Athletics deny trade for Giles is imminent

Others hint the Pirates outfielder will soon be calling Oakland home.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. --The Brian Giles-to-the-A's rumors have begun to heat up in Pittsburgh, where one newspaper reported over the weekend that the Pirates and A's have found new common ground in their discussions to send the left fielder to the team that has desired him for the past two seasons.
But two A's sources said Monday that it's unlikely Giles will don an A's uniform.
One source with knowledge of the discussions said the A's ended their pursuit of Giles more than a month ago, when it became apparent the Pirates would be asking a king's ransom for him.
According to several reports, the Pirates have asked for packages that would include top A's prospects Bobby Crosby and Nick Swisher.
Crosby, a shortstop, is expected to step in next season if Miguel Tejada departs via free agency.
Swisher, a center fielder, was the A's top pick in last season's amateur draft.
Untouchables
According to the source, the A's would have to be "blown away" to deal either one, because Crosby and Swisher are considered as close to untouchable as possible.
The Beaver County (Pa.) Times on Monday reported second baseman Mark Ellis, center fielder Eric Byrnes, Triple-A pitcher Aaron Harang, and Double-A pitchers Shane Komine and John Rheinecker and shortstop Freddie Bynum would be possible components in a package for Giles.
The newspaper also said the Pirates haven't given up hope of getting Swisher.
Giles is in the second season of a five-year, $45 million contract and has a limited no-trade clause that he would have to waive to accept a deal to the A's.
Giles' salary likely means the A's would have to dump significant salary to acquire him.
One of the sources also said the A's remain interested in St. Louis outfielder J.D. Drew, but that it's possible the A's will make a deal for a pitcher rather than a hitter.
According to the source, the A's have inquired about Toronto pitchers Cory Lidle and Kelvim Escobar. The A's traded Lidle to the Blue Jays in December.