A’s end Suzuki era with deal to Nationals

I spoke too soon about the A’s not trading catcher Kurt Suzuki.

When the non-waiver trade deadline ended on Tuesday, the waiver trade period began. Suzuki made it through waivers, allowing the A’s to trade him to the Washington Nationals today for catching prospect David Freitas:

#Athletics trade Kurt Suzuki to Nationals.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 3, 2012

Kurt Suzuki tells me trade to #Nationals "kind of a shock, but it's good for me." #Athletics

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 3, 2012

When the A’s acquired Derek Norris from Washington in the offseason, there was much speculation that Kurt Suzuki would be traded once Norris was ready to take over. Norris was called up on June 21 and Suzuki saw his playing time reduced.

Then, on Saturday, the A’s acquired George Kottaras from Milwaukee. Many could see the writing on the wall for Suzuki.

Now, the much-respected backstop will be reunited with former A’s pitcher Gio Gonzalez. Back on June 21, when Norris was called up, I wrote that Washington could be a potential landing spot for Suzuki due to the injuries to their catchers.

https://twitter.com/Kevin_Goldstein/status/231463528844902402

Suzuki’s offensive production was nearly nonexistent. In by far his worst season as a major leaguer, he was hitting just .218 with one home run and 18 RBI. But his value was in his relationships with his pitchers. They all loved him.

Brett Anderson tells me it's kind of a shock to see Suzuki go, "He's such an integral part of our team on and off the field." #Athletics

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 3, 2012

Sad to see @kurtsuzuki go. Just a fantastic catcher and even better person. Can't thank him enough for all he did for me.

— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) August 3, 2012

I know #Athletics pitchers will really miss Kurt Suzuki, especially Jarrod Parker, who has developed a tight bond with him.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) August 3, 2012

Suzuki will be missed in Oakland. A’s fans have to come to grips with another one of their favorite players being shipped out of town. The A’s will likely bring Derek Norris back to Oakland and make him the everyday catcher.

As for the newest member of the A’s organization, Freitas is a 23-year-old University of Hawaii graduate. He has spent the entire season at Washington’s High Class-A affiliate and his .271 with five home runs and 46 RBI. His .374 on-base percentage is rather impressive.

Baseball Prospectus prospect expert Kevin Goldstein gave a brief overview of Freitas:

https://twitter.com/Kevin_Goldstein/status/231473661230583808

ESPN’s Keith Law wasn’t as positive about Freitas:

https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/231479116409479168