Oakland traded backup catcher Adam Melhuse to the Texas Rangers yesterday and veteran starter Jason Kendall is in the last year of his contract.

"It's awesome," Suzuki said before the finale of a three-game series against the host Giants at AT&T Park. "It's a great feeling."

Suzuki hit .280 with three home runs and 27 RBIs in 55 games with the River Cats this year.

"He's a very, very good defensively," A's director of player development Keith Lieppman said recently. "There's some room for growth there offensively, but behind the plate he's as close to being ready for the big leagues as a prospect can be."

Suzuki relishes the chance to learn from Kendall, regarded as a good defensive catcher, and Oakland's Mike Piazza, who holds the record for career home runs by a catcher. Piazza is currently on the disabled list and expected back after the All-Star break.

"I'll definitely get a lot of information from Kendall and Piazza and anyone else up there, too, about learning the ropes and getting acclimated,'' Suzuki said.

"I want to improve and make myself better and prove that I belong there.''

Suzuki, a second-round draft pick by the A's in 2004, felt confident that he would be in a major league game soon.

"I'm pretty sure I'm going to go up there and get playing time,'' he said. "I don't think they'll call me up not to give me playing time.''

MLB.com contributed to this report