Untitled Page

Oakland Athletics News

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"
A's agrees to two-year deal with outfielder Coco Crisp
January 6
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's announced center fielder Coco Crisp's two-year contract in a press release Thursday afternoon. Earlier this week, the sides agreed on a two-year, $14 million deal that includes a $7.5 million club option for the 2014 season. Crisp had to pass a physical Thursday before it became official."
Billy Beane isn't to blame for sad state of A's
January 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Bruce Jenkins
"Returning home from a long vacation, you look for some encouraging news. Maybe there's no sign of that neighboring dog who barked at nothing for 18 hours a day. Maybe there are signs of life from the Warriors, or a ban on radio ads in which some chatterbox rattles off a phone number four times. As unlikely as it seemed, the Oakland A's actually got worse while I was away. While the Angels and Rangers spend wildly, separating themselves from Oakland in a manner reminiscent of Microsoft vs. Ted's Bakery, the A's have essentially told their fans that the 2012 season will be a sort of minor-league carnival, complete with minuscule crowds, low-budget promotions, vaguely familiar names and the"
Coco Crisp passed on Rays' offer to rejoin A's
January 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Coco Crisp very nearly became a member of the Rays over the weekend, but the A's stepped up their offer to their free-agent outfielder Sunday, and Crisp decided to return. "The team that had my attention the most was Tampa Bay," Crisp said by phone Wednesday. Crisp called that ironic, because he had a well-known scuffle with the Rays in 2008 when he was with Boston, charging the mound and starting an on-field fracas that later turned into off-field taunts. But Crisp said he loves Rays manager Joe Maddon, and he liked the idea of playing for a competitive team in a great division."
Baseball Hall of Fame should include Tim Raines
January 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist John Shea
"We're spoiled in the Bay Area because we saw so much of Rickey Henderson. Four different A's stints, in fact. He still wishes it could be five. When you're playing in the shadow of the grand pooh-bah of leadoff hitters, it's tough to get noticed, and that's Tim Raines' dilemma. If not for Henderson, the all-time steals and runs leader, Raines would be in the best-leadoff-man-in-history conversation. Raines stole 808 bases, fifth all time - the top four are Hall of Famers - and his 84.7 percent success rate is tops among thieves with at least 350 attempts. Rickey's 1,406 steals came at an 80.8 percent clip."
Coco Crisp to re-sign with A's for 2 years
January 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Oakland's winter of departures was interrupted Tuesday, when free-agent center fielder Coco Crisp agreed to a two-year deal to re-sign with the team. The deal, confirmed by two sources, will not be announced until today or Thursday as final details are worked out, but Crisp - who tied for the league lead in steals with 49 last season - will receive a guaranteed $14 million. The A's will hold a team option worth a reported $7.5 million for 2014, with a $1 million buyout. The A's had lost two-thirds of their starting outfield this offseason, with Josh Willingham (Twins) and David DeJesus (Cubs) leaving as free agents. Oakland then traded its only other experienced outfielder, Ryan Sweeney,"
Billy Beane isn't to blame for sad state of A's
January 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Bruce Jenkins
"Returning home from a long vacation, you look for some encouraging news. Maybe there's no sign of that neighboring dog who barked at nothing for 18 hours a day. Maybe there are signs of life from the Warriors, or a ban on radio ads in which some chatterbox rattles off a phone number four times. As unlikely as it seemed, the Oakland A's actually got worse while I was away. While the Angels and Rangers spend wildly, separating themselves from Oakland in a manner reminiscent of Microsoft vs. Ted's Bakery, the A's have essentially told their fans that the 2012 season will be a sort of minor-league carnival, complete with minuscule crowds, low-budget promotions, vaguely familiar names and the"
Report: A's re-sign Coco Crisp to two-year, $14 million deal
January 4
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's will re-sign center fielder Coco Crisp to a two-year contract worth $14 million, according to a report from ESPN's Buster Olney. The deal has yet to be announced by the A's, but Crisp will get $6 million in 2012 and $7 million in 2013, Olney reports. The team holds a $7.5 million option for 2014 but can buy Crisp out for $1 million. For a team that has traded away three All-Star pitchers — Gio Gonzalez, Trevor Cahill and Andrew Bailey — in the past month, the re-signing of at least one recognizable name should come as welcome news to the fan base."
Coco Crisp decides on next team, but won't say
January 3
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Departures are the norm for the A's this winter, with pitchers Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Craig Breslow all traded and free-agent outfielders Josh Willingham and David DeJesus officially leaving. One of the A's free-agent outfielders, however, remains on the team's radar. Oakland wants to bring back Coco Crisp, according to A's sources. With so many young pitchers on the staff, Crisp's defensive ability is especially valuable."
Athletics "in talks" with free agent outfielder Cody Ross
January 2
Hardball Talk
 
"According to Jeff Fletcher of Bay Area Baseball, the Athletics "are currently in talks" with the representatives for free agent outfielder Cody Ross. Ross opened this offseason in search of a three-year contract, but he has since lowered his demands and is now beginning to draw legitimate interest. The 31-year-old batted .240/.325/.405 with 14 home runs, 25 doubles and 52 RBI in 121 games this past year for the Giants. Through eight major league seasons, he has amassed a .779 career OPS."
A's send closer Andrew Bailey, outfielder Ryan Sweeney to Boston
December 29
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's completed a rare trifecta Wednesday, trading away their third All-Star pitcher in a span of 20 days. Closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney were shipped to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Josh Reddick and two minor leaguers -- corner infielder Miles Head, 20, and right-hander Raul Alcantara, 19. The move was no shocker. After Trevor Cahill was traded to Arizona on Dec. 9 and fellow starter Gio Gonzalez was dealt to Washington on Friday, it was common knowledge that Bailey would go next as the A's continue dismantling their roster and stockpiling prospects. But whereas those around the majors generally applauded the packages the A's got for Cahill and Gonzalez, the"
The Oakland A's are a travesty
December 29
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Monte Poole
"The con is kaput, the game over. A's ownership, having run out of patience, isn't even pretending to care about competing, much less pleasing its fans. Dedicated first and last to themselves, the owners have upped the ante. In their desire to leave Oakland, they've stopped waiting for or pleading with Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, as well as anyone else who was listening. They have moved into the next phase, one of such utter defiance that it stomps all over the ideals of the game. By trading the players who have represented Oakland in the last three All-Star games, all in a three-week span, the A's are announcing they're packing it in for 2012 and maybe even 2013. They're"
A's trade Andrew Bailey, Ryan Sweeney to Red Sox
December 29
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Andrew Bailey knew he'd be traded this winter, he just didn't know the destination. On Wednesday, that mystery was solved: The A's traded their two-time All-Star closer to the Red Sox, a team that had pursued Bailey much of the offseason. Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney went in a package for outfielder Josh Reddick, who played in 87 games with Boston last year, and Class A players Miles Head and Raul Alcantara. "I'd be lying if I didn't say it's exciting," Bailey said by phone. "Everyone knows what direction the A's are taking, and like I told Billy Beane today, I'll always appreciate them giving me that opportunity out of spring training, but they're trying to get younger, they're"
Sox trade for A's closer Andrew Bailey
December 29
Boston Herald
 
"Some moments are enduring. For Andrew Bailey, there was his first major league save for the Oakland Athletics, being named Rookie of the Year in 2009 and this: "There's nothing like the atmosphere of running into the game from the bullpen at Fenway Park," Bailey said last night. "You can't put it into words. That's something that I will always remember, up there with my major league debut. That's how it is." And now, he can make that run with regularity."
Source: A's pursuing 19-year-old Cuban
December 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The A's have strong interest in 19-year-old Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, according to a major-league source. Oakland initially had considered pursing high-profile Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes, but the team believes his price tag will be too high. In addition, Cespedes is believed to want a four-year deal, too short for the A's purposes when the team hopes to move into a new stadium in three years, or a 10-year deal, which is too lengthy. Soler, seven years Cespedes' junior, fits better into the A's long-term plans for putting together a strong young team ready to contend in a potential new ballpark. The Yankees, Phillies and Rangers are among those expected to bid on Soler, however, and"
A's interest in Iwakuma is 'lukewarm'
December 27
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"I checked in with some sources about the A's interest in Hisashi Iwakuma, which was reported by the Contra Costa Times the other day, and while I had it confirmed that Oakland is one of the four teams to have inquired about the Japanese pitcher, the A's are "lukewarm" about Iwakuma. I'm told that there are two teams with "viable" interest in Iwakuma, and the A's aren't one of them. It would have been a neat full circle, though, if Oakland were to have landed the right-hander. The A's won the bidding for Iwakuma's posting fee last winter but were unable to come to terms with Iwakuma and his then-agent, Don Nomura, after negotiations that were at times testy. Iwakuma missed time last"
Billy Beane: Prospects improving for A's stadium
December 24
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"After trading two All-Star starters in a two-week period - Gio Gonzalez to Washington in a deal completed Friday, Trevor Cahill to Arizona earlier in the month - A's general manager Billy Beane said the team is trying to parlay established stars into a core of good young players for a potential new stadium. The A's have yet to gain approval for any new venue, but Beane reiterated Friday that he believes that a decision will come soon. Until then, Beane said, Oakland cannot realize sustained success in the AL West. "There wasn't going be a move we could make to compete with Texas and Anaheim," Beane said, noting that both will have payrolls in the $175 million range. "Just to come up to"
Oakland A's trade Gio Gonzalez to Washington Nationals for four prospects
December 23
Oakland Tribune
 
"The remaking of the A's continued Thursday with the reported trade of All-Star left-hander Gio Gonzalez to the Washington Nationals for four highly touted prospects. The trade, first reported by ESPN, comes less than two weeks after the A's dealt pitcher Trevor Cahill to Arizona. In exchange for Gonzalez, who went 16-12 with a 3.12 ERA last season, the A's reportedly will receive pitching prospects A.J. Cole, Brad Peacock and Tom Milone and catcher Derek Norris. The trade is not official, as neither team made an announcement, but Gonzalez told the Associated Press that "it's 99 percent done. ... It's pending a physical, and I'm just waiting to hear from my agent." Right-handers Cole, 19,"
Gonzalez joins arms exodus from Oakland
December 23
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Oakland's migration of All-Star starters continued Thursday, when the team traded Gio Gonzalez. The left-hander, among the most coveted trade targets this offseason, went to Washington in exchange for right-handers A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock, left-hander Tom Milone and catcher Derek Norris. Washington also will receive Class A right-hander Robert Gilliam. "It's still surprising to me, even after all the speculation," Gonzalez said by phone Thursday evening. "When they called to let me know, I was like, 'Man, I grew up in Oakland. I matured there.' There are so many things I can credit to Oakland; the list is too long to fit in my house. "It's a heartbreak to leave, but it's on to a new"
Nationals acquire lefty Gio Gonzalez in trade
December 23
Washington Post
 
"A year ago, Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo was prepared to trade four young players to the Kansas City Royals for former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke, the deal falling apart only because Greinke, with a full no-trade clause, refused the Nationals' nine-figure contract offer in exchange for accepting the trade. But the Nationals' thirst for a front-line starter to join Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann atop their rotation never lessened, and Thursday the team agreed in principle to a blockbuster deal for Oakland Athletics all-star lefty Gio Gonzalez in exchange for four of their best prospects. Keith Law of ESPN.com first reported details of the trade, which is"
Even after Darvish bid, Rangers still pursuing A's closer Andrew Bailey
December 22
Dallas Morning News
 
"By shelling out big money for closer Joe Nathan and the negotiating rights to Yu Darvish, the Rangers have shown just how serious they are about improving their pitching staff. And they might not be done yet, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal wrote Wednesday that the Rangers are still interested in A's closer Andrew Bailey, despite filing the winning bid for Darvish last week. Other teams in the mix for Bailey include the Red Sox and Rays. By pursuing Darvish rather than a potential trade target like Matt Garza or Gio Gonzalez, the Rangers would be able to hold onto their most well-regarded prospects, giving them the ammunition necessary to pull off a deal with the A's."
Nationals actively pursuing A's ace Gonzalez
December 21
MLB.com
 
"Trying to acquire A's left-hander Gio Gonzalez is the Nationals' top priority, according to a baseball source. The clubs are trying to work out a deal that would send four players to Oakland, and it is believed that Gonzalez will be traded soon. Two of the players the A's are looking at are right-hander Brad Peacock and catcher Derek Norris. Peacock is arguably Washington's best pitching prospect. He went a combined 15-3 with a 2.39 ERA for Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse this year. Peacock was promoted to the big leagues late in the season and allowed one run in 12 innings."
Nats working hard to land Gonzalez
December 19
Foxsports.com
 
"The Nationals, continuing their quest to add a left-handed starting pitcher, are pushing hard to land the Athletics' Gio Gonzalez, according to major-league sources. Gonzalez, 26, is perhaps the hottest pitcher available on the trade market, and the Marlins, Red Sox and Rangers are among the other teams showing strong interest in him. The Nats want an established lefty to go with their two young right-handed starters, Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann. They were the runner-up for free-agent left-hander Mark Buerhle, who signed a four-year, $58-million contract with the Marlins."