2008/2009 Off-Season Thread

[Providence A's]

no thanks. I don't want to give up a draft pick for him. he's a marginal upgrade at best.

[love_that_reefer]

The A's, Mets and Dodgers are looking at free agent Dennys Reyes, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.
Left-handed relievers haven't been snatched up as quickly as expected, with Joe Biemel, Will Ohman and Brian Shouse also still available. Damaso Marte looks pretty smart now in accepting a three-year, $12 million deal from the Yanks early on.

The bullpen is the only strength for the A's right now. They need to spend money elsewhere.

[love_that_reefer]

Athletics agreed to terms with outfielder Jack Cust on a one-year, $2.8 million contract.
It's nice to see Cust finally get a decent payday at age 30. The slugger was eligible for arbitration for the first time after hitting .231/.375/.476 last season.

Between Cust and Giambi, the A's could have 60 HRs for less than $7 million.

[Providence A's]

Nats, A's Revive Nick Johnson Trade Talks - Nationals Journal

The Nationals and Oakland Athletics, who discussed a potential trade for first baseman Nick Johnson all the way back in November, have revived those talks in recent weeks, according to a source familiar with the discussions. At one point last week, the source said, a deal seemed very close.

It is unclear what players the A's would be willing to give up for Johnson, but the Nationals have shown previous interest in 23-year-old first baseman Daric Barton, and a deal centering upon Johnson and Barton would make sense for both sides.

it would? how? Barton for 4-5 more seasons under control > 1 year of injury prone Nick Johnson. Don't do it Billy!

[love_that_reefer]

Exactly Prov! This would be a horrific deal. What happened to Sweeney? He would be a better option than trading for Nick Johnson and his contract. Sean Casey is still out there if they need a first baseman to backup Giambi.

[love_that_reefer]

Manager Bob Geren said Thursday that Daric Barton "might be a touch behind" during spring training after undergoing hip surgery and having his tonsils removed.
Geren will try to fit Barton, Jason Giambi, Jack Cust and Travis Buck into three lineup spots and Barton is the obvious choice to be the odd man out. "He'll need to come in and have a nice spring and a good start to the season," Geren said. "The guys who are performing will play."

Not looking good for Barton to start the season at the big league level.

[love_that_reefer]

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that the A's are nearing a deal with free agent reliever Russ Springer.
As of late Friday night, the two sides were "making progress, but not done," an insider source told Rosenthal. Springer, 40, posted a 2.24 ERA in two seasons with the Cardinals. He's likely to command about $3 million on a one-year deal.

Nice veteran signing for the A's. Springer has done a good job the past couple of seasons for the Cards and should do the same for the A's who already have a damn good bullpen. It just got even better.

[Providence A's]

yea, and I read they might try to sign Brian Shouse and/or Andrew Sisco. I'm not sure if there is any room, but just in case I suppose. I don't care so long as they don't sign Orlando Cabrera and lose a draft pick. We have to pay Crosby regardless, so just play him and see if he can figure it out. If not, let him walk when the season is over and try to figure out a viable SS option for 2010.

[love_that_reefer]

Athletics acquired infielder Corey Wimberly from the Rockies for outfielder Matt Murton.
Wimberly, a switch-hitting second baseman, hit .291/.370/.345 with 59 steals last season in his second year at Double-A Tulsa. The 25-year-old is never going to hit for any power at all, but he could be an adequate stopgap at second base if needed. Unfortunately, his lack of versatility means he'll probably spend most of his career in the minors.

The guy can obviously hit and steal bases. He could be a nice 15 day callup someday.

[Providence A's]

it's not like Murton had much of a shot with us. We've got a lot of guys for the outfield and not a lot for the infield. after trading Sellers to the Cubs, it makes some sense to fill that IF spot.

[love_that_reefer]

The A's are expected to begin discussions with Orlando Cabrera's agent, Dan Lozano, once GM Billy Beane returns from a speaking engagement in New Zealand.
Beane should be back early this week. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the "A's are not interested in Cabrera if he's still looking to make in the $9 million range he earned last year with the Chicago White Sox." Beane is looking for a bargain here, but the A's will probably have to pony up at least a little cash if they want to land the shortstop. He has apparently considered sitting out the first few weeks of the season if a strong offer doesn't come before then.

I know some of you don't want to forfeit the draft pick but the A's are in a win now mode with Giambi and Holliday paired together for just one year. Cabrera helps the cause. Beane will get those draft picks back the following year when Holliday leaves.

[love_that_reefer]

A source told the San Francisco Chronicle that the A's are only willing to pay $5 million for Orlando Cabrera.
The newspaper reports that the A's remain in contact with Cabrera's agent, "but no meetings are planned and no numbers have been exchanged."

I'd consider that a fair deal given the fact the A's have to give up a draft pick. Cabrera can play.

[Providence A's]

no thanks...just stick with Crosby since we have to pay him anyway. Bat him 9th and anything we get is gravy.

[love_that_reefer]

The A's are built to win this year, why not go for it? Crosby is only holding the A's back.

[Providence A's]

no, the A's are built for beyond this year...they're building for the future. Yes, they have a chance to win the division this year with their upgrades and the Angels losing guys, but I can't see them doing anything in the playoffs even if they make it. We have to pay Crosby $5 mil anyway. Why pay him to ride the pine? Cabrera sucks anyway. I don't think another $5 mil and a pick are worth the marginal upgrade...