Oakland Athletics Trade Rumors

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."
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"
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."
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"
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"
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."
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."
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,"
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."
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."
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"
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"
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."
Gio Gonzalez to Mets unlikely
December 19
New York Daily News
 
"Although the Mets recently discussed the possibility of acquiring Oakland starter Gio Gonzalez (as Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports first reported Thursday), they are unlikely to pursue the pitcher, according to two major league officials familiar with the Mets' thinking. The thinking went like this: Gonzalez, 26, would still be under team control when Mets prospects Matt Harvey, Jeurys Familia and and Zack Wheeler were ready to ascend to the major leagues. If those young arms remained healthy, they could form a formidable rotation, with Gonzalez at the top. But one official said that discussions never advanced beyond that conceptual, preliminary phase. "Nothing serious," he said."
Willingham looks to be in for Twins; Cuddyer, Kubel likely are out
December 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins were finalizing a three-year, $21 million agreement with free agent outfielder Josh Willingham late Tuesday night, according to two people familiar with the negotiations. Team officials would not confirm the deal, but they acknowledged having serious discussions with Willingham's agent Matt Sosnick while awaiting a final answer from Michael Cuddyer on their three-year, $24 million offer. By agreeing with Willingham, pending a physical, the Twins knew they effectively would be closing the door on Cuddyer and fellow free agent outfielder Jason Kubel. Barring an unforeseen development, those two players will sign elsewhere, bringing the Twins three compensatory draft picks -- two"
Agent: Willingham will make decision in next 48 hours; Twins in the mix
December 13
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins have made a three-year, $24 million offer to Michael Cuddyer, but they can't wait forever. One of their top alternatives if Cuddyer signs elsewhere is Josh Willingham, and Willingham's agent, Matt Sosnick, told The Star Tribune today that his client is nearing a decision. "Josh has three viable options," Sosnick said. "He and his wife, Ginger, are going to make a decision in the next 48 hours. It may come as early as today.""
Diamondbacks acquire starter Trevor Cahill, reliever Craig Breslow in trade with Athletics
December 10
Arizona Republic
 
"Looking to dive headfirst through their window of opportunity, the Diamondbacks acquired right-hander Trevor Cahill and reliever Craig Breslow from the Oakland Athletics on Friday, opting for the certainty of established pitchers over the potential upside of prospects. In exchange, the Diamondbacks gave up three minor leaguers, including right-hander Jarrod Parker, who for three consecutive years rated as the No. 1 prospect in the organization. Outfielder Collin Cowgill and reliever Ryan Cook also were in the deal. At a time when multiple teams in the National League West seem to be retooling, the Diamondbacks view the trade as a way to beef up for what they hope is a prolonged run. "We"
Blue Jays enter the Gio Gonzalez sweepstakes
December 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Toronto became the latest team to join the Gio Gonzalez fray at baseball's winter meetings, and the Blue Jays just might be a fine match for the A's All-Star left-hander. The Blue Jays and A's are frequent trade partners, and Toronto's minor-league system is among the best and deepest in the game after several recent trades, including the Roy Halladay deal two years ago. Oakland is looking for at least two high-value prospects and a few mid-range prospects in any trade involving Gonzalez, and the Blue Jays have potential impact players at all levels of the minors."
A's Gonzalez hottest lefty at meetings
December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The left-handed pitcher most in demand at the winter meetings is not either of the top free agents, C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle. No, the lefty generating the most attention is the Athletics' Gio Gonzalez, who is attracting trade interest from nearly a dozen teams, major league sources say. The Tigers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Reds and Phillies are the known suitors for Gonzalez, according to sources. Other clubs including the Blue Jays, Nationals, Red Sox, Rangers and Rockies also are known to be pursuing starting pitching and likely have some interest in Gonzalez. The Yankees have had only minimal conversations with the A's about Gonzalez and are not a factor in the discussions, a source"
Suitors for potential Gio trade increasing
December 7
MLB.com
 
"While Albert Pujols stole all the overnight buzz at the Winter Meetings, talks of a trade involving A's hurler Gio Gonzalez were picking up steam by the time the sun came up in Dallas on Wednesday morning. The 26-year-old Gonzalez, already known to have drawn interest from teams including the Marlins and Yankees, reportedly added the Tigers and Phillies to his list of suitors. Next to free-agents C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle, the A's southpaw appears to be the most sought-after pitcher this week. Miami's interest in local product Gonzalez has been well documented, and on Tuesday Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record noted that the A's asked the Yankees for power bat Jesus Montero, along with"
Tigers are trying to push for A's starter Gio Gonzalez
December 7
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"I learned from multiple Detroit team sources tonight that the Tigers have strong interest in Gio Gonzalez and they probably would be willing to part with top prospect Jacob Turner, a right-handed starter, in any deal. Turner, 20, was the ninth pick in the 2009 draft. To land Gonzalez, of course, it will take a package of significantly more: likely one more of the club's top three or four prospects and several other decent young players. (I can't repeat it enough: Think Dan Haren deal.) The sources I spoke to tonight are unsure if the Tigers would be able to match any proposal the Yankees might make. The Yankees have long coveted Gonzalez, and the Detroit faction believes that New"
Case is far from closed in bullpen
December 7
Boston Globe
 
"On the one hand, the Sox know they have either two very good starters or relievers in Aceves and Bard. If they split the difference and put Bard in the rotation, nothing says Aceves can't be a closer. He certainly has the stuff and the stamina. The Red Sox already have discussed a deal with the A's for Andrew Bailey, but right now the price appears high, with Oakland seeking prospects such as third baseman Will Middlebrooks that Boston is hesitant to deal. The Red Sox could sign free agent closer Ryan Madson, a Scott Boras client who is looking for a four-year deal. There are other options such as Frankie Rodriguez, Francisco Cordero, Brad Lidge, etc."
Reds interested in Willingham?
December 6
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds came to the Winter Meetings in Dallas with the expressed mission of landing a quality starting pitcher. They met with several clubs Sunday and Monday. "We've been busy," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We've talked to several clubs. Nothing close. But at least I feel things are moving in the right direction. Hopefully, by the end of the week, we'll have something." The Reds did open a roster spot by outrighting left-hander Jeremy Horst to Triple-A Louisville. Horst cleared waivers. "It gives us some roster flexibility," Jocketty said. The Reds have contacted outfielder Josh Willingham's representatives."
A's sense momentum on getting San Jose stadium
December 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"So many teams want to talk to the A's about their pitchers that general manager Billy Beane said it's hard to schedule them all. "I feel like the hottest prom date here," Beane said Monday, the first day of baseball's winter meetings. The A's first order of business this winter, however, remains getting a stadium in San Jose, and the team believes the process is gaining momentum, though the Giants hold the territorial rights to San Jose. "I'm optimistic because this seems to be the most tangible solution we've had since I've been here," Beane said of the potential downtown site near HP Pavilion."
Winter meetings could shape A's, Giants outfields
December 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Giants pledged no "big splash," and the A's put free-agent spending on hold because Major League Baseball continues to keep them on hold, 33 months into its supposed ballpark probe. So how are these teams going to fill their outfields? The A's have as many as three open spots, the Giants at least one. The winter meetings begin Monday in Dallas, and both teams hope to return home Thursday with better outfield depth or at least a good idea on how to attain it. As it stands, Melky Cabrera, a Giant all of four weeks, is the only guy on either side of the Bay with a set job in 2012, whether it's in center or left. Nate Schierholtz is a decent choice for right, and a third outfielder could"
Mets eye A's Bailey
December 1
New York Post
 
"The Mets are among the at least half-dozen teams that have inquired seriously about Oakland closer Andrew Bailey, a person familiar with those talks told The Post. However, the A's are selling high on the righty and currently do not believe the Mets have the necessary pieces to obtain Bailey, a two-time All-Star and the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year. The Reds, Rangers and Blue Jays are among the teams that are pursuing Bailey, a New Jersey native who went to college at Wagner."
Reds interested in Andrew Bailey?
November 21
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"ESPN's Buster Onley reports the Reds are talking about a possible trade for Oakland closer Andrew Bailey. Bailey, 27, has 75 saves and a 2.07 ERA in three season with the A's. More importantly as MLBTraderumors points out, Bailey had a 37.1% groundball rate in 41 2/3 innings this year. He's a GABP pitcher."
New push in A's San Jose quest
November 20
Foxsports.com
 
"Finally, there is movement toward solving one of baseball's most vexing problems. Baseball is trying to accelerate a decision on whether to allow the Oakland Athletics to relocate to San Jose, according to major league sources. Commissioner Bud Selig met with top A's officials earlier this month and plans to meet with San Francisco Giants executives within two weeks, sources say. The meetings represent the biggest step toward a resolution of the Athletics' quest to relocate since Selig appointed a three-member committee to study the franchise's' situation in March 2009. The Giants, who draw a significant part of their fan and corporate bases from the counties south of San Francisco, remain"
Twins showing interest in Willingham, Doumit
November 16
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins recently contacted Matt Sosnick, the agent for Ryan Doumit and Josh Willingham, expressing interest in both players, according to people familiar with the discussion. Sosnick and Paul Cobbe also represent Hisashi Iwakuma, a free agent pitcher from Japan who interests the Twins. In Doumit and Willingham's case, no offers have been made, but they are among the free agents on the list the Twins are considering this offseason. Willingham is a corner outfield option for the Twins if they don't re-sign Michael Cuddyer or Jason Kubel."
San Jose OKs land deal for potential A's stadium
November 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The A's took another incremental step in their quest for a stadium in San Jose on Tuesday when the San Jose City Council voted 10-1 to approve extending a land-purchase option to the team. "It's a small step, but it's still a significant step," San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed said by phone. "It feels more concrete. Now we're talking about a real-estate deal. I think we're getting closer." San Jose is granting the A's a two-year option to buy about 5 acres of land downtown, near HP Pavilion and the Diridon Station. The option will cost the A's $50,000, and there is a $25,000 option for a third year. During that period, the team may purchase the land for $6.98 million - an outcome presumably"
A's release reliever Michael Wuertz
October 26
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"After being released by the A's on Tuesday, reliever Michael Wuertz didn't point the finger at anyone but himself. "It's just when you're signed to perform and you don't perform, that's part of the game," Wuertz said. "It's one of those things I can see from both sides, what they have going on, what direction they're going to take.""
Curt Young may head back to A's
October 21
Boston Herald
 
"After only one season, Curt Young's tenure with the Red Sox may be finished. Even though he has one more year remaining on his contract, Young confirmed yesterday that he has received permission to talk to the Oakland Athletics about their vacant pitching coach job. If Young departs, the Red Sox will begin next season with their third pitching coach in as many years. Young served the A's in that role from 2004-10 before joining the Sox last November to replace John Farrell, who left to become the manager of the Blue Jays. Under Young's watch, Sox pitchers combined for a 4.20 ERA, ninth in the AL. And the pitching staff, particularly the starters, faltered badly in the last month. Seven"
Stadium problem could preclude signing Willingham
September 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Oakland's shot at retaining Josh Willingham is slipping away, quite possibly for good. Willingham's agent, Matt Sosnick, told The Chronicle on Saturday that he approached the team last week with various possibilities for a multiyear deal for their top offensive player, and general manager Billy Beane told Sosnick that spending decisions are on hold until a decision comes down about the A's stadium situation. "We gave the A's an idea of where we were, and we were told they have interest in bringing Josh back, but before they did anything, they want to see what happens with the stadium," Sosnick said. "Josh and I both made it clear he'd like to stay, but at this point, I'm pretty sure he'll"
A's give manager Bob Melvin 3-year contract
September 23
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Bob Melvin's popularity is obvious in the A's clubhouse, where players swear by him. But is he popular enough to be a difference-maker when general manager Billy Beane pursues players for 2012? He could be for free agent-to-be Josh Willingham, who said Melvin's new three-year contract could be a factor when it's time to sign his next contract. "It doesn't hurt. That's for sure," Willingham said. "I really like Bob and what he's done. His whole career, not just this year. Sure, I think it's a positive.""
Bob Melvin will be staying on with A's
September 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Bob Melvin saw the not-so-upbeat portrayal of former A's manager Art Howe by Oscar winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and he playfully was asked if he still wants to work for Billy Beane. "I do," said Melvin, who recalled a scene in Monday's "Moneyball" premiere indicating a tense relationship between Beane and Howe. "I did see that chair come flying out of the manager's office." Hired June 9 as the A's interim manager, Melvin will stick around longer term after agreeing to a three-year contract that will be announced this week, according to the Associated Press. It's no surprise. Based on recent interviews, players have been impressed with Melvin from the day he replaced fired Bob Geren amid"
Billy Beane sees promising future in the Oakland A's young infield
September 20
Contra Costa Times
 
"When A's officials sift through the wreckage of a disappointing 2011 season, inconsistent pitching and hot-and-cold hitting will stand out. They can take heart, however, in an infield that shows promise for the future. And the cast delivering that optimism could not have been foreseen back in April. Shortstop Cliff Pennington is the only holdover from the A's opening night starting infield. Fleet-footed rookie Jemile Weeks has replaced veteran Mark Ellis at second base. Scott Sizemore has adjusted well to third base in place of Kevin Kouzmanoff, and Brandon Allen has shown enough since arriving in a July 31 trade from Arizona to suggest he could be the answer at first. "I think the infield"
Injured Jemile Weeks held out one more day as precaution
September 16
Oakland Tribune
 
"Second baseman Jemile Weeks showed up to the ballpark Thursday expecting to be in the A's lineup. Instead, he was held out for a second straight day as a precaution by manager Bob Melvin. Weeks is still feeling the effects from cramping he suffered in his left leg Saturday in Texas. The soreness is in his hamstring. "It's just precautions, so I don't have to play a day, take one off," Weeks said before the series opener against Detroit. "Certain movements I'm just not as quick as I want to be. I came in today ready to play, but you don't want to play halfway, 60 or 70 percent." Melvin said he's erring on the side of caution with his rookie second baseman, who averaged just 59 games over"
A's Ryan Sweeney injured, Coco Crisp near return
September 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Ryan Sweeney pulled up limping while running out a grounder in the sixth inning Wednesday and said after the game that it is a Grade 1 right quadriceps strain. Quad strains typically require 10 days to six weeks of recovery time, and given Sweeney's right knee surgery a year ago, it's possible his season is over. "This whole season has been frustrating mentally and now physically," said Sweeney, whose playing time had been limited until Coco Crisp's recent foot injury."
A's Closer Andrew Bailey hit by line drive during batting practice
September 13
Oakland Tribune
 
"Closer Andrew Bailey was unavailable Monday against the Angels after being struck in the left temple by a line drive during batting practice. Bailey was standing in left field and fell to the ground immediately after being hit by the liner off the bat of Kurt Suzuki. A large group of teammates and coaches gathered around Bailey, and after a few minutes on the ground, he left the field under his own power accompanied by head trainer Nick Paparesta. Bailey said everything "went black for a second," but it could have been much worse. The sunglasses he was wearing absorbed some of the impact. "I'd be on a stretcher if it wasn't for those Oakley sunglasses," Bailey said."
Numbers for Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Brett Anderson don't live up to Oakland A's 'Big Three' legacy
September 9
Oakland Tribune
 
"The A's began this season with optimism revolving around a trio of pitchers who seemed ready to create their own "Big Three" legacy. However, that foundation on which the A's are building has shown cracks. Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Brett Anderson all have encountered obstacles of varying degrees in 2011. Cahill, who won 18 games in 2010, has watched his season collapse after a 6-0 start. Gonzalez made the A.L. All-Star team but has posted a 5.25 ERA in the second half. Anderson, viewed by many as possessing the most upside of the three, has made just 32 starts since the start of the 2010 season because of elbow problems. He had reconstructive elbow surgery in July that could sideline"
A's pitcher Dallas Braden rehabs shoulder, psyche
September 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"For more than two months, "Missing" posters have dotted the A's clubhouse. The wanted man: left-hander Dallas Braden. Braden had shoulder surgery in May and since then, he has come into the training room for treatment, then quickly taken off back to Stockton well before first pitch. His daily disappearances were noted, and not necessarily appreciated, in a clubhouse where teamwork and camaraderie is valued. A's general manager Billy Beane, who gets shoulder treatment with Braden most days, even dropped a hint to Braden that he might want to increase his face time."
Adam Rosales looks to get on track in Mexico
September 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Adam Rosales, a valuable backup for the A's last year, had foot surgery in December and hasn't found his stride this season. So after a late start to 2011 and limited at-bats when he's been with the A's, Rosales plans to spend a month playing for Mexicali of the Mexican Winter League this fall. "It's just been a crazy year, trying to come back from the foot thing," he said. "I kept hoping I'd feel good when I came back, but I haven't played the way the team needs me to play.""
A's trade Conor Jackson to Red Sox
September 1
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"At 11:45 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday, Conor Jackson went from sitting on the bench for a team that is a season-high 16 games below .500 to the middle of the postseason race. The A's traded Jackson, a former Cal player who was their first baseman much of the season until Brandon Allen's emergence, to the AL East-leading Red Sox along with cash. Oakland received right-handed reliever Jason Rice, 4-5 with four saves and a 3.69 ERA at Triple-A Pawtucket. "It's awesome," Jackson said. "I don't think a guy in my position could ask for anything better - a big-market team with probably the best fans in baseball.""
Speculation about A's GM Billy Beane
August 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"There is increasing thought among baseball people, including some who know him well, that A's general manager Billy Beane might consider an offer if the Cubs do approach him about their GM vacancy, as expected. It's no secret that the A's higher-ups are frustrated about the glacial pace of Major League Baseball's panel looking at a potential Oakland move. Within the A's organization, there is concern that if the ownership group does not get approval to build a stadium in San Jose that the team might be sold and that Beane, who has a minority stake in the A's, would head elsewhere. Beane is signed through 2014, but his relationship with owner Lew Wolff is believed to be good enough that"