David

Shafer

Shafer, a 25-year-old reliever, was designated for assignment five days ago.

Shafer, a product of the Kirk Saarloos trade with the Reds, had a 5.09 ERA and a 12/16 K/BB ratio in 23 innings for Sacramento. He’s had plenty of success at lower levels, but since he’s 25 and he’s never been very highly thought of, it’s likely that he’ll clear waivers, assuming that the Reds don’t want him back.

Saarloos’ peripherals had gotten so bad that the A’s must have believed he wouldn’t be worth his salary. In Shafer, they’re getting a decent relief prospect, one who had 26 saves and a 2.36 ERA in Double-A last year. He has an arsenal similar to Chad Gaudin’s and might be of use as a middle reliever this year, though he probably won’t win a spot out of spring training.