The Commish
youknowhatimsayin?
D-Backs' deal a possibility
GM Byrnes is 'still working through a few proposals'
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 30, 2007 11:38 PM
The Diamondbacks lost out on Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira, who reportedly will be shipped to the Atlanta Braves, but they were burning the midnight oil on the eve of today's non-waiver trade deadline in an effort to perhaps add some muscle for a possible playoff run.
General Manager Josh Byrnes confirmed Monday that Arizona was involved in discussions with the Braves about possibly bringing the power-hitting Teixeira to Phoenix, but he declined to say how serious the talks got.
There were reports that the Diamondbacks might have been asked to part with first baseman Conor Jackson and one of their top minor-league outfield prospects, most likely Carlos Gonzalez.
Teixeira would have provided some much-needed power in the middle of the Diamondbacks' lineup, as they enter tonight's game in San Diego virtually tied for first place in the National League West with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Braves, however, were willing to offer their top catching prospect and three minor leaguers to the Rangers to complete the deal, which apparently will be finalized this morning.
Byrnes, meanwhile, wrote in an e-mail to The Arizona Republic that the Diamondbacks were "still working through a few proposals" Monday night, but he didn't offer any details.
Diamondbacks General Partner Jeff Moorad, reached late Monday, could not say if a deal would be made by today's 1 p.m. (Arizona time) deadline. He did say, however, that the club has been exploring possible additions to the pitching rotation, which has been weakened by the season-ending back injury to Randy Johnson.
"Josh and his staff have been toying over possible transactions for most of the past 10 days," Moorad said. "At this point, we have engaged in a significant (discussion) as well as several others, all designed to improve our roster both in the short term as well as we move forward beyond this season.
"Unfortunately, you never know which deals will come together and unfortunately, most don't. Then again, sometimes the best trades you make are the ones you never pull the trigger on."
Teixeira has been a productive power hitter, but he missed 27 games this season with a left quadriceps injury and he has hit only 13 homers this year with 49 RBIs. He also earns $9 million a year, is eligible for salary arbitration, and becomes a free agent at the end of 2008.
And, he's represented by agent Scott Boras, meaning the Diamondbacks would likely have to shell out megamillions in a deal to try and keep him should they have acquired him.
Note
Former major leaguer Brett Butler, the Diamondbacks' manager at Double-A Mobile, was resting comfortably in a Montgomery, Ala., hospital after suffering a mild stroke Friday night, the Diamondbacks said in a statement. No other details were available.
GM Byrnes is 'still working through a few proposals'
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 30, 2007 11:38 PM
The Diamondbacks lost out on Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira, who reportedly will be shipped to the Atlanta Braves, but they were burning the midnight oil on the eve of today's non-waiver trade deadline in an effort to perhaps add some muscle for a possible playoff run.
General Manager Josh Byrnes confirmed Monday that Arizona was involved in discussions with the Braves about possibly bringing the power-hitting Teixeira to Phoenix, but he declined to say how serious the talks got.
There were reports that the Diamondbacks might have been asked to part with first baseman Conor Jackson and one of their top minor-league outfield prospects, most likely Carlos Gonzalez.
Teixeira would have provided some much-needed power in the middle of the Diamondbacks' lineup, as they enter tonight's game in San Diego virtually tied for first place in the National League West with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Braves, however, were willing to offer their top catching prospect and three minor leaguers to the Rangers to complete the deal, which apparently will be finalized this morning.
Byrnes, meanwhile, wrote in an e-mail to The Arizona Republic that the Diamondbacks were "still working through a few proposals" Monday night, but he didn't offer any details.
Diamondbacks General Partner Jeff Moorad, reached late Monday, could not say if a deal would be made by today's 1 p.m. (Arizona time) deadline. He did say, however, that the club has been exploring possible additions to the pitching rotation, which has been weakened by the season-ending back injury to Randy Johnson.
"Josh and his staff have been toying over possible transactions for most of the past 10 days," Moorad said. "At this point, we have engaged in a significant (discussion) as well as several others, all designed to improve our roster both in the short term as well as we move forward beyond this season.
"Unfortunately, you never know which deals will come together and unfortunately, most don't. Then again, sometimes the best trades you make are the ones you never pull the trigger on."
Teixeira has been a productive power hitter, but he missed 27 games this season with a left quadriceps injury and he has hit only 13 homers this year with 49 RBIs. He also earns $9 million a year, is eligible for salary arbitration, and becomes a free agent at the end of 2008.
And, he's represented by agent Scott Boras, meaning the Diamondbacks would likely have to shell out megamillions in a deal to try and keep him should they have acquired him.
Note
Former major leaguer Brett Butler, the Diamondbacks' manager at Double-A Mobile, was resting comfortably in a Montgomery, Ala., hospital after suffering a mild stroke Friday night, the Diamondbacks said in a statement. No other details were available.
