NL West Trade Deadline In Review: Diamondbacks Make Baffling Move Backwards While Giants, Dodgers Take Impressive Strides

Since coming to Arizona almost two seasons ago, Kevin Towers has seemed to be allergic to making bad moves. But that was before Tuesday's MLB trade deadline rolled around...

MLB Trade Deadline: Diamondbacks Get Matt Albers And Scott Podsednik, Craig Breslow To Red Sox

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a late deal just before the trade deadline, trading Craig Breslow to Boston while getting Matt Albers and Scott Podsednik back. AZ Snake Pit has more on the story.

Breslow was originally dealt to Arizona when Trevor Cahill was traded away. He posted a 2.70 ERA through 40 games and 43-plus innings of work, keeping hitters down in OPS at .673 and has shown equal ability to hold his own against lefties and righties at the plate. He'll be a tough loss for Arizona.

Albers takes over for Breslow in the bullpen. He has a decent ERA at 2.29, but his K:BB rate is pretty poor at 5:3. Podsednik will be going to Triple-A for depth purposes; he's played 19 games for Boston and hit .387, but his 89 OPS is cause for concern. while Albers will take the spot vacated by Breslow.

Talk about the deal with Diamondback fans over at AZ Snake Pit.

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MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Upton To Stay Put, Stephen Drew Headed Out

All the trade rumors surrounding the Arizona Diamondbacks involving some of the best players in the game are exactly that - rumors.

Take Justin Upton for instance. USA Today's Bob Nightengale tweeted earlier that Upton is definitely staying in a Diamondbacks uniform. This information followed a report by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that the D-backs were working on a package that would have sent Upton and a pitching prospect to another squad for an ace starter.

Nightengale also reported that the rumor of a blockbuster deal for Cliff Lee or Felix Hernandez also were not in the works.

The one rumor that can be taken seriously at this point is the D-backs departing with shortstop Stephen Drew, according to Nightengale. The 29-year-old should be traded on Tuesday, most likely to the Oakland Athletics.

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Arizona Diamondbacks Designate Lyle Overbay For Assignment

With Chris Johnson just being acquired, the Arizona Diamondbacks have no more need for veteran first baseman Lyle Overbay, who they just designated for assignment. This will probably end Overbay's second stint with the team.

Overbay has been batting .292/.367/.448 during his time ont he field, but he's been in a slump since then, batting 2 for 25. The Diamondbacks signed Overbay as an injury replacement in 2011, then re-signed with the team for a year.

In his first stint with the team, Overbay got picked by the D'Backs in the 18th round in 1999, playing with Arizona from 2001 to 2003. After that, he got traded to Milwaukee as part of the ill-fated Richie Sexson trade. He also played for Toronto and Pittsburgh.

Paul Goldschmidt's should now be the starting first baseman from here on out. It's likely with Overbay gone, Ryan Wheeler will be making the occasional start to spell Goldschmidt as that was a position he was familiar with in the minor leagues.

Talk about Overbay with Diamondbacks fans over at AZ Snake Pit.

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MLB Trade Rumors: Stephen Drew Unlikely To Be Dealt, According To Report

The Arizona Diamondbacks dealt Ryan Roberts on Tuesday night to the Tampa Bay Rays, acquiring minor league second baseman Tyler Bortnick in exchange. With the news of Roberts leaving town, Stephen Drew should feel a bit more comfortable about his fate at the trade deadline, which is in less than a week.

Here is the latest on D-backs trade rumors:

#Dbacks Towers: No deal out there for SS Drew "that's going to make us better." With Roberts gone, certainly deal less likely before July 31

— Jack Magruder (@JackMagruder) July 24, 2012

There is always a chance a team bumps their offer to acquire the veteran shortstop, but dealing Drew would really put the D-backs in a rough situation. Their depth on the left side of the infield is already poor, and dealing yet another capable player would do anything but help the situation. A trade of Drew would also officially make Arizona "sellers" at the trade deadline, a move that would not sit well with the fan base.

The next six days are going to be very interesting for general manager Kevin Towers and the front office.

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

Arizona Diamondbacks Trade Ryan Roberts To Rays For Tyler Bortnick

Word came on Tuesday afternoon that the Arizona Diamondbacks had designated Ryan Roberts for assignment. News then arose of a deal in the works, and that's exactly what transpired this evening. The D-backs have trade Roberts to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for second baseman Tyler Bortnick. The official MLB Twitter feed has confirmed the news.

It has been quite the year for Roberts. He was a key member of the 2011 NL West championship team, ranking among the team leaders in home runs (19), steals (18) and runs batted in (65). Despite this success, Roberts has struggled mightily this season and was a member of a struggling (and crowded) infield. In 2012, he's batted just .250 with an OPS of .663.

Bortnick, 25, has spent the last three seasons with the Rays and their minor league system. He is currently in Double-A ball, hitting .252/.349/.384. He has 19 steals and is regarded as an average defender. As for his career projections, it looks like the D-backs have acquired a guy capable of being a utility player down the road.

For more on the D-backs, check out AZ Snake Pit.

MLB Trade Rumors: Arizona Diamondbacks Tell Ryan Roberts Deal Is Close

The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated Ryan Roberts for assignment, and that might not be the end for Roberts's moving. There are many indications that this is the earliest step in the process toward a trade being completed.

#Dbacks Ryan Roberts says he was told a trade is on the one yard line.

— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 24, 2012

Roberts has been batting .250 in Arizona this season, knocking in six home runs and 34 RBI, although he's well off his averages. Roberts played very well in the majors last year. The infielder has played as a utility man most of the early part of his sting with Arizona, but became the everyday .249, but set career-highs with 19 home runs, 65 RBI and 18 stolen bases. However, it's clear Arizona is ready to move on to try and get better players and improve their squad.

Roberts probably wouldn't fetch all that much in a trade, but he could be part of the precursor toward a larger trade package for the Diamondbacks that would help alleivate some of their bigger needs.

The Diamondbacks have brought John McDonald back from the disabled list with a vacant spot on their roster.

Talk about the Roberts trade rumors by heading over to AZ Snake Pit.

MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Could Pursue Justin Upton In Offseason

There is little doubt within the baseball industry that Justin Upton will be traded sometime in the near future. Whether it be in the next week before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline or in the offseason, the D-backs appear ready to move on from their former top pick.

Upton is undoubtably talented and is signed for the next three years, but many have wondered if he's healthy and/or if he has the work ethic to translate his natural talent into consistent production on the field. Surprising, few calls have been made for the 24-year-old outfielder, and now some wonder if he won't be dealt until the offseason.

The Yankees could become a serious player and could make a bid, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

The Yankees are intrigued by the possibility of obtaining Arizona's Justin Upton. And they should be.

Three of their best trades of the past two decades involved landing twentysomething outfielders who had fallen out of favor where they were - Paul O'Neill, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher. And, clearly, Upton is on the outs in Arizona. [...]

"I talk to [Yankees GM Brian Cashman] on a weekly basis. They've kicked the tires [on Upton]. But we have had no significant talks," Towers said, before Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher strained a hip flexor Friday night in Oakland. "[Cashman] is pretty happy with the club he has now. I don't sense he is going to make any big moves [before the deadline]."

There's no denying the Yankees would have interest in Upton, but it's unclear if they would have the prospects to get a deal done. And with Derek Jeter and/or Alex Rodriguez going nowhere in the coming years, it's tough to see Arizona matching up very well with the Yankees. A third team might have to get involved to make it work, especially with the D-backs looking to add a shortstop or third baseman.

It'll be something interesting to watch for in the coming months.

For more on the D-backs, check out AZ Snake Pit.

Justin Upton Rumors: Trade Talks Stagnent As Deadline Approaches

With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching the Arizona Diamondbacks are running out of time if they want to make a trade for outfielder Justin Upton. But as the clock keeps ticking the D-backs are likely to hang on to Upton unless a deal comes along that simply knocks their socks off.

As Fox Sports' Jack Magruder reports, it's going to go down to the wire for a possible trade, but at this moment it's not looking like a trade will happen.

"I don't see anything happening with Justin," D-backs managing partner Ken Kendrick said Thursday.

"If we were looking to trade Justin, there is a significant market for him. He is very valued," Kendrick said. But at this point, "those things do not seem remotely possible."

This doesn't necessarily mean that the D-backs won't make any moves before the deadline as a few clubs have shown interest in Stephen Drew. Kendrick knows he's got a good braintrust leading the team, and know when a trade can not be passed up.

"Kevin (Towers, general manager) is very adept at looking at any team and seeing how he can make it better. I would expect he would come forward with some things that he believes will help the team," Kendrick said.

"What happens between now and the end of the month will dictate what happens."

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

MLB Trade Rumors: Stephen Drew Drawing Interest From Red Sox, Pirates

The Arizona Diamondbacks are still in the process of determining whether they'll be buyers or sellers in the coming weeks as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. The D-backs are 44-47 on the season, but they remain just 6.5 games back of the Giants in the National League West.

Most trade talks surrounding the club have involved Justin Upton, but a recent report from FOX Sports suggests Stephen Drew is one of the hotter players on the market.

It's still unclear whether the Diamondbacks will trade right fielder Justin Upton. But shortstop Stephen Drew appears to be generating enough attention to get moved.

The Pirates, Red Sox and Tigers are among the teams interested in Drew, according to major-league sources.

Drew has struggled since returning last month from a horrific ankle injury, although he appears to slowly be regaining his form both at the plate and in the field. Despite these improvements, it appears unlikely the D-backs will pick up his mutual option for $10 million next year, nor will any team that acquires him in a trade. This can only hurt Drew's trade value, which will hurt general manager Kevin Towers' ability to get more than a fringe prospect or two for his shortstop.

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

MLB Trade Rumors: Is J.J. Putz On The Trading Block?

With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been actively shopping outfielder Justin Upton for most of the month of July. But Fox Sports' MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi thinks that the D-backs may be looking to move more than just him, noting that closer J.J. Putz could be available as trade bait as well.

Per Jon Paul Morosi on Twitter:

Amid Justin Upton talk, don’t be surprised if #DBacks move a reliever, too. J.J. Putz allowed a .157 BA and .389 OPS in last 15 games.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 18, 2012

Putz ERA is still a bit high at 4.20, though his efforts as of late have helped quell his rocky start that included three blown saves. He's whittled his WHIP down to 1.17, allowed 28 hits in 30 innings pitched, and owns a 31/7 K/BB ratio. He certainly could provide some attention at the deadline, but whether he'll be moved is yet to be seen.

UPDATE (11:45 a.m PT): Putz is indeed not on the trading block, according to John Gambadoro on Twitter.

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

MLB Trade Rumors: Does Kevin Towers Not Like Justin Upton? Keith Law Thinks So

There are theories everywhere on the Internet for why the Arizona Diamondbacks may be looking to deal Justin Upton before the July 31 trade deadline. While most folks don't believe general manager Kevin Towers will end up pulling the trigger on a deal, ESPN's scouting guru Keith Law does not think that will be the case. In fact, Law thinks Upton will be trade in the next few weeks, and that it would be more than a baseball decision.

Here is some of what Law had to say, courtesy of a transcript from Arizona Sports.

"I think they are very strongly motivated to trade him, and I just get the sense that Kevin Towers doesn't like him," he told Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf Tuesday. "Not even just as a player, but there's something about Upton's personality or demeanor that Towers just doesn't like."

"I'm not really sure if the Diamondbacks are properly valuing Upton by making it so clear that they're not just willing to trade him, but interested in doing so sooner rather than later," he added.

"Unless you believe there is something seriously wrong with his makeup -- which, personally, I doubt -- why wouldn't you want him," Law asked. "What team wouldn't want a Justin Upton?"

From some accounts, the team that currently has him, and Law thinks the team is going about this whole process the wrong way.

And here's the money quote:

"For whatever reason, Towers just doesn't think Upton's going to play up to his physical abilities," Law said. "There's an entire industry of people who look at Upton -- even guys who've told me, ‘Yeah, you know maybe Upton isn't quite going to be as good as we thought he was coming out of high school, but I'd still take him.'

"There's 29 other clubs out there that are looking at Justin Upton and thinking ‘is Arizona crazy.'"

Law makes a very compelling argument and certainly knows a thing or two about how baseball operations work behind the scenes. Upton is immensely talented and there's no denying he has the potential to become a superstar; Towers knows this, and everyone else does. So why deal him now? Just about every club in baseball would be thrilled to add a player of his caliber to their roster, regardless of his mental or physical issues (if any).

This is just another chapter in an odd story developing in Arizona. The next few weeks are going to be very interesting for the D-backs.

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

MLB Trade Rumors: Detroit Tigers Reportedly Have Interest In Ryan Roberts, Stephen Drew

Up until now, pretty much all the trade rumors related to the Arizona Diamondbacks have been centered around outfielder Justin Upton. This time, it is not him, but rather shortstop Stephen Drew and third baseman Ryan Roberts that have interest around the league. According to what sources have told FoxSports.com, the Detroit Tigers are interested in the two infielders.

"It's not clear how advanced the talks are, but sources say there has been dialogue between the clubs on scenarios involving one or both players."

The name possibly connected to the rumors if Jhonny Peralta, who could possibly fill a need that Arizona has at shortstop or third base. However, he is not by any means playing spectacularly. Peralta is hitting .266 with six homers.

Arizona is looking to acquire a long-term answer for shortstop, where currently veterans Willie Bloomquist and John McDonald, along with Drew since his return from injury, play.

The Diamondbacks are not likely going to bring back Drew after this season, as he has a huge option on his contract, so he will probably be leaving in free agency.

Unloading Drew for anything would not be a bad move, especially since he has not been an offensive catalyst at all since his return. Roberts, though, is a fan favorite, although he has struggled for much of 2012.

With right around two weeks left before the trading deadline, probably there will be rumors with more and more players, especially since the D-backs have not started the second half strongly. This could be just the first of many rumors not involving Upton.

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Justin Upton Trade Rumors: Chase Headley Intrigues Diamondbacks, But Trade With Padres Complicated

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton continues to be shopped around this offseason, as he's a hot name that could really land the D-Backs some crucial players to try and continue making an upward push.

There is one potential deal that could be in the making, although the logistics could get a little complicated. Buster Olney has more about Arizona's efforts at trying to get a player from across their division.

As of this evening, Diamondbacks are not close to a Justin Upton trade. Some of the teams that have expressed interest are non-contenders.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 17, 2012

Arizona is among those interested in Chase Headley, but keep in mind: Padres and D-Backs have strained relations, complicating deal-making.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 17, 2012

You might be wondering about why there might be strain between the Diamondbacks and the Padres? Well, Padres owner Jeff Moorad was once the Diamondbacks owner, and Diamondback general manager Kevin Towers was once the Padres general manager. So there's a bit of cross-matching that might elevate tensions between the two organizations in trying to make any sort of deal.

There's no denying Headley's value. He's currently putting up splits of .266 batting average, .364 OBP, and .423 slugging percentage. The third baseman/left fielder could really find his way into the lineup.

Talk about Upton trade rumors with Diamondbacks fans at Arizona Snake Pit, and talk about Headley trade rumors with Padres fans at Gaslamp Ball.

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Justin Upton's Agent Sounds Off Against Anonymous Attacks

MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Show Interest In Upton

Brett Gardner's balky elbow has the New York Yankees concerned with the status of their left field. And when the Yankees are concerned, the Yankees make moves.

So it is no surprise that Jon Heymen is reporting that the Yankees have begun to sniff around the Diamondback organization to see what the price tag is on Upton. As reported earlier, the Yankees are one of four teams Upton can block a trade to, but this is usually a move done to try and extract as much money from high revenue teams.

The Diamondbacks continue to ask for a lot for the 24-year-old Upton, who is under a very club friendly contract considering his age and talent, but the price appears to be too steep for Yankees GM Brian Cashman.

GM Brian Cashman said on Sunday asking prices are generally too high, and that the deals available weren't worth it to make "marginal'' improvements.

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MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Upton Can Block Trades To Four Teams

As Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton's name continues to swirl in trade rumors, FOX Sports has learned that the 24-year-old can block trades to four teams: the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs.

The reason isn't necessarily that Upton does not want to play for those four teams but it is something that players will sometimes do in order to possibly get more money out of a trade situation to a high-revenue team. Those four teams fit the bill.

Upton, who finished fourth in NL MVP voting last year, has struggled during his first 82 games this season, hitting only .264 with seven home runs. His play has even led to the home crowd booing him.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are said to want Upton but what they can offer is not what the Diamondbacks want in return.

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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.

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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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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.

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.

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 Rumors: D-backs Would Move Star Outfielder In Right Deal

After news came on Friday that the Arizona Diamondbacks would listen in on offers for Justin Upton, Buster Olney reported on Saturday that the club would deal their star outfielder should the right offer be made. There was no word on what kind of asking price the D-backs may be setting for Upton, but their marketing tactics does remind Olney of another big name player who was dealt last year.

Here's the latest from Olney and his blog:

The Diamondbacks have let other teams know that they are willing to trade Justin Upton, for the right package. This reminds some executives of the Rockies' marketing of Ubaldo Jimenez last summer. "They wouldn't be pushing it this hard in the middle of the year," said one official, "unless they really wanted him out of there."

Upton is owed about $45 million for the rest of his contract, which runs through the 2015 season.

Speculation is always wild in the weeks leading up to the July 31 trade deadline, but the quote about pushing their former All-Star in a mid-season deal is very interesting. It remains to be seen if Upton can turn around his season or not, but it appears Arizona may be willing to move him regardless of his performance if the right assortment of players is offered.

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

Vin Scully Offers Perspective On Fans' View Of Justin Upton

MLB Trade Rumors: Justin Upton Could Be Dealt Before Deadline, According To Report

The latest report suggests Upton could be moved if the D-backs fall out of contention.