by Ken Rosenthal

But, as the Angels recently discovered, the D-backs do not intend to trade Haren, who leads the National League in ERA.

"I almost can't conceive of a package that would motivate us to move him," one Diamondbacks official said.

The D-backs, viewing Haren as a critical part of their future, declined to engage in serious discussions with the Angels, who could have used their surplus of catchers and middle infielders to put together a blockbuster offer.

The talks could accelerate if the Angels overwhelmed the Diamondbacks with the right combination of players, one source said. But such a deal, for now, appears to be a longshot.

The Angels' motivation in pursuing Haren is obvious — to add him to a rotation that already includes Lackey, right-hander Jered Weaver and left-hander Joe Saunders and is awaiting the return of righty Ervin Santana.

The team currently is going with two unheralded starters — righties Matt Palmer and Sean O'Sullivan. Santana, recovering from an inflamed triceps, is scheduled to come off the disabled list this weekend.

Though talks failed to progress, the Angels' pursuit of Haren is the strongest indication yet that clubs will turn creative in their attempts to find starting pitching in the final weeks before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

From Padres right-hander Jake Peavy to Blue Jays righty Roy Halladay, virtually every top-of-the-rotation trade possibility is either injured or unavailable.

Haren, who turns 29 on Sept. 17, is a logical target, but he will remain the Diamondbacks' sole ace if the team declines its $8.5 million option on righty Brandon Webb, who is facing possible shoulder surgery.

The D-backs picture Haren continuing not only as their No. 1 starter, but also serving as a mentor for two of their younger pitchers, righty Max Scherzer and Class AA right-hander Jarrod Parker.

Haren also is signed to a club-friendly contract that includes salaries of $7.5 million this season, $8.25 million next season and $12.75 million in both '11 and '12, with a $15.5 million club option or $3.5 million buyout for '13.

The Diamondbacks paid a steep initial price for Haren, acquiring him from the A's along with pitcher Connor Robertson for six players on Dec. 14, 2007. The A's received pitchers Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland and Greg Smith, plus outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Aaron Cunningham and first baseman Chris Carter.