The Case for Trading Brandon Moss

Disclaimer: This is not a piece saying that the Oakland Athletics should or should not trade Brandon Moss. This is simply the argument for trading him.

Brandon Moss has been a big bat in the middle of the A’s lineup since 2012, hitting 76 homers, and collecting 220 rbi in two and a half seasons. Moss is a big addition of power to the A’s lineup, unquestionably. Yet, his production in the second half of 2014 dropped dramatically, and that has some A’s fans concerned.

After the All-Star break, Moss posted a .179 batting average, with 4 home runs and 15 rbi. As the season came to an end, it was reported that Moss was dealing with a rip hip injury, which he has since had surgery on. All of this leads to Moss wing a question mark entering 2015.

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Some will point to his performance in the Wild Card game, and say that “Moss is Boss”, with the lefty slugger going yard twice, and driving in five. That isn’t was has me concerned. As I wrote a few weeks ago, it is a fair to ponder whether or not John Jaso‘s concussion history will land him at first base in 2015. If this is the case, how do you feel about Moss patrolling left field on a daily basis?

In 56 games in left field (27 complete games), Moss played below league average defense in left. It may be time for the A’s to switch up their philosophy a bit, and roll with a player that is known more for his speed and defense, such as Craig Gentry, in left. All this is assuming that Jaso is playing first, the offer for Moss is a good one, and he gets traded.

If that does happen, what are the options that the A’s have in filling in for Moss’ power numbers? The obvious answer would be Kyle Blanks, who had very similar statistics to Moss, prior to his acquisition in 2014. New A’s hitting coach, Darren Bush, has received tons of credit from Moss for helping him become the player he is, when both he and Bush were in Sacramento. Could Bush do the same with Kyle Blanks? It seems reasonable.

Again, this is all hypothetical, but that is the case for trading Brandon Moss.

If this scenario were to be considered, what would your asking price be? Are you looking for major league talent, or prospects?