Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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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

(scroll down)

"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

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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 ..."

Holliday has an eye on Yankees

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April 24

San Francisco Chronicle

"As the season goes along, particularly if the A's aren't in contention, outfielder Matt Holliday will be a part of a lot of trade talk. While the team was in New York, reporters didn't waste any time asking him if he'd like to be a Yankee. "I think a little bit, as a human being, you can't help but to think that if the Yankees are interested I would definitely consider it," Holliday said, as reported on an NYPost.com blog. "I wouldn't be looking around if I were under contract for four years, but I think I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be interested, especially with the Yankees being such a storied franchise.""

Surgery for Devine, out for season

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April 21

San Francisco Chronicle

"Manager Bob Geren says that co-closer Joey Devine had surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Tuesday, but details were sketchy besides that. Geren said that the team has not been informed yet the nature of the surgery - i.e., if ligament replacement was involved, which would probably keep Devine out more than a year. Clearly, however, the surgery was more than a routine arthroscopic cleanup, which would only sideline a pitcher for six weeks or so. Nomar Garciaparra remains out of the lineup but he will take batting practice today and if that goes well, he might be OK'd for tomorrow. Considering it's a day game, the weather here is chilly, and the team is off ..."

A's Duchscherer may open season on DL

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March 27

Contra Costa Times

"Thursday started out as an encouraging day for the A's, with Justin Duchscherer pitching in a minor league game as a possible steppingstone to rejoining the starting rotation. That optimism didn't last long, as Duchscherer was forced to cut short his outing at Papago Park after experiencing more of the right elbow pain that has sabotaged his spring training thus far. This latest setback all but guarantees Duchscherer starts the season on the disabled list. And it's unknown when the A's might have their ace right-hander back. "He did not come out of it well," A's assistant general manager David Forst said. "He left the game with elbow soreness. We'll get together with the trainers and ..."

Geren extension soon

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March 22

San Francisco Chronicle

(scroll down)

"Two sources told The Chronicle that the team is expected to announce a contract extension for manager Bob Geren later this week. Geren, who is signed through this season, declined to comment, but it is likely that the deal would add another year to his contract, along with an option year. Geren, 47, is 151-172 in his two seasons with Oakland, finishing in third place in the AL West both years."

Wolff takes a break from talking about A's move

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March 17

San Francisco Chronicle

"Lew Wolff said he's trying to take a break from discussing a new home for his A's, but he's constantly reminded of possible future destinations. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that A's officials were in Las Vegas Sunday meeting with the mayor and commissioner, and the New York Daily News went as far as saying there's talk of contraction. Wolff vehemently denied both reports. He's here, he said, to focus on baseball, not another stadium hunt. On Feb. 24, he ceased efforts to relocate to Fremont, and he issued a statement Friday saying he's not interested in re-entering talks with Oakland officials. On Monday, in an interview with The Chronicle, he spoke for the first time since ..."

A's, Garciaparra ready to finalize deal

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March 4

San Francisco Chronicle

"Nomar Garciaparra will be Oakland's second high-profile acquisition this week when his one-year deal is made official. A source close to Garciaparra told The Chronicle on Tuesday that the veteran infielder has agreed to terms with the A's and that the deal will be announced Friday. A team source said the timing sounded about right. Garciaparra will be Oakland's backup third baseman and first baseman along with providing a right-handed bat off the bench. Orlando Cabrera agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the A's on Monday. That deal also has not been announced as the team awaits medical documentation, which is a formality. Cabrera is expected to arrive in Arizona from South ..."

Nomar near signing with A's

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March 3

MLB.com

"A day after it was learned that the A's have agreed to terms on an as-yet-unannounced contract with free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera for the 2009 season, a Major League source confirmed to MLB.com on Tuesday that Oakland is in the final stages of working out another one-year deal with free-agent infielder Nomar Garciaparra. As he did Monday regarding Cabrera, A's general manager Billy Beane cited his policy against discussing free agents when declining to comment on Garciaparra. The source indicated that the Cabrera deal is done, pending a physical, but some details still need to be worked out with Garciaparra. Both players could be in camp by Friday; Cabrera is expected Thursday. ..."

Oakland is sized up as competition by Angels

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March 3

Los Angeles Times

"Last year, Seattle was the trendy pick to dethrone the Angels atop the American League West, with Erik Bedard and Carlos Silva projected to lead the Mariners to October. This year, Oakland is the trendy pick to dethrone the Angels. The Athletics signed former Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera on Monday, and they already had acquired Matt Holliday and Jason Giambi to fortify a lineup that scored the fewest runs in the league last year. "They've definitely gotten better," Angels ace John Lackey said. "They've made some good moves to improve their club." So, are the Angels still the team to beat in the AL West? "You guys are always trying to find somebody to say that," Lackey said with a ..."

Henderson's No. 24 is ready to retire

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February 24

San Francisco Chronicle

"In another sign the A's are preparing to retire Rickey Henderson's jersey number, catcher Kurt Suzuki switched from No. 24 to No. 8 this spring. "He's a Hall of Famer and they're retiring his number, so that's a good enough reason," Suzuki said Monday. "No complaints on my end. Rickey deserves to have his number retired. I just agreed." A's equipment manager Steve Vucinich said there has been no official decision about retiring Henderson's number and noted that the team waited until the year after Dennis Eckersley was elected to the Hall to retire the closer's No. 43. There have, however, been rumblings that the A's are pointing toward this year to put No. 24 on the outfield wall, and a ..."

Nomar Garciaparra on the A's radar?

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February 23

Contra Costa Times

"On the lookout for some infield depth, the A's reportedly are in discussions with free agent Nomar Garciaparra. ESPN was the first to report over the weekend the A's interest in Garciaparra, 35, who has been riddled by injuries in recent seasons. Last year he appeared in just 55 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers and spent three stints on the disabled list. The A's still may make a run at free agent Orlando Cabrera to supplant Bobby Crosby at shortstop. The right-handed hitting Garciaparra has hit lefties well in recent seasons, and if signed cheaply, could provide solid insurance in the infield. He played 30 of his 55 games last season at shortstop, but the majority of his games in ..."

Mulder could be back with A's

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February 23

San Francisco Chronicle

"Could Mark Mulder be one of several potential additions the A's make before the end of the spring? After several years of shoulder injuries, the former A's starter is pitching in Arizona. And after many sessions with a flexibility expert as well as his college pitching coach, the left-hander is moving closer to being able to hold a workout for interested teams. The A's are expected to be one of the clubs in attendance when Mulder schedules an open bullpen session. Though there are some who've seen Mulder who believe he's ready to do that right now, Mulder said he wants to be 100 percent certain he is ready. "I'd love to be out there, but what I was doing the last couple of years wasn't ..."

A's join Phillies with interest in Garciaparra

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February 23

Philadelphia Daily News

"It is looking more and more like the 25 players who will represent the Phillies on Opening Day are already here at spring training. A team source said yesterday the club is not overly optimistic about the potential of landing free-agent infielder Nomar Garciaparra, whom they have reached out to several times over the course of the offseason. Reports out of Oakland had the A's interested in the righthanded-hitting veteran, although Garciaparra continues to mull retirement.Any player the Phillies add over the next few weeks would have to come at a bargain price. Although the team still has interest in Garciaparra and believes it has a chance at landing him, the introduction of Oakland into ..."

Braden to revive scroogie?

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February 16

San Francisco Chronicle

"Dallas Braden pitched well enough in the second half last year that he has a pretty good grip on the fourth spot in the rotation. The left-hander also has a new pitch, a little cutter with which he has been tinkering in the offseason, and he's hoping to talk the team into letting him revive his once-renowned screwball. That pitch earned him notice in the minor leagues but after surgery in 2006 to remove scar tissue encircling his biceps tendon and a humeral defect that left the top of his arm with an unusual hollow, the A's asked him to stop throwing the scroogie. Last week, however, he was playing catch with Dana Eveland and threw a couple that Eveland said were "nasty - I'd love to see ..."

Brown may need shoulder surgery

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January 28

San Francisco Chronicle

"With Oakland poised to sign 40-year-old Russ Springer, possibly in the next day or two, the A's will learn today if they are losing another right-handed reliever. Hard-throwing Andrew Brown, obtained in the trade that sent Milton Bradley to San Diego two years ago, has not recovered fully from the shoulder injury that sidelined him much of last year, The Chronicle has learned. Brown, 27, is in Birmingham, Ala., to consult with noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews this morning. Brown said by phone that he believes that he will need surgery on his right shoulder, but he is unsure how much repair work will be needed. "Hopefully, it's nothing major and I'm only out until the All-Star ..."

A's close to deal with Springer

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January 24

MLB.com

"More bullpen depth could be on the way for the A's. Right-hander Russ Springer, who has appeared in 70 or more games in three straight seasons, is nearing a one-year deal with Oakland, according to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. The 40-year-old is reportedly looking at a deal worth about $3 million. The Twins also are believed to have interest in Springer. With the Cardinals in 2008, the right-hander was 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 70 appearances. He threw 50 1/3 innings, and struck out 45 while walking 18 in a setup role."

Dealing with A's for Cust might help Jays

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January 23

Toronto Star

columnist Richard Griffin

"The Jays are asking for fan goodwill while they rebuild and we're here with a positive suggestion of a potential trade with the Oakland A's, a deal I believe may already have been discussed behind closed doors. Spring training is 24 days away and the club has already announced to season-ticket holders that it will not be spending additional money on payroll in '09. With 16 players under contract, the Jays' committed payroll this year is $76.38 million (all figures U.S.). They will spend another $9 million for the remaining nine to 11 players (Shaun Marcum out for the year; Dustin McGowan out until May). The plan is to let young players develop and take their lumps. But there are creative ..."

Giambi, A's close to deal

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January 6

San Francisco Chronicle

"The A's on Monday announced they have a new radio home, but within the next few days, they could make far bigger news: The team nearly has former Oakland first baseman Jason Giambi back in the fold. A team source said Monday that the A's are moving toward completing a deal with the free-agent designated hitter, who came to the big leagues with Oakland and won the AL MVP award while with the A's in 2000. A major-league source said there's widespread belief that a package already is in place and that an announcement could be imminent. Oakland's top competition for Giambi, Tampa Bay, signed DH/outfielder Pat Burrell on Monday and the Rays' top brass indicated it no longer would pursue any ..."

Longtime Angels star Anderson reportedly on Oakland's wish list

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December 29

L.A. Daily News

"There are lots of free agent hitters still available in this slow-spending major league offseason, and several appear to be catching the Oakland A's interest. A published report Saturday claimed the A's are kicking the tires on two outfielders - longtime Angels standout Garret Anderson (Kennedy High of Granada Hills) and Bobby Abreu - as possible backup plans should they not sign Jason Giambi. Anderson's agent, Scott Boras, confirmed Saturday that he's talked with the team about Anderson. Declining to go into detail, Boras downplayed the dialogue somewhat, saying he talked with the A's "a few weeks ago" about a group of players, including Anderson. But targeting Abreu and/or Anderson would ..."

A's target Abreu, Angels' Anderson

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December 27

San Francisco Chronicle

"Jason Giambi is the A's next free-agent target, but there are others on Oakland's list, too. The Chronicle has learned that the team has had preliminary conversations about free-agent outfielders Bobby Abreu and Garret Anderson as possible options should Giambi stick firmly to his wish for a three-year deal. A's general manager Billy Beane has had brief contact with the agents for Abreu and Anderson. Both men are younger than designated hitter/first baseman Giambi, who will be 38 in January. Anderson is 36 and Abreu will be 35 in March. Anderson is a three-time All-Star and Abreu a two-time All-Star. Abreu is likely to be the most expensive of the three, given his age and his production, ..."

A's turn eyes toward Giambi

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December 20

San Francisco Chronicle

"Bobby Crosby appears to be fading from the A's plans for 2009, but another well-known name in Oakland could be getting a second opportunity with his former team. The A's are poised to begin talks with free-agent designated hitter Jason Giambi, who was named the American League MVP while playing in Oakland in 2001. General manager Billy Beane chatted with Giambi's agent, Arn Tellem, this week, and the sides could begin discussing a contract early next week. According to sources close to Giambi, he is looking for a three-year deal, but Oakland is not likely to offer more than two years and perhaps an option. Giambi will turn 38 in January. Crosby, the 2004 Rookie of the Year, was put on ..."

Report: A's put Crosby on outright waivers

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December 19

Contra Costa Times

"A's shortstop Bobby Crosby was placed on outright waivers, which means he could be acquired by another team willing to pick up his 2009 salary, Foxsports.com reported Friday, citing major league sources.The Web site also noted that teams have until 10 a.m. today to claim Crosby and the $5.25 million salary he's scheduled to earn in 2009. Should Crosby clear waivers, the A's most likely option is to keep the soon-to-be 29-year-old as their starting shortstop.The A's were unsuccessful in trying to lure free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal with a four-year, $38-million offer, and don't seem inclined to chase Orlando Cabrera, a Type A free agent who not only is less appealing than Furcal, but ..."

With Furcal out of the picture, A's might turn back to Crosby

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December 17

San Francisco Chronicle

"Oakland's pursuit of Rafael Furcal ended Tuesday, but the A's will not automatically readjust their sights on the next available shortstop target. An A's source said that Oakland does not have interest in free agent Orlando Cabrera unless Cabrera can be had for a bargain late in the process. The A's might consider dealing for a shortstop, but they won't easily part with top pitching prospects Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill, so there's a very real possibility the team will elect to stand pat with Bobby Crosby. Furcal had flirted with the A's for a month before apparently agreeing to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Braves that includes a vesting option for a fourth year, bringing ..."

Sources: A's offer deal to Furcal

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December 15

ESPN.com

"With Rafael Furcal moving closer to making a decision on where to sign, the Oakland Athletics appear to be in the lead to sign the free-agent shortstop, with an offer of four years and $40 million, according to sources. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who declined to offer Furcal arbitration earlier this month, have remained engaged but do not appear to be close to Oakland's proposal. The Kansas City Royals have interest and need but may not have the flexibility to make a deal. The Toronto Blue Jays have had interest -- and need -- in Furcal, but they have dropped out of the bidding entirely."

Shortstops remain available in market

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December 15

MLB.com

"Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin was talking recently about his unwillingness to trade shortstop J.J. Hardy, even though the team has a young and talented shortstop-in-waiting in Alcides Escobar. "That's a premium position ... it's hard to find shortstops," Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Which is why teams have been scooping up available shortstops this winter and doing so without breaking the bank, as Major League teams have found some bargains during this offseason. All while two of the biggest names left remaining on the free-agent market are shortstops -- Rafael Furcal and Orlando Cabrera, who probably didn't anticipate the Winter Meetings passing without finding a ..."

Agent: S.F. has 'a lot of appeal' to Big Unit

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December 11

San Francisco Chronicle

"Randy Johnson is being wooed by both Bay Area teams. He seems to prefer the Giants. "Randy's really interested," one of his agents, Barry Meister, said Thursday, the final day of the winter meetings. "We made a check list of everything that's important, and San Francisco checks off on every box. They're in the National League. They'll be competitive. They train in Arizona. "San Francisco has a lot of appeal." Asked specifically about Johnson's interest in the A's, Meister was not as direct, saying, "We're just trying to keep our options open." Giants general manager Brian Sabean is seeking a veteran starter to round out a rotation that includes Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and ..."

A's still in running for Furcal, Giambi and Johnson

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December 11

Contra Costa Times

"It doesn't take much imagination to picture Jason Giambi and/or Randy Johnson wearing an A's uniform in 2009.Giambi came up through the ranks with Oakland and eventually won the 2000 American League MVP award in green and gold before leaving for the New York Yankees.Johnson was born and raised in the East Bay, so returning to his stomping grounds would seem a fitting end to his Hall of Fame career.Both are free agents this winter, often mentioned in the same breath with the A's. But as the annual winter meetings wrap up Thursday in Las Vegas, the competition for Giambi and Johnson is materializing, and it's clear that nostalgia alone won't bring either to Oakland.There's also plenty of ..."

Dodgers face obstacles in re-signing Rafael Furcal

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December 11

Los Angeles Times

"With third baseman Casey Blake re-signed and negotiations with Manny Ramirez at an impasse, the Dodgers have shifted their focus on retaining Rafael Furcal. But major obstacles have to be cleared if the Dodgers are to re-sign Furcal, who played in only 36 regular-season games this year because of back problems that required surgery. The Dodgers have offered the 31-year-old shortstop an incentive-laden contract that is guaranteed for two years and includes a vesting option for a third, according to sources familiar with the negotiations who were granted anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the matter. Furcal is asking for a four-year deal. Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, said ..."

A's may use Ziegler, Devine as co-closers

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December 10

Contra Costa Times

"With most of the talk at the winter meetings surrounding possible roster moves, A's manager Bob Geren addressed some of his team's on-field issues Tuesday. There's been curiosity about whether he'll turn to Joey Devine or Brad Ziegler to close games, and Geren said his plan is to alternate them depending on the situation. Both turned in splendid rookie seasons for the A's bullpen. Ziegler assumed the closer's role from Huston Street in August and wound up setting a major league record with 39 scoreless innings to start his career. Devine quietly fashioned an 0.59 ERA, the lowest single-season ERA in major league history for a pitcher with at least 40 innings. "I felt with Ziegler's streak ..."

Bochy foresees Molina in cleanup spot again

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December 10

San Francisco Chronicle

"The Giants' and A's managers addressed their respective lineups on the second day of the winter meetings, and Bruce Bochy's projections are much further along than Bob Geren's. In fact, Bochy revealed the direction he's leaning 1 through 8, and here it is: right fielder Randy Winn, shortstop Edgar Renteria, third baseman Pablo Sandoval, catcher Bengie Molina, left fielder Fred Lewis, center fielder Aaron Rowand, first baseman Travis Ishikawa and second baseman ... That would be Emmanuel Burriss, Kevin Frandsen or Eugenio Velez. Explaining why he favors Sandoval as the No. 3 hitter, Bochy said, "He can really hit any pitch. He expands the zone. That's his style. He finds a way to get the ..."

Billy Beane plays waiting game at winter meetings

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December 9

Contra Costa Times

"Maybe Billy Beane is just lulling people to sleep. Perhaps he's got an attention-grabbing move up his sleeve before these winter meetings adjourn Thursday. But his comments Monday, on the first day of the meetings inside the Bellagio, seemed to indicate the A's will take their sweet time in measuring out the free agent market before making a strike. The developing theme of these meetings - heck, this entire offseason for that matter - is the impact the reeling national economy will have on teams' pursuit of free agents. Players aren't being snatched up with the frequency normally seen. In line with that, the A's are willing to watch how events unfold in the coming weeks before mapping out ..."

Las Vegas dealers

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December 7

Boston Globe

"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin runs a baseball team in middle America. The economy is tough, yet he waits to hear whether CC Sabathia will accept their $100 million offer or whether he'll have to move on to Plan B. As baseball's winter meetings get underway tomorrow at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Melvin expects there will be a lot of teams in the same boat - going to Plan B or perhaps no plan at all. "Because the market has been slow, it's got a chance to where agents may dominate the meetings trying to get a feel for what they can get," said Melvin. "We all have to be aware of the economy - even the big-market teams, from what I've seen. "We're in a situation where the ..."

Furcal turns down A's $35 million offer

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December 7

San Francisco Chronicle

"The A's apparently will be moving in another direction at the winter meetings after the Rafael Furcal negotiations collapsed. The A's wanted the shortstop as their leadoff hitter, but Bobby Crosby is sticking around until further notice. With the winter meetings beginning Monday in Las Vegas, the club is redirecting its attention to other areas on the roster, including first base, a position at which Daric Barton struggled in 2008. The A's have considered possibilities of trading for the Nationals' Nick Johnson and signing free agent Jason Giambi, though not if he's asking for three years. They also are exploring free-agent starting pitchers and inquired about Randy Johnson. Foxsports.com ..."

A's out of running for SS Furcal

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December 6

Foxsports.com

"The A's abruptly pulled out of the Rafael Furcal sweepstakes Friday after the free-agent shortstop rejected their four-year contract offer. Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, told FOXSports.com that Furcal declined the A's proposal, which was believed to be in the range of $35 million to $40 million. The A's had given Furcal a Saturday deadline to accept their offer, according to major-league sources. When Furcal rejected the deal, team officials informed Kinzer they would move on to other pursuits. Kinzer said the "door is definitely open" to further discussions, but the A's will revisit Furcal only if he is willing to accept a lesser deal, sources said. For now, the A's plan to keep Bobby ..."

Giants, Dodgers among teams interested in Johnson

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December 6

East Valley Tribune

"Randy Johnson may have a chance to win his 300th game in the NL West after all. The Diamondbacks' division foes San Francisco and the Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams that have inquired about Johnson's availability for the 2009 season, according to major league sources familiar with the situation. Milwaukee, Oakland, Texas and the Chicago Cubs also have expressed varying degrees of interest, sources said. The D-Backs still appear to be out of the picture - Johnson had sought to return, but negotiations hit at an impasse on Nov. 13, when he rejected the D-Backs' one-year, $2.5 million offer and filed for free agency. Johnson, 45, appears willing to sign a one-year contract as he ..."

Athletics Trade Rumors