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The longest tenured Athletic is now "Gio Gonzalez' teammate again". Kurt Suzuki has been traded to the Washington Nationals in a deal that brings catching prospect David Freitas to Oakland.
Freitas is 23 years old, rated a C+ prospect by John Sickels this year with the "SLEEPER ALERT!!" tag. A 15th round pick in 2010, Freitas put up a .408 OPB and .450 SLG in A- ball in 2010, then followed it up with a .409 OBP and .450 SLG in A ball in 2011. Pretty consistent!
How is Freitas doing so far this season for Potomac (Advanced A) in the Carolina League? He's batting .271/.374/.407 with 5 HRs in 78 games, with 39 BBs and 52 Ks.
On a "personal" note, let me say that for all the grief Suzuki received because his batting has declined every season to this year's horrid .218/.250/.286 line, Suzuki was an excellent defensive catcher, especially his outstanding work with the young pitchers, as well as the consummate professional. He took his demoted status, sharing time with Derek Norris, in stride and always came across as a good teammate who rooted for the team's success, rather than sulking in the dugout. This move does further the rebuild, swapping an older, somewhat obsolete catcher for a decent catching prospect. And Suzuki will be missed.
