One of the Oakland Athletics strengths heading into 2011 was their bullpen. The team had a solid bullpen in 2010 and improved it this season with veteran arms like Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes. While the offense has not provided the pitching staff with many leads, the bullpen has generally done a solid job this year, minus a few hiccups along the way.
The 2011 MLB trade deadline is less than a week away and the A's are at a point where they'll likely start selling off some of their veteran arms. SI's Jon Heyman indicated the team is looking to unload Fuentes, Craig Breslow and Michael Wuertz, but is less inclined to deal Grant Balfour. A couple days later, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe indicated the Yankees and Red Sox both might be interested in Breslow.
All three pitchers could bring something to the table for a contender like Boston or New York. They have had their struggles this season but would add quality depth. Fuentes is a perfect example of a guy who has seen his value decrease but would still be of value. He has worked as a closer and a setup man and brings essential veteran experience.