The MLB trade deadline is a little more than two months away, but the speculation surrounding the Arizona Diamondbacks is already starting to swirl. Despite their slow start to the 2012 season, there is still plenty of time for the team to make a move in a weak National League West.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the D-backs may deal veteran lefty Joe Saunders regardless of whether or not the team is in contention for a playoff birth.
According to Rosenthal's latest video update, the club is prepared to listen to offers for Saunders regardless of their record. With young guns Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson and Trevor Cahill already in place in Arizona, prospects Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs breezing through the Minor Leagues with dominant stuff. Saunders is only signed through the end of the 2012 season and it would appear that he would not be re-signed in the offseason, so it only makes sense for general manager Kevin Towers to test the market.
The return for Saunders would not be high, but the move could free up a little bit of salary space for another move. Again, no deal is imminent, but Rosenthal's video leads one to suggest that Arizona will be very active in the coming months as the trade deadline looms.
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