MONDAY: Yahoo’s Jeff Passan says the D’Backs and Jackson have been discussing a long-term deal for nearly eight months. Though they’re struggling just to agree on his ’09 salary, the D’Backs would like to buy out Jackson’s three arb years and get a club option on his first free agent season.
SUNDAY: According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, the Diamondbacks are not close to a contract with arbitration-eligible outfielder Conor Jackson.
Jackson requested $3.65MM and the club countered with a $2.45MM figure back when arbitration numbers were due. That gap has been a tough one to close and his hearing is looming. It is currently scheduled for Wednesday, February 18.
