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.