If You Could Trade One Diamondback…

The trade deadline is tomorrow. The Diamondbacks have been sellers since early June. No one is wondering where the Diamondbacks stand in this whole equation. Let’s just start by establishing who’s been traded:

• Joe Thatcher and Tony Campana to the Angels for Zack Borenstein and Joey Krehbiel
• Brandon McCarthy to the Yankees for Vidal Nuno

And let’s just follow that up with a list of who we know is available:

• Aaron Hill
• Martin Prado
• Oliver Perez
• Josh Collmenter
• Addison Reed
• Gerardo Parra
• Probably some other guys

And let’s just conclude this little exercise with who we know is not available:

• Brad Ziegler
• Wade Miley
• Probably some other guys

So, yeah, there are still, presumably, some guys in play and presumably some teams with needs. How that all shakes out is yet to be seen, but if it’s going to shake out at all, well, it better start shakin’. To help the organization out, we thought we’d poll the Inside the ‘Zona staff and see which Diamondback they’d trade and why. They could only pick one player and no one was off limits. Take a look below to see who each player would trade and be sure to leave us a comment on your trade deadline thoughts.

Ryan says: trade Gerardo Parra

Rationale: this is going to seem like a bit of a reversal coming from me, but the guy I’d like to see Towers explore fits for is Gerardo Parra. Let me explain. Just before Parra’s scheduled arbitration hearing this February, I examined the team’s failure to sign Parra to an extension. Hey, we can’t hold it against one party if the other was being unreasonable. And we have no idea which party that was, or even whether the sides discussed an extension at all. We just know for sure that it’s not the case that 1) both parties wanted an extension, AND 2) both sides were pretty close on Parra’s value.

At this point, Towers looks good for not making that deal, with Parra’s new stance not making any real difference at the plate and Parra not having anywhere near the same kind of impact on defense that he had last year. If there was a deal out there to be made, it might already have happened last offseason. But maybe things have changed. Jerry Dipoto knows Parra, and could use him in a part time role as the Angels unexpectedly push in their chips for 2014. The Nats, Braves, Brewers and Giants could also find Parra useful.

It’s hard to figure out how both David Peralta and Parra can fit in an outfield with A.J. Pollock and Mark Trumbo, especially because they both hit from the left side — and if Parra’s at bats are limited at all, he should be sat against lefties. Moving Parra right now is not a deal to be done at any cost. But it seems like one that should be diligently explored.

Jeff W. says: trade Martin Prado

Rationale: no one Arizona is considering dealing will bring back more than Martin Prado. His versatility is an asset, but on a clogged roster such as Arizona’s, it’s effectively worthless. He’s played all but four 2014 games at third base and hasn’t seen an inning in the outfield all year. This roster isn’t utilizing his best asset very well, and when considering his lack of hard hit balls, he’s not someone that would be badly missed.

Didi Gregorius could fill in in the short term and Jake Lamb could even get a trial before the end of the season. Prado is likely worth one B-level prospect, and maybe another flier, without causing Arizona to eat much, if any, salary in the process. He’s the team’s best trade asset that they’re willing to move and he’s replaceable to boot, so this is a no-brainer for me.

There’s a host of teams who would presumably be interested in Prado, for 2014 and beyond. A bevy of AL East teams could use infield upgrades. Given his positional flexibility, he can fill in all over the place, thus opening up his potential trade market.

RG says: trade Aaron Hill

Rationale: this would primarily be a cost-cutting measure; he’s due $12 million in 2015 and 2016. Beyond saving money, the D-backs would be able to evaluate the quality of their assets. Hill’s departure would open up a spot for Didi Gregorius or Nick Ahmed. Gregorius seems to have improved his hitting, and the last third of the season would be crucial in determining how his development is progressing.

Multiple teams in the AL East seem to need a second basemen, but the key here is finding someone willing to take on most of his salary. If the Diamondbacks have to choose between obtaining prospects or freeing themselves of his salary, I suggest they choose the latter.

Jeff B. says: trade Martin Prado

Rationale: the D-backs have made it quite clear that they are reluctant to move Martin Prado. That doesn’t mean that he CAN’T be moved for the right price, however, as EVERYONE is available at the right price. I think it is worth finding out if a team like the Nats or Yankees or Red Sox are desperate enough for an extra infielder, if they prefer Prado to Hill, what they could fetch for him.

Inside the ‘Zona Midseason Plan

The Case for Trading Miguel Montero

Wade Miley is the Canary in the Coal Mine

The D-backs Infield Is Still a Mess

Ziegler’s Extremely High Value, and Why He Shouldn’t Be Traded