Possible desert blockbuster

[DaaBoTownSox]

With just hours remaining until the trade deadline, word comes out via Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com that the Arizona Diamondbacks are working on a mega deal to acquire a premium starting pitcher.

The identity of the pitcher is unknown, Rosenthal adds, but the name Justin Upton is certainly one to note in any major trade scenario involving the D-Backs. General manager Kevin Towers also has young arms such as Trevor Bauer, Tyler Skaggs, Patrick Corbin and other prospects such as A.J. Pollock to offer in return.

Among the possible targets include Miami Marlins ace Josh Johnson and Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee, though trading for a 33-year-old starting pitcher making $25 million per season doesn't seem to fit Towers' style or fit what the Diamondbacks are doing payroll wise.

Rosenthal adds it is unclear whether Lee can block a trade to the D-backs. His contract with the Phillies allows him to veto trades to 21 teams.

Other possibilities could include Ubaldo Jimenez, Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Yovani Gallardo, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Garza, and James Shields. Shields has been rumored to be on the block all season, but with the Rays in the thick of the Wildcard race they may decide to hold onto Shields until the offseason.

The blockbuster of all blockbusters would be Seattle's Felix Hernandez, whom the Mariners have been saying all along is not available.

[RickD]

This could be interesting, though I would only qualify a few SP as being mega deal worthy.