Adam LaRoche and Diamondbacks talking contract extension

Earlier this week I suggested that Adam LaRoche’s contract would make it tough for the Diamondbacks to trade him even after he cleared waivers, but that may not even be an issue because Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com reports that the two sides “are in the very preliminary stages” of working on an extension. General manager Jerry DiPoto admitted that “it has been discussed” but said he “would consider it a general kicking of tires” for now, while LaRoche indicated that he’d definitely be willing to stay in Arizona:

It’s floated around. Nothing serious, so we’ll see. If we could work something out for a long-term deal, I would be more than happy to listen to it. I am very happy here right now, not only because I like playing here and I like these guys but because I like the potential here. Regardless of what our record is, I don’t think we are that many pieces away from having a completely different situation.

There’s no real urgency to work out an extension because LaRoche’s current contract includes a $7.5 million option or $1.5 million buyout for 2011. That option would rise to $9.5 million if he’s traded, which is why contenders are likely to shy away from LaRoche as a possible stretch-drive pickup, but the Diamondbacks seem willing to keep him around for $7.5 million in 2011.