I still believe the Diamondbacks trade Montgomery to free up payroll for offensive upgrades. The A's cover the whole salary but give up minimal prospect value in return. If anyone thinks Arizona wouldn't bite on clearing Montgomery off the books I'd like to hear why.

Because the FO believes he will outperform his contract? Ownership has lined up his butt over the pit and has lit the fire though….pitching can be difficult to acquire/replace, moving his salary and using it to move the deck chairs around for a playoff hopeful team certainly isn’t out of the question but I don’t think the Diamondbacks should make Montgomery so easily available, and ask for and only trade him for what they feel is fair value with everything being considered.