Star right-hander Blanton could go for right prospects

Joe Blanton, 27, went 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA in 2007 and is 42-34 over three major league seasons. AP

The A's, who have already traded top pitcher Dan Haren and star outfielder Nick Swisher this winter, may still consider trading starting pitcher Joe Blanton, as well. The Dodgers, Red Sox, Reds and Yankees are believed to be among the teams that have talked to Oakland regarding Blanton, a solid right-hander.

The Dodgers have long been interested in Blanton and are well-stocked with prospects, so they'd be a logical fit if they are finally willing to part with any of their top minor leaguers. They have been reluctant in the past to do so.

The Red Sox also make sense after recently receiving the news about Curt Schilling's shoulder in jury and losing out in their lukewarm bid for Johan Santana, an even higher target.

A's general manager Billy Beane is never hesitant to pull the trigger, though he's been shopping Blanton for more than a year without success. "Billy's asking for quite a bit,'' according to one competing executive.

The Yankees probably aren't a serious player for Blanton, 27, since they declined to surrender Phil Hughes even for Santana. The A's would seek prospects of that ilk for Blanton, who is 42-34 in three big-league seasons.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the A's requested a three-package prospect including one of two pitchers -- Homer Bailey or Johnny Cueto -- plus first baseman Joey Votto for Blanton.

Blanton went 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA last season and is to make $3.7 million in 2008, his first arbitration-eligible season.