A's should trade for Marlins pitcher Caleb Smith, analyst writes

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As the MLB trade deadline nears, A's general manager Dave Forst told MLB.com's Martín Gallegos the team would continue seeking out pitchers even after acquiring Homer Bailey from the Royals.

"We’ll keep an eye on starters, but we have a lot of conversations going on for relievers right now," Forst said.

ESPN's David Schoenfield suggests the team sticks with the pitching theme and acquire Caleb Smith from the Marlins

Schoenfield writes: 

"The A's already added Homer Bailey, but they still need an actual good starting pitcher. Without another addition to the rotation, they're just headed for another loss in the wild-card game (or, escaping that, a division series flameout). Smith is a great fit for Oakland's park and a perfect fit for Billy Beane's payroll. The A's have some toolsy prospects they can dangle in front of the Marlins, including Jorge Mateo or Austin Beck (while still holding onto the cream of the system, pitchers Jesus Luzardo and A.J. Puk)."

Minus that small dig at the 33-year-old Bailey, it doesn't matter which team you play for, all 30 need some form of pitching.

Oakland's bullpen is rather safe for the moment with Blake Treinen taking on a lesser role and Liam Hendriks taking closing responsibilities. Hendriks, by the way, was not only selected as an All-Star this season but had the numbers to prove it with a 1.24 ERA in 50.2 innings with 60 strikeouts heading into the break.

Puk is more than likely going to get a bullpen role, and Luzardo is making his way back after he was expected to miss 4-5 weeks with a lat strain.

But Schoenfield is right when it comes to this team especially needing that strong starter. That could cost them during playoffs which is where the Green and Gold is headed and would not cost the A's a lot of money which is always music to Beane's ears.

Smith boasts a 3.46 ERA in 14 games -- 94 strikeouts in 78 innings. 

Still, late last month, the Marlins reportedly had "no intention" of trading Smith. The team doesn't want to make any changes in the core of controllable starters.

But ... it's the trade deadline, so who knows.

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