Matt Holliday News: Pro Sports Daily

Eight teams that will go Holliday shopping

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November 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"One of the biggest names available in baseball's free-agent market this winter is Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday, who is expected to apply for free agency within the next week. The All-Star and former batting champ is certain to draw suitors from both leagues and both coasts. But bargain hunters and penny-pinchers need not try. He's available to the discerning (read: well-financed) consumer only. Some franchises that have the need and the financial wherewithal to do some Holliday shopping: Cardinals • The local club paid a healthy price in prospects to land Holliday, thinking his bat would get them to the playoffs (check) and their culture would win him over long-term (TBD). They ..."

Matt Holliday a prize as MLB free agency begins

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November 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals have 15 days all to themselves to woo Matt Holliday, the free-agent outfielder the club publicly has called a "high priority" to re-sign. But the Cardinals are pragmatic about the real value of an eleventh-hour sales pitch before Holliday and the other free agents hit the open market in two weeks. That's what the previous three months were for. "We need to spend some time with Matt and his agent and share what our vision is, what we have to offer, and at some point I'm sure we will," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. "But at the same time, that's part of why we traded for him, to get him here, and at some point you'd think he has a pretty good idea of what we have ..."

Pujols Clears Up Contract Speculation, Praises McGwire

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October 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Appearing on St. Louis sports station WXOS 101.1 FM on Thursday morning, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was asked to explain comments made during an interview in the Dominican Republic. In the interview, Pujols suggested he was in no hurry to sign a contract extension with the Cardinals. "I'm not desperate to sign a contract extension. I still have one year remaining in my contract for 2010 and a club option for 2011. I leave the rest in God's hands," Pujols told Dominican radio station CDN 92.5 FM. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said he was "surprised" by Pujols' stance, given that the Cardinals had repeatedly expressed an interest in opening negotiations with Pujols this winter. ..."

Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list

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October 26

SI.com

(scroll down)

"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."

'I feel bad' for Holliday

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October 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Colorado traded left fielder Matt Holliday after last season, but his former teammates felt the pain of his defensive mishap with the Cardinals on Thursday night. "I feel bad, because we know what he can do,'' catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. "He got better on defense when he was here. We know he's better than that. "Obviously, something went wrong. It never even hit his glove. If you're in the big leagues, you know how to catch a ball.'' Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs said Holliday may have been hampered by playing deep in a no-doubles defense. That forced him to run in on the low line drive. "That's a hard play regardless of what's going on,'' Spilborghs said. "I feel bad for any friend that ..."

'I feel bad' for Holliday

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October 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Colorado traded left fielder Matt Holliday after last season, but his former teammates felt the pain of his defensive mishap with the Cardinals on Thursday night. "I feel bad, because we know what he can do,'' catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. "He got better on defense when he was here. We know he's better than that. "Obviously, something went wrong. It never even hit his glove. If you're in the big leagues, you know how to catch a ball.'' Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs said Holliday may have been hampered by playing deep in a no-doubles defense. That forced him to run in on the low line drive. "That's a hard play regardless of what's going on,'' Spilborghs said. "I feel bad for any friend that ..."

Moving past Holliday error

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October 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Only one person knows what Matt Holliday has been thinking during the last 36 hours: Matt Holliday. But if it were up to Jason Selk, a mental training consultant with the Cardinals, the outfielder wouldn't have been dwelling on the line drive he dropped Thursday, helping cost the Redbirds the second game of the National League Division Series. "When mentally tough people catch themselves thinking about what went wrong and the bad result that came of it," Selk said, "they know they have to shift their thinking to what they can do to make it better in the future." Selk, a professional counselor, motivational speaker and author of the book "10 Minute Toughness," admits that forgetting such a ..."

Holliday's error leads to Los Angeles Dodgers win over St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2

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October 9

New York Daily News

"Matt Holliday prepared to squeeze the final out and send this National League division series back to St. Louis tied at a game apiece. Then, the Cardinals left fielder lost James Loney's late-afternoon line drive in the Dodger Stadium lights, which had been turned on a few innings earlier. The ball missed Holliday's glove and struck him in the gut for a two-base error. It delivered quite a stinging blow to his teammates as well. Ronnie Belliard and Mark Loretta followed with run-scoring singles against closer Ryan Franklin and the Dodgers rallied for an improbable 3-2 win over the Cardinals yesterday to take a two games to none lead. "I had it," Holliday said. "I was coming in to get it ..."

Postgame is no holiday for Cardinals' Matt Holliday

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October 9

Los Angeles Times

"Matt Holliday might havecemented his name into postseason lore. Not the Reggie Jackson or Joe Carter kind. The Bill Buckner kind. With the bases empty and two out in the ninth inning Thursday evening at Dodger Stadium, all Holliday had to do was catch James Loney's sinking liner and the St. Louis Cardinals would beat the Dodgers to tie the National League division series at one game apiece. "I had it," the Cardinals' left fielder said of a ball hit directly at him. "I was coming in to get it and then all of a sudden I couldn't see it." Holliday lost the ball in the lights. He tried to adjust his glove at the last second, but the ball smacked him in the stomach for an error that triggered ..."

Still water runs deep

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October 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"People in Stillwater, moreover people in Oklahoma, won't soon forget a November evening in 1997, when Stillwater High trailed Tulsa Union 42-21 with slightly more than 6 minutes remaining in a Class 6A state playoff football game. What happened next under Friday night lights around Hamilton Field is among the 100 greatest moments in Oklahoma sports history, as listed by the Daily Oklahoman. What happened next was a surreal moment for Josh Holliday, a celebrated alum who watched from the grandstands. What happened next transformed his younger brother, the Pioneers' quarterback, from sandlot stud to local legend. In a matter of five and a half minutes, Matt Holliday threw two scoring passes ..."

Matt Holliday talks on hold

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September 26

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak and Scott Boras, the agent for Matt Holliday, crossed paths Friday afternoon at Coors Field. Pleasantries, not offers, were exchanged. And apparently it will remain that way for the duration of the regular season and as long as the Cardinals' playoff run continues. Both parties insist there is no dialogue between the club and Boras, who anticipates an extremely active player when Holliday hits the free-agent market. Mozeliak insisted Friday that should the Cardinals reach the World Series, they will confine their home-field advantage in contract talks to the 15-day window between the Series' end and the end of the free-agent filing period. "That ..."

Holliday cheers Rockies

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September 25

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Back in the delirium of their 2007 National League pennant, the Colorado Rockies and their MVP-caliber outfielder Matt Holliday experienced the thrill of postseason and were hooked. They envisioned return visits, and as 2009's playoffs approach, both the Rockies and Holliday are headed in that direction. Just not together. Holliday, who scored the deciding run in the one-game playoff that landed the Rockies their 2007 berth, returns to Coors Field today for the first time as a visitor. There to greet him is the team that jettisoned him this winter to Oakland, a move that helped build a team that leads the NL Wild Card. He's landed with the Cardinals - ready to be a presence for their ..."

Holliday cheers: Former Colorado Rockie returns to Coors Field as a St. Louis Cardinal

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September 25

Denver Post

"It was a soggy night in August when Matt Holliday's new life hit him like a bucket of water. The St. Louis Cardinals were stuck in an hour rain delay for a game against the visiting Reds. The start time was pushing 9 p.m. "And I remember coming out of the dugout and seeing a packed house. They really appreciate the game," Holliday said. "It's been a lot of fun to play in this atmosphere. It was like that in Denver in 2007. It makes a lot of difference when you're playing for a bigger purpose, for that chance to reach the postseason." Holliday returns to Coors Field tonight for the first time since the Rockies traded him to Oakland last November. He will find an environment similar to ..."

Cardinals nip Cubs 3-2 on Holliday walk-off

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September 19

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs ventured into St. Louis on Friday night trying to delay the inevitable. But with the Cardinals' magic number at six after a 3-2, walk-off victory over the Cubs, their champagne celebration is only days away. That leaves the Cubs fighting for respectability, a consolation prize that will have to suffice in this season of broken dreams. "I think we've hung in there pretty damn well," manager Lou Piniella said. "I just hope we can continue to play well the last 17 games and finish strong. That's all we can do." Matt Holliday's opposite-field, walk-off home run off Aaron Heilman gave the Cardinals the victory, sending the Cubs to their third straight loss. Ted Lilly pitched 7 2/3 ..."

Holliday pulled with bruised left knee

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September 10

MLB.com

"Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday was removed from Wednesday afternoon's 5-1 win over the Brewers due to a bruised left knee. With two outs in the third inning, Holliday hit a hard grounder to third base. He was thrown out, and after he crossed the bag, he tripped. He hit his left knee hard on the ground, suffering a bruise. He played the field in the bottom of the third and fourth, but was removed for pinch-hitter Rick Ankiel in the fifth. "It's just a little bit swollen and I just thought with an 11 1/2-game lead [in the National League Central], there's no reason to push," Holliday said. Ankiel remained in the game in left field. Holliday's stumble was an odd one, as he didn't trip on ..."

Matt Holliday homers as St. Louis Cardinals steal one

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September 9

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals generated 12 at-bats with runners in scoring position against the Milwaukee Brewers. They did not muster a hit in any of them. They forced the Brewers to use a club record-tying eight pitchers after neck spasms forced lefthanded nemesis Manny Parra from the game after one inning. His emergency replacement, Carlos Villanueva, struck out six in three innings. Trailing by a run, the Cardinals forced Claudio Vargas to throw 37 pitches in the eighth inning. They did not score after loading the bases with one out. MORE CARDINALS CARDINAL BEAT: Daily blog of news and notes from spring training BIRD LAND: Derrick Goold's baseball blog SOUND OFF: Cards Talk forum CHATS: Joe Strauss ..."

St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Holliday provides special delivery

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September 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Perhaps Milwaukee Brewers manager Ken Macha missed the message left by Matt Holliday on Busch Stadium's third-deck façade during batting practice. If so, he certainly didn't miss the one Holliday sent in Tuesday's seventh inning against reliever Todd Coffey. Mere hours after splattering the "A" in Busch Stadium's Big Mac Land during batting practice, the Cardinals' left fielder answered an intentional walk of first baseman Albert Pujols with a three-run shot to complete a night of comebacks that ended with a 7-6 win. Holliday didn't take offense. He merely provided it. "I would anticipate Albert being walked if Babe Ruth was hitting behind him," Holliday said. "He's got 42 home runs on ..."

Holliday does it all in victory over Bucs

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August 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Newcomer Matt Holliday has already won several games for the Cardinals with his bat, and his two-run homer in the first inning suggested that he might do the same Friday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. As events unfolded, Holliday wound up winning this one as much with his legs as the Cardinals rallied for a 6-4 victory that vaulted them back into first place in the National League Central Division. With the game tied at 4-4, Holliday beat out an infield hit with one out in the eighth when third baseman Andy LaRoche couldn't make the play cleanly after fielding a slow roller. Holliday stole second as catcher Ryan Doumit's high throw glanced off the glove of second ..."

Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday and Cardinals pose doom for Mets

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August 4

New York Daily News

"The St. Louis Cardinals made perhaps the biggest splash before the trade deadline in acquiring former All-Star Matt Holliday from the A's on July 24. But Holliday is not the Mets' biggest worry as the Cardinals arrive in town for a two-game set starting Monday. "(Holliday's) a good player and he was one of the dominant right-handed hitters in this league for a couple of years, but still, the guy you gotta get out is Albert Pujols," Jerry Manuel said. "I got a chance to (go after) Pujols or Holliday, I'm going with Holliday. I'm not going to mess with Pujols. "But that does give them some protection for Albert, and you might see him once he gets hot again take it to another level because ..."

Hot Holliday start

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August 3

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The most lasting image of Matt Holliday remains a winning experience, his face-plant slide scoring the deciding run in the Colorado Rockies' playoff win over the San Diego Padres to reach the 2007 postseason. The most recent image, developed in the 22 months since, is of a player constantly exposed to "learning experiences." Those experiences include the Rockies' hard fall after reaching the '07 World Series, his refusal to accept a four-year, $72 million extension and a curious subsequent trade to a small-market American League team that flipped him to St. Louis as part of the Oakland A's latest reinvention. "I've learned a lot. Having the chance to do some of the things I've done in the ..."

Hot Holliday start

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August 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The most lasting image of Matt Holliday remains a winning experience, his face-plant slide scoring the deciding run in the Colorado Rockies' playoff win over the San Diego Padres to reach the 2007 postseason. The most recent image, developed in the 22 months since, is of a player constantly exposed to "learning experiences." Those experiences include the Rockies' hard fall after reaching the '07 World Series, his refusal to accept a four-year, $72 million extension and a curious subsequent trade to a small-market American League team that flipped him to St. Louis as part of the Oakland A's latest reinvention. "I've learned a lot. Having the chance to do some of the things I've done in the ..."

Holliday makes 'em happy in home deubt with St. Louis Cardinals

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July 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The very public courtship of Matt Holliday began Monday night at Busch Stadium. As opening lines go, the Cardinals' 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers proved very persuasive. With a sellout crowd of 43,756 greeting the club's newest addition with a protracted standing ovation, Holliday answered in kind with a 400-foot laser to put the game on course and a once-clunky lineup became dangerous. "It gave me goosebumps and I'm sitting there pitching in the game," said Cards starter Chris Carpenter, who offered seven-plus dogged innings for his fourth win in five July starts. "He's a great player. For the fans to show how excited they are for him to be here is pretty neat. For him to ..."

Holliday rental over

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July 25

Oakland Tribune

"There was a ticking clock on Matt Holliday's tenure with the A's ever since they acquired him in November. His time in green and gold expired Friday, as Oakland traded the left fielder to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for highly touted third base prospect Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and right-hander Clayton Mortensen. The A's had high hopes for 2009 after landing Holliday, a three-time All-Star, in an offseason deal from the Colorado Rockies. But with the team stuck in last place, and Holliday poised to hit free agency this winter and command a big-money contract, the A's pulled the trigger. The chance to get Wallace, who could fill a long-term need at third base, was ..."

Holliday deal typical move by A's

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July 25

Oakland Tribune

columnist Gary Peterson

"Right off the bat we can think of two people who must be fired up about the trade the A's consummated Friday, those being the principals involved. Matt Holliday, because he's been paroled to go play baseball games that matter. And Sonoma native Brett Wallace, who finds himself with a chance to play as close to home as possible - at least until the majors expand to St. Helena. For the rest of us, well, this would be business as usual, wouldn't it? For starters, a trade that, taken at face value, is defensible bordering on laudable. Holliday was never in the A's long-term plans. Even keeping him until the end of the season was ill-advised, since the team would've had to offer him arbitration ..."

A's move Holliday to St. Louis

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July 25

San Francisco Chronicle

"With their season going nowhere, the A's followed through on long-standing expectations and dealt outfielder Matt Holliday. The A's, who acquired Holliday from Colorado in November, sent the three-time All-Star to St. Louis on Friday in exchange for three minor leaguers. The centerpiece of the package for Oakland is third baseman Brett Wallace. Wallace, who is from Sonoma and played at Justin-Siena High School in Napa, might wind up replacing his all-time favorite player, A's third baseman Eric Chavez. "Obviously, I'm really excited, being a Bay Area kid and growing up watching the A's," Wallace said. "We were at the Coliseum a lot." "He's a guy we've always sort of longed for," said ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

Millions of reasons to trade Holliday

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July 23

San Francisco Chronicle

"The A's may trade Matt Holliday before the July 31 deadline because they're in last place with no realistic hope for the playoffs. There may be another reason. If they don't trade him, he could return in 2010 with a far steeper salary than this year's $13.5 million, which the A's might not be thrilled to pay. Especially if his numbers don't measure up with his Colorado days. We've heard last winter's Holliday acquisition was a win-win because general manager Billy Beane could trade the left fielder before the deadline or keep him the entire season, tender him arbitration and receive compensatory draft picks after he signs elsewhere. Not so fast. If Holliday accepts arbitration, the A's ..."

Holliday to Braves for Escobar?

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July 14

MLB.com

(scroll down)

"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."

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 ..."

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? ..."

Holliday handles awkward situation with A's like a pro

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June 5

Contra Costa Times

columnist Gary Peterson

"Turns out the scouting report on Matt Holliday is dead on. Superior hitter? Check. Since May 10 he has hit .359, raising his average from .226 to .280. Top-drawer run producer? Oh, you bet. His 33 RBI have him on pace to surpass 100 for the third time in four years. Hale fellow well met? Looks like it from here. Did we just hear the sound of eyeballs rolling? OK, sure, we understand Holliday made some comments during the A's stay in Chicago that generated more buzz than they deserved. He came to Oakland as a rental in a season where a rental doesn't figure to make the kind of impact that, say, Frank Thomas made in 2006, or Keith Foulke made in 2003. Reasonable minds pretty much agree that ..."

Holliday goes back to old form and homers

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May 1

San Francisco Chronicle

"Struggling to find a groove this season, Matt Holliday has abandoned some of the things he worked on over the offseason with Mark McGwire and he has gone back to his old leg kick. On Thursday, he hit his first homer of the season, a solo shot off Jason Jennings in the ninth. It was his first home run as a member of the A's; Holliday hadn't hit one out in the spring, either. "Hopefully it's a sign of things to come," Holliday said. "More than anything, I feel like I haven't been able to help the team - I feel I've let the team down on a number of occasions, that's what's hard, not necessarily the home runs. I want to help the team win games." In an effort to do that, Holliday went back to ..."

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.""

Holliday thinks he's 'getting there' at the plate

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April 21

Contra Costa Times

"Matt Holliday knows only one way to work out hitting problems. Keep hitting. The A's cleanup man, acquired over the offseason to anchor the middle of the order along with Jason Giambi, was happy with his session in the batting cage Monday, when the A's had their game with the New York Yankees postponed. A three-time Silver Slugger winner with the Colorado Rockies, Holliday hasn't been bad at the plate. His nine RBI lead the A's. But he's hitting .267 and has yet to homer through 12 games. "I feel like I'm getting there," he said. "Obviously, I haven't done as much damage as I'd like. Traditionally, I'm not a real fast starter." Partially true. Holliday has hit just 14 homers in April, his ..."

Holliday has answers for questions about slump

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April 21

San Francisco Chronicle

"Matt Holliday was acquired in November to help beef up the Oakland offense, and he does lead the team in RBIs, with nine. He's hitting well under his career average, however, and he hasn't hit a home run in an Oakland uniform, either during the spring or the regular season. Yes, it is frustrating. "All of us hitters are pretty insecure, and you watch 'SportsCenter' and see what the guys who are really raking are doing. ... That's a bad rollercoaster to get yourself on," Holliday said. Holliday said he doesn't feel any extra pressure because he's with a new team or because he and Jason Giambi were supposed to rev up the A's scoring. He said his .267 average and zero homers are partly the ..."

A's address their need for speed

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March 13

Contra Costa Times

"The A's knew all about Matt Holliday's power when they acquired him from Colorado in November. And they knew what kind of defensive player Orlando Cabrera could be when they signed him as a free agent earlier this month. What they were also getting were two players who can steal bases. And the A's hope that those additions, combined with some of the speed and power already on the roster, can make their offense much more versatile than it's been in the recent past. "The A's have always prided themselves in hitting homers and drawing walks," Oakland first baseman Jason Giambi said. "But we've got guys with some speed that can steal some bags, and good young kids like (outfielders Ryan) ..."

Rox face Holliday, now in green

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March 11

Denver Post

"Matt Holliday drew a mini-standing ovation today after signing autographs for several fans down the left-field line today at Hi Corbett Field. It was symbolic of a day when he was embraced by former teammates. "It's different being here as a visitor," Holliday said. "But it's great seeing the guys." Holliday had an RBI groundball-single to left field in his first at-bat, part of the A's five-run first inning. Rockies starter Jorge de la Rosa recorded only one out before getting yanked. Holliday put on a show during batting practice, losing more than a dozen baseballs over the center- and left-field fences. Holliday looked similar, save for the green top - sleeves again cut at the biceps of ..."

It's a happy Holliday in middle of A's order

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March 1

Contra Costa Times

"The worst place to look for Matt Holliday before a game is at his locker. You're more likely to find the A's new left fielder in the weight room riding the stationary bike, or maybe in the batting cage taking extra swings. There aren't many wasted moments in Holliday's work day. And considering that his resume includes a batting title and an MVP award from the 2007 National League Championship Series, it's not like the extra effort is needed to score points with his new team. Holliday - acquired from the Colorado Rockies in November for outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and pitchers Greg Smith and Huston Street - explained his approach to the game. "Baseball is something I enjoy," he said. "I ..."

Holliday, Fuentes receive local BBWAA awards

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February 5

Denver Post

"Matt Holliday continues to collect more hardware than Home Depot.

Four months after playing his last game for the Rockies and three months after being traded to Oakland, the three-time All-Star was named Colorado's player of the year for the 2008 season by the local Baseball Writers Association of America chapter today.

Holliday hit .321 with 25 home runs and 88 RBIs.

Former closer Brian Fuentes, now with the Angels, pulled off a bit of an upset, garnering pitcher of the year honors. Fuentes posted 30 saves with a 2.73 ERA and was nearly unhittable the second half of the season. However, Aaron Cook won 16 games and made his first all-star game."

Trade Holliday? Rockies strike out!

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November 21

Rocky Mountain News

columnist Bill Johnson

"I was going to hold my tongue. This Matt Holliday thing, though, has now become personal. After weeks of mourning, my wife has now informed me that she will not be buying Rockies season tickets next year. It is her business, her business expense and her write-off, I suppose. But it's my freeload, and I'm telling you, it's over. The comfy coziness of the foul ball-laden Club Level, my goodness, will soon to be but a memory. Yes, a man can weep. Truth is, I blame her not a whit. The Matt Holliday trade capitulation is but a white-flag-raising on the Rockies' near future. This, my wife simply cannot bear. No, you do not understand. We have been attending Rockies games since those early days ..."

Life's a Holliday on Athletics Lane ... for now

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November 13

Contra Costa Times

"Matt Holliday admitted he doesn't know much about his new A's teammates. And it's true he might be calling the Oakland Coliseum home for a very short time. But in the present, the A's certainly became a more compelling team to watch with Wednesday's announcement they had acquired Holliday from the Colorado Rockies. Reliever Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and starting pitcher Greg Smith were sent to Colorado to complete the blockbuster trade, which had been common knowledge since Monday. The A's primary mission this offseason is upgrading a punchless offense, and they've taken a big step toward that by adding Holliday, a three-time All-Star who is one of the game's premier ..."

Holliday's stay with A's likely short

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November 12

San Francisco Chronicle

"Matt Holliday was in Oakland on Tuesday, but after getting a physical, the All-Star outfielder returned to Laguna Beach without any announcement that he'll be joining the A's. That should happen this morning, when the A's and Rockies officially conclude a four-player deal that brings Oakland a much-needed middle-of-the-order bat and sends pitchers Huston Street and Greg Smith and young outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to Colorado. "It's definitely unconventional," said third baseman Eric Chavez, the longest-tenured player on the A's. "I guess after two years of below-average baseball and dumping salaries, we had some room to do this. It's awesome. Matt's an impact player." Chavez is convinced ..."

A's ready to make bold move for Holliday

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November 11

Contra Costa Times

"The A's are trying to finalize a trade with the Colorado Rockies that would bring three-time All-Star left fielder Matt Holliday to Oakland, providing the coveted right-handed slugger the team long has lacked. It's been widely reported the Rockies will receive reliever Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and left-hander Greg Smith in exchange for Holliday. No official announcement has come from either club, but it's known that Holliday will arrive in Oakland today to meet with A's officials. Smith confirmed Monday that he is part of the deal and was scheduled to fly to Denver for a physical. Gonzalez told USA Today that he was notified of his inclusion in the trade. Street had not ..."

A's Set To Trade For Holliday

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November 11

San Francisco Chronicle

"Though neither team has made any announcement, the A's and Rockies are closing in on a deal that would bring two-time All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday to Oakland and would send young outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to Colorado. Holliday, who will be a free agent after the season, would provide Oakland with the big bat the club has been seeking for the middle of the lineup. The trade could be official as soon as today. A's left-hander Greg Smith said he will fly to Denver as soon as today for a physical, but he did not know the other components of the deal. Reliever Huston Street is believed to be part of the deal, and Gonzalez also is expected to be heading to Colorado, according to a source ..."