A's potentially interested in veteran Hiroyuki Nakajima

The Oakland A's might be interested in veteran Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, according to a report from Alex Pavlovic of the San Jose Mercury News.

With the scarcity of quality middle infielders on the offseason free agent market, Oakland could be forced to get creative to fill their need for an everyday shortstop. The club is also rumored to be interested in bringing back Stephen Drew, who manned the position late last season after being traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cleveland Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and Yunel Escobar of the Miami Marlins are reportedly available via trade for the right price, but the A's might not have what it takes to land either player. Thus, Nakajima presents an interesting alternative.

Nakajima, a 30-year-old slick-fielding shortstop, hit .311 with 13 home runs, 74 RBIs and seven stolen bases for the Seibu Lions last season and is expected to draw interest from several clubs.