Mark Kotsay arrived in Oakland last season after the club's four- year playoff run, and the A's failed to make the postseason for the first time since 1999. Now they're rebuilding, and Kotsay makes no secret of wanting to play for a winner.
Although Kotsay is signed through 2006 at $6.5 million per, he can exercise an option to become a free agent after this season, based on how his contract is structured -- he gained that right because he was traded from the Padres in November 2003.
On the other hand, his agent, Greg Genske, is working on a possible extension and spoke Friday with A's general manager Billy Beane.
"I think they've exchanged possibilities of getting something done," said Kotsay, the leading candidate to represent the A's at the July 12 All-Star Game. "I definitely like it here, but I want to win. Everyone in this clubhouse wants to win. A lot of these guys, like (Eric Chavez) and Barry (Zito), they've been to the postseason. They've had the experiences ... and obviously want to get back there."
Peter Gammons reported on ESPN.com that the Yankees are pursuing Kotsay to play center field, between Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield, and that prospects such as pitcher Philip Hughes and third baseman Eric Duncan could be shipped to Oakland.
The A's say they're not shopping Kotsay, and Kotsay called the report "speculation."
Kotsay has a limited trade clause but could be dealt to the Yankees without his permission.