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Inbox: Update on potential Zito-Hudson reunion?

When will the A's decide if they're going to start Barry Zito on Saturday? I'm a lifelong fan and can't imagine a more perfect matchup to lift everyone up. I think it would be just great to see happen.
-- Linda A., San Jose, Calif.

No word on if or when the A's will commit to a Zito start on Saturday, but it does seem they're on board with the idea, even if he pitches only an inning or two in opposition of buddy Tim Hudson. First, they'll make sure he rebounded from Sunday's outing without any issues, and they'll closely monitor his ensuing bullpen sessions this week. So long as Zito is healthy and able to pitch, I foresee a pretty special matchup unfolding on Saturday.

At the beginning of the season, many -- including myself -- scoffed at the idea of a home schedule concluding with Interleague Play, so it almost seems like the baseball gods meant for this to be all along.

Are we going to see Jesse Hahn or Chris Bassitt pitch again this season? If not, will they be ready to go by Spring Training?
-- Tom F., Fresno, Calif.

Video: TB@OAK: Bassitt pitches 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball

Hahn remains in the beginning stages of working his way back from a right forearm strain and definitely won't pitch again until next season. Bassitt, however, could make a start during this homestand. He hasn't pitched since Aug. 26 because of right shoulder soreness, but the injury proved so minor that he didn't even need an MRI exam, and both pitcher and employer have repeatedly stated the plan is for Bassitt to return before season's end. So long as both enter and exit Spring Training healthy, you can count on them to be in the 2016 starting rotation.

Do you think Josh Reddick will be traded this offseason?
-- Trent M., Houston

It's far too early to begin speculating on Oakland's offseason plans, in relation to Reddick or any other player on the roster. Following a tumultuous season that came on the heels of a wild offseason, there's really no telling which direction this club is headed. Amid the trades of Scott Kazmir, Ben Zobrist and Tyler Clippard -- which netted the A's young talent with high upside, rather than immediate big league help -- general manager Billy Beane said the club could be taking a more long-term approach, signaling the potential for a year or two of growing pains ahead. However, this strays from Beane's typical way of doing things, and it will be interesting to see if Oakland can stay the course, given the club's highly competitive nature.

Which players should we be excited about next year?
-- Martin M., Stockton, Calif.

Let's start with Sean Manaea, who could potentially form a powerful 1-2 punch with Sonny Gray at the top of the rotation for years to come. Acquired in the Zobrist deal, the left-hander absolutely dominated in his time with Double-A Midland and could probably hold his own on a Major League staff right now. Elsewhere, I'd keep an eye on power-hitting first-base prospect Matt Olson and infielder Joey Wendle, who enjoyed a productive season with Triple-A Nashville after coming over in the Brandon Moss deal. Olson, the 47th overall pick in the 2012 Draft, and Manaea, taken 34th overall the following year, are ranked second and third, respectively, on MLBPipeline.com's list of the A's Top 30 Prospects.

Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Major Lee-ague, and follow her on Twitter @JaneMLB.
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