A's acquire Hairston; could Holliday be on the way out?

July 6, 9:45 AMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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AP Photo/David Richard

The Oakland Athletics have acquired outfielder Scott Hairston from the San Diego Padres for two minor league pitchers, leading to speculation that the A’s are committed to dealing outfielder Matt Holliday before the July 31st deadline.  Holliday was himself acquired from the Rockies this past offseason, but with the A’s sitting in last place it makes sense to get something for the soon-to-be free agent.  The question is, would a potential Holliday-haul be worth more than the draft pick the A’s would get for losing the slugger to another team via free agency?

Early speculation was that Hairston was acquired by Oakland to be flipped to another team, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has shot that rumor down, saying that the A’s have coveted the versatile Hairston since his days with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Hairston has more experience in center field than in left, but the acquisition of another outfielder may indeed mean that Holliday is on his way out.  Here’s a run-down of some of the potential suitors:

• St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals have been after Holliday’s bat for some time – they nearly dealt for him in the offseason.  They don’t have much in the way of top prospects, but could send outfielder Ryan Ludwick back to Oakland to fill some of the offensive void created by dealing Holliday.  After dealing for Mark DeRosa, however, the Cards may be done.
• Atlanta Braves: The Braves acquired outfielder Nate McLouth about one month ago, but would still like some help offensively from their outfield.  Yunel Escobar is a good trade chip that could be offered to Oakland, who would like to move veteran shortstop Orlando Cabrera as well. 
• Cincinnati Reds: The Reds could offer the biggest prospect package, which could include Matt Maloney, Drew Stubbs, Homer Bailey, Todd Frazier, or Yonder Alonso, among others.  Looks like a win-win situation, as the A’s get another nice prospect package and the Reds make a push to win after many down years.
• San Francisco Giants: The Giants need a big bat to compliment their great young pitching, and Holliday would be a great acquisition.  They also have the prospects to be able to tempt Oakland, but may be more hesitant to part with some, like pitcher Madison Bumgarner.  Will a package centered around Jonathan Sanchez be enough?
• New York Mets: Holliday would play in New York long-term, so trading for him now may secure an outfielder for the future.  A package involving reliever Bobby Parnell and outfielder Fernando Martinez may be enough to get the slugger to Queens. 
• Detroit Tigers: The Tigers are getting excellent pitching , but their offense desperately needs a lift.  They don’t have many top prospects left after dealing for Miguel Cabrera, and Holliday seems to be a better fit in the National League anyway.

Where will Holliday end up?  I’m betting that the Reds will land the Oakland slugger.  All the pieces are there for a deal – the Reds have a hole in left field, and they have enough prospects to satisfy Oakland and still keep a few guys in their own system.  Plus, with the Reds having finished under .500 in every season since 2000, they should be doing everything they can to put together a winning team.