Gibson: D-backs tried to land Chase Headley
Sep 18, 2012, 8:18 PM | Updated: 10:25 pm
When the Diamondbacks traded for Chris Johnson on July 29, many felt that the team had landed their third baseman of the future.
While Johnson has made some notable contributions — six home runs and 28 RBI in 36 games — during his time in the desert, the former Astro was not initially the name the team had in mind to fill the void at the hot corner.
Appearing on Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo Show, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said Tuesday that the team had been in hot pursuit of Padres’ third baseman Chase Headley.
“We tried to get [Headley], but [the Padres] wouldn’t trade him,” said Gibson of the potential inter-divisional move. “We inquired about him. Not just this season, but in the past as well.”
Despite playing in pitcher-friendly Petco Park, Headley is in the midst of a career year this season. In 146 games, the San Diego star has already posted career-highs in home runs (28), RBI (104) and slugging percentage (.487).
While the former second-round pick has terrorized National League pitching this season, he has had a special soft spot for the D-backs in 2012. In 15 games, Headley has hit four home runs to go along with 14 RBI and a .286 batting average.
