MLB rumors: Oakland’s Mark Kotsay taking trade deadline, rumors in stride as A’s continue to flounder

DENVER — As the Oakland A’s began a six-game road trip that will keep them on the road during the MLB trade deadline, manager Mark Kotsay took a calm approach toward what could be a very interesting few days ahead.

Speaking to reporters before the Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies kicked off a three-game series at Coors Field, Kotsay said he was working to have his team focus on playing baseball rather than all of the MLB rumors that are floating around about which members of the A’s could be on the move.

“If I felt there was someone that teams were really showing a lot of interest in, there may be a communication process for me early,” Kotsay said. “But I think everyone knows things can happen quickly and, for the most part, as a group, we just try to focus on baseball and minimize distractions.”

MLB rumors: Will Oakland A’s see players at the MLB trade deadline?

Entering Friday with a 28-76 record, there are still some players who could play a role for teams competing for the postseason, including Tony Kemp, who is batting .306 with a .380 OBP over his last 32 games dating back to June 15. He’s started 46 games for the A’s at second base and 25 in left field, showing his versatility for potential suitors.

Before leaving on Sunday, the 31-year-old Kemp praised some of the young members of the A’s, saying, “They’re putting in the work. I feel like that’s the biggest thing you can do, is come to the field with a good attitude and put the work in, and that’s what a lot of these younger guys have been doing.”

Brent Rooker, Oakland’s lone representative at the All-Star Game, was just 2-for-16 on the last A’s homestand, part of his nosedive after a hot April start. Pitcher Paul Blackburn and outfielder Ramón Laureano have also been rumored to be trade possibilities, but the interest may not be there just yet based on Kotsay’s comments.

The A’s did already make one trade, however, sending Shintaro Fujinami to the Baltimore Orioles earlier in the month.