It was just last offseason that the Oakland Athletics traded away a few players including Chris Carter for shortstop Jed Lowrie, then of the Houston Astros. Lowrie proved this season that he was an asset at shortstop and could handle the bat well. That makes him an asset that is attractive to other teams as well. One of those who have inquired about Lowrie’s availability on the trade market is the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals clearly want to upgrade at shortstop without having to dump too much of their great farm system. Lowrie is a good option for them and it wouldn’t hurt the Athletics either. For one thing they would get at least one or two prospects from the Cardinals and that is never a bad thing. It might seem odd for the A’s to send Lowrie away after only one season but not when you remember who is waiting in the minor leagues.

Addison Russell is probably ready now for the leap to the major leagues. He is definitely one of the best shortstop prospects in the game and he might not be a downgrade from the abilities of Lowrie. Add to that the fact that they would get good prospects in return and it becomes clear that a trade like this would not only be okay for the A’s but also could make them a better team. There are few reasons not to listen to the Cardinals at the very least and see if they can get the price right.

David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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