Several different sources have recently mentioned the Dimaondbacks’ interest in Corey Patterson. The rumor first surfaced in my inbox Thursday morning, and I put in a word to Jack Magruder of the East Valley Tribune. Magruder confirmed the rumor, saying that it might happen depending on who the Cubs would take.
After further inquiries, Magruder revealed that the D’backs were reluctant to part with relievers after the Johnny Estrada trade thinned their ’pen. He also mentioned that Arizona will not part with Carlos Quentin, Conor Jackson, Stephen Drew, or other top prospects, which makes sense.
Some have floated the idea of the Cubs attempting to acquire Des Plaines native Shawn Green for their right field vacancy. Green, the game’s 7th best right fielder in 2005, won’t be coming to the Cubs. Green’s contract calls for a limited no-trade clause for 2006 and 2007 that allows trades only to the Angels, Dodgers, and Padres. Apparently his wife prefers to stay in California.
Today, Bleed Cubbie Blue pointed us in the direction of an article on this same topic. John Gambadoro, in an article special to AZCentral.com, adds some new information about the D’Backs interest in Patterson. According to Gambadoro:
"Last season after the trade deadline had passed, Arizona put a claim in on Patterson after the Cubs had tried to slip him through waivers. The Cubs pulled the offer back."
I’ve dropped a line to "Gambo" in attempt to get a few names that Arizona would be willing to offer. This is pure speculation, but maybe the D’Backs would part with a struggling outfielder of their own, Josh Kroeger. A former wide receiver, Kroeger took a step backward by posting a .261/.316/.422 line in Triple A this year. He’s only 22, and had been successful up to this point. I figure it wouldn’t be bad to add a slugging outfield prospect to the stable if he’s available.
