A’s and Pirates Discussing Josh Willingham for Garrett Jones Swap

The Pirates have been major players in past seasons as the trade deadline approached, but they were always the ones doing the selling.  This summer Pittsburgh has been making headlines for their interest to become buyers as they are right in the middle of a tight NL Central race.

Several names have been floated, including Hunter Pence of the Astros, but reports yesterday stated that the Pirates and A’s have begun serious trade discussions.

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tweeted that the Pirates are eying A’s slugger Josh Willingham and lefty reliever Craig Breslow.  If those two were to be shipped to Pittsburgh, Biertempfel reports that it would likely be for a package centered on Pirates’ outfielder Garrett Jones.

Willingham has been solid for the A’s this year, notching 12 home runs and 47 RBI’s over his 73 games.  The 32 year old has a career OPS of .831 and would be the right handed impact bat the Pirates have been looking for.

Willingham returned earlier this month from an Achilles injury, and many believe that potential buyers were waiting to see how he would respond coming off of the disabled list.  In the 9 games since returning from the DL, Willingham has actually improved his numbers, with 2 home runs and doubles to go along with his 5 RBI’s over that span.

Breslow has posted an ERA of 3.18 over 34 innings for the A’s this year.  He’s been very effective of late, as the 30 year old has only allowed 1 earned run over his last 13 appearances.  The lefty has actually fared better against right handers on the season, holding them to a .655 OPS, compared to lefties who have an OPS of .996 versus Breslow.

Jones broke onto the scene in 2009, tallying 21 home runs in only 82 games.  He again managed 21 homers in 2010, this time over a full season.  Jones is once again just about on pace for 20 dingers with an OPS of .734.  2012 will mark the first time Jones is arbitration eligible, as the 30 year old will not become a free agent until after the 2015 season.

For more on the Pirates and Athletics, be sure to check out Rum Bunter and Swingin’ A’s.