Breaking Down Oakland Athletics’ Possible Trade Suitors

Possible, But Still Unlikely Trade Partners

Jul 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits a home run against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

6. LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Record: 54-42 – 1st in NL West

The Dodgers, despite their massive payroll and big-name roster, are in the market for a starting pitcher. Many reports have them linked them to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Cole Hamels, but Kazmir would make for a good back up plan despite no reports of the two teams talking. It also helps that the new Dodgers’ GM Farhan Zaidi was a longtime Oakland executive, and likely has a similar value system to that of Beane. The only problem that could occur is that Beane’s value system is typically what allows him to find worth where others do not and Zaidi would not be one of those executives. Also, with another star lefty in the market by the name of David Price – as of yesterday – Kazmir’s value to a team like LA could dwindle a bit. Although the ‘Doyers’ have the prospects to swing a deal, my guess would be that they wouldn’t send them to Oakland.

5. TORONTO BLUE JAYS: 48-48 – Tied 3rd in AL East

Based on how the last deal went down, some people may not be so happy to see a trade happen between these two teams. However, the Blue Jays are in the market for a reliever – possibly Clippard – after apparently breaking conversations with Philadelphia about Jonathan Papelbon. Also, Toronto was one of several teams scouting Kazmir’s last start, prompting an intriguing situation. It would be interesting to see if Beane would want to engage in another deal with GM Alex Anthopoulos after their last trade has appeared in the short-run more one-sided than not. Additionally, the Jays’ farm system is a bit depleted and the only impact outfielder, Dalton Pompey, who is the 30th ranked prospect according to Baseball America entering 2015, would demand a large deposit; maybe more than just Kazmir or Clippard.

Next: The Two To Pay Attention To