MLB Trade Rumors: Nationals Still Eyeing Diamondbacks Gerardo Parra

When the Arizona Diamondbacks signed free agent outfielder Jason Kubel this offseason, many thought the move would make Gold Glove-winning left fielder Gerardo Parra available.  The Diamondbacks have denied these reports, insisting they are interested in using Parra as their fourth outfielder.  Still, this hasn’t stopped teams from checking in on Parra, especially the Washington Nationals.

Yesterday, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reported that the Nationals “remain interested in Parra” as a possible answer for their center field question.  However, Knobler added that the Diamondbacks are asking for “a lot” in exchange for Parra.

Meanwhile, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson heard from a baseball source that the Nationals 2012 center fielder will come from “in-house” to start the season.  Ladson also said that the Diamondbacks have already told the Nationals that Parra is not available.

At this point, it’s hard to believe that Parra is totally off the table.  If the Nationals are interested in sending an overwhelming package of players Arizona’s way, the Diamondbacks would likely agree to part with Parra.

Still, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has said that he’s only willing to trade significant players for a center fielder if the club feels he’s a long-term option.  Parra has only played nine games in center field over the past two seasons.  Occasionally filling in for a center fielder is one thing; being an everyday center fielder is another.

For more on the Nationals and Diamondbacks, be sure to check out District on Deck and Venom Strikes.

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