The Oakland Athletics have discussed Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley as "possible left-side-of-the-infield upgrades," reports Jerry Crasnick of ESPN:

The #Athletics have discussed Jimmy Rollins and Chase Headley as possible left-side-of-the-infield upgrades.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 26, 2012

The A’s have been seeking infield upgrades for much of the summer. On the season, Oakland third basemen have only mustered a clip of .186/.230/.341, while their shortstops have been even worse; .184/.244/.276.

Beyond Rollins and Headley, the A’s were also in the Hanley Ramirez sweepstakes before he was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they’ve been tied to Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew and Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar.

Crasnick says Oakland is "lukewarm" on Escobar, as they value clubhouse dynamic and are concerned how the 29-year-old will fit in.

Even after yesterday’s loss to the Blue Jays, the A’s are owners of the final American League wild-card spot. They are 5 ½ games behind the AL West-leading Texas Rangers.

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