I mean, it's far more likely to have manager/coaching turnover than the front office. So for the die-hard A's fan such as myself, clamoring about firing the manager when things are going to hell in a hand-basket is the option that looks like the best scenario we as fans can hope for considering the circumstances. Now, I am one of the biggest advocates on AN about firing Geren. I believe he belongs in the minors, because there, he doesn't have to do a whole lot of motivating or holding people accountable. Most minor league players have the fire in them to want to get to the show so badly, it hurts. But what happens when that guy finally reaches his goal? Now what? Instead of being held accountable for their state of play during the course of said season,  the status quo is found not only acceptable, but encouraged. 

As a Major League manager, you need to have the skill set to not only motivate these men, but lead them as well. Skippers need to be a father figure of sorts. One that will scold you and break out the belt if you get out of line, but also a father that understands where you're coming from, because he's been there before. He's done it. Experienced the ups and downs and tries to make sure his children don't make the same mistakes he did. To be better than he was. It doesn't matter how old you are or how much money you make, you still respect your father for what lessons he taught/instilled in you. That's the kind of person needed to be a successful manager. And Bob, I'm sorry, but you're not that kind of guy.

So who is "that kind of guy"? Is it our bench coach Joel Skinner who has had some success as a minor league manager and had a short stint as interim manager of the Cleveland Indians midway through the 2002 season, posting a 35-41 record in his short time as skipper? I don't believe he's the guy we want. Maybe for a short time in replacing Geren, sure. But he has been too close to the cluster-f*ck we call A's management and wouldn't provide the fresh start the team needs.

No, we need a manager who has the experience, both good and bad, in the majors. Someone who has seen it all and can share his ups and downs with our young team. Someone who can instill accountability and respect. I'm just not sure that such a manager exists, and if they do, who would want to work for Wolff/Beane? Until the A's attempt for securing a new venue is settled, I doubt that ownership/management will do anything other than cash those shared revenue checks from MLB. And there lies the problem.If we can change the mindset of the ownership, we can change the direction this franchise is headed. And it all starts with the termination of Mr. Bob Geren.

From A's Press Release this morning:

OAKLAND -- Following the game Tuesday night in Boston, the Oakland A's designated left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland for assignment for the purpose of securing option waivers. Eveland remains on the A's 40-man roster and if he clears waivers he will be optioned to Sacramento. A corresponding roster move will be announced on Wednesday.  [ read full press release ]

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http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodfyi...0,7875661.story

Could they be looking at Huston Street to fill their closer vacancy?

I know that they are gonna be looking for a closer, with Jonathan Broxton as their only option to turn to. Even if he could close, the Dodgers would then lack that crucial set-up man that Broxton has been good at playing.  So, given the current market right now, and with Ned Coletti owing us from the Loaiza deal last year, I think we could get a decent return on Street and maybe combine him with Blanton since Penny is on the DL, Schmidt doesn't look like he's returning, and they are losing faith in Kershaw, who they sent back down to Double AA. Beane should strike while the iron is hot! We can get LaRoche and depending on how down they are on Kershaw, him as well. The Dodgers are also looking for a shortstop. Bobby Crosby maybe? Move Ellis to short, sign him to an extension and see what Patterson can do at second. You'd then have LaRoche, Ellis, Patterson and Barton/Bankston/Hannahan at first.  Does anyone know what kind of prospects the Dodgers have for a possible return on a Street deal, Blanton and Crosby deals?

I want your opinion AN! With Blanton's stock at an all-time low right now, what do you think he could still bring back for us in return? I still think we can unload him to the Reds for Homer Bailey, who's stock is down right now as well. Or as Nico suggested earlier, do we swap spots with Gaudin, making Joe a long reliever and bringing Chad back into the fold. Give me your scenarios!