According to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (never get used to that) recently contacted the Arizona Diamondbacks about the possibility of acquiring D-Backs ace Dan Haren.
All indication was that the D-Backs balked at any potential move. A Diamondback official had the following to say.
"I almost can't conceive of a package that would motivate us to move him."
Following the news that Brandon Webb most likely will need season ending surgery, and the possibility the team won't pick up his $8.5 million option, it's understandable that the D-Backs have no intention of dealing Haren. However, I believe it makes sense for the D-Backs to at least listen to offers, but odds are it would take an "out of this world" package to convince them to move him. The D-Backs are currently 16 games below (.500) and all but eliminated from any postseason contention.
The Angels, however, gave a clear indication that they have every intention of adding an additional starter.
Given the weak market that has been decimated by injuries (i.e. Peavy, Halladay, Bedard), it will be tough to acquire a big impact pitcher. According to Rosenthal, virtually every top-end rotation starter is either injured or unavailable, which likely will force teams to be more creative in their attempts to add starting pitching.
Haren, 28, would be coveted by many teams should the D-Backs make him available.
Along with his talent, another appeal to Haren is his cost effective contract. His deal includes salaries of $7.5 million this season, $8.25 million next season and $12.75 million in both '11 and '12, with a $15.5 million club option or $3.5 million buyout for '13. While on the surface those figures seem substantial, given Haren's production they more than warrant his services.
At the end of the day don't expect Haren to be going anywhere. He is far too valuable to the future of the organization. The D-Backs expect him to be their ace for some time to come, and they also hope he can mentor some of their young pitchers.
For now look for the D-Backs to try and move starters Doug Davis, and Jon Garland, along with reliever Chad Qualls.