Athletics Trade Rumors

" The Colorado Rockies, searching for some help for their starting rotation, were reportedly told by the A's that Joe Blanton isn't going anywhere right now. Colorado has inquired about a number of starting pitchers recently, including Oakland right-handers Blanton and Rich Harden, Texas' Kevin Millwood, Cincinnati's Josh Fogg and Boston's Julian Tavarez. The Denver Post reported that the Rockies were told by Oakland that Blanton, their preferred A's pitcher, is currently not available."

"While they wait for internal options to heal their wounds and fix their mechanics, the Rockies are actively pursuing depth for their rotation, discussing trades with the Reds for Josh Fogg and the Red Sox for Julian Tavarez. The Rockies also have kicked the tires on Oakland's Rich Harden and Joe Blanton and Texas' Kevin Millwood. Harden is hurt, limiting interest; Blanton is currently not available. And while the Rangers will listen on Millwood, they want the right players in return, not salary relief. The Rockies' motivation is shaped by their need."

" Dear Billy: You've done it again. Turned the A's into winners. Sure it's only May, but every month counts. Congratulations. Just one more thing. Sign Barry Bonds. Yes, that Barry Bonds, the one you talked to back in the fall of '06, or at least that was the story. Didn't your assistant David Forst say, "Barry is one of the guys out there who we're considering ... he's probably the best player in the game the last 15 years. I think anybody would be interested in having his bat in the lineup." So, get that bat. It comes with a lot of baggage, but it also comes with a lot of benefits. The shock value alone is worth the deal. "

" Frank Thomas, who helped lead the A's to the 2006 American League Championship Series, has been a free agent since Sunday, and Oakland is reportedly showing interest in the veteran slugger. ESPN's Buster Olney, citing anonymous sources, reported the A's had discussions with Thomas' agents Wednesday. The A's maintained their silence on the issue. General manager Billy Beane was unavailable for comment, and assistant GM David Forst did not return a voice mail."

"If the A's are considering bringing Frank Thomas back into the fold, manager Bob Geren isn't saying."

"While Thomas's representatives have yet to reply, the Joliet Jackhammers of the independent Northern League will also spring for an apartment in the Joliet area and a salary that could go as high as $3,500 (U.S.) a month... On a more serious note, the Oakland A's are apparently considering going after Thomas and will make a call within 48 hours. "

"In spite of Billy Beane's careful plans and grand design, the A's find themselves still in the playoff picture 20 games into the season. This could necessitate some rethinking. The rethinking could involve Frank Thomas, or Barry Bonds. Or (drumroll, please!) both. Could it be? The Big Hurt and the Big Pain, two of baseball's all-time great diva sluggers, joining forces in Oakland?"

"Frank Thomas's career as a Toronto Blue Jay ended quietly yesterday morning after a closed-door meeting with GM J.P. Ricciardi... The veteran star, who was mired in an early season slump, will be paid the full remainder of what he's owed on his $8 million (U.S.) 2008 salary. He is now free to sign with another team. Rumoured favourites to procure his services include Seattle, Tampa Bay and Oakland."

"General manager Billy Beane said he talked to Alan Hendricks, the agent for closer Huston Street, this week but that the sides are discussing a possible multi-year deal in more general terms than anything really specific yet."

"It was not easy for Dan Johnson to say goodbye to his teammates, but it was hardly unexpected, either. The first baseman was designated for assignment by the A's to make room on the 25-man and 40-man rosters for left-hander Greg Smith, who was called up from Triple-A Sacramento to start Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The A's have 10 days to trade Johnson, release him or send him to the minor leagues. But Johnson must clear waivers -- a three-day period in which another team can pick up his contract -- before he could be sent to the minors."

"Dan Johnson's agent, Bobby Barad, told the Chronicle that the A's have just informed the first baseman that he has been designated for assignment. That means they have 10 days to put Johnson on waivers, trade him or release him. The latter two are unlikely, and Johnson would have to clear waivers to be sent down. That's a process that takes three business days, but the A's do not have to run him through until next week if they choose. Perhaps they'll wait to see if another club has an injury and approaches them about a deal."

"Tuesday night was very possibly Dan Johnson's last in an A's uniform. The team must make room on both the 25-man roster and the 40-man roster for tonight's starter, Greg Smith, and Johnson appears to be the most expendable. He has only one at-bat this season, and the A's have Barton at first base and Mike Sweeney and Jack Cust available to DH. "

"General manager Brian Sabean acknowledged on his weekly radio show that he is looking for a first baseman, preferably a left-handed hitter. The Giants have had internal discussions about Washington's Nick Johnson, but he might be off the market after winning the everyday first-base job and starting the season strongly. A source said the Giants scouted 26-year-old Braves first baseman Scott Thorman, who hit 11 home runs in 287 at-bats last season. In spring training, the A's tried in vain to get the Giants to bite on Dan Johnson. "

"The A's continue to try to move Dan Johnson, but they're in a tough spot. Most teams don't view Johnson as an everyday first baseman, and he hasn't shown much of an ability to handle being a bench player. After a groundout Wednesday, Johnson fell to 0-for-15 lifetime as a pinch-hitter."

"Rich Harden played it a lot smarter on Wednesday. He made Ramirez - and most everyone else in the Red Sox lineup - look foolish instead...When you think about it, this entire A's season is an audition. Whether players are trying to restore their reputations, stay in the big leagues, show off for opposing scouts or make favorable first impressions, all of them are on trial."

"Red Sox followers have as much interest in their team as any fans in the country, but the wise ones may want to spend some time over the next two days focusing on the pitchers who start for the other team, too. In a couple of months, both Joe Blanton and Rich Harden might be available."

"You say Kerry Wood will become the toast of Clark Street. I say Huston Street is available on the trade market. You say Wood will be pain-free all season, save 40 games and uphold the confidence of enabler Jim Hendry, who said this after the general manager's pet rock was named the closer: ``For his sake and ours, I hope he stays healthy because that's world-class stuff.''"

"That the Tigers, desperate for a pitcher at the back end of their bullpen, are trying to have serious discussions with Oakland about closer Huston Street. But so far, the A's have not even decided if they want to trade Street. And if they do, they're likely to ask more than the Tigers have to offer."

"Boston has considered moving center fielder Coco Crisp since the end of last season, and the A's have been linked to Crisp several times. Now, the teams are believed to be discussing Crisp again. If the Red Sox were to ask for any of the A's top prospects, Oakland would want someone like young center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury rather than Crisp."

"For Seattle, Bonds makes total sense because it's a team not far from being a playoff contender that could use some lefthanded pop. Seattle is also a place where Bonds was received well among the venues he visited the past two seasons. But management doesn't want the circus. Oakland is another place where Bonds remains popular."

"Coco Crisp said yesterday that he would rather be traded than lose the starting center-field job to Jacoby Ellsbury. Eventually, he’ll get his wish."

"The Reds have talked to the Oakland A's about right-hander Joe Blanton. But Blanton remains with the A's. Cleveland left-hander Cliff Lee reportedly is available. Free agents like Kyle Lohse, Josh Fogg and Odalis Perez are still available. But Baker says there comes a time when you go with what you've got."

"On the free agent front, Kyle Lohse remains loose, but the Reds traded him last season and he wants more than he is worth. Jeff Weaver and Josh Fogg are out there, too."

"As for the injury-prone Harden, Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane would love to trade him. Beane’s chances will be infinitely better if Harden has a healthy, productive spring, which could produce quite a story just before the start of the season. If Harden is healthy - and if he is dealt - he is the kind of talent who could elevate a team to the next level. Which begs the question: If you’re the Red Sox, would you take a chance on him?"

"A trade still could happen - the Bronson Arroyo trade didn't happen until March 20 in 2006 - but Blanton remains an Oakland A. So it looks as though the Reds are going with the young guys."

"The A's had their first workout for pitchers and catchers Thursday at Papago Park Baseball Complex, and there was right-hander Joe Blanton, still wearing green and gold. Despite swirling rumors that he would be traded during the winter, Blanton has stayed put so far."

"The Cincinnati Reds need another starting pitcher, or two, and the rumors are out there that they are interested in Oakland's Joe Blanton."

"On the heels of signing relief pitcher Keith Foulke, it appears the A's have added another veteran in first baseman/designated hitter Mike Sweeney. Sweeney, 35, has agreed to a minor-league contract with the A's and will report to spring training Wednesday with pitchers and catchers, according to several reports Sunday. The team has yet to officially announce the signing."

"But there is also little doubt the Sox are shopping for pitching. Still to be determined is how high they are willing to aim. Perhaps the most attractive pitcher available is Oakland's Joe Blanton, now that Billy Beane has left no doubt he is in full rebuilding mode by jettisoning Dan Haren, Nick Swisher, and Mark Kotsay."

"The Rockies will reach contract agreements with Brad Hawpe and Garrett Atkins soon, while going to an arbitration hearing with Brian Fuentes. . . . Oakland's asking price for pitcher Joe Blanton is steep."

"Blanton is the most likely to be traded this spring, but even so, that appears a long shot after the Twins failed to get an overwhelming haul of prospects for Johan Santana. Beane isn't interested in moving Blanton for mediocre returns, so he might opt to see if the market picks up by the trading deadline."

"The Reds have turned their attention to Oakland's Joe Blanton. If they pull off the Blanton deal, I'll predict an end to the losing streak - just not in big, bold letters."

"Joe Crede, White Sox... Coco Crisp, Red Sox... Brian Roberts, Orioles... Joe Blanton, A's... Scott Hatteberg , Reds"

"Looking for a starting pitcher? The A's might continue their organizational restocking by dealing righthander Joe Blanton this spring. The Cubs would love to move Jason Marquis, and the Brewers have an arms surplus, too. Need a third baseman? The White Sox could deal Crede, and the Phillies are looking to move Wes Helms. "

"The Reds still hope to add an established starting pitcher before spring training begins next week. To that end, they are talking to the Oakland A's about obtaining right-hander Joe Blanton. That doesn't mean a deal is imminent. The A's - as the Baltimore Orioles did in talks about pitcher Erik Bedard - are asking for a package that includes at least two of the Reds' top prospects. Cincinnati won't consider trading Jay Bruce. Other top prospects include Homer Bailey, Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto."

"And while anything can happen and situations change by the day, at the moment the odd man out appears to be Wes Helms... Here's a look at the (short) list of clubs that might be in the mood to add a third baseman before Opening Day..."

"A healthy Chavez would seem to be a perfect fit for the Angels, a veteran who provides Gold Glove-caliber defense and legitimate power from the left side. But before the Angels even think about pursuing Chavez, they must be convinced he has fully recovered from three operations he had in the span of two months last fall."

"The A's and the Braves edged closer to completing a deal that would send center fielder Mark Kotsay to Atlanta in exchange for right-handed reliever Joey Devine... Two industry sources speculated Saturday that if the A's land Devine, they will look to move closer Huston Street."

"Wolff vehemently denies it's a fire sale, insisting Beane isn't disassembling the team. The payroll approached $80 million last year - 'we were in the middle of the pack even though some of our fans think we spent only 50 cents,' Wolff said - and it's currently just north of $60 million and is budgeted for $72 million, though Wolff claims he'd be willing to go higher. That would leave money for Barry Bonds, right? Right?"

" The A's signed free agent Emil Brown to a one-year deal, adding a much-needed right-handed bat to their lineup. Center fielder Mark Kotsay, however, might be departing within the next few days. A's assistant general manager David Forst confirmed that the club has had discussions with Atlanta about Kotsay."

" On Friday, he added a part, signing outfielder Emil Brown, 33, to a one-year contract. Brown spent the past three seasons with the Kansas City Royals, and last year hit .317 against left-handed pitching and .316 with runners in scoring position... How long Kotsay will remain in the fold is in question. Forst confirmed several reports that the A's have had trade discussions with the Atlanta Braves about Kotsay."

"The Braves might soon have the short-term veteran center fielder they've been looking for, and Mark Kotsay sounds excited about the possibility of coming from Oakland to fill the role."

"With Nick Swisher traded away and free agent Shannon Stewart unlikely to return, the A's are moving to sign a right-handing hitting outfielder, according to major-league sources. Oakland has had several conversations with veteran Mike Cameron, who was also briefly an A's target before he signed with the Mets in 2004. "

"But as I’ve said, I still think the Braves might make a move or two before opening day, including the addition of another stopgap center fielder. And there is reason to believe that Oakland’s Mark Kotsay could be the guy...Another possibility is Georgia native Corey Patterson, but only if the Baltimore free agent’s price tag keeps plummeting "

"The Mets remain interested in making a deal for Johan Santana, and if the Twins ever back off their demand for Jose Reyes, such a trade likely would involve sending the club's top outfield prospects - Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez - to Minnesota... Minaya also has been interested in the Orioles' Erik Bedard and Oakland's Joe Blanton, but he was not convinced either pitcher would be traded in the immediate future."

"Barry Bonds is on the radar more than in ever in Oakland after the trades that sent Nick Swisher to the White Sox and Dan Haren to Arizona. General manager Billy Beane could move right-hander Joe Blanton and/or third baseman Eric Chavez next. Beane has committed himself to an old-fashioned job of rebuilding, rare in this era of instant gratification."

"With A's general manager Billy Beane in an all-out rebuilding mode, starting pitcher Joe Blanton could be the next to depart Oakland. A person with knowledge of the situation said Friday that the Mets remain 'interested in doing something there' and recently asked Beane 'to keep them in mind, just as it was with (ace Dan) Haren.' ... As for Johan Santana, the Mets believe their status with the Twins is 'pretty much in a holding pattern.'"

"The other two players on the calendar cover are Mark Ellis and Eric Chavez. Next to go? At least with Ellis, who will be at free agent at the end of the 2008 season, it's plausible because he could have market value, and it's unlikely he'll be re-signed. Chavez is probably safe, because no one will take on his contract without knowing how he'll recover from his myriad surgical procedures."

"Now that the splint is off his left hand and 2007 is nothing more than a bad memory, Carlos Delgado sounds anxious to begin the upcoming season - regardless of whether Johan Santana is on the Mets... One interesting development yesterday was the A's trade of Nick Swisher to the White Sox, and with Oakland in full rebuilding mode after dealing Dan Haren, that means Joe Blanton could be next on the block."

"Desperate for pitching, the Mets may turn to free agent Kyle Lohse, who wants a four-year, $40 million contract. The Phillies were unwilling to offer Lohse more than three years. The Mets also may be eyeing a trade for Oakland's Joe Blanton, though it likely would require them to deal three players, including pitching prospect Kevin Mulvey and outfielder Carlos Gomez."