I really didn't know what to think about how this season was progressing. I was begining to question our resident genius Billy Beane. Then I saw this:

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1156215/1/index.htm 

It all has become clear. Beane's masterstroke is to tank this season so that he can get the #1 pick next year to draft Bryce Harper a once in a generation talent(Remind us of someone? ahem... Michael Ynoa). Wait wait now you say... Harper isn't eligible till the 2011 draft. They are seriously considering getting his GED and enrolling in a JUCO which would make him eligible.

What do all of you think? Willing to tank this season to get him? Worth it or not?

Just throwing this out to see where you all think the A's stand at this point? Have they done enough these last two trades to overtake Tampa as #1? Looking at their top 10 is just scary good. Their top 20 could potentially all be decent mlb players as I don't think its even a question of who has the most prospect depth. Off the top of my head this is my personal list.

1. Gio Gonzalez

2. Trevor Cahill

3. Brett Anderson

4. Adrian Cardenas

5. Michel Inoa

6. James Simmons

7. Sean Doolittle

8. Chris Carter

9. Vince Mazzaro

10. Aaron Cunningham

The amout of quality players is just sickening.

I thought we could use a place for people to post when we confirmed when a player is signed. Any info on where they are being assigned would be helpful as well. I'm not positive on how updated this site is with the signings so we will have to see. If someone can suggest a better one by all means post it.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/2008xteam.php?team=1014

So far I know our 8th round selection Jeremy Barfield has signed.

Only a 7 inning game but good signs from him considering the injury he sustained.

He went only 5.2 innings no hits no walks and 9 K's. Gotta be happy with the outlook of all our young pitching. If even one of our homegrown pitchers pans out that would just be the icing on the cake.

On a side note Ryan Webb is clocking in at 94-96mph(89-91mph before) and is looking really good.