Editor's Note: The above video is from July 23, 2015.
NASHVILLE -- Having worked feverishly to upgrade their bullpen, the A's are thinking in reunion terms now to possibly help the starting rotation.
An informed source confirmed Sunday that Oakland has interest in re-signing free agent left-hander Scott Kazmir.
It was less than five months ago that the A's traded Kazmir to the Astros for two prospects. Now, as the marquee starters on the open market are being snapped up, interest shifts to the so-called second tier of starters, and the 31-year-old Kazmir is one of the best available.
The question is whether the A's can realistically compete for him. He's expected to command at least a four-year deal, perhaps between $15-20 million annually judging by the salaries already being doled out for starting pitching this winter.
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It's easy to see why Kazmir and the A's might be interested in reuniting. He flourished in Oakland after signing a two-year, $22 million contract before the 2014 season. He combined to go 20-14 with a 3.12 ERA spread over 1 1/2 seasons.
The Winter Meetings don't begin until Monday at the sprawling Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, and A's officials aren't even due to arrive in Nashville until Monday evening. But the A's are sure to be busy over the next four days, as if they haven't been already.
On Sunday, they agreed to terms with reliever Ryan Madson on a three-year, $22 million contract, the latest move to try to upgrade their bullpen. If they aren't able to land Kazmir, it makes sense they will try to add someone in a considerably lower price range.
The San Francisco Chronicle was first to report the interest between the A's and Kazmir.
