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Morosi: Brewers "Close" To Trading George Kottaras To Oakland

June 7, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA;  Milwaukee Brewers catcher George Kottaras (9) drives in a run with a single in the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park.  Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE
June 7, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher George Kottaras (9) drives in a run with a single in the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Today's move probably won't be as big as yesterday's, but MLB Daily Dish just directed my attention to this post from Jon Morosi of Fox Sports:

When Kottaras was designated for assignment on Thursday Doug Melvin said he was working on a trade to keep him in the big leagues, and this deal would allow him to do that.

The A's have an established #1 catcher in Kurt Suzuki, but he's hitting just .213/.247/.273 in 72 games this season, down from a career .254/.311/.377 mark. Suzuki bats right-handed, so having Kottaras as a platoon option makes sense for Oakland.

It's unlikely the return for Kottaras will be anything too significant, although he has been a .218/.331/.406 hitter in 174 games over the last three years as a Brewer. He had a very hot April (.304/.515/.739) in 2012 but is hitting just .175/.366/.222 since.

In a related note, Morosi is also reporting the Brewers have signed catcher Humberto Quintero to a minor league deal (via MLB Trade Rumors). The Royals released him recently after he hit .232/.257/.341 in 43 games.