Rosenthal's Latest: Athletics, Phillies

Jason Bay would be a monster for Okaland gets on base and can actually bash the ball which is really all the a's are missing. I just don't see the pirates moving him for anything less then Gonzales and that would seem pretty pointless for the A's to build up their system again just to tear it down in less then a year.

Jason Bay's value has dropped some over the past couple years, but he is still somebody I would like to see the A's pursue if they decide to make a run at it this year. I know that there is no way Gonzalez goes in a trade for Bay, but keep in mind that the A's have another good outfield prospect in Aaron Cunningham. He has done nothing but hit in the minors. Hits for good average, and constantly get Aaron Rowand comparisons. I could see the A's trying to work a deal surrounded around one of their young pitchers not named Cahill/Anderson plus Cunningham and possible another prospect.

Bay is a good player, but not worth the A's giving up 3-4 of their top of the line prospects. Maybe Simmons/Carter/Cunningham but I doubt Beane offers much more then that. With Holliday, it might be another story.

I think the most likely destination for Bay if he's traded is to the Rays along with Marte for Davis and Brignac. The Rays make their bullpen unstoppable and get 2 picks at the end of the year. That will help offset loosing 2 top 40 prospects. They also get Bay who helps them out a ton. The Pirates fill their only long-term need on offense and helpm their rotation. Bottom line: Send Bay to Tampa Bay.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Billy Beane will not do this. He's smarter than this. He's built a system to keep strong for years to come. With the addition of Michel Inoa (It's inevitable) to it, it will be almost as good as the Rays.

But they won't make a deal for Bay. Just don't see it. I could see a Holliday deal. But the if there is that he'd be willing to DH. A big IF and it would require Thomas and Sweeney to be truely showing there ages, and stop producing when they come back from the DL. Assuming that would happen, I could see a deal along the lines of this: OF Aaron Cunningham, RHP Henry Rodriguez, and 1B/DH Chris Carter. (bound to be a DH) I honestly don't think Beane will make any moves. I think he'll go into this thinking something like, "If we get hot and make a playoff push, cool. If not, cool it was a rebuilding year anyway." And yes I am very biased to the A's.