1.  fire some coaches.  Melvin needs his own guys in there.  The only coach that should stay is pitching and bullpen coach.  all others have failed badly at their job.  Perry is the first guy that needs to go.  Good example is the only players hitting are mainly new players Weeks and Sizemore.  Wolfe needs to spend money on a real hitting coach not just another retread that has done nothing.  You get what you pay for.

2.  Make some trades to bring up the young players.  Playing time is required for rookies and since the team has about no chance of winning its time to bring up the rookies and see what they can do.  DeJesus, Crisp, Weurtz, Willingham, and McCarthy would be on the trading block.  I doubt DeJesus has any value but just getting his spot replaced with Taylor would be a improvement.  Players brought up should include Taylor, Sogard, Recker, and Miller.

3.  Announce the A's are staying in Oakland for the next 3 years.  Selig is dragging his feet and you know why?  Its because he doesn't want to make a decision until the next commissioner is in power.  The chicken has no guts to make a tough decision and is just passing the buck to the next guy. 

4.  No more Matsui.  Another space being used up by a guy who is done.  This is Carter's spot and its now or never for us to see if he belongs up here.  The A's nned to test the players now that they are out of it not letting them sit on the bench and wait. 

5.  Cut the price on tickets.  Who want to pay major prices to watch a bad team.  Nobody.  Half off or 2 for 1 deals should be everyday.  Make A's fans.  Who wants to pay to watch a bad movie.  Nobody.  The owner needs to wake up and smell the coffee and know it not only looks bad it smells bad.  The team is only good for the first 5 innings and then we know they will find some way to lose the game. 

  If you know some more things to fix feel free to post 6, 7, and ect...  The list can go on and on.

  First it is DeJesus and now Encarnacion.  I thought I knew Beane better than this but both pick ups have been out of the blue with no rumors about them before happening.  So now you must ask yourself what is next?

Beltre anybody?  Doesn't look like it will happen at all now.  Beltre is looking for 5 year deal with around 15 million a year.  To costly for a guy who tanked after his last deal and is being pursued by Boston and LA Angels who have the money to spend.  So write him off the list.

Kouz or Encarnacion who at third?  This one is a mystery but how I look at it Encarnacion is insurance in case they trade Kouz before Dec 2nd to get a power bat or in case they don't have a chance at a DH.  The way the A's management is talking sounds like they are not offering Encarnacion arbitration but try to sign him for a contract less than last year's rate.  If not he will be released.  Don't forget Kouz has value with his glove and many teams are looking for a 3b.  It is looking more and more that Parker will be the A's 3b in 2012 with a good AAA showing this year.

The crowded outfield?  Can't play them all.  So who is in and his is out.  Most likely out is Cust and Buck.  The way the A's beat writer are saying Cust is gone then most likely to be traded or released before arbitration offering time.  Buck could be offered arbitration since he can't ask for to much and traded if he has a good spring.  That leaves the A's with Crisp, DeJesus, and Sweeney as the main guys.  Carter and Davis on the outside looking in.  Davis is probably being offered around right now.  Sweeney trade value is so low that he is staying for now.

  Prospects on the trading block.  With Beane you never know.  I would guess Donaldson, Mortenson, Sogard, Cardenas, Weeks, and Taylor could be offered around.  None are considered worth a big bat but could be part of a 3 for 1 trade.  I just don't see Carter being available after what happened with Cargon being traded for Holiday.  He would be your most untouchable. 

  Beane's next trade will be a package deal.  If the A's don't sign a DH could Prince Fielder be that guy for a package deal?  I don't want the A's pick up another questionable has been but get a true hitter.  Just one big power bat in the middle of the lineup would be nice.  So what do you guys think Beane's next move will be?

Less than 2 weeks away is the GM meetings and Beane is looking to trade.  So expect a trade to take place because Beane usualy moves quick and before the end of the year on trades.  Now I do not have any inside information but just by putting comments together by trade rumors I know that the A's are willing to trade starting pitching for a big bat.  So no need to post a link because it is all guessing by me.

  1.  Beane trades Anderson and Kouz to the Mets for David wright.  Why?  The Mets need pitching and Anderson is a #1 starter that could be the center piece of their rotation.  Kouz is to give the mets a starting thirdbaseman.  I know right now some are saying no way the A's should trade Anderson but to get a David wright you must give up a quality player.  Sandy Alderson the new mets GM has mentioned that wright could be up for trade.  the A's would have the #4 hitter they need and a solid thirdbaseman.

2.  Win the signing rights to Iwakumra.  At least it would keep the M's or Rangers from getting a starter.  He would replace whoever the A's trade this off season.  I don;'t think he would be a #1 starter but could be a good #3 starter especially in Oakland and bring the Asian fans to the A's games.

3.  If all else fails sign a couple of free agents.  Beltre is atop of Beane's list so if 1 fails then back up is Beltre if his price is right.  Ordonez is the other free agent Beane will look at.  Werth and Crawford will most likely out of the A's price range.  Werth is a high risk since he may not hit in a pitchers park.  Crawford most likely ends in Boston where he is over paid.

  We all hope a couple big bats come the A's way that are good hitters.  No Derek Lees that are at the end of their productive years.  Look for these names to be shopped around Josh Donaldson, Vin Mazzaro, and Dallas Braden.

  ok ok I have been quiet this year about Bobby being the wrong manager of the A's but it looking more like its time to give up the hope he will ever be a average manager.  Instead of a bashing here is some things i just can't stand about his managing style.  It would be easy to just bash him for squinting all game long in his dugout stance but lets just stick to the facts.

  last night he was out managed by Tony.  Tony is a world series manager so that is expected.  So here is the first fact when was the last time Geren called a pitch out?  I can't think of any this year.  Tony caught Davis badly on a pitch out and I saw that pitch out coming before the pitch left Carpenter's hand.  Second fact from last night game.  Why does Geren stick with a reliever until he gets pounded.  Keep someone ready in the bullpen.  It is all right if a lefty only comes in and faces one batter.  We need a manager who isn't afraid to use his bullpen unlike Thursday's game.  If a reliever goes 4 days without being in a game his mechanics are all off and it is going to take a game to get it back on track.  Tyson Ross is a good example of this.  Stop saving relievers for tomorrow's game use them to win today.  He either over uses a reliever or under use them. 

  Now starting lineup complaints.  Check stats before the game so you know when a pitcher is worst against a righty or lefty.  Some pitchers struggle a big amount one side know it.  Example Zito is worst against lefties.  Second play the hot batter not sitting them just to get a player some game time.  Do not put Barton and Sweeney back to back.  It gives the opposing manager a opportunity to bring in a lefty reliever.  Pinch hit with your best hitter not saving someone for later in the game.  Example why PH Patterson when Cust a OBA machine is on the bench.  You need base runners down 2 runs not a batter that is cold.  Which brings me to my next point don't manage with your heart.  Patterson might be your BFF Geren but he has no place on the team.  Another good utility player that can hit would be better than a poor defensive fluke hitter.

  Now its time A's fans to post your complaints about Geren.  Please no Geren sucks comments just facts why he is a terrible manager.

  So many questions left with the last 8 days till the start of the season. 

  Who makes the team?  LRP take your pick of the 3 Jennings, Kilby, or Blevins.  None has stood out to be the leader.  10 days ago it was Jennings but lately he has stunk.

  Is the injury bug gone?  Can never tell on this one.  The bullpen is hurting and what will become of the starters that are recovering from last year.

  What happens with Chavez?  Does he make the team or can they send him to extended spring training?  I don't see Beane cutting lose his buddy but Chavez is still very rusty at the plate.

  Who gets traded?  Fox, Patterson, and Buck are on the bubble and only Buck has a option left.  I don't see any of them making through waivers.  Can the A's option Powell and let Fox be the back up catcher to see if he is worth keeping?  Buck is having a good spring but he is the odd man out and other clubs are watching him so don't count out a trade.  I just don't see Patterson making the team only if a injury happens in the final week.

  Can you hate the giants anymore?  After watching the CSN game the other night and hearing Sabean saying how much he hates the A's and everything to do with the A's.  I always thought Sabean was a ass but that proves it even more.  The comment even caught the giant's announcers off guard.  I guess when you are the second best baseball GM in the bay area it makes you more pissy.

  8 days to do the yard work and get the wife's fix it list done and then baseball.  Thank God

  So now it comes down to what will be Beane's next move?  So far the 2 biggest moves have been surprises.  The Coco Crisp signing and Duke resigning.   Most loyal AN readers did not see them coming.  So on the plus side we have Dallas in minor move and Coco in the big move.  Taylor, fox and miles in trades.  On the negative side we lost Cust, Cassila,Wallace, Shaw, and Crosby.  Tomko doesn't count since he is injured and just a fill in last year. 

  Two holes still to fill in a back up DH/1b and a thirdbaseman.  The signing of the cuban pitcher I doubt very much since the Angels, Yanks and redsox are all after him pushing the price to overpaying him.   Beltre could still come to the A's if his price is around $32 million for 4 years but it looks like the redsox are pushing hard now that Bay is off their books.  Cust could comeback since his value is dropping everyday. 

  My best guess is that Cust will resign at $3 million a year while the A's take a flyer on minor league contract with a remaining 3b major leaguer  that can't find a job in Feb.  The far dark horse move would be the A's sign the cuban pitcher after out bidding the top dogs.  Any other guesses?

  Here I go doing a fan post where you can post all the rumors you hear daily about who the A's will trade or have been in trade talks with. 

First up..3b..So far I heard runmors about Alex Gordon, Chone Figgins,  Miguel tejada, Josh Fields, and Jamey Carrol.  Adam Kennedy is likely favorite here with rumors since the A's have talked to his agent.  I like the fact of Alex Gordon on the buy low high upside which would cost the A's 1 of their catching prospects and more.  Jamey Carrol has been consistent in numbers and is steady at third could be a good stop gap until Wallace is ready.  Figgins will be out of the A's price range and Tejada is still to early to figure out.

  SP..The A's still want the Duke back.  Looks like Tomko will walk.  One player that hit the market the other day is Braden Looper to me would be perfect fit for the A's.  Not a high cost FA and is a good innings eater pitcher who may need a park like Oakland to give him good numbers again but I have heard no word the A's are after him.  Mark Mulder is being pursued heavy by the Brewers so his return is less likely.

SS...Nothing looks like Pennington's job

OF..  Nothing been said but I would not rule out Beane bringing in a power hitter here.

DH..Thome rumor is here if the A's let go of Cust.  I wouldn't mind Matsui to get fans in the seats but he is rumored to want to comeback to the Yanks badly.

  Anybody else heard anything??  Post the rumors you hear here and we can create to talk in this slow time for baseball.

  The Braves has let it be known that they are willing to trade their SS Yunel Escobar for a hitter.  The A's should jump on this and try and trade Holliday for him.  The Braves do need a outfielder so the fit is perfect.  Escobar is no allstar but he has put up constant numbers and has 3 more years left before becoming a free agent.  The SS position is hard to find right now so any opportunity to get a good SS should be explored.  I have not heard any rumor about the A's asking about Escobar but hopefully Beane will get something going.  We could try to include Francorer in the trade a right handed power bat that struggles against righties.  The Braves may want Kennedy included in the trade since their 2b has been a trouble spot this year.  What does the rest of you think of Escobar?

  Last night I watched about 3 innings of the game then put on a movie.  Once the A's are down a few runs there is no reason to watch the team.  I know that unless its a pitchers duel the A's will not score more than 5 runs.  To me this is the toughest season to watch the A's that I can remember.

  I would not mind seeing some rookies like Patterson, Dollittle, or Pennigton hit but to watch guys like Crosby, Giambi, and Garciaparra who will be gone next year is tough.  I still do not understand why Travis Buck is in AAA hitting over .360 when we have only 3 players in the starting lineup that can hit over .250.  The toughest part is watching Geren manage like a little league manager.  He makes out the starting lineup and then sits in the dugout the rest of the night doing nothing.  So is it me or is this team tough to watch?

I have said a few times that Geren has no idea on resting players.  He burns out his players by playing them everyday which slows down their bat speed and makes the bench players with no bat timing.  A good example is Suzuki right now.  He is a great hitter but is struggling because of playing almost everyday.  His position is the hardest on the body and needs to rest  once to twice a week.  Geren uses the excuse that Powell is hurt but that is no excuse put him on the DL if he can't play.  Holiday is another example who has not had a day off besides a injury.  True for Cabrera also.  Cabrera bat is slowing down because of no rest. 

  Part of being a manager is knowing when to rest players and when to use the bench.  Geren has no abilities to do this.  The only way a player gets a rest is if he is injured or in Geren's dog house(a post another time).  Geren will give you 101 injury excuses but he is the manager and its time for him to act like a manager.  What do you think of the rest factor?

  The word frustration comes to mind for all A's fans right now.  We don't have a manager that we believe in.  We wonder if Beane is even watching this team or just playing soccer GM.  We wonder if Wolfe cares about us A's fans anymore?  It looks for certain that this will be a lost year so the team needs to make a statement.  Bring up the youngsters.  I can live with a team rebuilding with youngsters but not with the Crosbys and Davis clogging up the roster.  The team has lost all directions and its getting plain hard to watch any games. 

  So how do we fans tell the A's we are mad as hell and can't take it anymore?  Do we have a fire Geren night where we all just chant "Fire Geren" all game long?  Do we boycott going to games until the A's show some directions?  Anyone with Beane's phone number lets give him a call and get his head back into baseball because this team need some leadership in front office and dugout.

  When a team calls a meeting to discuss lack of agressiveness without the manager shows how little respect they have for their manager.  Cabrera and the hitters did the meeting without the batting coach and Geren.  Which makes you ask do they not respect him or do they feel he is not the one to go to for advice.  I have never felt Geren is a leader quality manager.  He is more a let things run the course guy.  That is fine for a vetran winning team but not for a young team.  Hopefully Beane will not make the A's endure another year of Geren as manager.