Arizona Diamondbacks: Forget Jonathan Papelbon

The Arizona Diamondbacks are on the no-trade list of Jonathan Papelbon.

If the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking for bullpen help, there are still names that can be had via free agency. Neftali Feliz, Tommy Hunter and Tyler Clippard are some of the relievers that have yet to find a home. A trade is also an option as the D-backs have infielders that would interest other teams. One deal that I have proposed in the past is acquiring Jonathan Papelbon from the Washington Nationals in exchange for Aaron Hill, as the Nats have expressed interest in him at the last two trading deadlines. It appears that my days of super amateur general manager are over before they have started.

More from Venom Strikes

• Diamondbacks make some BIG 40-man roster Moves
• About time! Diamondbacks to now provide housing for Minor League players
• What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
• Former Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray wins AL CY Young!
• Bannister the bench coach, yet another great hire by the Diamondbacks

According to Jerry Crasnick at ESPN (via mlbtraderumors.com), Arizona is one of 17 teams on the no-trade list of Pappelbon. Other teams mentioned include the New York Yankees and every other National League West squad except the San Diego Padres. With one year at a $11 million dollars left on his contract, Pappelbon would have matched almost perfectly with Hill who has one year and $12 million dollars left on his own deal. Perhaps it is best the D-backs do not pursue the veteran right-hander, anyway. His insistence on being traded to a placed that would allow him to be the closer does not seem to be the type of attitude that would fly in Phoenix, certainly in a spot in which he would be displacing the popular Brad Ziegler. Here is hoping that if the D-backs seek another arm, it won’t be trying to convince Papelbon to waive his no-trade clause.

Next: Arizona Diamondbacks Sign Joaquin Arias

Phillips to Washington?

In news pertaining to names linked to the Diamondbacks, the Nationals and Cincinnati Reds have had talks involving second baseman Brandon Phillips per Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports via MLBtraderumors. It had been reported previously that the Reds and D-backs were discussing a swap of Phillips for Hill but nothing ever materialized. As stated earlier, Washington has inquired about Hill in the past and with that avenue seemingly dead, have moved on to a better but more expensive option. Cincinnati is now official dump-heavy mode with the traded (or not?) of Aroldis Chapman, the talks involving Phillips and now with reports (via MLB Network) that they are exploring the possibility of trading All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier. It is only a matter of time before the name Joey Votto appears in potential trade discussions.