[Lefty Noob]

As always, most of the Oakland A's trade rumors involve pitcher Barry Zito. The latest possibility has him perhaps going to the Mets for the top prospect Lastings Milledge. Or the Athletics could keep him, seeing as there in the middle of a pennant chase. Oakland may also be interested in acquiring Shea Hillenbrand from the Blue Jays, and ESPN is reporting that they may make a run at outfielder Alfonso Soriano.

What other good Oakland baseball trade rumors have you been hearing?

[Lefty Noob]

Still looks as though the A's may ship Zito to New York. According to Newsday: "With top scout Russ Bove expected to be in Oakland this weekend to watch the former Cy Young Award winner face the Blue Jays, it's possible that a deal could be struck by Monday's non-waiver trade deadline." The deal may well be Zito for Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman, according to New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro. Your thoughts?

[ThePundit]

The only way the Mets trade for Zito is if he signs a contract extension. And according to his agent, Scott Boras, Zito is testing the free agent market. And it's not like the Mets need Zito for the stretch run. They already have the division sewn up. So they won't give up all that young talent and watch Zito walk at the end of the year. No way at all.

[MJHMarc]

I agree with, ThePundit. It would be a bad decision to give up young talent for a star who will only play for the remainder of the season.

Honestly, it would be smart of Zito to test the free-agent market. He will have the opportunity to squeeze as much money as possible, while in the spotlight. The Mets can pursue him there in a simple money showdown. Knowing the intelligence and agressive actions of Omar Minaya, I expect to see him in a Mets jersey next season.

[ThePundit]

Also, when you think about it, Oakland is in 1st place. Why would they trade Zito? If they have a chance to win it this year, shouldn't they keep all of their talent?

[Lefty Noob]

Who can say? But I guess it's a case of doing the best you can now while still trying to prepare for the future.

[Lefty Noob]

The latest on the Zito trade rumors, direct from Yahoo! Sports: "There is a 95-percent chance Barry Zito will be staying with the Oakland Athletics, an executive with knowledge of the situation told the Oakland Tribune. The New York Mets, who sent their top scout to Oakland this weekend, remain the most likely team to obtain the left-hander."

[jarrod38]

Anybody know anything about Mike Mitchell's recovery from the torn labrum. That kid was throwing fire in spring training last year then got hurt. I haven't heard anything about him since then. Any chance he recovers in time to get another ticket to spring training this year?