Major League Baseball

Cahill will bolster D-backs rotation

Published Dec. 9, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The Arizona Diamondbacks, making a bold attempt to fortify their starting rotation, acquired right-hander Trevor Cahill from the Oakland Athletics.

In return for Cahill, left-handed reliever Craig Breslow and cash considerations, the Diamondbacks will send the A’s a multi-player package that includes prized right-hander Jarrod Parker, outfielder Collin Cowgill and pitcher Ryan Cook, sources say.

Cahill, 23, would join right-handers Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson to give the Diamondbacks a formidable front three in their rotation, and not just for next season.

The D-backs would control Cahill through 2017 — he is owed $28.7 million over the next four seasons, and his contract could grow to $54.5 million over six seasons if the team exercises two club options.

Kennedy is under club control through ’15, Hudson and right-hander Josh Collmenter through ’16. The Diamondbacks also have been talking to lefty Joe Saunders about a two-year extension.

Breslow, 31, was a non-tender candidate, but he should fit into the D-Backs bullpen. He produced a 3.79 ERA in 67 games last season. He is under club control for two more years.

For the A’s, the trade represents their latest attempt at retooling as they await word on a potential relocation from Oakland to San Jose.

Parker, 23, was rated the Diamondbacks’ No. 1 prospect at the start of last season even though he missed the entire 2010 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He went 11-8 with a 3.79 ERA at Double A after returning in ’11. One rival executive says that Parker actually reminds him of Cahill. The difference is that Cahill offers greater certainty, even though he took a step backward last season.

Cowgill, 25, is a Cody Ross-type who batted .354/.430/.554 at Triple A last season.

Cook, 24, pitched 7 2/3 innings in 12 games for the D-backs in the majors last year, compiling a 7.04 ERA.

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