A quick round-up of events overnight and early this morning. Let's start with the big overnight trade, which I'm sure will be of interest to one fan in particular...
Source: #Orioles closing in on #Brewers’ Parra. Deal expected to be Parra for RHP Zack Davies, straight up.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2015
Much closer to the Washington area now. :) It's the second consecutive season Parra has been involved in a deadline trade, as we sent him to Milwaukee on this day last year. That deal led to this nugget:
Once #Orioles deal is official, 25 of the 30 teams will have made at least one deadline deal. And #Cubs, #Padres & #Yankees haven't yet!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 31, 2015
I'm not sure if the Diamondbacks are included in the 25 or not. Technically we did, having dealt J.C. Ramirez to the Angels for future considerations, but guess it depends on your definition of "deadline deal"; that feels more like a minor-league transaction than anything else. If that represents the extent of Arizona's efforts today, it's going to be a much quieter deadline for us than last season, when we dealt away not just Parra, but also Martin Prado. I get the feeling we are, if anything, more likely to be buyers this time around though... My colleague Chris Cotillo says:
Team to monitor on controllable starters all day today: Arizona. They may strike. Feelers out everywhere.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 31, 2015
That is in line with the public statements of the front-office... Which, based on previous track record, are not to be believed. Man, I'm so confused.. Will someone please tell me how I'm supposed to feel? But the one specific name much bandied around is, of course, reliever Aroldis Chapman. Steve Gilbert had some thoughts on that:
Could be a quiet day for the #Dbacks on the trade front. Obviously interested in #Reds Chapman, but lots of competition for him.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 31, 2015
Not sure, but #Reds seeking a lot. Sounds like other teams are willing to give up more than #DBacks at this point. https://t.co/gqVT31TumF
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 31, 2015
I would agree especially if it means not overpaying for Chapman. Would be nice addition, but within reason. https://t.co/fDPB9ageU3
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 31, 2015
I am likely even less bullish than Gilbert on Chapman: I don't consider him worth the likely price, either in prospects or ongoing salary, and we would be better off looking to far cheaper alternatives in-house, such as prospect Silvino Bracho, who just turned 23 this month, and has a career K-rate of 12.9, with a K:BB ratio greater than eight. But, it seems, the front-office may have a bit of a crush on Chapman.
On #DBacks’ interest in Chapman: Told that La Russa wants him badly. Said last night: AZ would get him with idea of extending his deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2015
So, ulp. But there is some somewhat calming news...
The #Reds now have stronger offers for Chapman and the #Dbacks now considered a long shot for the closer.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2015
If true, I am relieved by that development, because the Reds will be out to maximize their return and have no interest in helping us out from a sense of charity. Going to be an interest few hours, that's for sure, as the clock inches closer to 1pm, Arizona time, when the deadline is reached. Between now and then, there'll be much refreshing of the Twitter. I just hope nothing breaks when I'm driving to work: it's hellishly hard to update a post with one hand, while doing 75 mph in the HOV lane. :)
Don't change that channel; stay tuned, right here, for updates!
Update
The #Dbacks package for #Reds consists of prized RHP prospect Braden Shipley and one or two more of Top 10 prospects for #Reds #Chapman.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2015
You'll find that Tweet in the dictionary, next to "horrendous overpay." However, there is some good news.
Looks like #Dbacks are no longer in on Chapman. Keep in mind that could always change if #Reds decide to circle back before deadline.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 31, 2015