Brett Lawrie might be Chicago bound

Oakland A’s and Chicago White Sox are talking about Brett Lawrie

During the winter of 2014, the Oakland Athletics shook up their lineup and dealt their former third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays for fellow third baseman Brett Lawrie. Fans and media alike were wondering what A’s general manager Billy Beane was thinking when constructing the deal, and those questions are likely to resurface now that Lawrie’s time in California appears to be winding down. The trade helped Toronto proceed into the playoffs for the first time in 22 years, while Oakland was trying to prepare again for another chance at making it to the playoffs.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle’s tweeted that there have been some discussions between the Oakland A’s and the Chicago White Sox involving a possible trade of Lawrie. There have been reports that a deal came close to fruition late Tuesday night where the White Sox would send two minor league pitchers for the Canadian third baseman.

Brett Lawrie has only played one season in California after four seasons in Toronto with the Blue Jays. The soon-to-be 26-year old played in 149 games last year, with 16 home runs and cashing in 60 RBI while producing a .260 batting average. During that time, he had played third base while also seeing some time at second.

The plan to trade Lawrie is not a surprise as the team already has a pretty full infield with Marcus Semien, Eric Sogard, Danny Valencia.

Oakland has spent the winter meetings trying to fix up their pitching staff. They have been quite busy with the trade of right-hander Evan Scribner to the Seattle Mariners late Tuesday night and adding reliever Ryan Madson from the Kansas City Royals to further bolster their bullpen. Madson signed a $22 million, three year contract with the ball club.

A year ago, after the Donaldson for Lawrie trade, Beane kept telling people that the team is not rebuilding. At the winter meetings this year, he is preaching the same sermon. The Athletics finished with a record of 68-94 and 20 games behind the division winning Texas Rangers last season, a mark that must improve in the ultra-competitive American League West.