The A's bullpen just got better if that's even possible. What a fantastic pickup for the A's! Its even better that the A's don't have to give up a first rounder. The A's have made a ton of improvement and if I had to make a prediction right now, the A's would be my pick to win the West.The A's and reliever Grant Balfour are close to agreement on a multi-year deal, a source told FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi.
Financial terms have not yet been released for the Type A free agent. Since Oakland's first-round pick is protected, Tampa Bay will get their second rounder as well as a supplementary first round pick. Balfour, 33, posted a strong 2.28 ERA and 56/17 K/BB ratio over 55 1/3 innings with the Rays last season and should be an elite setup man for closer Andrew Bailey with the A's.