Trade Rumors: Crisp, Sheets On the Move?

With the Oakland Athletics sitting 9 games back of the red-hot Texas Rangers in the American League West, it’s hard to imagine the A’s making a move before the trade deadline that would involve some of their young and talented players. It would be less of a stretch to say that Oakland could possibly move Ben Sheets, or Coco Crisp, however.

Sheets, who signed this past offseason to a one-year, $10 million deal, has been rather inconsistent this season. Sheets had not pitched at all in the 2009 season, but A’s GM, Billy Beane, took a gamble on the veteran starter. This season, Sheets is 3-7 with a 5.04 ERA in 16 starts. According to multiple reports, however, teams could be interested in dealing for Sheets, who could be a top target if/after the Mariners trade Cliff Lee.

And since the A’s are not exactly in a great position to make a run for the division crown, the team is seen more as sellers rather than buyers at this point in time. Even though it’s just barely July, the A’s are said to be unwilling to trade some of their top young talent for an established talent.

Sheets, who has been extremely hittable this season, could generate some interest later this season. Several scouts note that Sheets hasn’t been exactly awful, and that he could seem really appealing for a playoff-bound team that is looking for a solid starter for the backend of their rotation. In any case, the A’s would mostly likely have to absorb the rest of Sheets’ contract, which could also work in Oakland’s favor. Oakland would likely get more for Sheets if they decide to absorb the $5.5 million or so of his remaining contract.

Besides Sheets, Coco Crisp could also garner a little interest come the trade deadline. Crisp, who have missed most of this season due to various injuries, has played well in his 8 appearances this season. In 8 games, Crisp is hitting .414/.457/.759 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs.

And while Beane cites the importance behind his veteran players, the A’s could use their older players as trade chips in order to build for the future. The rebuilding process has been in full effect for several years now, and fans are growing impatient with the team’s three consecutive sub-.500 seasons. Hopefully, whatever Beane decides to do will benefit the team in some capacity…