Yesterday Pedro Gomez of ESPN reported that the Diamondbacks and Phillies were discussing a Justin Upton for Cliff Lee trade:
Phillies and Diamondbacks are discussing Justin Upton for Cliff Lee. Money coming to AZ would also be involved.
— Pedro Gomez (@pedrogomezESPN) December 4, 2012
It was almost immediately shot down by Ruben Amaro. Later in the evening, Gomez explained the basis of his report:
Was discussed internally on 1 side. “@funkaty620: @pedrogomezespn i know u know@dougandwolf620 saying this is ridiculous. i believe u
— Pedro Gomez (@pedrogomezESPN) December 5, 2012
If “it was discussed internally on one side” is what constitutes a trade rumor these days, the field of trade rumor reporting is about to get a lot more difficult. Certainly busier.