Justin Upton trade: The whole story in one place

One thing I like to do after major news is to go back to the beginning, or some perceivable moment when the news in question went from imminent to happening to OH GOD to WAT to I'M BATHING IN DBACKS TEARS to what-just-happened and finally to the inevitable final judgment of the day. And here we are. Let's look, shall we?

It begins (kinda)

First of all, I think this particular cycle starts with the Braves and D'backs renewing talks, and not with the failed D'backs-Mariners trade, 1) because that's another story entirely, though it did lay the groundwork and makes Arizona's eventual haul look much much smaller, and 2) because I said so and we have to start somewhere:

• Justin Upton rumors: Diamondbacks, Braves resume trade talks - MLB Daily Dish
  "The Arizona Diamondbacks have resumed trade talks with the Atlanta Braves involving outfielder Justin Upton."

It heated up quickly, with an offer being sent and a potential outline to a trade being named:

• Justin Upton rumors: Braves offer Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado? - MLB Daily Dish
  "Talks between the Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks with regards to Justin Upton are really picking up steam, as the Braves have made an offer that centers on one of two pitching prospects -- Randall Delgado or Julio Teheran -- and two others in exchange for the outfielder."

It's happening!

We had that up early this morning and I'm talking to my guys. "Let's get ready for this thing. Blood is in the water, I can feel it." Except a lot less dramatic and a lot more begging was involved. Anyway, moments later it was like BAM IT'S OFFICIAL GO GO GO:

• Atlanta Braves trade for Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton - MLB Daily Dish
  "The Atlanta Braves have acquired outfielder Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks."

Everyone panics

It spiraled out of control and into the awesome from there. We had a snap reaction roundup, then a first analysis, and finally some fallout regarding where each team goes from here -- not to mention some great fan reactions over at the team sites Talking Chop and AZ Snake Pit. We have it all right here:

• Justin Upton trade: 'I would not have traded Upton.' - MLB Daily Dish
  Instant analysis/reactions from baseball experts around the web.

• Justin Upton trade: Braves easily win deal - MLB Daily Dish
  "The Atlanta Braves acquired the slugger they were targeting in Justin Upton, and the Arizona Diamondbacks eased their logjam in the outfield while adding talent to their minor league system. Both teams would seem to have accomplished their goals, but which organization made out better in this morning's agreement? The Braves get my vote."

• Atlanta Braves Acquire Justin Upton From Arizona Diamondbacks - Talking Chop

• Martin Prado and Randall Delgado: Meet the New D-backs, Part 1 - AZ Snake Pit
  "We begin our look at the new arrivals for the Diamondbacks, by looking at Martin Prado and Randall Delgado, the most experienced players coming to Arizona."

• Upton + Johnson Traded To Braves For Prado + 4: First Reaction - AZ Snake Pit
  "On the purely emotional side, I can't honestly say I'm feeling a great deal, in part because there has been so much talk about a possible trade that I've already gone through the five stages of grief. My mental roster for the 2013 Diamondbacks didn't really have Upton present on it."

Cooler heads prevail

• Justin Upton heads to Atlanta, Martin Prado going to Arizona - Baseball Nation
  "Short analysis: Man, oh man, did Upton's distaste for Seattle end up hosing the Diamondbacks. That reported package was a lot more impressive."

• The Justin Upton Trade: Why I don't like it - Beyond the Box Score
  "To put it very literally, Arizona traded three years of a 25-year old with a good chance to post at least 3-4 fWAR per year, for one year of a 29-year old who will probably be in the 3-4 win range and the potential to add a draft pick and the slot-money that would come with that pick (as well as Delgado and other minor prospects). This is all without considering Upton's sizeable upside, with a chance to provide a good amount of excess value of the course of this deal."

• Diamondbacks rumors: Martin Prado, Rick Porcello, Nick Ahmed - MLB Daily Dish
  "The Diamondbacks work doesn't appear to be done yet, as they eye Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello and an extension with Martin Prado."

You probably know I'm happy this saga isn't exactly over, since: content. But I am happy the D'backs finally pulled the plug if only for our readers' Upton tolerance, which should be reaching max by the end of this very article (META!).

There are still some remaining questions, though. How does the NL East shake out now? How about that outfield? What about Bourn? How long has Towers ceded control of the NL West to the Dodgers/Giants, and did he have a choice? I can't wait to find out.