown, as of right now it looks like that would not happen.

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D-backs Drop Another Game To Cubs As Offense Continues To Struggle

The Arizona Diamondbacks knew they needed to get off to a strong start in the second half of the season if they hoped to make a run in the National League East. Against one of baseball's worst teams, they're now 0-2 against the Cubs with a total of two runs scored in 18 innings. Arizona will look to avoid the sweep on Sunday.

Joe Saunders returned to the mound for the D-backs and worked six solid innings. He surrendered four runs (three earned) on eight hits and no walks, striking out four in the process. Saunders pitched well enough to win, but Ryan Dempster was simply too good as he tossed six shutout innings.

Starlin Castro drove in the first run of the game in the third inning with a groundout. Darwin Barney came up with a big two-out double to drive home another run, and he was followed by an RBI-single from Luis Valbuena. Barney hit into a double play in the sixth inning to make the score 4-0 in the Cubs' favor.

Chris Young hit a solo homer in the seventh inning to finally put Arizona on the board. The club saw their first two batters reach in the ninth again wild closer Carlos Marmol, but a deep fly out from Geoff Blum and a 3-6-1 double play ended the game on back-to-back pitches.

The D-backs will send Trevor Cahill to the mound on Sunday in the series finale.

For more on the Diamondbacks and their struggles, check out AZ Snake Pit.

MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Upton Meets With Kevin Towers To Discuss Situation

There's no denying that these next few weeks are going to be very interesting ones for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The club remains on the cusp of contention in the National League West, and they've got until July 31 to decide whether or not to make a deal (or deals).

The biggest name swirling in trade rumors would be Justin Upton. General manager Kevin Towers is reportedly looking for a big haul of major league talent in order to deal Upton, and he's acknowledged that a trade is not out of the question of the right package comes along. With this news in the air, Towers took the chance to meet with his talented outfielder before Saturday's game.

Here are a few highlights.

GM Kevin Towers spoke with Justin Upton about trade rumors. "We had a good conversation. I think he gets it."

— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) July 14, 2012

Told him: "Should look at it in a good way that people like you, not just Dbacks, but you’re perceived very, very well throughout baseball."

— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) July 14, 2012

For more on Upton rumors and the Diamondbacks, check out AZ Snake Pit. Stay tuned with SB Nation Arizona for continued updates on the club throughout the year.

Jason Kubel Injury: D-backs Outfielder Exits With Tight Hamstring, Might Miss Saturday

Jason Kubel left Friday's rainy game early against the Cubs, which caused some concern among Diamondbacks fans everywhere. It was reported that Kubel left with a hamstring problem in the seventh inning, and after some evaluation it's been determined that it was simply a matter of a tight hamstring.

Jason Kubel left with hamstring tightness. He's not sure if he'll be good to go tomorrow.

— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) July 14, 2012

With most of Wrigley Field completely swamped with water, it's for the best that Kubel left in a game that was out of hand. If there are similar conditions on Saturday, it might also be safe to keep him out of the lineup once again. The last thing the D-backs need is for the injury bug to come up and bite them again, and all it takes is one slip to do serious damage to a hamstring.

The Diamondbacks will continue their series with the Cubs on Saturday afternoon. It'll be a 10:05 a.m. PT start in Arizona.

For more on Kubel and the club, check out AZ Snake Pit.

Diamondbacks Bats Quiet, Kennedy Shelled In Loss To Cubs 8-1

No offensive punch. Poor starting pitching from the guy who contended for the NL Cy Young last year. Errors. Mistakes. It was just an ugly day for the Arizona Diamondbacks who took the field after an almost four-hour rain delay and by the time it was over they were wishing the game had been scratched.

It started with Ian Kennedy who gave up six runs off seven hits in five innings. His ERA is now up to 4.55 on the season and he's allowed four or more runs in four of his last six starts. Whatever Ian was doing well last summer, he's doing the opposite this time around.

Without Kennedy at the top of the rotation, the D-backs are missing that all important anchor. Kennedy's performances on the mound has been dragging them down instead of providing a steady base to work from.

The offense didn't offer much help either with just one run in the first inning to show to show for their "efforts" against the Cubs starter, Paul Maholm. Needless to say, a playoff-caliber squad needs to better against the like of Paul Maholm.

Alfonso Soriano provided the punch for Chicago. He had two home runs, two double and racked up five RBI to send the D-backs to sleep with an 8-1 loss. Sweet dreams, boys.

For more on this miserable game, visit AZ Snakepit.

Justin Upton Rumors: Texas Rangers Interested, But For The Right Price

The rumor mill continues to churn as the MLB trade deadline slowly approaches, while the Arizona Diamondbacks continue to be a topic of conversation in terms of a possible trade involving slugger Justin Upton. And according to MLB's Jesse Sanchez, the Texas Rangers do indeed have some interest in bringing Upton to Arlington.

Per Jesse Sanchez on Twitter:

Source: #Rangers have some interest in #Dbacks Upton but trading Olt or Profar doubtful & definitely not both for high profile bat or arm.

— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) July 13, 2012

Those are of course Rangers' infield prospects Mike Olt and Jurickson Profar, each of which could fit nicely into Arizona's system.

Here is MLB Daily Dish's Blaine Blontz with the commentary:

The Diamondbacks have indicated that they want major league-ready talent in exchange for Upton, not prospects. Olt is believed to qualify as such, as he's a 23-year-old that's maintained an OPS of .977 for the Rangers' Double-A affiliate. Profar is only 19, but he's also playing in Double-A, where he's hit at a clip of .288/.367/.475 with 19 doubles, six triples and 10 home runs.

If Texas wants to get some Upton, they are going to have to make quite a sweet deal for Kevin Towers and Co. to jump at the bait.

For more on the Arizona Diamondbacks and the trade deadline, make sure that you check out AZ Snake Pit as well as SB Nation's dedicated MLB hub, Baseball Nation.

Diamondbacks Finalize Second-Half Rotation, Move Josh Collmenter To Bullpen

The Arizona Diamondbacks had some maneuvering to do with their starting rotation coming into the second half of the season, making some slight changes highlighted by the move of Josh Collmenter to the bullpen.

Arizona had already set the top of the rotation for the Cubs series with Ian Kennedy, Joe Saunders and Trevor Cahill as the 1-3 starters, but according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert, the D-backs named Wade Miley the No. 4 starter and young gun Trevor Bauer as the No. 5 starter. This effectively pushes Josh Collementer into a relief role, while Patrick Corbin will be sent back to Triple-A Reno, though likely not tomorrow when the team is likely to activate Saunders from the DL.

Only a game under .500 heading into the second half, the D-backs are hoping their reorganized rotation will get them back into the thick of things in the NL West, hopefully leading them to the playoffs once more.

For more on the Arizona Diamondbacks, make sure that you check out AZ Snake Pit.

Arizona Diamondbacks Vs. Chicago Cubs Series Preview: Pitching Lineups, Start Times And More

The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to start the second half of their season strong by getting some easy wins against the Chicago Cubs on the road at Wrigley Field. However, that isn't always possible for the Diamondbacks. They have shown their propensity for losing to subpar teams after getting swept by the lowly Padres just last week.

The last time the D-backs took on the Cubbies, though, things went pretty well for them. They swept the Cubs right out of Chase Field and saw some very good offensive production along the way.

All of the games against the Cubs will be played in the day time, with starts coming as early as 10:05 AM Arizona time. This may be a good thing for the Diamondbacks, as they hold a 16-9 record for day games played.

Joe Saunders will take the mound as the starting pitcher on day two for the Diamondbacks. He is coming off the DL with a shoulder injury after much speculation that he was placed on the list due to trade talks.

Both teams will be facing off against the other club's best pitching staff, so this should be an interesting series to watch.

Pitching Probables:

Friday, July 13, 2:20 PM ET: Ian Kennedy (6-7, 4.26) vs. Paul Maholm (6-6, 4.57)

Saturday, July 14, 1:05 PM ET: Joe Saunders (4-5, 3.44) vs. Ryan Dempster (4-3, 1.99)

Sunday, July 15 2:20 PM ET: Trevor Cahill (7-7, 3.64) vs. Matt Garza (4-7, 4.32)

For more on the D-backs, head to AZ Snake Pit.

Justin Upton Trade Rumors: Diamondbacks Outfielder Knows He Could Be Dealt

There have been rumors that the Arizona Diamondbacks might be trying to deal Justin Upton. The outfielder has been circulated in numerous reports that he might end up getting traded before the deadline.

They don't bother Upton. Don't even come close to fazing him. Steve Gilbert of MLB.com files this report that has Upton toning out all the noise.

"I don't know anything," Upton said of the rumors. "I haven't been keeping up with it. I'm here to play baseball for the Arizona Diamondbacks, as of now."

It is the "as of now" part that will keep the rumors swirling.

Upton spent the break with his family in Phoenix and tried to do his best to not look into the trade rumors.

"It's hard to tune it out," Upton said. "You hear everything, obviously from you guys when you ask me questions or things like that. Other than that, I try to focus on today. Today I'm in a Sedona red uniform and I'm prepared to do what I've got to do."

Upton is owed a lot of money down the line through the 2015 season, about $41.5 million worth thanks to the extension he signed in the beginning of the 2010 regular season. Upton seemed untouchable, but Diamondbacks management seem to be open to dealing him and are willing to trade him for the right price; so far no one has come up to meet the price Arizona is demanding. Upton can be asked not to be traded to four teams. The original four included the Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers, but three teams have been switched up since that point.

Talk about Upton with Diamondback fans by hitting up Arizona Snake Pit.

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Justin Upton Trade Rumors: GM Kevin Towers Discusses Possibilites With Arizona's 620's Doug & Wolf

As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepare for the start of their second half of the season, D-backs brass have been mulling over the possibility of a trade, one that may include outfielder Justin Upton.

But when asked about his slugger recently, general manager Kevin Towers did not beat around the bush, knowing full well the risk-reward scenario that goes into any trade, especially one that involves the caliber of talent that Upton possesses. Here is what he told Arizona 620's Doug and Wolf on Thursday:

"I think anytime you're talking about players like Justin Upton there's always that chance that if you end up moving him it could backfire on you, but you have to have confidence in yourself, in your evaluators," Towers said. "You have to be realistic on where your voids are; the outfield is an area where we have depth."

Outfielder Gerardo Parra as well as minor leaguers A.J. Pollock and Adam Eaton all add to Arizona's outfield surplus, which could go a long way in filling other gaps like the infield or pitching staff. Still, Towers wants to make adeal that benefits not only the Diamondbacks, but the team on the other side of the deal as well:

"I've always looked at trades at as long as the players we're getting back make the Diamondbacks a better ballclub, not only now but going forward, and the player I end up moving ends up being a good player for the other ballclub, those are good deals," he said. "That prompts more deals to happen.

It sounds like Towers is ready to pull the trigger, but continues to search for the right target. Hopefully that will come to light more in the next few weeks.

You can hear the interview in full here.

For more on the D-backs, head over to AZ Snake Pit.

Justin Upton Trade Rumors: ESPN's Buster Olney Stirs The Pot

For more on the Diamondbacks check out AZ Snake Pit.

The Arizona Diamondbacks' Five-Step Program To Post All-Star Game Success

In an infomercial-like special, we take a look at the five easy steps the D-backs must take in the second half to be successful. The question is though, are you buying what we're selling?