As the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, published reports have linked the Diamondbacks to Atlanta first baseman Mark Teixeira, but an industry source said such speculation is "rumors without any real basis."
Left fielder Conor Jackson and first baseman Chad Tracy, two names mentioned as possible components of a deal, are two of the D-backs' hottest hitters.
Plus, Teixeira will become a free agent after 2008 and is said to be seeking a long-term contract at a much higher number than a mid-market team could afford. Some estimates go as high as $20 million a year.
The D-backs would go against recent history at the trade deadline, when they have added players who not only could help in the present but also going forward. They acquired right-hander Livan Hernandez in August of 2006, when he still had another year remaining on his contract.
Right-handed reliever Jon Rauch, acquired last Tuesday to add another top arm to the bullpen, is signed through 2009 with a team option for 2010.
Jackson said he pays no attention to trade rumors after being the subject of them for two years.
"It's not even on my agenda," he said.
Jackson doubled and homered in his first two at-bats in a 10-2 victory over San Francisco on Friday and has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, going 22 for 52 (.423) with four doubles, three homers, 12 runs and seven RBIs.
DIAMONDBACKS 10, GIANTS 2: RHP Dan Haren took the National League ERA lead with his 10th consecutive quality start, giving up two runs in eight innings Friday to drop his ERA to 2.56. The D-backs had double-digit hits for the eighth time in 11 games and LF Conor Jackson maintained his ownership of San Francisco LHP Jonathan Sanchez, doubling and homering to improve to nine for 11 against Sanchez in his career. SS Stephen Drew extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a two-run double in a five-run second inning.
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