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If The Athletics Become Sellers

Having lost 12 of their last 13 games, the A's are eight games back in the AL West.  It's time to discuss their potential trade offerings.

• David DeJesus has been playing right field in recent years, but he has plenty of experience at the other outfield positions.  At .239/.319/.373 in 236 plate appearances, his contract year has not gone as hoped.  He did hit well in May.  DeJesus is affordable at $6MM, and will appeal to any contender seeking a top of the order outfielder who bats left-handed.  Our latest Elias rankings have DeJesus on the cusp of Type A status in the AL, but I'm not sure the A's would offer him arbitration.
• Second baseman Mark Ellis is on the DL with a strained right hamstring.  His $6MM salary will be prohibitive unless he starts raking upon his return.  With Jemile Weeks and Scott Sizemore joining Oakland's second base mix, shopping Ellis makes sense if he gets healthy.
• Left fielder Josh Willingham is another $6MM Athletic.  At .235/.315/.423, he's having the worst year of his career as he heads toward free agency.  Willingham is more firmly a Type A free agent than DeJesus, and given how the free agent market values power an arbitration offer seems more feasible for him.  Willingham should be one of the better available right-handed bats.
• The A's could break up their entire starting outfield, as Coco Crisp ($5.75MM salary) is also an impending free agent.  Like Willingham, Crisp is helping some fantasy teams offensively but is not getting on base thus far.  Crisp's ability to play center field sets him apart.  The Braves are often mentioned as a potential fit.
• Hideki Matsui might be tough to move, as a DH hitting .216/.268/.332.  If he doesn't show signs of life over the next six weeks, a release is more likely than a trade.
• First baseman/outfielder Conor Jackson could be a complementary piece for someone if the A's assume part of his $3.2MM salary.  Jackson can still get on base a little bit but his modest early-career power seems gone.
• Relievers are always a trade deadline hot commodity, and Oakland's pen has a 3.25 ERA despite their leading innings guy, Brian Fuentes, checking in at 4.71.  The A's might have a chance to bail on Fuentes' contract, which pays $5MM next year.  Their other big relief signing, Grant Balfour, has produced better results despite shaky control; he earns $4MM in 2012.  Both relievers have club options for '13.  Michael Wuertz, who has been excellent, has a club option for '12 and a more modest salary.  The A's could also consider moving a pair of arbitration eligible relievers in Craig Breslow and Brad Ziegler.
• We've covered the Cubs, Padres, Pirates, Twins, and Astros as potential sellers previously.

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