EV Tribune: Teams inquiring about [Papa Grande] Valverde

The hourly catch-all-thread on all rumors relating to the Dbacks…

Asked who has expressed interest in Valverde at the winter meetings here, one source with knowledge of the situation said: “All the teams that need a closer.”

Milwaukee and Arizona had discussions, according to sources on both sides, but could not find a fit because the D-Backs likely would want a starting pitcher, perhaps someone who could slot as high as No. 2 in the rotation…

The D-Backs, meanwhile, remained in touch with their targeted trade partner, Oakland, who has made right-hander Dan Haren available but want a steep, steep price in return, leading to talk last night that the A’s will not trade Haren, at least not here.

The D-Backs are willing to discuss a package, multiple sources told the Tribune on Tuesday, that could include three of the top players in their minor league system — outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and left-hander Brett Anderson.

Still, that might not be enough. One source said the A’s could seek as many as six players in return for Haren, whose contract — he is under control through 2010 at a cost of $16.25 million — is one of the best values in baseball.

“They want everything,” one NL official said while walking through the spacious Opryland Hotel.

Papa Grande’s jiggle is the hottest vegetable dance since Las Ketchup and Aserej…