Tis the Season for Rumors

It’s that time of year, where baseball writers across the country ponder the fate of numerous players as playoff teams attempt to strengthen their rosters prior to postseason play. I can assure you that almost every rumor or story written between now and the trade deadline at the end of the month is pure speculation until the deal is put in writing.

With that being said, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy reading the juicy “what-if” scenarios that are being tossed around day in and day out by baseball insiders who seem to know what is going to happen before anything does.

Possibly the most interesting rumor this trade season has been the availability of Justin Upton. We have all read stories or heard rumors as to the status of his future with the club. He has been linked to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves by several sports writers. More recently Boston has checked in on his availability, but nothing serious has developed in the last week.

Steven Drew has received multiple inquires from around the league and Ken Rosenthal of foxsports.com recently reported that Pittsburgh, as well as Boston have checked into his availability. Detroit has been another team linked to the longtime Arizona shortstop. Drew has recently returned to the squad after almost a full year off due to that nasty ankle injury last July. His contract is up at the end of the year which makes you wonder if Towers will pull the trigger in order to receive some compensation in return.

With the market for relief pitchers very thin this season, Jon Morosi of foxsports.com suggests that Arizona closer JJ Putz could become available if Arizona decides to “sell.” I can guarantee you that almost every team in contention for post season play will be looking to upgrade their bullpen prior to the trade deadline.

The D-backs have had a very frustrating roller-coaster season, and it’s difficult to determine whether the squad would be considered buyers or sellers with only two weeks left in the month. At 44-48, seven games back in the division, and 6.5 games back in the wild card, the D-backs are in a position to still strike and make a push for October baseball with two full months of baseball left to play. Don’t get me wrong, a lot has to go right for us to put ourselves in a position to compete for a playoff spot in September, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t do it.

Why are so many people labeling Arizona as sellers already? With quite a few rumors involving current Arizona players being reported via multiple sports outlets nationwide in the past couple weeks, it will be interesting to see what Kevin Towers does with the team.