Bob Nightengale of USA Today that the Diamondbacks do not plan on picking up Brandon Webb's 8.5 million dollar club option. This would suggest that the Diamondbacks are having financial woes because an 8.5 million for a former Cy Young winner seems pretty inexpensive.
Webb made only one start this season, a year after going 22-7 with a 3.30 ERA in 34 starts. Webb had five straight 200+ inning seasons, which could've led to his shoulder injury this season.
Nevertheless, Webb is a top notch pitcher who should be ready to go in 2010. His rehab is going well, and he is only 30 years old. He still has several good years ahead of him. To decline the option and take a chance against rival clubs seems like a dangerous plan that could very easily fail at the hands of a high market team willing to offer more than one year deal.