We’re still months away from July’s trade deadline, but the rumors have begun flying with the first significant trade of the regular season. Several writers have chimed in on potential trade candidates this summer, including White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, Athletics right-hander Bartolo Colon and Angels third baseman Alberto Callaspo.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX sports believes that Chicago may play their cards a little differently this summer. With the additional wild-card team being implemented, many teams may consider themselves to be buyers rather than sellers this July. Rosenthal gets the idea that this could dissuade the White Sox from trading veterans, but he thinks Pierzynski may still be on the block due to his future salary requirements and limited potential for draft pick compensation.
Rosenthal views the Rays and Dodgers as potential suitors for Pierzynski should the White Sox decide to shop him this summer.
Buster Olney of ESPN gets the feeling that Oakland could look to trade veteran right-hander Bartolo Colon sooner rather than later. At this point, the A’s are clearly rebuilding for the future, so Olney believes the club could deal Colon when his value is at its perceived peak. Over his first four starts of the season, Colon is 3-1 with an ERA and WHIP of 2.63 and 0.805.
Speaking of the A’s, once it became apparent that Scott Sizemore would be forced to miss the 2012 season, Oakland browsed the market for third baseman. Ultimately the club decided to go with former first round pick Josh Donaldson at the hot corner. However, Donaldson’s slow start (.094/.094/.094) has Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle wondering if the A’s may not return their attention to the trade market and Angels third baseman Alberto Callaspo.
You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.