Oakland Athletics Trade Rumors

Coco Crisp still a ways away from playing; Kouzmanoff probable for tomorrow
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March 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"It's a three-inning intrasquad today, with Matt Wright starting for the "visiting" A's team and Gio Gonzalez for the home A's. Here are the lineups: Visitors: Davis lf, Sogard 2b, Suzuki c, Carter 1b, Cust dh, Buck rf, Wimberly cf, Whitney 3b, Green ss Home: Ellis 2b, Barton 1b, Sweeney dh, Taylor lf, Fox c, Patterson cf, Rosales ss, Brown rf, Petit 3b Kevin Kouzmanoff is fine after taking a line off his shin on Monday; he'll play in tomorrow's game against the Cubs in Mesa, according to manager Bob Geren, although Geren does plan to check in with Kouzmanoff again later to make sure he's good to go. Geren said yesterday that Coco Crisp was a ways away from playing in the outfield because ..."
Oakland A's release outfielder Willy Taveras
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February 9
Oakland Tribune
 
"The Oakland A's released recently acquired outfielder Willy Taveras, the club announced Tuesday. Taveras was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds along with infielder Adam Rosales for infielder Aaron Miles of Antioch and a player to be named later on Feb. 1 but was immediately designated for assignment. The speedy Taveras batted .240 with a home run and 15 RBI in 102 games with Cincinnati last year."
Two reports saying that the A's have signed Michael Feliz
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February 7
Oakland Tribune
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"Two reports Saturday said the A's have agreed to terms with right-hander Michael Feliz out of the Dominican Republic, though the team has yet to confirm it. Feliz reportedly would get an $800,000 bonus, with the deal pending a physical and age investigation, not uncommon for players coming out of the Dominican. The Dominican Prospect League web site lists Feliz's age as 16. A scouting report on that site says the 6-foot-4 Feliz boasts a fastball in the 91-93 mph range."
A's claim Tolleson on waivers from Twins
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February 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Oakland Athletics on Monday claimed infielder Steven Tolleson off waivers from the Twins. The Twins tried to get Tolleson through waivers to clear space on their 40-man roster to add desiginated hitter Jim Thome, who could officially sign as soon as Tuesday. Tolleson, 26, hit .270 with six homers and 27 RBI in 92 games at Class AAA Rochester last year after hitting .258 in 38 games at Class AA New Britain."
A's sign Gabe Gross, make trade with Reds and claim infielder off waivers
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February 1
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's made a flurry of moves Monday as they acquired infielder Adam Rosales and outfielder Willy Taveras in a trade with Cincinnati, signed free-agent outfielder Gabe Gross and claimed infielder Steve Tolleson off waivers from Minnesota. Oakland dealt infielder Aaron Miles of Antioch and a player to be named later to the Reds for Rosales, who is likely going to be the A's utility infielder, and Taveras, who was immediately designated for assignment by Oakland. Left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland was also designated for assignment Monday. Rosales spent most of the season with Cincinnati, where he batted .213 with four home runs and 19 RBI in 87 games. He appeared in 57 games at third base, ..."
Reds trade Taveras, Rosales for infielder
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February 1
Dayton Daily News
 
"The Cincinnati Reds have traded outfielder Willy Taveras to the Oakland Athletics, according to several media outlets. Taveras and infielder Adam Rosales were sent to the A's for Aaron Miles, a 33-year-old infielder who hit .185 in 74 games for the Cubs in 2009. Taveras, 28, suffered through a disappointing, injury filled season with the Reds in 2009. He hit just .240 in 102 games with one home run and 15 runs batted in. Rosales played all four infield spots for the Reds, hitting .213 in 87 games. Miles is a career .282 hitter. ESPN is reporting that the Reds will also receive cash or a player to be named later."
Reds pick up Miles from A's
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February 1
Foxsports.com
 
"The Oakland A's have agreed to trade infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named later to the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder Willy Taveras and infielder Adam Rosales, a major league source confirmed to FOXSports.com. The A's acquired Miles (and Jake Fox) in a trade with the Cubs earlier this offseason. Monday's trade will reunite Miles with Reds general manager Walt Jocketty, his boss in St. Louis during the 2006 world championship season. Both Miles and Taveras were disappointments for their respective teams in 2009. Taveras batted .240 — with a dismal .275 on-base percentage — in 102 games for the Reds last year. Taveras eventually lost his starting job in center field; Drew Stubbs is ..."
A's appear to have deal with Gross
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February 1
MLB.com
 
"A team source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday that the A's have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent Gabe Gross. The club has not announced the deal, but the outfielder's contract, according to the source, is worth $750,000 with plate-appearance incentives that can bring it to $1 million. Gross hit .227 with six home runs and 36 RBIs in 282 at-bats while starting in 67 games in right field last year for Tampa Bay. He is a career .239 hitter with a .337 on-base percentage and .399 slugging percentage. The 30-year-old Gross, who will enter his sixth big league season with his fourth team, presumably represents the A's top option for a fourth outfielder and gives Oakland a left-handed ..."
A's negotiating with outfielder Gabe Gross
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January 31
Foxsports.com
 
"The A's are targeting a left-handed hitting outfielder, but it's not Johnny Damon. The team is in serious discussions with free agent Gabe Gross on a one- year contract, according to major-league sources. Gross, 30, spent last season and most of 2008 with the Rays. He is considered an above-average defender and decent threat against right- handed pitching, though his numbers last season were down across the board."
Texas Rangers' target Ben Sheets picks Oakland instead
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January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Ben Sheets has apparently signed with Oakland for $10 million on a one-year deal. A press conference is forthcoming. Rangers saw Sheets throw last week, but weren't prepared to offer that kind of guarantee. Sheets and the Texas Rangers had been in negotiations on a two-year contract last winter but a physical on the 2008 All-Star Game starter revealed the elbow problem."
Oakland A's sign free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets
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January 26
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's have agreed to terms with right-hander Ben Sheets on a one-year contract, with a press conference called for 1 p.m. today at the Oakland Coliseum to introduce the four-time All-Star. SI.com is reporting the deal is worth $10 million plus performance bonuses. That would be the largest one-year contract the A's have ever given a free agent they signed from outside their organization. That would also be a significant investment for a pitcher who missed all of last season because of elbow surgery, but the A's have been zeroed in on Sheets, 31, since he impressed scouts last week with a throwing session in Louisiana. Sheets reportedly hit the low-90's with his fastball and looked ..."
Sheets seeking $8 million deal
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January 25
SI.com
 
"The A's, Rangers and Mets are among teams considering free agent pitcher Ben Sheets, who raised his value with what was described by several scouts as an excellent showcase last week in Monroe, La. The A's tried this winter for Marco Scutaro, Adrian Beltre and Jamey Carroll, and they appear very much in the mix for Sheets. The AL West rival Rangers, who are getting a new ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan, also are looking at Sheets. The Mets came up a bit short in their efforts to sign Joel Pineiro, who went to the Angels for $16 million over two years and are looking at Sheets, Jon Garland, John Smoltz and Jarrod Washburn. Sheets has been seeking a guarantee of $8 ..."
A's to Fremont supporters to rally on Monday
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January 22
Contra Costa Times
 
"The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a rally in support of bringing the Oakland A's to Fremont. Mayor Bob Wasserman is scheduled to attend the event, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Monday at the Saddle Rack, 42011 Boscell Road. "We're doing it to demonstrate that there is support for the A's coming to Fremont," said the chamber's Nina Moore. With the A's looking to move to San Jose against the wishes of the San Francisco Giants, Major League Baseball is studying alternative stadium sites in the East Bay, including a new plan to build a stadium in south Fremont on land owned by the NUMMI auto plant."
A's agree to deals with Rajai Davis, Kevin Kouzmanoff
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January 19
Contra Costa Times
 
"The Oakland A's avoided arbitration with new third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and outfielder Rajai Davis, agreeing on one-year contracts with both on Tuesday. The A's have one arbitration eligible player remaining on the roster: right-handed pitcher Michael Wuertz. Davis reportedly will get a $1.35 million deal, according to SI.com. Davis began the 2009 season as the A's fourth outfielder but played himself into a starting role in center field and ended up hitting .305 in 125 games. He started 86 of the A's final 114 games beginning June 1 and hit .324 over that span, which was the fourth best mark in the American League."
Ex-St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire admits to taking steroids while breaking home run record
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January 11
New York Daily News
 
"Mark McGwire, the St. Louis Cardinals slugger whose home run legacy was tainted by performance-enhancing drug allegations, admitted using steroids in a statement sent to The Associated Press on Monday. McGwire acknowledged using steroids on and off for nearly a decade and apologized for his illicit drug use. "I wish I had never touched steroids," McGwire's statement to the AP said. "It was foolish and it was a mistake. I truly apologize. Looking back, I wish I had never played during the steroid era." At a late October press conference to announce that Tony La Russa would return to St. Louis for at least one more year, the Cardinals coach said that McGwire would return to the team as its ..."
Fremont deals again for the A's
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January 9
Contra Costa Times
 
"Fremont re-entered the bidding Friday to become the new home of the Oakland A's by 2015 with a proposed 36,000-seat ballpark on land owned by the NUMMI auto plant. Major League Baseball asked the city to submit stadium plans while it determines whether a suitable stadium site exists for the A's in the East Bay. The city would buy the land in south Fremont and make about $62 million in infrastructure improvements - including a pedestrian bridge to a new BART station - while the A's would privately finance construction of the ballpark, between interstates 880 and 680. The A's last year had considered two other Fremont sites before ending negotiations with the city and turning its attention ..."
A's re-sign Jack Cust to one-year, $2.65 million contract
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January 7
Contra Costa Times
 
"The Oakland A's have reportedly re-signed Jack Cust to a one-year, $2.65 million contract, SI.com reported Thursday. Cust, who was non-tendered by the A's on Dec. 12, batted .240 with 25 homers and 70 RBI in 149 games for the A's last season. He led Oakland in home runs, walks (93) and strikeouts (185). The 30-year-old has been the A's home run leader in each of the past three seasons. Cust has also led the American League in strikeouts the past three seaons."
Cust re-signs with A's
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January 7
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Susan Slusser
"I just heard from a source close to the negotiations that DH Jack Cust will return to the A's on a one-year deal worth just over $2.5 million, with incentives that can push the total to close to $3 million. So the A's will have at least some pop in their lineup next year; Cust has led the team in homers in each of the past three seasons and the next highest total on the current roster was Kurt Suzuki's 15. With even more outfielders around this year after Coco Crisp signed as a free agent, Cust almost assuredly will be a DH only; defense is not his strength. The A's might have another left-handed hitting DH option, however, if Eric Chavez cannot return to third base after his second back ..."
Oakland A's to re-sign pitcher Justin Duchscherer to one-year deal
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December 25
Contra Costa Times
 
"Right-hander Justin Duchscherer will return to the A's after coming to terms on a one-year contract, two sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed Thursday. Duchscherer will be paid a base salary just under $2 million, with performance incentives that could boost the deal to $5.5 million. The contract won't become official until he passes a physical, which could be delayed until next week because of the holiday weekend. Duchscherer, 32, missed the entire 2009 season after undergoing elbow surgery, then being treated for clinical depression. But he's been doing well mentally and physically, according to agent Damon Lapa. Duchscherer became a free agent for the first time this ..."
Duchscherer, A's close to deal
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December 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The A's and pitcher Justin Duchscherer have a one-year deal pending, according to multiple sources. From the details of the agreement, it appears that, barring other moves, the A's are likely to install Duchscherer as their No. 1 starter. The base salary is $2 million, but Duchscherer could earn as much as $5.5 million with incentives, should he reach benchmarks of 30 starts and 200 innings. The deal is done, pending a physical, but might not be announced until after Christmas. Duchscherer's agent, Damon Lapa, said at the start of the free-agent period that the two-time All-Star was clear with teams that he wanted to be a starter, and considering the incentives package, it seems the A's ..."
Cuckoo for Coco: Beane set to sign longtime target
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December 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"By this afternoon or Tuesday, free-agent outfielder Coco Crisp - a longtime target of general manager Billy Beane - officially will be a member of the A's, pending a physical. Oakland is expected to give Crisp a one-year deal worth about $4.5 million that includes a team option, according to sources. Crisp is among the premier defensive center fielders in the game, leading to speculation about Rajai Davis' future. The A's have been adamant that Davis earned a starting job for next year after a breakout season in 2009, and that remains the plan, although Davis might have to shift to a corner-outfield spot. "That's OK, as long as I'm out there," Davis said cheerfully after spending the day ..."
Coco Crisp reportedlty to sign with A's
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December 21
Kansas City Star
 
"A former Royal is about to sign with another American League team. Outfielder Coco Crisp has reportedly been plucked from the crop of available free agents. The Oakland Athletics were closing in on a deal Sunday with him on a one-year contract with a club option for the 2011 season. Crisp provided Kansas City with solid early returns before shoulder surgery ended his season, Crisp's first with the Royals, prematurely. A person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed an impending deal on condition of anonymity because a formal announcement had not been made by the club. That could come soon. Crisp, 30, can play all three outfield positions but is primarily a center fielder. While the ..."
A's close to signing outfielder Coco Crisp
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December 21
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's outfield is about to get more crowded, with free agent Coco Crisp close to signing a one-year contract with the team. A team source confirmed Sunday that the A's and Crisp are nearing a deal, reportedly in the $4.5 million to $5 million range. It's likely the agreement will include a club option for 2011. Nothing will be official until Crisp passes a physical. He hit .228 in just 49 games last season with the Kansas City Royals and had season-ending surgery in June to repair the rotator cuff and labrum in both shoulders. His agent, Steve Compte, told Bay Area News Group last week that Crisp should be healthy by the start of spring training. "If everything goes well, the physical ..."
Sources: A's, free agent Crisp near deal
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December 20
ESPN.com
 
"The Oakland Athletics and free agent outfielder Coco Crisp were on the verge of a contract agreement Sunday morning, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. The pending deal was for one year at $4.5 million-$5 million, the sources said. An eight-year veteran, Crisp has played with the Indians, Red Sox and Royals. The career .277 hitter underwent season-ending rotator-cuff surgery to both shoulders in 2009 after appearing in only 49 games."
Wallace traded to Toronto
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December 16
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Five months ago, Brett Wallace was seen as the A's future at third base. Now, Wallace is Toronto's property - dealt away as part of the Roy Halladay trade between the Blue Jays and Phillies - and Oakland's newest darling is former Stanford outfielder Michael Taylor, picked up from Philadelphia as part of the multi-team trade. The deal has been completed, a major-league source told The Chronicle, but Halladay's veteran status creates an automatic delay because he has the right to refuse any trade. Oakland obtained Wallace in the high-profile Matt Holliday deal with St. Louis in July, and though the team has no reservations about his bat, Wallace's defense was another matter. The A's ..."
A's set to trade Brett Wallace to Toronto for Michael Taylor in deal of top-rated prospects
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December 15
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's are poised to trade highly touted third base prospect Brett Wallace to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Michael Taylor, a source confirmed to the Bay Area News Group. But first, other pieces must fall into place regarding the blockbuster three-way trade that would send pitcher Toronto ace Roy Halladay to the Philadelphia Phillies and Phillies lefty Cliff Lee to the Seattle Mariners. Taylor, a top-rated prospect for Philadelphia, would first have to be shipped to Toronto as part of that deal before being flipped to Oakland for Wallace. Details involving Halladay, who needed to pass a physical Tuesday and reportedly is negotiating a contract extension with ..."
Cust released by Oakland
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December 13
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's parted ways with outfielder/DH Jack Cust on Saturday, opting not to tender a contract to their home run leader for each of the past three seasons. It wasn't an unexpected move. Saturday was the deadline for major league teams to offer contracts to all unsigned players on their 40-man roster, including arbitration-eligible players. Cust made $2.8 million last season and was due another raise through arbitration that was expected to boost him into the $4-5 million range. That was more than the A's were willing to spend on a player who led the American League in strikeouts for the past three years. Cust now becomes a free agent. Oakland tendered contracts Saturday to its other ..."
Slugger Cust non-tendered by A's
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December 13
MLB.com
 
"Jack Cust became a free agent Saturday, when the Oakland A's, as anticipated, did not offer him a 2010 contract. The three other arbitration-eligible A's players did receive offers for 2010 contracts: outfielders Rajai Davis and Scott Hairston, and right-handed reliever Michael Wuertz. These contract decisions came several hours prior to an 8:59 p.m. PT deadline for making them. Non-tendering Cust removes Oakland's leading home run hitter in each of the past three seasons. But along with the 84 long balls from 2007-09, Cust struck out 546 times, leading the American League in each of those seasons. Having made $2.8 million last year, when he drove in 70 runs with 25 homers, Cust would have ..."
Oakland lets Cust go, but door is still open
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December 13
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"By non-tendering Jack Cust on Saturday, the A's are taking a risk that their offense, already lacking much power, will lose its top home run hitter of the past three years. General manager Billy Beane said that Oakland will continue to talk to Cust about a possible deal, with the threat of arbitration no longer looming. "It's not out of the question," Beane said. Cust said by phone Saturday evening that the dialogue will stay open with the A's but he's also looking forward to exploring his options in free agency. "I told Billy, 'I'm going to be 31 years old, I've got to see what's out there,' " Cust said. "I have to do what's best for my family. I spent a lot of years riding the bus, not ..."
Bucs expected to announce Crosby signing
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December 10
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Pirates are expected to announce today that they have signed free-agent infielder Bobby Crosby to a one-year contract. "We've got some processes we've got to work through," general manager Neal Huntington said Wednesday night. » Huntington reiterated the team plans to tender contract offers to all three of its arbitration-eligible players: Matt Capps, Ronny Cedeno and Zach Duke. » Former first-round draft pick Neil Walker seems to be slipping off the radar as a prospect. "We haven't talked a lot about (where to play) Neil," manager John Russell said. "Neil's got a long way to go to make an impact at the major-league level. He's got to hit better at Triple-A, he's got to get stronger, ..."
Duchscherer interested but not likely for D-Backs
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December 9
Arizona Republic
 
"From the just-so-you-know department: former Oakland RHP Justin Duchscherer's agent said on Tuesday his client has the Diamondbacks high up on his list of teams he'd like to pitch for in 2010. However, we were told today that signing Duchscherer isn't likely for the Diamondbacks. This could be for one of two reasons: In a pre-blockbuster world, Duchscherer, who lives in Chandler, might have made sense. But with RHP Edwin Jackson and RHP Ian Kennedy filling the Nos. 3 and 4 spots in the rotation once The Big Deal gets announced, there's much less need for a starter. Another possibility is that the Diamondbacks took a look at his medicals -- something that Duchscherer's agent, Damon Lapa, ..."
Oakland A's expected to leave winter meetings without signing anyone
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December 9
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's aren't likely to sign any players by the time the winter meetings wrap up Thursday. That doesn't mean they won't consider the week a success. Oakland's brass has spent the past two days meeting with representatives for several free agents, according to general manager Billy Beane. While those talks aren't likely to culminate with a signing, Beane said the foundation is being laid for future dialogue in weeks to come. "What will happen here is (we'll) sort of lay out some parameters" for possible deals, Beane said Tuesday night. Although the A's greatest need is hitting, talks have also involved pitchers. Manager Bob Geren said Tuesday that he'd like to see his team add a free-agent ..."
Yankees' DH Matsui could end up in Oakland
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December 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Yes, it's a long shot. Yes, many, many things would need to fall in place first. But, no, it's not totally out of the question. Hideki Matsui is seeking a home, and the A's have been mentioned by industry insiders, plus several members of the Japanese media, as a possible suitor. Tuesday, A's manager Bob Geren spoke glowingly about the designated hitter, saying, "We're not opposed to bringing a veteran in that can help us in the short term until we create somebody from our organization to take that spot. He's certainly one of the better players in the league for sure. He's had some great years, great numbers in New York. He's helped them win a lot." Before any Matsui talk gets serious, ..."
Several teams interested in veteran Carroll
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent infielder Jamey Carroll remains in demand. A number of teams are interested in Carroll, including the Indians, A's, Dodgers and Angels, according to a major-league source. Carroll, who turns 36 on Feb. 18, is looking for a two-year deal — and could get one, considering the competition to sign him. Free-agent infielder John McDonald reached a two-year, $3 million deal with the Blue Jays, Alex Cora a one-year, $2 million deal with the Mets."
Oakland A's searching for bats at winter meetings; pitcher Justin Duchscherer turns down arbitration
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December 8
Oakland Tribune
 
"With breaking news in short supply as Major League Baseball's winter meetings opened Monday, a bit of concrete information did leak out from the A's corner of the world. Two-time All-Star pitcher Justin Duchscherer declined the A's offer of arbitration, which wasn't a shock. A free agent, Duchscherer can continue negotiating with the A's, with whom he's spent the past seven seasons, as well as other teams. Because he's a Type B free agent, the A's will receive a compensatory "sandwich" pick in next year's draft if Duchscherer signs with another cluwwb. The potentially bigger story line is whether the A's will make a splash in free agency before the winter meetings conclude Thursday at the ..."
Duchscherer opts to become free agent
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December 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Justin Duchscherer declined salary arbitration Monday, but that doesn't rule out the two-time All-Star opening next season in the A's rotation. General manager Billy Beane said the club still has interest, and Duchscherer's agent, Damon Lapa, confirmed there's "mutual interest." Monday was the deadline for free agents offered arbitration to accept or reject. If Duchscherer accepted, he definitely would have returned to Oakland. Now, he can negotiate with other teams. If he signs elsewhere, the A's would receive a compensatory draft pick. "Other clubs have a very high degree of interest. With the number of clubs interested in Justin, we didn't want to close the door on the Oakland A's or ..."
Sources: Yanks have discussed big trade
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December 8
Foxsports.com
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"This would be a blockbuster. The Yankees, Diamondbacks and Tigers have discussed a three-way trade that would send Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson to New York and right-hander Edwin Jackson to Arizona, major-league sources say. The talks are at an impasse, according to one source. The proposed deal is being pushed by the D-Backs, but was rejected by at least one of the two other teams, the source says."
A's face decision on power-hitting Cust
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December 6
Contra Costa Times
 
"Oakland's deal for jack-of-all-trades hitter Jake Fox in advance of the winter meetings probably wasn't good news for another Jack — slugging designated hitter Jack Cust. If the A's do nothing else in Indianapolis this week, they will be making a decision on Cust, their leading home run hitter the past three seasons. Most signs point to their not tendering an arbitration offer to Cust before Saturday's deadline, meaning the A's wouldn't get draft compensation if he signed elsewhere. Cust, who'll turn 31 on Jan. 16, made $2.8 million in his first arbitration year last season and figures to command between $4-5 million in 2010, even though his production numbers slipped slightly in 2009 (27 ..."
Giants, A's have new approaches this offseason
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December 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"With the four-day winter meetings beginning Monday in Indianapolis, the Giants and A's approach with far different philosophies than a year ago. At this point in 2008, the Giants already had signed Edgar Renteria, Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry and were on the verge of finalizing a deal with Randy Johnson. The A's already had traded for Matt Holliday and begun negotiating with Jason Giambi, a sign they weren't fully dedicated to their youth movement, later adding Orlando Cabrera and Nomar Garciaparra. A year later, both teams have done a 180. The Giants want to be more patient, the A's more youthful. "What we really want to do is give our young players a chance to develop," A's general ..."
Cust could be odd-man out in A's DH search
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December 6
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Oakland's deal for jack-of-all-trades hitter Jake Fox in advance of the winter meetings probably wasn't good news for another Jack — slugging designated hitter Jack Cust. If the A's do nothing else in Indianapolis this week, they will be making a decision on Cust, their leading home run hitter the past three seasons. Most signs point to their not tendering an arbitration offer to Cust before Saturday's deadline, meaning the A's wouldn't get draft compensation if he signed elsewhere. Cust, who'll turn 31 on Jan. 16, made $2.8 million in his first arbitration year last season and figures to command between $4-5 million in 2010, even though his production numbers slipped slightly in 2009 (27 ..."
Cubs will shop Jake Fox and Aaron Miles
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December 3
ESPN.com
 
"As baseball's winter meetings approach for the White Sox and Cubs, trades rather than free-agent signings appear to be the direction the teams are going toward. The White Sox already have solidified their bench by re-signing outfielder/first baseman Mark Kotsay and then inking veterans Omar Vizquel and Andruw Jones in order to backup the infield and outfield. The Cubs are listening to offers on some of their peripheral position players and bullpen pitchers while they work on dealing Milton Bradley. The Cubs have heard from numerous team about Jake Fox. American League clubs such as Kansas City and Oakland believe Fox can be a valuable asset as a part-time designated hitter and position ..."
Devine, A's agree to one-year deal
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December 3
MLB.com
 
"The A's agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Joey Devine on a one-year contract, the club announced Wednesday. Devine was projected as the team's closer in 2009, but he had surgery on his right elbow in April that caused him to miss the entire season after posting impressive numbers as a rookie in '08. The right-hander went 6-1 with a 0.59 ERA and one save in 42 relief appearances that season. He also struck out 49 batters in 45 2/3 innings."
A's-Royals talks for Callaspo don't take hold
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December 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The A's inquired about Royals second baseman Alberto Callaspo at the recent general managers' meetings, but the talks failed to progress, according to a major-league source. Callaspo would have played third base for the A's, with Mark Ellis remaining at second. But the teams could not agree on the player the Royals would have received in return, the source said. The Royals are willing to trade Callaspo due to their recent acquisition of second baseman Chris Getz from the White Sox. Callaspo, 26, batted .300 last season with 11 homers, 73 RBIs and an .813 OPS."
Oakland A's offer arbitration to Duchscherer
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December 2
Contra Costa Times
 
"The Oakland A's have offered arbitration to right-handed pitcher Justin Duchscherer, the club announced on Tuesday. Duchscherer is a Type B free agent and by offering him arbitration, the A's will receive a compensation pick following the first round of the 2010 draft should he sign with another team. Duchscherer missed the entire 2009 season after undergoing surgery on his right elbow during the spring and later being diagnosed with depression."
A's-Royals talks for Callaspo don't take hold
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December 2
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"The A's inquired about Royals second baseman Alberto Callaspo at the recent general managers' meetings, but the talks failed to progress, according to a major-league source. Callaspo would have played third base for the A's, with Mark Ellis remaining at second. But the teams could not agree on the player the Royals would have received in return, the source said."
A's sign third baseman Dallas McPherson to minor league deal
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November 23
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with free-agent third baseman Dallas McPherson, assistant general manager David Forst confirmed. McPherson, 29, will receive an invitation to spring training. With third baseman Eric Chavez a question mark entering the season as he recovers from back surgery, McPherson should have a legitimate chance to make the A's roster and perhaps start. Adam Kennedy, who played well at third in place of Chavez last season, is a free agent. Bobby Crosby, another free agent who played third, is not expected back."
A's sign third baseman Dallas McPherson to minor league deal
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November 23
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with free-agent third baseman Dallas McPherson, assistant general manager David Forst confirmed. McPherson, 29, will receive an invitation to spring training. With third baseman Eric Chavez a question mark entering the season as he recovers from back surgery, McPherson should have a legitimate chance to make the A's roster and perhaps start. Adam Kennedy, who played well at third in place of Chavez last season, is a free agent. Bobby Crosby, another free agent who played third, is not expected back."
A's invite McPherson to spring training
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November 22
ESPN.com
 
"Free agent third baseman Dallas McPherson has agreed to terms with the Oakland A's on a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training camp, his agent said. McPherson is expected to compete for a starting job with the A's, who used Adam Kennedy, Bobby Crosby and Jack Hannahan as their principal third basemen in 2009. Oakland's third base contingent hit a combined 10 home runs and ranked 25th in the majors with a .672 OPS. The A's traded Hannahan to Seattle in July, and Kennedy and Crosby are free agents this winter. McPherson, 29, once ranked among the game's elite prospects. In 2005, Baseball America rated him No. 2 on the Angels' prospect list behind first ..."
Beane looking to go young in offseason
Comment
November 19
MLB.com
 
"The 15-day window in which teams hold exclusive negotiating rights with their own free agents closes at 9 p.m. PT on Thursday, at which point the A's will be free to start their holiday shopping. But based on general manager Billy Beane's comments on Tuesday after a press conference honoring Andrew Bailey for being named the American League Rookie of the Year, fans ought not to expect Oakland to whip out its proverbial wallet any time soon. Yes, Beane is interested in bringing back a couple of his own free agents -- right-hander Justin Duchscherer and infielder Adam Kennedy. Both figure to get plenty of interest on the open market, though, and Beane suggested that he's content to let the ..."