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Oakland Athletics News

A's hope Ramirez is low-cost cleanup hitter
February 22
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Here's the quick summation of why the A's signed Manny Ramirez: If he isn't the player the team hopes, they simply let him go, no fuss, no muss. "We really couldn't find a reason not to," Oakland general manager Billy Beane said Tuesday. "Low risk, high reward, and we have time to evaluate him and time to evaluate some of our younger guys with little or no commitment. It seemed foolish not to take the chance.""
Brett Anderson has an 'A-plus' bullpen session
February 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Brett Anderson gave himself an "A-plus" on Monday after throwing his first bullpen session since his Tommy John surgery July 14. Anderson, who could be back in the rotation in the second half of the season, threw 25 fastballs, 10 from the front of the mound and 15 from the rubber. "For a first time, that's about as good as you could hope for," Anderson said. Anderson will throw bullpens about once a week initially, according to manager Bob Melvin, who was impressed with Anderson's initial session."
Manny being many: Notes on A's signing Ramirez
February 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist John Shea
"A few thoughts on Manny Ramirez joining the A's as we await his 50-game suspension: -- Ramirez follows in a long line of past-their-prime hitters whom general manager Billy Beane acquired on the cheap, a "Moneyball" tactic in which high value is sought at low risk. In order: Rickey Henderson, Kevin Mitchell, Tony Phillips, Tim Raines, John Jaha, Ron Gant, David Justice, Gant, Eric Karros, Frank Thomas, Mike Piazza, Mike Sweeney, Thomas, Jason Giambi, Nomar Garciaparra and Hideki Matsui. -- The best bang-for-your-penny guys were Jaha in 1999 (.276, 35 homers, 111 RBIs) and Thomas in 2006 (.270, 39 homers, 114 RBIs)."
Manny Ramirez, A's agree to minor-league deal
February 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Manny Ramirez - that's right, the dreadlocked designated hitter known for "Manny being Manny" and "Manny-wood" - is now a member of the A's. Ramirez, who must sit out the first 50 games of the regular season for testing positive for performance-enhancing substances, agreed Monday to a minor-league deal with the team."
Report: A's sign Manny Ramirez to minor-league contract
February 20
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's have agreed to a minor-league deal with free agent designated hitter Manny Ramirez, ESPN and Sports Illustrated reported Monday afternoon. It was assumed to be just a matter of time before Oakland brought the controversial slugger into the fold, as the A's have shown interest in him for several weeks. A team spokesman said the A's have no comment right now. "If and when I see the dreads flapping around, I'll have more comment on that," manager Bob Melvin said with a smile."
A's Josh Donaldson adds 3rd base to his resume
February 20
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Josh Donaldson, as usual, reported to spring camp with the pitchers and catchers. He might be more of a third baseman than a catcher these days, though. The A's don't have a lot of third-base depth in their system, and Donaldson played third at Auburn. He spent the final month of last season playing third at Triple-A Sacramento, and then he went to the Dominican Republic, where he played third throughout winter ball. The A's received good reports on Donaldson's play at third, according to manager Bob Melvin, and Donaldson's versatility - he can catch, play third, first and outfield - will enhance his chances of earning a big-league spot."
A's hoping Bartolo Colon provides boost to rotation
February 19
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's are looking for stability in the rotation, and they're hoping it comes from a 38-year-old with a bowling-ball physique and a history of arm trouble. Clearly the odds don't favor Bartolo Colon making a big impact at the front of the rotation. But who would have thought Colon would even be pitching in the major leagues at this point? The 2005 A.L. Cy Young Award winner appeared in just 48 games from 2006-10 because of injuries, including elbow and shoulder problems. But he had a comeback last season with the New York Yankees, going 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA in 29 appearances (26 starts). The A's were in serious need of rotation help after trading Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez, Guillermo"
A's Brett Anderson recovering from elbow surgery
February 19
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Brett Anderson downplayed it Saturday, but he takes a big step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery on Monday, when he will throw his first bullpen session since the July 14 procedure. Initial estimates pointed to a late July return for Anderson if he progressed as hoped, but the A's do not want the left-hander to rush his rehab, so they are now looking at August for Anderson to resume his spot in the rotation. Anderson has lost roughly 25 pounds since the surgery, saying that at one point he had lost almost too much and felt "frail." He plans to stay at about 225 pounds, believing it will benefit his stamina and could make him more agile. "I'll probably get to first base quicker, maybe"
Bartolo Colon brings revitalized career to A's
February 19
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Bartolo Colon won the American League Cy Young Award in 2005, and less than five years later, it appeared his career was over after elbow ligament and rotator cuff problems. In April 2010, however, Colon underwent a novel treatment in the Dominican Republic in which fat and bone-marrow stem cells were taken from him and then injected into his shoulder and elbow. Colon, thought to be done, signed a minor-league deal with the Yankees last year, opened the season in the bullpen, and then joined the rotation the third week of April after an injury to Phil Hughes. He went 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA and was particularly effective in the first half, with a 3.20 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 15 games, 12"
Manny works out for A's, could sign soon
February 19
MLB.com
 
"Oakland's interest in veteran free agent Manny Ramirez is still very much alive, and it appears the club could sign the embattled slugger within the next week. Baseball sources confirmed to MLB.com that A's officials recently traveled to Florida to observe Ramirez's workouts. If the two sides reach an agreement, Ramirez would earn slightly more than the league minimum of $480,000, according to the Associated Press. Ramirez would be utilized by the A's as a designated hitter, but not before serving a 50-game suspension stemming from his second violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, meaning he wouldn't be paid or allowed to participate in a game until as early as May"
A's pursuing Rangers reliever Koji Uehara
February 18
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The A's are continuing to pursue a deal for Rangers reliever Koji Uehara, according to multiple sources, and a trade might be completed as soon as today. Uehara could fill Oakland's closer role, vacant since the team traded All-Star Andrew Bailey to Boston, allowing Brian Fuentes and Grant Balfour to remain in set-up roles. Oakland has a surplus of outfielders, including former Stanford outfielder Michael Taylor and outfielders/first basemen Brandon Allen and Chris Carter."
Stadium remains A's biggest question entering 2012
February 18
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"This spring, the volume of A's questions might exceed space available in The Chronicle to ponder them. More than a quarter of the team's 40-man roster is new, with more to come when outfielder Yoenis Cespedes' deal is official and if the team signs designated hitter Manny Ramirez. The rotation is unsettled, and so too is the closer spot. First base is up for grabs among four players. And the A's have less time than usual to figure everything out: The club leaves for Japan on March 21 and the season opener is March 28 in Tokyo. For brevity's sake, here are the A's top five questions as pitchers and catchers report to Phoenix Muni today: 1. Who will play first base? Brandon Allen showed"
Yoenis Cespedes offers reason to talk about A's
February 17
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Bruce Jenkins
"Don't write this off as another lame move by an organization going nowhere. Actually, the "nowhere" part is accurate, until further notice, but this is a world-class athlete who has been compared to Bo Jackson and Raul Mondesi. If he's any good at all, the A's have finally given people reason to care. -- Many insiders assumed Cespedes had a built-in haven if he'd signed with the Miami Marlins, whose new ballpark adjoins the "Little Havana" neighborhood. According to a CBSSports.com report, Cespedes backed off "because of the potential circus playing in a city with a huge Cuban exile population." -- Hard to tell if the A's should take that as good or bad news. Cespedes might wonder about"
Report: Athletics Likely To Sign Manny Ramirez Before Spring Training
February 15
SI.com
 
"The Oakland Athletics are likely to sign former Boston Red Sox star Manny Ramirez before the beginning of Spring Training, according to Susan Slusser of San Francisco Chronicle. "I like him," Coco Crisp, the Oakland A's centerfielder told the Chronicle. "He's a great teammate, he's cool, he works hard, he's just eccentric. He's different. All of the great players are quirky in one way or another. Manny is an awesome person, nothing but pleasant and fun, but the negative stuff always captures people's attention more than the positive things. I think the positive outweighs the negative.""
A's outfield in motion after Yoenis Cespedes signs
February 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"With the pending arrival of Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes, Coco Crisp might be moved from his beloved center-field spot: The A's are kicking around the idea of putting Crisp, a standout defensive player, in left. Crisp said in a phone interview Tuesday that while he's excited that the A's have agreed to terms with Cespedes, he believes he's Oakland's best option in center. "I'm going to make all the plays," Crisp said. "If someone feels there's someone better than me, it's hard for me to believe. Unless he's a demigod come down from the heavens, no one is going to outshine me in center field.""
Report: Rival A's after Ranger relievers Koji Uehara, Mike Gonzalez
February 15
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Oakland A's, normally one of the most frugal teams in baseball, are apparently loosening the purse strings. Just a day after signing highly touted Cuban prospect Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year, $36-million deal, the A's are reportedly considering moves for a pair of Ranger relievers. According to a tweet by Buster Olney , the A's are in talks with the Rangers about a deal for RHP Koji Uehara, and are also considering the addition of LHP Mike Gonzalez to their bullpen."
Cespedes deal with A's a head-scratcher
February 14
Foxsports.com
 columnist Ken Rosenthal
"Oakland Athletics owner Lewis Wolff acknowledged recently that even if the A's receive permission to move to San Jose soon, they likely would not open their new ballpark until 2016. On Monday, the Athletics stunned the baseball world by agreeing with Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on a four-year, $36 million contract that allows him to become a free agent after 2015, according to major-league sources. Why would the Athletics agree to such a short deal when sources say that teams such as the Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs wanted control of Cespedes, 26, for at least six years? What is the point of the Athletics even signing Cespedes if he might be gone before they ever find their way to"
Oakland not ideal fantasy fit for Cespedes
February 14
ESPN.com
 
"It certainly has been a strange offseason for the Oakland Athletics. They seem to be rebuilding quite nicely, moving several key pitchers for prospects, yet they've also managed to sign the likes of veterans Bartolo Colon and Jonny Gomes. On Monday, the Athletics surprised the baseball world by agreeing to a four-year contract with coveted Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, making the 26-year-old slugger the team's highest-paid player. While it should take years to know whether the substantial financial commitment is wise, fantasy owners want to know what to expect in 2012."
A's sign Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes
February 14
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Just when it appeared as if the A's might be among the league's least compelling teams, at least in the near future, they made a big, big splash - with more ripples likely to come. Oakland, which spent the winter trading its top three pitchers, unexpectedly snatched prized Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes away from the Marlins and other big spenders Monday, signing the 26-year-old to a four-year, $36 million deal. The contract will not be official until Cespedes, who defected, obtains a visa, which will take several days, and takes a physical, but team sources and agent Adam Katz confirmed the agreement. Cespedes will earn $6.5 million in 2012, $8.5 million next season and $10.5 million"
Miami Marlins lose out on Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes
February 14
Miami Herald
 
"The Marlins lost out on Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on Monday when the free agent chose the Oakland A's, who offered him a more lucrative contract and a better opportunity to start immediately in the majors. Cespedes and the A's agreed to a four-year deal worth $36 million, which, in terms of average annual value, surpassed the Marlins' offer of $36 million over six years. Cespedes also has a better chance of starting out in the majors with the threadbare A's than he would have had with the Marlins."
Yoenis Cespedes and A's agree to four-year deal
February 13
USA Today
 
"Cuban outfielder Yoenis Céspedes and the Oakland A's have agreed to terms on a free agent contract. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle teweeted that the deal is worth $36 million. for four years. The Marlins, Tigers and Nationals were among other teams which had expressed interest in signing the international free agent. Cespedes, 26, defected from Cubs last summer, establishing residence in the Dominican Republic."
A's looking to sign a designated hitter
February 11
Oakland Tribune
 
"A's general manager Billy Beane said Friday that he's hoping to sign a designated hitter to anchor the middle of the lineup. He declined to address Manny Ramirez or Magglio Ordonez — two players who have been linked to the A's — but his comments were the most specific he's been on the record about wanting to add an impact bat. "With our middle of the lineup, there's obviously a big hole," Beane said. "I think finding a guy that can hit in the fourth spot is not easy right now.""
Billy Beane to attend Oscars to back 'Moneyball'
February 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Brad Pitt was nominated for an Academy Award as best actor for playing A's general manager Billy Beane in "Moneyball." And Beane will be there in person to cheer Pitt on, he said. Beane and his wife, Tara, plan to attend the Oscars on Feb. 26 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. "I'm going," Beane said by phone. "It will be fun. I'm excited for Brad, and I know how much time and effort he put into it. "Of course, absolutely I'm rooting for him. Not me. It's got nothing to do with me. It's all about Brad. He's a great guy, and I do want him to win for his sake, not for me. He's the one who put himself on the line. He's one of the producers, and he was the driving force behind getting the"
Rich Harden has surgery on shoulder he hurt in 2007
February 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"For more than four years, Rich Harden pitched with a torn right shoulder capsule. That's the same injury that has put Johan Santana's career on hold, and that caused Dallas Braden to get surgery last summer. In Harden's case, the injury caused a significant drop in velocity, and led to numerous other physical problems as he compensated for pitching with an unstable shoulder. So last week, Harden, 30, decided to have his shoulder repaired, though there were some offers for the free-agent starter (most recently for the A's) this winter."
Deals to keep A's execs Beane, Crowley through '19
February 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"A's general manager Billy Beane and team president Michael Crowley are poised to sign extensions that will keep them in place through 2019. Owner Lew Wolff confirmed in an e-mail that the five-year deals are "in process" and he called the development "good news." The length of the deals is widely considered yet another sign of optimism from the A's upper ranks that their desire for a new stadium in San Jose might become a reality. Commissioner Bud Selig said last month that the stadium issue is now "on the front burner," although the Giants still own territorial rights to San Jose and object strongly to the A's proposed move."
Billy Beane extension – another sign A's will get a stadium?
February 7
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"It sounds as if the framework is in place for general manager Billy Beane and team president Michael Crowley to remain with the A's through 2019. Owner Lew Wolff told Bloomberg TV that the five-year deals should be completed within 30 days, and Wolff told me in an email that the discussions are "in process." He also called it "good news." Such lengthy extensions point to further optimism in the A's upper ranks about the team's chances of getting approval for a new stadium in San Jose. Considering how publicly frustrated Beane has been about the limitations of the Coliseum, both in terms of attracting free agents and in terms of income generated, I cannot imagine him staying with the club"
Cubs obtain infielder Cardenas, designate DeWitt for assignment
February 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs' new regime continued its housecleaning Monday when it said goodbye to infielder Blake DeWitt and claimed infielder Adrian Cardenas off waivers from the Athletics. DeWitt, a former first-round pick of the Dodgers, was the highlighted return in former general manager Jim Hendry's 2010 trade that sent Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot to LA. But he never could crack the Cubs' lineup, hitting .265 in 121 games last season."
Report: A's considering adding Magglio Ordonez
February 5
Oakland Tribune
 
"Manny Ramirez apparently isn't the only aging slugger the A's have their eye on. According to MLB.com's Peter Gammons, the A's are evaluating Magglio Ordonez for a possible spring training tryout. Ordonez, 38, is recovering from surgery after re-fracturing his right ankle in the American League Championship Series last season."
Report: Manny Ramirez to decide between A's, Orioles, Blue Jays
February 4
Oakland Tribune
 
"Free-agent Manny Ramirez is trying to decide whether he'll sign with the the A's, Orioles or Blue Jays, a source told ESPNDePortesLosAngeles.com on Friday. Once Ramirez chooses a team, his agents will then begin contract negotiations with that team. The A's have been the most vocal among the three teams in their support for adding the 39-year-old Ramirez. Co-owner Lew Wolff, along with assistant general manager David Forst, both said within the past two weeks that the A's are very open to the idea of adding the embattled slugger."
Sources: Playoff expansion has issues
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"
Opportunity, optimism in the air at A's FanFest
January 30
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The A's have one item nearly crossed off the list before they head to spring training: It appears that right-hander Brandon McCarthy will be the Opening Day starter in Tokyo. Manager Bob Melvin said during a media session at the A's FanFest on Sunday that it will be McCarthy and Bartolo Colon pitching in that series March 28-29, and he hinted that that might be the order. McCarthy set a franchise record for strikeout-to-walk ratio last season, and he is the team's top healthy returning starter."
A's reaching out as winter FanFest is restored
January 29
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"When the A's did away with their traditional FanFest the past three years, some people grumbled that this was yet another indication that the team didn't really care about its fans. Tarps, trades, no FanFest - all means to diminish interest in the A's in an effort to prove to Major League Baseball that Oakland doesn't support the club, or so the thinking went. Now FanFest is back today at Oracle Arena, and the A's say they've taken fans' desires into consideration all along as they've experimented with other events. "It seems crazy to have to say it, but we value the fans, and we want to do things that make sense for the fans," vice president of sales and marketing Jim Leahey said of the"
Finding acts for the A's baseball circus
January 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Bruce Jenkins
"It seemed baffling at first, but now I know why Jose Canseco tweeted Billy Beane last week, hoping to get a shot at the A's 2012 roster. This team is right on the verge of becoming a full-blown circus, and Canseco would fit right in. You figured that Manny Ramirez rumor was a joke, right? Hardly. Co-owner Lew Wolff told our John Shea that he wouldn't have a problem signing Ramirez, and that he's "a good clubhouse guy." Amazing. Wolff isn't merely negligent when it comes to this franchise and its rotting stadium. He's fully delusional. Perhaps none of this should be taken seriously until Beane makes the A's interest official, but the mere thought of Ramirez is preposterous - in any uniform,"
Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall
January 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."
Petaluma's Gomes pleased to add to Bay Area buzz
January 27
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The A's officially introduced new outfielder/designated hitter Jonny Gomes on a conference call Thursday, and Gomes, who'd agreed to a one year, $1 million deal on Monday, said he's excited to be part of the "real good buzz" around Bay Area sports these days. Gomes, who is from Petaluma, noted that he's spent seven seasons in the big leagues, but it's only now that he's joined a local team that "everyone is like, 'Oh, you do play.' " Gomes said he's not concerned about the Coliseum's reputation as a pitcher's park, because "I'm a guy who, when I get it, it's going to go." He has homered at every American League park except Chicago, and, he said, "Hopefully I'll get that one off the board.""
Oakland A's co-owner Lew Wolff not against signing Manny Ramirez
January 27
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The A's continued their offseason overhaul by finalizing a one-year deal with outfielder Jonny Gomes on Thursday, and adding Manny Ramirez to the mix reportedly wouldn't bother co-owner Lew Wolff one bit. Wolff told the San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday that he would " have no problems with that on (Ramirez's) talent and his ability." Ramirez, a 12-time All-Star, is attempting a comeback and recently was linked to the A's in a report by ESPN Desportes. He can't play for anyone until the last week in May while he serves a 50-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy last season. Wolff told the Chronicle the suspension wouldn't reduce the A's interest, but he said ultimately"
MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington
January 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."
Report: Oakland A's 'very interested' in Manny Ramirez
January 21
Oakland Tribune
 
"Manny Ramirez can't wear a major league uniform until the last week in May while he serves a 50-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy. But when Ramirez is eligible to return, there are some who envision him wearing green and gold. According to an ESPN Deportes report, the A's are "very interested" in signing the 39-year-old to be their primary designated hitter. Ramirez reportedly has taken swings in an indoor cage for scouts from the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays; he plans to stage further workouts in Miami for other clubs before the end of the month. A's G.M. Billy Beane did not return a call seeking comment; another club official privately expressed doubts"
Source: A's interested in Manny Ramirez
January 21
ESPN.com
 
"The Oakland Athletics are "very interested" in making Manny Ramirez their designated hitter next season, a source told ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com. Ramirez, 39, has been working out in Miami since December and has plans to have open workout sessions for clubs interested in his services at the end of January. Last week, ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com reported that the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays had a look at Ramirez batting in an indoor cage. "The Orioles and Blue Jays saw Manny work and Baltimore liked what it saw, but Oakland has been the team that has expressed the most interest, even before having him work out," the source said."
A's in 'serious' talks with outfielder Jonny Gomes
January 20
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Outfielder Jonny Gomes, the pride of Petaluma, is nearing a deal that would bring him to the Bay Area for the 2012 season. Gomes "could be in green and gold by Monday," one source with knowledge of the negotiations said Thursday, and another source confirmed that talks are serious. Two other teams, however, are believed to be suitors for Gomes, potentially complicating matters as clubs try to fill their remaining roster spots before spring training camps open next month. The A's have been looking at the free-agent market for outfield depth, and in particular for batters with good splits against left-handed pitchers. Gomes is a lifetime .281 hitter against lefties, compared with .224"
A's agree to deals with McCarthy, Devine
January 17
MLB.com
 
"The Athletics agreed to terms on one-year contracts with right-handers Brandon McCarthy and Joey Devine on Tuesday, and with that they settled with all their arbitration-eligible players before sides were scheduled to exchange figures. McCarthy's 2012 contract will be for $4.275 million, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The 28-year-old, who's eligible for free agency after the '12 season, is coming off a career year in '11, one in which he went 9-9 with a 3.32 ERA and a 4.92 strikeout-to-walk ratio -- an A's club record -- in 25 starts."
A's get outfielder Seth Smith for 2 pitchers
January 17
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Seth Smith platooned with the Rockies, making only 23 career starts against left-handed pitchers. His numbers warranted the limited role. With the A's, he'll get a better chance against lefties. In Oakland's latest roster rearranging, Smith, 29, was acquired Monday for pitchers Guillermo Moscoso and Josh Outman, and the A's plan to play him regularly in left field."
Rockies trade Smith to Oakland for two pitchers; offer deal to Jamie Moyer
January 17
Denver Post
 
"Seth Smith spent the winter in wonderland. On Monday, the questions and uncertainty ended. With the outfielder viewed as a luxury item after the signing of free agent Michael Cuddyer, the Rockies traded Smith to the Oakland Athletics for right-hander Guillermo Moscoso and left-hander Josh Outman?. The Rockies are also closing in on signing 49-year-old starter Jamie Moyer to a minor-league deal, while continuing to explore trades for a second baseman. Smith joins a battery of players jettisoned this winter — Huston Street, Ty Wigginton, Chris Iannetta and Ian Stewart — as the Rockies continue to add pitchers and deliberately change the clubhouse mix."
Former Yankees starter Colon signs with A's
January 16
New York Post
 
"After reviving his career with the Yankees last season, Bartolo Colon signed a one-year deal with the A's on Sunday, according to ESPN.com. The 2005 Cy Young award winner spent 2010 out of baseball before the Yankees took a chance on him. Colon started last season as the Yankees long reliever, but replaced an injured Phil Hughes in the Yankees rotation in April. Colon fizzled after a strong start, but still finished the season 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA."
Bartolo Colon agrees to 1-year deal with A's
January 16
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"With Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill dealt for prospects and Brett Anderson and Dallas Braden coming off major surgeries, the A's are short on established starting pitchers. Bartolo Colon is nothing if not established. Colon has agreed to a one-year deal with the A's, pending a physical, The Chronicle confirmed Sunday, to join an untested Oakland rotation. Besides Brandon McCarthy, possible starters - if Braden opens the season with Anderson on the disabled list - include Guillermo Moscoso, Tyson Ross, Josh Outman and Graham Godfrey."
Report: A's negotiating with free-agent pitcher Bartolo Colon
January 15
Oakland Tribune
 
"The Oakland A's could be on the verge of signing free-agent pitcher Bartolo Colon, according to an ESPN report. The 38-year-old Colon, who revitalized his career last year with the New York Yankees, is negotiating with the A's, ESPN's Buster Olney reported on Twitter Saturday. Colon, who has pitched for six teams in his 14-year career, hadn't pitched in the major leagues since July 2009 when he made the Yankees' rotation last year, where he went 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA. Colon started 26 games and pitched 164 innings, allowing 172 hits, walking 40 and striking out 135. Colon is 161-113 in his career, but he's gone just 22-31 since 2006."
Selig: A's bid to pursue ballpark in San Jose is `on the front burner' for MLB
January 13
Oakland Tribune
 
"Bud Selig, minutes after agreeing to stay on as Major League Baseball commissioner through 2014, left no doubt what was at the top of his task list. It is the resolution of the A's ballpark situation and whether they will be permitted to pursue a ballpark in San Jose over the objections of the Giants, who claim Santa Clara County as their terriotry. "It's really on the front burner," Selig said here at the owners' meetings, where he accepted an extension of his contract by two years. Selig confirmed that the special committee he appointed to examine the A's ballpark dilemma had presented a report to the MLB executive committee and that the report was "comprehensive." But the matter never"
A's think Selig extension is good news
January 13
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"On the day owners voted 29-1 to give Commissioner Bud Selig a two-year contract extension through 2014, Selig said Major League Baseball is working "at a rather quick pace" to resolve the A's quest to move from Oakland to San Jose. Selig said there was a comprehensive presentation to the executive council during the owners meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz. The issue is "very much on the front burner," Selig said. A's managing general partner Lew Wolff, who attended the two-day meetings, said he was happy to hear of Selig's remarks. Wolff suggested Selig's new deal is good news for the A's stadium pursuit. "I was very pleased with the extension of the commissioner's contract," Wolff said."
Coco Crisp passes physical, will stay with A's
January 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Coco Crisp's new two-year, $14 million deal with the A's became official Thursday, when the center fielder passed his physical. The contract, agreed upon Tuesday, includes a team option for 2014. A's general manager Billy Beane said by phone that he remained in contact with Crisp's agent, Steve Comte, all winter because "Coco was always a guy that in the back of my mind, I hoped we'd be able to bring back." Beane said that among other things, Crisp plays a difficult-to-fill position and strong defense up the middle remains an emphasis for the A's. Catcher Landon Powell, designated for assignment Dec. 23, cleared waivers. Powell, Kurt Suzuki's backup, has eight days to accept or decline the"