According to Reds beat writer John Fay, the Athletics have acquired 26 year-old outfielder Chris Denorfia from the Reds for two players to be named later and cash. Denorfia is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery.
One might think 25 year-old Rule 5 power reliever Jared Burton would be involved in the deal, but that is not the case. Fay asked Wayne Krivsky specifically about that. Just playing matchmaker, but maybe one of the two players is starter Brad Halsey? He certainly wants out, and he’s had moderate success in the NL before. Fay also mentioned that the A’s have been interested in Denorfia since spring training and that another trade might be in the cards.
As for Denorfia, he doesn’t have any real weaknesses, but no overwhelming strengths either. (According to Baseball America). He could play center field for the A’s next year, or serve as a fine fourth outfielder. The results have been there – Denorfia hit .349/.409/.484 in Triple A last year. That translates to above average offense for a CF in the Majors.
