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The trade deadline in Major League Baseball is three weeks away, and the rumors, as they do every year at this point, are flying hot and heavy.

That includes right here in Phoenix, where Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton's name has surfaced as a potential trade candidate once again.

Arizona manager Kirk Gibson joined Burns & Gambo on Arizona Sports 620 Tuesday for his weekly chat, and shared his thoughts on the rumors circulating about his right fielder.

"Of course I want Justin on this team," he said. "I don't read into the 'rumors' and the birth of how it takes its own identity. The focus gets to Justin. We understand that's part of it, it's that time of year, and every year they get more sensationalized."

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Upton's name has popped up in such talk because of his disappointing first half of 2012 in which he's homered just seven times and driven in 37 runs. But the fact that he's still just 24 years of age and playing with an affordable contract has made him a reported target of other franchises.

Whether or not the Diamondbacks are "shopping" Upton remains to be seen, but Gibson said he understands the process and respects what Arizona general manager Kevin Towers had to do.

"I think it's normal for just about any GM -- some listen to everybody, some exclude a few," Gibson said. "So I don't look at it like 'oh my God, we're going to trade Justin tomorrow.'"
2 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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    grimmy01 wrote...
    And WE should want Justin on this team
    July 10, 2012 3:58 pm
    he is a great ball player. So he had a less than great first half of the season. Let's not forget that he's dealt with that thumb injury and I believe it's been more of an issue than we think. All the hype about a Justin Upton trade is just that...HYPE.
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    Think4URself wrote...
    When was he great?
    July 10, 2012 10:37 pm
    When was he a leader? When did he lay it all out on the line? When has he scared the opposing pitcher? He is not on top or near any of the important metrics except for strikeouts of course. I hear all the HYPE too, but these are characteristics of great position players. And, Justin has none of these qualities (except alot of strikeouts and average production). Why do you call him great? Hyped potential? If he wants to be great, he has alot of work to do. Sorry I would like too, but I just dont see it out on the field.
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