After missing out on now-Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre, the Athletics are turning their attention to other options. There are still free agent options available, from Felipe Lopez to Miguel Tejada, but sources say they may be out of the Athletics' price range at this time.
The A's have reportedly contacted the Pirates about third baseman Andy LaRoche, who is blocking top prospect Pedro Alvarez, who could see MLB-time this season.
LaRoche hit .258 in 150 games this past season, but the A's are reportedly impressed by LaRoche's 8 home runs in the second half of the season, an indication that he may have found his power stroke.
LaRoche, 26, won't come cheap to the A's though. With a possible opening at first base, LaRoche gives the team more options that would be lost if the Pirates move him.
They may have a better chance of trading for Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. The Padres are trying to restock their farm system and moving Kouzmanoff may be a way of doing so.
Kouzmanoff hit .255 with 18 home runs, but put up a .274 average and .335 OBP after the All-Star break. The 28-year old has the opportunity to put up 25-30 home runs.