2005/2006 A's offseason thread

[love_that_reefer]

Well I am glad the Giants didn't overpay.

[A'sDiehard]

Well I am glad the Giants didn't overpay.

Especially with your rock hard rotation.

Nice digs Providence.

[General]

Rimshot, please.

Pum-pump, zing!

[Providence A's]

More Bradley rumors...

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...ck=1&cset=true

Now it appears the trouble-prone Bradley will be traded or not offered a contract. Many teams are wary of acquiring him, but Oakland and a few others have expressed interest.

[Providence A's]

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?n...id=18170&rfi=6

Here are the names that keep coming up as potential additions for the Phillies as the Winter Meetings quickly approach:

Barry Zito

The A’s practically are screaming for someone to make the right deal with them for the funky southpaw, who overcame a miserable first half in 2005 and questions about his durability to go 14-13 with a 3.86 ERA in 228 innings. They have four other young pitchers who picked up double-digit wins in 2005 (Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, Kirk Saarloos and Rich Harden), signed two of them (Haren and Harden) to multi-year deals, then signed free-agent right-hander Esteban Loiaza to a three-year, $21 million contract.

Zito had his $8.5 million option for 2006 picked up by the A’s, which was a no-brainer since it is considered a fair price for a top-of-the-rotation lefty -- and the ligament-replacement surgery that will make 2006 a question mark for Randy Wolf means the Phillies are in danger of having no southpaws in the rotation unless they add one.

So, what would it take to get Zito? Start with Hamels or Floyd, then throw in a cheap, effective offensive player like Jason Michaels, and maybe even another decent prospect. Although Bobby Abreu is the epitome of what Oakland G.M. Billy Beane wants in a offensive weapon, it’s tough to imagine the Phillies being able to pay enough of his remaining salary to make that work for the frugal A’s.

This article angers me because this guy doesn't know half of what he's talking about. The A's didn't pick up Zito's option; it kicked in after 180 innings pitched. And they're not screaming to trade Zito; Beane said he'll play it out if they want because they did with Tejada and Giambi. They're listening to offers because people talk. Unless someone blows us away, Zito isn't going anywhere.

And what questions about Zito's durablilty? He's never missed a start or been on the DL in his ****ing career! He's made the most starts since he's been in the league IIRC. Do a little research before you right a half-assed article you prick.

[Providence A's]

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NAS...=.jsp&c_id=oak

Needs: The A's have a handful of guys with decent pop from the right side of the plate, but they don't quite represent the legitimate middle-of-the-order power threat the A's would love to team with lefty slugger Eric Chavez. Oakland might also be in the market for a lefty specialist for their bullpen and a backup infielder who can spell Chavez at third base.

Dealing strengths: In addition to the aforementioned glut of starting pitching at the big league level, the A's have some pitchers in the Minors who could be used to sweeten any potential deal. Among them are lefty Dan Meyer, who was acquired in the Tim Hudson deal with Atlanta last winter but was injured for much of 2005, and Cruz (also part of the Hudson deal), who thrived as a starter at Triple-A last summer after struggling out of the Oakland bullpen early in the year.

Winter meetings checklist

[Providence A's]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/...s/13319192.htm

These are the pertinent facts as we consider the future of A's starting pitcher Barry Zito just two days before the start of baseball's winter meetings in Dallas:

1) The A's have a ridiculous surplus of starting pitching now that they've signed free-agent Esteban Loaiza to a three-year contract.

2) They have a glaring need for a right-handed power hitter.

3) Zito is approaching the final year of his contract -- he'll earn $8.5 million in 2006 -- and will command even more money as a free agent. So unless the A's change their frugal ways, they'll lose him to a higher bidder after this season.

4) Quality starting pitchers, especially left-handers, are in short supply. Zito, a left-hander with a Cy Young Award on his resume, qualifies as prime trade bait.

Based on those facts, here's the logical conclusion, as painful as it may be for A's fans:

It's time for Zito to go.

I don't think we have to trade Zito. And Harden, Haren, and Blanton are off limits as Beane has stated, but I think we can package some other players for a cheaper, non-superstar type hitter.

[Providence A's]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...PG6EG24M51.DTL

Barry Zito is nowhere near as anxious as former teammate Tim Hudson was at this same time last year.

Like Hudson, Zito knows he is the subject of trade rumors as baseball's winter meetings get underway in Dallas next week, but while Hudson was looking for stability and peace of mind, Zito is accustomed to change. His lengthy A's tenure is what seems odd to the left-hander, not the thought of new horizons.

"What's weird is to stay on one team for so long,'' Zito said by phone. "Five and a half seasons is strange to me. I mean, I went to four colleges in three years, played on three different summer league teams, three minor league teams. I'd almost feel comfortable on a new team.''

There are sure to be a number of clubs trying to obtain him. The Mets have long been interested in the 2002 Cy Young Award winner, the Rangers are a current suitor (offering Kevin Mench, so far), and pretty much any other team with money and a need for pitching (Philadelphia, Arizona, Los Angeles, Toronto and so on) could make a bid for Zito.

It's not a given that he'll be dealt, however. This week's signing of Esteban Loaiza was a strong hint that the A's will move Zito ("My first thought was that I'm getting traded,'' Zito said of Loaiza's three-year, $21 million deal), but general manager Billy Beane said it's possible that the team could keep both. In contrast to other years, there's no financial imperative to ship out a big salary (Zito will make $8.5 million next year) to add Loaiza, as Beane explained to reporters last week and also mentioned to Zito's agent, Arn Tellem.

We'll just have to wait and see...I'll be glad when it's all said and done either way.

[Providence A's]

http://insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_3275335

Beane still seeking right bat
A's roster almost set, but GM enters meetings with some flexibility
By Josh SuchonSTAFF WRITER,

OAKLAND — The winter meetings long ago stopped being a place where a lot of trades were made, instead turning into a showcase for agents to announce the whopping contracts they had negotiated for their clients.
The way technology is now, general managers don't need to be face-to-face to make a deal.

A's general manager Billy Beane doesn't like the meetings, at least from a personal standpoint, and he will spend only two of the four nights in Dallas next week at the annual gathering.

The A's don't need a deal to improve a team that is nearly set on paper for 2006, but Beane would still like to add a right-handed hitter for the middle of the lineup.

Beane has a few hitters in mind — none of whom he'll mention publicly — but what remains to be seen is the cost in dollars (if it's a free agent) or in players (if it's via a trade).

"We still have some payroll flexibility," Beane said. "But we certainly have our limitations."

Beane would only say the payroll will be "higher than last year," when a good estimate was a little over $60 million.

As a result, the A's are in a position to go after a one-year rental, as they did in 2001 when trading for Johnny Damon.

"In many cases, the hardest part is identifying that guy and seeing if you can get him over here," Beane said. "That's an approach we can take more this year than last year. The preferred route is somebody to be here a couple years."

When asked if he'd fielded more calls from other GMs since signing pitcher Esteban Loaiza on Monday gave the A's seven possible starters, Beane shot back, "none of your business."

It's been reported the A's have an interest in Dodgers outfielder Milton Bradley, who feuded with Jeff Kent last year. The trading landscape has changed though, now that Beane's former assistant, Paul DePodesta, was fired and Ned Colletti is the new GM.

"At this point, I'm open-minded (about keeping Bradley)," Colletti told Dodgers reporters. "We'll see how it goes. He's a very good player."

As for free agents, the A's have thought about Mike Piazza but aren't sure there's mutual interest. They should know by the end of the meetings. The Angels, Orioles and Twins are also reportedly interested in the former Met, who has played only in the National League.

Beane has talked to Arn Tellem, the agent for Frank Thomas and Nomar Garciaparra (who is willing to play the outfield). But again, whether there's mutual interest — especially for Garciaparra being mostly a DH — or the cost remains a question for a couple of players who are injury risks.

The Twins and Angels are among those interested in Thomas. The Indians, Pirates, Tigers and Orioles have inquired about Garciaparra.

Another free agent DH-type is Carl Everett, a switch hitter who hits better from the right side. Everett brings his own baggage, however, and probably isn't interested in playing home games in a stadium where he was once hit with a cell phone.

The less-exciting free agents available include Rondell White, Danny Bautista, Juan Encarnacion, Kevin Millar, Ruben Sierra and Preston Wilson.

In other A's news:

- Pitcher Rich Harden is ahead of schedule in his rehab from surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. Beane said the rehab would prevent Harden from pitching for Canada in the World Baseball Classic in March.

- The A's are likely to let left-handed reliever Ricardo Rincon depart via free agency. Beane is content with in-house candidates Joe Kennedy, Ron Flores, or through minor league free agency.

- Beane talks to DePodesta frequently and believes his former assistant won't be doing much until his second child is born in January. After that, it's possible Beane brings DePodesta back to his front office.

Interesting little tidbits.

[Providence A's]

I read today that if the A's get Bradley, the Yanks may try to trade for Kotsay again

[Providence A's]

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_3279184

DALLAS - The Dodgers are engaged in discussions with the Oakland Athletics on a potential trade that would involve troubled Dodgers outfielder Milton Bradley and A's left-hander and former Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito.

It is unclear what additional players, if any, are involved in the discussions, but officials for both clubs are expected to meet sometime today, when baseball's annual winter meetings begin here today.

If any?? There better be more than Bradley for Zito because that's would be a horrible trade.

[Providence A's]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/12/05/SPGPGG34731.DTL.

Dallas -- The A's would love to sign free agent Frank Thomas, and there's a simple reason they won't formally offer the Big Hurt a contract before Wednesday -- they can't stand losing compensatory draft picks.

As the winter meetings begin today at the Anatole Hotel, a spotlight is on Dec. 7, the deadline for teams to shield or shun their own free agents.

Dec. 7 usually comes and goes before the meetings begin. But they're commencing earlier this year, and that could mean lots of free-agent inactivity at least the first couple of days.

The exact deadline for teams to offer their free agents arbitration -- or lose the right to re-sign them until May 1 -- is 9 p.m. PST Wednesday. Many general managers will leave early Thursday, so much of the usual free-agent frenzy might be delayed until after the meetings adjourn.

Then again, whenever a hungry pack of agents storms a hotel crammed with executives from all 30 teams, deadlines and fiscal responsibility can be overlooked.

The A's would rather wait.

The White Sox won't offer arbitration to Thomas after re-signing Paul Konerko and trading for Jim Thome. So once the Wednesday deadline passes, and there's no longer an issue of losing draft picks, the A's -- who already lost a pick by signing Esteben Loiaza -- are expected to become more aggressive with Thomas, who's represented by Arn Tellem.

Another reason free-agent signings might not come fast and furious: This year's crop is thin, and many of the top players (Konerko, Brian Giles, Rafael Furcal, Billy Wagner, B.J. Ryan) already have signed.

As a result, trade talk might be more prevalent than at meetings in years past -- more deal-mongers whispering behind the lobby's potted palms -- and general managers Billy Beane of the A's and Brian Sabean of the Giants are seriously considering that course.

"What's interesting this year," Beane said, "in the free-agent market, depending on how you view the talent, there's not a whole lot of supply. That in itself could create a lot more trade conversation than in the past."

Which brings us to another player the A's are targeting: Dodgers outfielder Milton Bradley. Ned Colletti, the Dodgers' GM, says he wants character guys, and Bradley is no Marquis Grissom. Colletti is making Bradley available, and sources in Dallas confirmed Sunday night that the A's are in hot pursuit.

The A's, deep in starting pitching, could offer Kirk Saarloos or lefty Joe Kennedy in a package. To part with Barry Zito -- not a necessity, Beane said -- the A's would need more of a sure thing.

Red flags accompany both Bradley and Thomas. Thomas is 37 and played only 108 games the past two years. Bradley has feuded with managers and teammates, not to mention his legal troubles.

But, boy, do they fit the Moneyball tag.

Thomas' on-base percentage is off the charts. He led the American League four times, and it's .427 for his career. If he's healthy and (as DH) hitting behind Eric Chavez, the A's offense suddenly turns respectable. In only 105 at-bats last season, Thomas had 12 homers and 26 RBIs.

Bradley, 27, has plate discipline, goes to all fields and can hit anywhere in the lineup. Twice shelved with injuries, the switch-hitter batted .290 with 13 homers and 38 RBIs in 283 at-bats. However, his past is checkered.

"In a perfect world, it would be nice to find a middle-of-the-lineup, right-handed bat, and there's more than one potential option out there," said Beane, who plans to leave the meetings Tuesday night, turning over matters to his assistant, David Forst.

The Giants want a productive left-handed hitter , but Sabean's priority at the meetings is finding a starting pitcher. He'll get a better read on Matt Morris through agent Barry Axelrod and would prefer to wait until after Wednesday's deadline to sign a free agent.

"It appears more and more teams are waiting on Dec. 7," Sabean said. "The free-agent market is going slower than I ever could've expected. It could be a dog-and-pony show until after the 7th. The 7th looms larger this year than in other years."

Commissioner Bud Selig will hold a news conference in the hotel today, and partial rosters will be announced for the World Baseball Classic in March. Barry Bonds, a source confirmed, will be included on the U.S. team.

The 2000 meetings also were held here, when Alex Rodriguez got his 10-year, $252 million contract from gullible owner Tom Hicks, whose Rangers still haven't recovered. Also, Manny Ramirez got his eight-year, $160 million contract, and now he's trying to force a trade from Boston.

Ramirez is the biggest name in a trade market that includes pitchers David Wells, Kris Benson and Javier Vazquez, infielders Alfonso Soriano and Hank Blalock and outfielders Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell and Juan Pierre.

E-mail John Shea at jshea@sfchronicle.com.

Thomas wouldn't be a big risk if it's a cheap deal...

[Kingdom]

Peter Gammons and Steve Phillips were on espnnews about 20 minutes ago.. well, tis when it ended. They mentioned Zito's name too many times.


):

[Providence A's]

Well, after last year, I trust Beane (thought Hudson hasn't worked out yet and is dependent upon Meyer getting healthy and eventually making the big league team), but I think we have a better shot at a title this year with Zito and a healthy offense. Our offense is better than it was last year. If we have Crosby, Swisher, Kotsay, Johnson, and Payton for the whole year, then we'll do better.

[Providence A's]

A's acquire Chad Gaudin from Toronto for player to be named later

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Oakland A's today announced that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Chad Gaudin from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a player to be named later. To clear a spot for Gaudin on the 40-man roster, the A's have designated catcher John Baker for assignment.

Gaudin was 1-3 with a 13.15 ERA in five games, three starts, with Toronto last year. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Syracuse where he was 9-8 with a 3.35 ERA in 23 games, all starts. The 22-year old ranked fourth in the International League in ERA and his two shutouts tied for second most in all of Minor League Baseball. He allowed a .251 opponents batting average and walked 35 while striking out 113 in 150.1 innings. Gaudin made his Major League debut with Tampa Bay in 2003 at the age of 20 and also pitched for the Devil Rays in 2004. He is 4-5 with a 5.46 ERA in 46 career Major League appearances, including 10 starts.

Baker hit .234 with five home runs and 41 RBI in 103 games with Triple-A Sacramento in 2005. The 24-year old was originally selected by the A's in the fourth round of the June, 2002 draft.