Athletics Rumors: Oakland Will Be Sellers

Even though the Oakland Athletics are 2 ½ games out of the American League’s final wild-card spot, they view themselves as sellers this summer, reports Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.

While the A's have had a fine first half and enter the All-Star break with a .500 record that leaves them just 2 1/2 games out of a playoff spot, they still see themselves as sellers rather than as contenders. In fact, A's people are hoping Brandon McCarthy pitches well when he comes off the disabled list after the break, so that he can join the long list of pitchers the A's have traded away.

Knobler mentions McCarthy, who’s had a solid season for the A’s, but Oakland has several other pitchers that figure to interest contenders this summer.

Bartolo Colon has performed well in his first season in Oakland, posting an ERA and WHIP of 3.80 and 1.246 over his 17 starts. The 39-year-old is making $2 million this year and will become a free agent following the season.

Oakland also has a pair of relievers that could interest teams; Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes.

It’s rumored that the St. Louis Cardinals, have interest in Fuentes, who the A’s designated for assignment last week. Though he struggled during his tenure in Oakland, the left-hander has decent career numbers.

Balfour has pitched well so far this season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 3.14 and 1.047. The 34-year-old right-hander is making $4 million this season and his contract includes a $4.5 million option for 2013 with a $350,000 buyout.

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Which players will the A's trade this summer?

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