MLB Trade Rumors: Rangers, A’s Still Talking Koji Uehara

The A.J. Burnett-to-Pirates talks were not the only trade rumors churned out yesterday.  It appeared that Major League Baseball would end the work week with a pair of trades, as it was initially reported that the Texas Rangers and Oakland A’s were nearing an agreement involving reliever Koji Uehara.  Nothing was made official before the night’s end, but it does appear that a Uehara trade could happen as soon as this weekend.

The Rangers have been shopping Uehara for much of the offseason and are said to be seeking prospects in return.  While the A’s are not anyone’s picks to win the 2012 World Series, general manager Billy Beane has said that he is striving to field a competitive squad next season.  Uehara would add to the mix, as he’s shown an ability to not only pitch well late in games but also handle a team’s closing responsibilities.

Texas is said to still be talking with one other club regarding Uehara, which is holding up the finalization of a deal.  Still, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle tweeted yesterday afternoon that more progress on the Uehara trade front could be made this weekend.

This trade would likely result in another transaction by the Rangers.  While some sources are telling Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram that Texas will simply pocket the money saved by dealing Uehara, another believes the Rangers will look to use their additional budget space to acquire one of Roy Oswalt or Mike Gonzalez.

If you were the Rangers, who would you pursue, Oswalt or Gonzalez?

For more on the Rangers and Athletics, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’ and Swingin’ A’s.

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