Moves The Oakland Athletics Should Make

As the trade deadline, July 31, looms just a week and a half away, rumors become more frequent. Teams with no hope to reach the playoffs look to “unload” their stars onto other teams. It could be because of financial reasons or they want to get something for a player in the last year of their contract.

In the case of the Oakland Athletics, they need to get players, prospects, so they can return to glory.

I will break down what I think the A’s should do or not do before the deadline.

I think that anyone, who follows the A’s closely, know that Matt Holliday wants to be on a Playoff contender. There is not doubt in my mind, Holliday will not be with the A’s come August 1st.

In exchange for Holliday, the A’s should get prospects, which is a no-brainer. The question is what position should they acquire. I think the biggest hole they have are relief pitching and utility infielders.

Think about it, the outfield is pretty much set for the next coming year with Scott Hairston, Ryan Sweeney, Travis Buck, Rajai Davis and Jack Cust.

The infield is not so set. Yes, Mark Ellis and Orlando Cabrera are firmly planted at their positions, Ellis at second base and Cabrera at shortstop.

At first base, Jason Giambi has not been the player of old, but just been old. He has had a great, long career, may be he has nothing left.

Daric Barton, who plays first base, has not shown that he is ready to play in the Majors. I doubt Nomar Garciaparra and Bobby Crosby will be with the team after the season.

Adam Kennedy is a good third baseman, who could be the plan ‘B’ if Eric Chavez can’t return.

I believe the Athletics have a Rookie of the Year first baseman on their hands. Remember, Barton was a potential Rookie of the Year last year, and wasn’t very impressive.

I am talking about Tommy Everidge, who is ripping up the opposition at Sacramento. I don’t think they should call him up until September in order to preserve his rookie status until next year. Yeah, call me selfish, but I think it would a crime if he did not get the chance to try for the Rookie of the Year award. It would a step in the right direction. Then, again he could be a bust like Ben Grieve, good one year and crap the rest.

The A’s don’t really have anyone who can be that “Marco Scutaro” type of player. Some one who can give Ellis or Cabrera the day off or fill in when an infielder is injured.

As catchers go, Kurt Suzuki and Landon Powell are there to stay for a long time.

On to pitching, starting with the rotation, the A’s are pretty much set with Trevor Cahill, Josh Outman, Vin Mazzaro, Brett Anderson, Dallas Braden, Justin Duchscherer, and maybe more. There is no real need to get another.

I think the bullpen needs to be improved. Russ Springer has been inconsistent, along with Santiago Casilla. Brad Ziegler, Craig  Breslow, Michael Weurtz, and Andrew Bailey are solid. I think is another area where the A’s need help if they are to contend with the Angels.

In short, the A’s have a gaping holes that need to be filled before we can say that they are a threat to win the wild card or division. The A’s should seek at least a relief pitcher and a utility infielder, who can hit, in return for Matt Holliday.