Haren, Valverde Have New Unis

The NL West champion Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Dan Haren from the Oakland Athletics Friday, trading closer Jose Valverde to the Houston Astros in two different moves surrounding 12 players.

Along with Haren, the A's shipped righty Connor Robertson to Arizona for six guys: left-handers Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland and Greg Smith; infielder Chris Carter; and outfielders Aaron Cunningham and Carlos Gonzalez.

The 27-year-old Haren, who was 15-9 with a 3.07 ERA last season, joins 2006 Cy Young award winner Brandon Webb in a rotation that hopes to see an older than dirt, but healthy Randy Johnson in 2008.

The highly-animated Valverde, who saved 47 games in 54 opportunities last year, will resume closer duties in Houston, replacing the inconsistent Brad Lidge, who was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies last month.

The D'Backs received reliever Chad Qualls, infielder Chris Burke and right-hander Juan Gutierrez from the Astros in return for the 2007 big league saves leader.



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