Athletics Rumors: Smith, McCarthy, Suzuki, Colon and Balfour

The Oakland Athletics are not looking to trade outfielder Seth Smith this summer, though they are willing to listen on several veteran players, including catcher Kurt Suzuki, right-handers Brandon McCarthy, Bartolo Colon and Grant Balfour, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.

Some teams have called about Seth Smith, but the Athletics need his offense and will keep him. With the emergence of Derek Norris, the Athletics would trade Kurt Suzuki and will listen on Brandon McCarthy, Bartolo Colon and Grant Balfour (who has an affordable $4.5 million option for 2013).

McCarthy is currently on the A’s disabled list, but the 28-year-old expects to return following the All-Star break. Over his 12 starts he’s maintained an ERA and WHIP of 2.54 and 1.205.

Colon, 39, hasn’t been quite as impressive as McCarthy, but he’s still managed an ERA and WHIP of 4.05 and 1.286 over his 16 starts.

Balfour has done a nice job in a late-inning role for the A’s this season. Over his 40 appearances spanning 41 innings, the 34-year-old has posted an ERA and WHIP of 3.29 and 1.073 with 6.6 SO/9 and 4.0 BB/9.

Suzuki has struggled mightily at the plate this season (.513 OPS), and Norris’ emergence has made him expendable. The 28-year-old owns a career line of .254/.312/.377 over his six seasons with the A’s.

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Which players do you expect the A's to trade this summer?

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