Athletics Trade Rumors

Beane looking to go young in offseason
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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 ..."
A's unlikely to swim in free agent pool
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November 18
MLB.com
 
"In his most definitive comments to date about his offseason plans, A's GM Billy Beane on Tuesday -- two days before the free-agency frenzy kicks off in earnest -- suggested that whatever money is available to upgrade the team's talent might stay in the coffers unless it's used to pay the salaries of young players brought in via trade. Beane, now more than ever, is committed to going young. If he doesn't think a current need -- third base, first base, shortstop and left field are unsettled -- can be filled by a prospect from within the organization, he'll be looking for swap partners. Ideally, top prospects such as third baseman Brett Wallace and first baseman/outfielder Chris Carter will ..."
Base question: Who's on 3rd?
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November 11
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Billy Beane of the A's spent the general managers' meetings in Chicago this week combing for third-base possibilities because the team does not have an automatic option there next season. Infielder Adam Kennedy might not return, though he is interested in doing so; six-time Gold Glove winner Eric Chavez is trying to come back from his second back surgery; and top prospect Brett Wallace is likely to need more seasoning. It's also unclear if third will be his position in the majors. So while Oakland is looking in general terms for good young players on the left side of the infield and at the corner outfield spots, the emphasis is third. "Certainly it is," Beane said, "with Adam being a free ..."
Could Oakland A's go after Chone Figgins or Vladimir Guerrero?
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November 8
Contra Costa Times
 
"Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero, a pair of free agents from the Los Angeles Angels, could be offseason targets of the Oakland A's. At least that's part of the speculation of Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. Where would Figgins fit in with the A's? Would adding the injury-prone Guerrero be just another in a line of the A's failed signings of declining All-Stars?"
Kennedy says he's interested in rejoining A's
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October 30
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Adam Kennedy was one of the final additions to the A's in 2009, but he might be one of the first to join the roster this offseason. The veteran second baseman, who spent most of the year at third for Oakland after coming from Tampa Bay in a minor-league deal in May, would like to return, and his agent, Paul Cohen, told The Chronicle that talks have been "very positive." Players may file for free agency one day after the World Series ends, but if Kennedy does so, that won't indicate a shift in thinking about Oakland. A's assistant general manager David Forst said the team expects that Kennedy will file for free agency, and, he said, "The ball is in their court. We let them know we're ..."
Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes
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October 27
SI.com
 
"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."
Cust wants to return in 2010
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September 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Jack Cust said he'd like to be back next year, but he looks around and sees the many young outfielders and hears of the up-and-coming designated-hitter types and he knows that the team might be looking in another direction. "Maybe, I don't know," he said. "It's looking more like it. ... I hope I'm back, bit it's not my decision and I know they have some things to think about, if they want to spend that money on me or someone else. There are a lot of guys I'm sure they want to look at. They've showed they want to go young." Cust, 30, is arbitration eligible again, and he's making $2.8 million this season. Landon Powell could be a DH candidate; so could Eric Chavez if he is not able to play ..."
Owner says A's could be on their way to San Jose
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September 4
Toronto Star
 
"Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff said he'd like to move the team to San Jose, Calif., which would get $130 million (all figures U.S.) a year in economic benefits from a new stadium, according to a study released yesterday. The A's, who dropped plans to move to Fremont, Calif., this year, have the second-lowest home attendance in the major leagues this season – an average of 18,022 fans a game, ahead of only the Florida Marlins – and have been seeking a new stadium to help generate more revenue from suites, luxury seating, parking and concessions. The A's have played in Oakland's Coliseum – now the McAfee Coliseum – since 1968, and have signed a lease through 2010. Wolff said San Jose is ..."
Tejada denies he tipped pitches
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August 30
MLB.com
 
"All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada said on Sunday that he never tipped pitches to his Dominican contemporaries on opposing teams, not as a member of the A's, Orioles or Astros, his current employer. "I've never tipped pitches," Tejada told MLB.com before he was given a rare off-day from the starting lineup on Sunday as the Astros closed their three-game series at Chase Field. "I love this game and that's not the way I play it. I'm a proud player. I would never do such a thing. It's tough to get a hit. And for me to tip pitches to anybody, that's crazy. I play for my team." Tejada's comments came in response to an article published in the New York Times on Sunday stating that some teammates ..."
Nomar in Philly?
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August 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Phillies are looking for a right-handed bat off the bench, and the team's top scout was at the A's series in Kansas City. Did we mention that Philadelphia courted Nomar Garciaparra in the offseason? Could a waiver deal or a waiver claim be in the works? A's general manager Billy Beane would allow Garciaparra the courtesy of OKing a deal. Garciaparra, asked about Philly, said, "Sure, why not?""
White Sox and Cubs look for help before deadline
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July 31
ESPN.com
 
"The Chicago Cubs are looking to add a top-flight defensive outfielder as the trading deadline approaches at 3 p.m. CT on Friday. Players who the Cubs have looked at include Oakland's Rajah Davis. The Cubs are not interested in whether the player is an outstanding offensive player. Their main concern is getting someone who can play top-notch defense in center late in games. If the Cubs are not able to pull off a deal, left-handed hitting Sam Fuld will split playing time in center with Kosuke Fukudome. The Cubs have talked to Kansas City on numerous occasions about the availability of infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen. Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore has not shown an interest in ..."
Twins acquire Cabrera from A's
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July 31
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins and A’s have agreed to a deal sending shortstop Orlando Cabrera and cash from Oakland in return for infield prospect Tyler Ladendorf. Landendorf, 21, was a top prospect who hit more than .400 at Rookie League Elizabethton (Tenn.) before being promoted to Class A Beloit, where he’s batting .233 in 15 games. Ladendorf was a second round pick in 2008 after a prolific junior college run. Cabrera is expected to be ready for Saturday's game at the Metrodome against the Angels. Cabrera is a two-time Gold Glove award winner and played for the Red Sox when they won the 2004 World Series. The 34-year-old is hitting .280 with four home runs this season, including a .373 average in July. He ..."
Twins making progress in pursuit of A's Cabrera
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July 31
Foxsports.com
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"The Twins finally are making progress in their attempt to acquire A's shortstop Orlando Cabrera, according to a major-league source. The teams continued their discussions on Thursday and plan to continue talking Friday. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has talked openly about his affection for Cabrera, and first baseman Justin Morneau and other players have implored general manager Bill Smith to make a move."
Team tries for Deal with Cabrera
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July 31
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"History indicates that the Twins will spend today talking about how hard they tried to inject some talent into their major league roster to help their playoff chances. They will speak of how they couldn't bear to part with top prospects and how they still have a playoff-caliber team. Some Twins players will bite their respective tongues when asked if they are flustered by the front office's inability to pull off a deal before the 3 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline. A couple might shoot from the lip. We'll pinch ourselves to make sure it's not 2002. Or 2004. Or '05, '06, '07 or '08. Twins General Manager Bill Smith has tried to make something happen. He sounded like a man with a lot on his ..."
Cabrera ignores any trade talk
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July 30
Contra Costa Times
 
"With a first-inning single Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox, Orlando Cabrera became the first A's player to enjoy a 40-hit month since Mark Kotsay in September 2004. Clearly, hearing his name mentioned as a trade candidate hasn't distracted Cabrera. He's drawn interest from the Minnesota Twins as Friday's 1 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline approaches. But Cabrera said he's done his best to stay focused. That's easy since his wife, Katie, is all over the trade gossip. "My wife's into that stuff, because she's the one who would have to pack our bags," Cabrera said before the A's 8-6 win over the Red Sox. "... When (Matt) Holliday got traded, I knew because she told me." A's relievers ..."
Without Qualls and Wuertz, relief market would be worst ever
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July 29
SI.com
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"The Jays didn't make their deadline. But they are telling some teams that they want to focus on the Halladay situation before considering trades for their coveted relievers, including Scott Downs and Jason Frasor. In a weak relief market, their relievers are becoming very popular. The Orioles' portly closer George Sherrill is another viable reliever, but one executive said that will be an "overpay." The Dodgers and Angels are among teams looking at Sherrill, with the Dodgers pressing hard. The Diamondbacks appear to be leaning toward keeping Chad Qualls, while the A's are saying the same about Michael Wuertz. Normally, that wouldn't be a big deal. But in this barren market, it seems like ..."
Twins looking for infield, bullpen help
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July 28
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins have needs around the infield and in the bullpen. And they'd love to address them with a single move. One major league source said the Twins are targeting teams that have made players available in both areas. For example, they'd love to acquire second baseman Freddy Sanchez and left-hander John Grabow from the Pirates, or shortstop Orlando Cabrera and right-hander Michael Wuertz from the A's. The Twins love Sanchez's defensive versatility; his ability to play third base is especially valuable, with Joe Crede ailing. But Sanchez missed Monday's game in San Francisco and told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that his left knee is "sore and tender." Sanchez is 0-for-17 with eight ..."
A's asking a lot for Wuertz; Duchscherer a target?
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July 27
Foxsports.com
 
"A's righty Justin Duchscherer, who has yet to pitch in the majors this season while coming off elbow surgery, recorded six outs on 18 pitches Sunday in a Class A rehabilitation assignment that was well-attended by scouts. Duchscherer, 31, threw 22 more pitches in the bullpen, bringing his total to 40. He is scheduled to throw 60 in his next rehab appearance on Friday, which will take place after the 4 p.m. non-waiver deadline. While Duchscherer is frequently injured, he will be highly motivated to pitch in the final two months as he prepares to enter the free-agent market. He has been an All-Star as both a starter and reliever, and has a 3.14 career ERA. Any team that acquires Duchscherer ..."
Twins still looking to add pieces
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July 26
Yahoo! Sports
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"The Twins endured an embarrassing week in Oakland and Anaheim, where their pitching staff was knocked around and then they made uncharacteristic mistakes in the field and on the basepaths. Despite that, and in an otherwise mediocre season, they're in the AL Central race by default and are looking to add help in the eighth inning, the middle infield and the starting rotation. Don't be surprised if they're in on Oakland's Orlando Cabrera and Toronto's Marco Scutaro when they come free, and Jon Garland when the Diamondbacks get serious about moving him."
The Relief Market
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July 26
Yahoo! Sports
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"The Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins are among the clubs who need a lot of help in their bullpens. The asking price has been so high that Bell might as well be unavailable, but just how many wins is Bell going to be asked to protect over the next couple seasons? It's a question general manager Kevin Towers will weigh against whatever arises over the next six days. As one baseball personnel man said Saturday, "There are about eight good arms available out there and 20 teams looking." As the deadline nears, they'll be climbing over one other for the likes of the Baltimore Orioles' George Sherrill, Oakland Athletics' Michael Wuertz, Toronto Blue ..."
Humble Rickey finally emerges as A's star enters Hall
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July 25
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Carl Steward
"THERE IS something about being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame that humbles a man. Even a man without much previous public penchant for humility named Rickey Henley Henderson. Since January, when the self-proclaimed "greatest of all-time" base-stealer received the call that he had earned more than enough votes to join the game's greatest players ever in Cooperstown, a new, unfamiliar Rickey has emerged. The respectful Rickey. The contrite Rickey. The reverent Rickey. The mature and thankful Rickey. And yes, the Rickey many people never believed they would ever see - the genuinely humble Rickey. As Henderson's induction has drawn closer, he has become only more so on all counts. ..."
Holliday deal is done
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July 24
ESPN.com
 
"The Athletics and Cardinals have completed a trade that sends outfielder Matt Holliday to St. Louis in exchange for third baseman Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortensen, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. In addition, sources said the Athletics will throw in $1.5 million to the Cardinals. Holliday, 29, is eligible for free agency after this season, and has had a lackluster season overall with the Athletics, hitting .287 with 11 homers and 54 RBIs. But he has hit well this month, batting .344 with a .421 on-base percentage, and one scout who has seen him play said Tuesday that Holliday is swinging the bat as well now as he has all ..."
Cards get Holliday for Wallace, two other prospects
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July 24
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals have completed a trade for Oakland outfielder Matt Holliday, the Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold has confirmed. Holliday was told by his agent Scott Boras this morning that a deal was done, and Holliday is telling his former teammates in Colorado that he's a Cardinal, sources told Goold. A Cardinal source said the team does not have a commitment from Holliday or his agent for a contract extension in place, but the team is hopeful it can convince Holliday to sign. To get Holliday, the Cardinals are sending Oakland third baseman Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and pitcher Clayton Mortenson. The A’s will also contribute $1.5 million to the Cardinals, according to ESPN’s ..."
Cabrera, Wuertz draw interest
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July 24
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The July 31 deadline for trades without waivers is a week away, and a couple of the Twins' trade targets are becoming known. Indications are that the Twins are interested in Oakland shortstop Orlando Cabrera and reliever Michael Wuertz. Cabrera, 34, entered Thursday batting .276 with four homers and 39 RBI. He is batting .387 in July. Cabrera is viewed as a player who can bring energy to a club, and has played in 31 postseason games. He signed a one year, $4 million deal with Oakland before the season, and the Twins appear willing to add some salary. Wuertz, 30, is 5-1 with a 2.72 ERA with three saves in 44 games with the A's. The Austin, Minn., native is making $1.1 million this year. ..."
Sources: A's, Cards talking Holliday
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July 23
ESPN.com
 
"The St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics have been talking about a possible swap of All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday and top prospect Brett Wallace, according to sources, and one person familiar with the talks places the odds of a deal at 50-50. Holliday, 29, is eligible for free agency after this season, and has had a lackluster season overall, hitting .287 with 11 homers and 54 RBI. But he has hit well this month, batting .344 with a .421 on-base percentage, and one scout who has seen him play said Tuesday that Holliday is swinging the bat as well now as he has all year. The Cardinals have been searching for a way to upgrade their offense, to build in some lineup protection for ..."
Holliday to Cards, redux
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July 23
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"For the second time, rumors are swirling about the Cardinals' interest in the A's Matt Holliday. One NL source said Wednesday that St. Louis might be edging closer to Oakland's asking price, minor-league third baseman Brett Wallace, because the Cardinals need a left fielder and their other option essentially would be Washington's Josh Willingham."
Maybe Tigers could use a Holliday
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July 23
MLB.com
 
"Considering the Tigers' offensive woes, including another 2-1 loss Wednesday to the M's, perhaps it isn't a Halladay Detroit needs, but a Holliday. The San Jose Mercury News reported Wednesday that several teams had scouts this week in Oakland, where Matt Holliday put on a hitting display over three games against the Twins. The Mercury News names the Tigers and Giants among teams "known to have at least a degree of interest" in Holliday. The Tigers have had internal discussions about Holliday, but their level of interest likely depends on how much the A's demand in return. The Tigers arguably don't have the depth in their farm system to offer Oakland enough talent to top the two First-Year ..."
A's, Tigers can't agree on Holliday deal
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July 23
Foxsports.com
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"There is no match between the A's and Tigers for Oakland left fielder Matt Holliday, a major league source told FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal. The A's gave the Tigers a list of prospects that they would want to discuss for Holliday, but the talks failed to progress. The Tigers' farm system is thin on impact position players, and they would need to make their best young prospects available to tempt the A's. So far, Detroit hasn't been willing to discuss hard-throwing left-hander Casey Crosby, perhaps the organization's best prospect now that Rick Porcello is in the big league rotation. The Giants, too, are not expected to be a serious player for Holliday, who since May ..."
Indians considering trading ace Lee to Rays
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July 23
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rays and Indians have discussed a trade that would send Cleveland ace Cliff Lee to Tampa Bay, major league sources said, but the sides didn't appear close to a deal as of late Wednesday evening. Indians general manager Mark Shapiro is asking for multiple high-end prospects in return for the left-hander. He is believed to prefer right-hander Wade Davis as the primary chip in the deal. So far, the Rays have balked at including him. Tampa Bay has been active in trade talks on many fronts, sources said, and Lee is just one of many options the team has considered. Because of the Rays' relatively modest revenues, it wouldn't necessarily be easy for them to absorb Lee's remaining salary — ..."
Braves should take a trade holiday, not trade for Holliday
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July 15
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 columnist Mark Bradley
"Frank Wren is a man in a hurry. That's his nature. He walks fast. He's forever fiddling with his BlackBerry. His predecessor gave the impression of having all the time in the world, but this general manager is always in motion. (Perhaps that's due to their backgrounds: John Schuerholz started as a school teacher, while Wren was a minor-league center fielder.) Wren's default mode is to try something. No GM was more aggressive over the winter, and now we arrive at the fortnight when GMs feel duty-bound not just to try something but to do anything. And surely the temptation of Wren will be massive as July winds down. His team is six games out of first place in a division where nothing is ..."
A's are a franchise coasting nowhere
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July 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Meanwhile, back in Oakland, where torpid despair is Job One, the A's are on the job Thursday night against the Angels, trying to repair the damage of a first half that has chased away all but the hardiest of souls.

And though we all have floated the notion that management is so focused on San Jose as its ticket to ride that it doesn't pay much attention to the here and now, let alone the people who are here now, this pewter gray mood needs to change for the organization's own good. The other agendae don't really matter any more. Not the stadium, not the revenue sharing, not the wins-per-dollar-spent figure (the Giants and A's are nearly identical, by the way), none of it. This is about ..."

Holliday to Braves for Escobar?
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July 14
MLB.com
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"Remember that potential trade with the Braves -- Holliday and Cabrera for Escobar and prospects -- I mentioned a while back? I keep hearing it, but out here I'm also hearing the Braves would need the A's to take on a big part of the money owed Holliday over the next few months."
Halladay would come at high price
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July 12
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Roy Halladay can be a difference-maker for any contender, and he's not a two-month rental. He's signed through 2010. Add the fact that he's the most complete starter in the American League, and we're talking a hefty price tag. With the All-Star break upon us and teams analyzing whether they're buyers, sellers or procrastinators, pitching remains the desired target - at least outside of the Bay Area - and Halladay is the biggest prize. But there are options. Erik Bedard, who's off the DL, or Gil Meche would come cheaper. Also, Javier Vazquez or Doug Davis. In the Dominican Republic, Pedro Martinez still awaits work. Apparently, Matt Mulder thinks he's close. Jonathan Sanchez's value might ..."
A's should trade Holliday -- now!
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July 9
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Cam Inman
"Matt Holliday needs to go. The A's have three weeks to trade him, and they had better do so. Trading isn't the right verb. Freeing him is more appropriate, for he is their hostage. A well-paid one, yes, at the tune of $13.5 million this season. But we all know the A's aren't getting what they're paying for with Holliday, and he's not benefiting from any help in the lineup. Plus, nobody expects him to cash in as a free agent next spring in Oakland (or whatever locale A's ownership is sticking on its return-address label). From the A's point of view - as is the reasonable position of any corporation - Holliday is an asset. His worth on the trade market might not equal what he might fetch ..."
Struggling Holliday, and trade deadline
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July 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The trade deadline is 23 days away, and the A's are on the clock. It wouldn't be surprising if they unloaded players from their big-league roster, including Matt Holliday, before the July 31 deadline, but their only move so far this month was to add a player: Scott Hairston. After three straight All-Star appearances in the National League, Holliday was left off this year's American League roster. One game past the halfway point of the season, he's hitting .275 with eight homers and 43 RBIs. His average and homers are way down from his final three years with the Rockies, but his RBI count (one game past the season's midway point) is about half of last year's total (88), which was ..."
Buster helps the Braves make a deal
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July 6
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 columnist Mark Bradley
"Here are six, as listed by Buster Olney of ESPN.com, who assumes the Braves are looking to trade Yunel Escobar and Javier Vazquez. (And didn't someone we know suggest the Vazquez thing two months ago? Why, yes he did.) Since this is an ESPN Insiders thing and the link requires registration, I'll again quote extensively: Boston: "In order to make a deal for Escobar, the Red Sox would probably have to engage a third team, and here's the thing - they are perfectly suited to do this, because they have the commodity that everybody else want: pitching. In theory [and what immediately follows is pure speculation], they could engage the Brewers about Corey Hart, or the Indians about someone like ..."
A's add some pop in Hairston from Padres
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July 6
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's swung a trade Sunday night for San Diego Padres outfielder Scott Hairston in exchange for minor league pitchers Ryan Webb and Craig Italiano and a player to be named. Hairston, 29, was playing mainly center field and occasionally left field for the Padres. He's expected to join the A's in time for tonight's series opener in Boston. He's likely to enter the lineup immediately in center field, assistant general manager David Forst said. Hairston, who throws and bats right-handed, was hitting .299 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI in 56 games for San Diego. He hit a career-high 17 homers last season. "Hairston's a guy we've liked for quite some time," Forst said. "He's a right-handed ..."
Can Reds be bold?
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June 29
Cincinnati Enquirer
 columnist Paul Daugherty
"The Reds chances of trading for Matt Holliday are slim and none, and slim just left for the church festival. That's assuming Cincinnati would be interested in paying the price for the big-hitting outfielder (dubious) and that the New York Mets would not be. That's borderline insanity. Holliday would cost the Reds precious prospects and some $7 million in salary for the rest of the year. The chances of him remaining a Red next year wouldn't be good. There aren't a lot of reasons even to contemplate it. Except this one: It's a bold move. Without boldness, the Reds will never catch the Cubs, Cards and Brewers. Maybe it's not realistic for the Reds to consider Holliday. It's not Holliday, per ..."
10 most likely to be traded - Infielders
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June 25
NBC Sports
 
"Mark DeRosa (Indians) - With Grady Sizemore back, the Indians aren't likely to sell just yet. Still, at least as big of a problem as being 10 games behind is that they have four teams ahead of them in the AL Central. DeRosa has been talked about as trade bait for close to two months now, and the Indians have soured on him as a third baseman after originally acquiring him to play the position. Given that he's on pace for about 30 homers and 110 RBI, it shouldn't be a problem getting more for him in trade than they would by letting him walk for draft picks at season's end. Garrett Atkins (Rockies) - It certainly doesn't bode well for Atkins' future in Colorado that he's been given a total of ..."
Giants G.M. Sabean talks about potential trades: 'We know what we need'
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June 23
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The cavalry might come galloping to assist the Giants' offense, but don't expect to hear reveille any time soon. Before watching his lineup struggle in road grays yet again Monday night in a 5-1 loss to the A's, Giants General Manager Brian Sabean said he didn't expect any deals for bats to develop until the days leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. "Not enough teams are completely out of it, which is why I think the market is going to be late-developing," Sabean said. "You can't definitively know who they have available. And those who are have so many suitors. Whoever makes a trade early is going to really have to pay the price. "The one good thing is we know what we ..."
Could Matt Holliday end up with the Angels?
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June 21
Los Angeles Times
 
"Orange County: Nice for Holliday? Matt Holliday grew up in Oklahoma and has a home in Colorado. So where did he rent a home last winter? Laguna Beach. Loved it. So did his wife. So maybe, just maybe, the Hollidays could move to Orange County for good next year. If Jason Bay stays with the Boston Red Sox, Holliday would be the best outfielder available in free agency, the one acquisition that would allow the Angels to bid farewell to Vladimir Guerrero without too much of a fuss. "I obviously enjoy Southern California," Holliday said. "They're a winning franchise. It's a great place to live. "Every guy would be interested in playing for an organization like that." Beyond that, who knows? ..."
The A's Holliday options
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June 16
ESPN.com
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"A year ago Tuesday, the Yankees assumed they would offer arbitration to Bobby Abreu, who was on his way toward a season of 20 homers, 100 RBIs, a .296 batting average and a .371 on-base percentage. They assumed that Abreu would sign elsewhere, and then the Yankees would get two picks in compensation. But early in the offseason, Yankees executives -- alarmed by the signs of financial cutbacks throughout the league -- suddenly changed course and declined to offer Abreu arbitration, out of fear that the right fielder would wind up accepting it and getting an award for something in the range of $17-18 million. In the end, Abreu wound up signing a one-year deal for about $5 million. So you can ..."
Orlando Cabrera rumor comes up short
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June 8
Boston Herald
 
"Despite rumors to the contrary, the Red Sox, industry sources indicate, are committed to staying with Nick Green and Julio Lugo at shortstop - at least until Jed Lowrie returns from wrist surgery next month. An ESPN.com report yesterday suggested that the Sox were "accelerating their search" for a shortstop and had held trade talks with the Oakland A's on a deal that would bring Orlando Cabrera back for a second stint. But while the Red Sox have made inquiries on Cabrera, the cost - both in terms of his remaining salary and prospects they would have to deal - was deemed too costly. One major league team, using defensive metrics, recently classified Cabrera as the worst defensive shortstop ..."
A's leading off
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June 3
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"To make roster room for Vin Mazzaro, Kevin Cameron was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. Manager Bob Geren said Edgar Gonzalez (left) remained on the staff instead of Cameron because, "I like to have his innings out there. He could go up to 100 pitches. With five young guys (in the rotation), you like to have protection in long relief." Dan Giese was moved to the 60-day DL to clear space on the 40-man roster for Mazzaro. Images View Larger Image John Shea A's leading off 06.03.09 Hannahan, Crosby struggling at third 06.03.09 Mazzaro sterling in big-league debut 06.03.09 Chasing 300 wins 06.02.09 More John Shea » This article appeared on page D - 5 of the San Francisco Chronicle ..."
Despite woes, A's not about to sell low
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June 2
Foxsports.com
 
"Let's see, which player should Billy Beane trade first? A) Shortstop Orlando Cabrera, who has the lowest OPS in the American League? B) Left fielder Matt Holliday, who before Monday night had a lower slugging percentage than Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus? C) First baseman Jason Giambi, who is getting outslugged by Royals center fielder Coco Crisp? D) None of the above. The answer, at least for the moment, is "D." The A's 19-30 record is the worst in the American League. But Beane, the team's general manager, is not about to sell low. If a team such as the Braves calls on Holliday, then Beane will listen. But at this point, Beane probably would be better off keeping Holliday through the ..."
Strained oblique lands Buck on DL
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May 31
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"One day, 3-for-4. The next, the disabled list. So it went for Travis Buck, the latest casualty on the A's ridiculously long list of wounded players. The strained left oblique that Buck first felt Wednesday and played through in Friday's doubleheader opener was too much for the A's to handle Saturday, and they used the disabled list a 10th time to shelve the outfielder. "I came to the ballpark fully expecting to play, and I was kind of shocked they put me on the DL," Buck said. "I felt it was something I could play through. It's not excruciating pain, but achy, bothersome pain. I'm really disappointed because I had one of the better games swinging the bat" Friday. Buck said he realized ..."
How long will Holliday remain with A's?
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May 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"With the middle months of the season looming, Matt Holliday's status will become a primary topic around A's land. It might be too soon to say if Oakland will move its biggest offseason acquisition, especially with no one dominating the AL West. After a 6-1 loss to Seattle on Wednesday, the A's are eight games behind first-place Texas, and they visit the Rangers for four games starting Friday, a series that could signal which way Oakland might go. The team's last-place status, the youth of the pitching staff and the large number of injuries make a Holliday deal more likely than not. Plus, Oakland has some holes to fill for the future, especially at third and at shortstop, and Holliday is ..."
High-level source says Cain not being dangled
Comment
May 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Some years back, there was a Giants beat reporter who was king of the "knockdown note." Whenever you wrote a little trade rumor or some other tidbit, he would come back the next day and say it wasn't true. I used to joke that he programmed his computer so he could hit one key that typed, "Contrary to yesterday's Chronicle...." Just to save himself some keystrokes. Here I am, though, with a knockdown note of my own, which I hate to do because I have the utmost respect for the reporting ability of my talented friend and San Jose Mercury competitor Andrew Baggarly. I don't know if I'm right. I don't know if he's right. But the fact is, he wrote a rather jarring paragraph that said the Giants ..."
Duchscherer: a month or so away?
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April 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Duchscherer said the conditioning program he began last week is going well and that he'll start playing light catch tomorrow, which is four weeks exactly since his right elbow was cleaned up in an arthroscopic procedure. Based on his past rehabs and his experience with bullpen coach Ron Romanick's throwing program, Duchscherer believes he'll be able to throw off a mound in a game in about a month. It will probably be 10 days to two weeks minimum before he begins throwing off a mound during his rehab process, and he is also likely to go out on a rehab assignment, which might put his return date more around early June than late May. The question remains: Will he return as a starter or as a ..."