Blue Jays willing to deal Escobar, A's could be interested

The Blue Jays are willing to deal shortstop Yunel Escobar, and the A's are one team showing interest, according to sources.

The Jays considered Escobar a steal when they acquired him from the Braves in 2010, but they have become less enchanted with him this season, for many of the same reasons he wore out his welcome with the Braves.

Toronto would like to hand the shortstop job to 23-year-old Adeiny Hechavarria, who is hitting .317 at Triple-A Las Vegas. The thought this spring was that Escobar would eventually move to second base to make room for Hechavarria, but Escobar's play (and mistakes) this season have the Blue Jays thinking of trading him away instead.

The A's have long been looking for a shortstop, and this year their shortstops (primarily Cliff Pennington) have combined for a .516 OPS, tied with the Pirates for the worst in baseball.

Because they're so high on Hechavarria, the Blue Jays could make an Escobar trade even if they don't want to consider themselves full-time sellers. If they truly decide to sell, they could market some of their reliever, and possibly catcher J.P. Arencibia, as well.