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Freddie Bynum

Freddie Bynum is probably one of the most important topics that isn't really talked about. Many tag him as a Chone Figgins lite, and i definitely agree. Once a top 10 A's prospect, he has struggled. But he's still just 25 and put up a solid year in AAA last year (.278/.347/.384) with 23/30 in SB's, 16 doubles and 9 triples in 378 at bats. He's very useful because he can play IF and OF, but the A's are so deep that they have no room. Antonio Perez looks to be a solid hitter who will back up 3 positions, and we can't give up Marco Clutcharo (though he is the most logical candidate). In the outfield, JayPay is the 4th outfielder and Kielty the fifth (i wouldn't mind getting rid of him).

Bynum is now out of options, meaning the A's can't send him down to AAA without him clearing waivers. And he wouldn't clear waivers. He's already received some trade interest (which Slusser notes in her A's Notebook today).

So what spurred me into righting this diary is a note i saw on rotoworld, saying the Marlins are interested in Joe Borchard as their CF. The Marlins have no CF, since Eric Reed, their extremely light hitting poor mans Joey Gathwright isn't ready yet. They have a few other young outfielders, but they also would be overmatched. I'm thinkin the Marlins could be a good match to trade Bynum. They have an abundace of prospects to acquire.

Groundwork for a deal: There were several rumors of the Marlins and Rays swapping SP prospect Scott Olson and CF Joey Gathright, but it never happened. So i'm thinin, hell, why not Bynum for Olsen? He's a good LSP prospect, and he'll pitch in AAA for the year. In fact, he's probably too good. I think a better fit would be Renyel Pinto. He's a 23 year old left with power stuff, but bad command of it. He dominates AA despite walking 4 batters per 9 innings. Twice he's had stints in AAA and stunk due to abnormally high walk rates. He may be a small project, but he's a definite high upside guy.  THe Marlins also have several other possible candidates thanks to their suddenly deep farm system.

Note: If Frank Thomas has to start the season on the DL, Bynum should be the 25th man.