Will this trio man the outfield for Arizona in 2013? (US Presswire: Charles LeClaire)

With the Trevor Bauer trade in the rear-view mirror, many felt that a calm could ensue over the Diamondbacks and any potential roster moves in the near future.  But, the Josh Hamilton signing by the Angels could potentially reignite trade rumors involving the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It seemed as if the dust had settled following the Bauer trade. There was a collective sigh of relief from those who feel like the D’backs need to hold on to the 25 year-old former MVP candidate, Justin Upton. It also appears that the team will go into 2013 with Jason Kubel being a big part of the D’backs offense. By all accounts, that’s what looks like is going to happen. That is until the Rangers come calling looking to try to fill a Josh Hamilton-size hole in their lineup.

There’s no question that Texas will not be the same without Josh Hamilton. With Hamilton going to a division rival, it’s possible that Texas may be more motivated than ever to engage into talks with anyone who will listen regarding a big name bat. That bat being an outfielder seems to be the most logical discussion to take place.

With it being well-known that Texas and Arizona have  been all over the trade rumor front the past couple of months, Arizona may be the first call Texas GM John Daniels makes. This hypothetical call could involve Justin Upton or even Jason Kubel and with Texas operating under new motivations, a different conversation could ensue.

Considering the recent Bauer trade, that seemingly brought the D’backs a potential shortstop of the future in Didi Gregorious, one would think that the Upton for Andrus conversation is dead. D’backs GM Kevin Towers has mentioned that a deal for Upton would really have to overwhelm for him to consider trading him.  Texas is now in that vulnerable spot where they might be willing to over pay.

Then there’s Kubel. After posting some solid power numbers in 2012 for Arizona after coming over from the American League, could the Rangers consider an offer to bring Kubel’s bat to the Texas lineup to aid in the post-Hamilton era? Could Arizona still be motivated to potentially upgrade at a position like third base? Mike Olt‘s name could be bandied about. Would Texas consider parting with Olt’s prospects for a known commodity in Kubel?

It’s possible that the above scenarios are discussed. However, it’s more likely that the dust has in fact settled and we have a pretty decent idea of the Diamondbacks team that we’ll see in training camp in about two months. Unless we’re looking at a significant upgrade or return on value, this D’backs fan is excited to support the current team as it stands, as they face a tough NL West in 2013.

July 12, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; American League outfielder Josh Hamilton (32) of the Texas Rangers before the 2011 All Star game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

When I heard the news last night that Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton had a relapse in his fight with alcohol addiction, it saddened me tremendously.  Hamilton, who has has the assistance of an accountability manager in the past, did not have one recently when he apparently had a few drinks at a Dallas area bar.  The previous accountability manager had joined another organization.  To see that the Rangers even hired such a person says volumes what the Rangers think about Hamilton.  Oh and the millions they spent on him.  For his part Hamilton came out today and said he was wrong.  No doubt.  It wouldn’t be called a relapse if it was right.  I’ve seen what alcohol addiction can do to a person first hand, so take away baseball all together and it is still a very disappointing story.  It is one the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball should pay more attention to.

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