Now that the Red Sox attempts to acquire Rich Harden have fallen through and the Braves have acquired Michael Bourn, the Oakland Athletics appear content to at most deal some of their relief pitchers. Rich Harden likely won't be going anywhere and Josh Willingham will likely ride out the season with the A's. However, Oakland has a host of relief arms worth dealing.
Buster Olney is tweeting that the Arizona Diamondbacks have been looking into possible deals for either Grant Balfour or Brad Ziegler. The two right-handed relief pitchers have been among the best relief arms for the A's. Balfour is 4-1 with 2 saves and more importantly, a 1.93 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. More importantly, he has postseason experience as recently as his time in Tampa Bay.
Brad Ziegler hasn't been quite as dominant as Balfour but he has put together a very impressive season. In 43 appearances for the A's, Ziegler has a 2.39 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. Although he lacks postseason experience, Ziegler has closing experience which could come in handy if J.J. Putz were to falter down the stretch.