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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