Trade Deadline Preview: Oakland Athletics

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Russell against the West during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If the A’s infamous general manager Billy Beane thinks this is his team’s year to win it all, he is going to have to go all in and give up some top prospects or spend money. Those are the two things that the A’s make a habit of not doing. Spending $10 million on Jim Johnson was a lot of money for the team to spend on one player and it backfired, badly. Of course it allowed Doolittle to emerge as one of the American League’s best closers but it was still a waste of money. Here are a few bargaining chips Beane could use to get his team what they need to win a championship. The biggest question being is Beane willing to let go of top prospect Addison Russell?

1. Addison Russell is the A’s number one prospect. He was ranked 14th on Baseball America’s top 100 prospect list for 2014. He has an explosive bat and just needs a little extra work defensively. The kid is so good that the A’s were hoping to have him called up to the majors in September and have him as their starting shortstop in 2015 as Jed Lowrie will likely be leaving the team via free-agency. He was, however, sidelined for the first two months of the season with a hamstring injury and his timetable may have been pushed back a little because of it. Beane loves this guy and it will take a very special player that will all but guarantee the A’s a complete team that will win the Worlds Series. It is still unclear how strongly Beane feels about this team and about this year in particular. In the past he has made it clear he will not trade Russell but everyone also knows how badly he wants a championship. This may be his chance but will he take it?

2. Jim Johnson may be having the absolute worst year of his career but he still has a reputation of being an established closer having had back to back 50 plus save seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He’s struggling now but that doesn’t mean he will forever. As of right now the A’s need him out of their bullpen and there are teams out there that may take a chance on him. His contract is up at the end of the year, making Johnson a low-risk, short term investment.

3. Jed Lowrie may be a piece the A’s would be willing to trade for the right player. Lowrie is great as their starting shortstop and could possibly be moved to second if the A’s were to acquire another shortstop. The A’s will likely lose Lowrie to free agency come November making him one of the easier players to part with.