MLB trade rumors: Is Jason Hammel on the move again?
By Mike Marteny
The Oakland Athletics added another piece to their rotation with the acquisition of Boston ace Jon Lester. He becomes the third pitcher acquired by the A’s in this trade season. This gives Oakland a formidable starting five of Lester, Jeff Samardzija, Sonny Gray, Jesse Chavez, and Scott Kazmir. So where does that leave Jason Hammel.
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On the trade block again, that’s where.
According to FoxSports’s Ken Rosenthal, Oakland has received several calls about the availability of Hammel.
Source: #Athletics getting “flooded” with calls on Hammel. Weren’t planning to trade him, but . . .
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2014
The A’s could just as easily move Chavez back to the bullpen to make room for Hammel if no one offers enough.
That said, for those teams that missed out on John Lackey. Or those that are unwilling to pay the piper for David Price. Hammel is a very suitable option.
And Oakland might need another bat after moving Yoenis Cespedes in the Lester deal.
The Dodgers, Mariners, and Orioles are believed to be the most interested parties in acquiring the services of Hammel.
Considering what Oakland gave up in the Hammel deal, what would they want in return? It’s hard to distinguish just what was for Hammel and what was for Samardzija.
The Dodgers are reportedly not willing to move Joc Pederson for anyone not named David Price. I could see them moving Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier in a trade for Hammel though. They certainly have the depth in the outfield.
Look for something like that to come to fruition if the talks for David Price fall through.