Explaining the A's-Tigers trade
Scott Sizemore, the Athletics’ newest addition, isn’t a threat to the team’s second baseman in the majors, Mark Ellis, or at Triple A, Jemile Weeks.
The A’s, after acquiring Sizemore from the Tigers on Friday for left-handed reliever David Purcey, plan to move the infielder from second to third at Triple A.
If Sizemore is a threat to anyone, it’s Kevin Kouzmanoff and Andy LaRoche at third. A’s third basemen have combined for just a .569 OPS, 10th in the AL.
The Tigers, according to a major-league source, contacted Oakland to express interest in Purcey on April 18, the day the A’s obtained him from the Blue Jays for right-hander Danny Farquhar.
The A’s long have had interest in Sizemore. They knew they had to create a spot in the bullpen with closer Andrew Bailey about to come off the disabled list.
Purcey, who had a 2.13 ERA in nine games, was out of minor-league options. The A’s had two righties with options, Joey Devine and Brad Ziegler. But both were pitching well.
The Tigers wanted Purcey to reinforce their bullpen, which entered Friday’s play with the highest ERA in the AL. The A’s asked again for Sizemore. And this time, the Tigers said yes.
— Ken Rosenthal
