Slusser just announced via twitter that the A's have announced they will not tender a contract to Jack Cust

http://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/6612415431

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        So, this is a fanpost I have been thinking about writing for quite sometime, and with everything A's related being beaten into the ground, I thought this would be the most appropriate time. So bear with me, as this may be a bit confusing to put into words, but I believe that this is a good discussion to have with some true fans of the game.

        First off, a few quick disclaimers. I have only been a fan of the game for about 15 years, well, a bit longer, but i was too young to remember much about the games I attended beforehand, so I guess '94 or '95 would be the first years that I started to follow the team and the sport. Also, I have mostly only attended games in California, and I am aware that the experience is much different on the East Coast, Midwest, etc. That being said, I am here to provide my thoughts on why I am noticing a disturbing trend in the sport of baseball in the past 3 years that I had not seen in the previous 10+.

       Now don't get me wrong and paint me to be a pessimist, but bear with me as I explain what I believe is happening with the sport right now. The majority of my disappointment lies in the fans. What I am seeing is a lack of true fans showing up to games anymore. Fans seem less and less interested in the action, and more interested in getting hammered and causing problems. Now I am the kind of fan who likes to experience a ballgame from all sorts of views, so I try to get a different seat in a different area at each game. So I've been around all sorts of fans. But what I see at every single ballpark is the same. As an opposing fan, regardless of how bitter the rivalry is, or isn't, fans of the home team spend more time trying to cause problems and getting drunk than they do actually watching their team.

      In the past year, I've been threatened to be beaten up in the parking lot by Angels fans for standing and cheering when the A's scored a run, I've had food thrown at me by Dodgers fans after a game THEY WON, and a Giants fan shoved me for no apparent reason. The heckling is also disappointing to say the least. At a Dodgers-A's game earlier this year in which I sat in the right field bleacher, I had to listen to random shouting by Dodgers fans at Jack Cust. What did 90% say repeatedly? "YOU SUCK CUST!!!" Did they have anything else to say? Of course not. And when Giambi was up? "STE-ROIDS, STE-ROIDS, STE-ROIDS." Do they really have a valid reason to use that chant when their star outfielder is no longer occupying Mannywood, but instead enjoying a non paid 50 game vacation? These fans no nothing about the game, they could care less. Baseball is seemingly become a more fairweather sports than any of the other major sports in the US (and Canada).

        Is this also rubbing off on the players, coaches, and managers.? Are players becoming products of this environment? The Dallas Braden type guys who actually sign for a large number of fans and enjoy their interactions seem less and less. Players are having less and less to do with fans. Some who sign or make appearances before games appear to do it begrudgingly, more concerned with improving their image than they are with actually showing appreciation for the fans whose ticket sales help pay for their enormous salaries.

       Trust me, I understand that heckling is part of the game, and that ribbing an opposing fan is all part of the game, but when it goes beyond that, it's just ridiculous. My question to you is, do you have the same experience? Are you seeing what I'm seeing or is this simply me? Do you have any stories similar to mine, or are you happy with the fan experience right now?

      Again, don't take to me as a bitter fan who is losing interest. I will always love the game of baseball, and I will be a lifelong A's fan. I'm just curious if anyone who has been a fan for longer than I have is noticing anything they find discouraging...

Won't Sign Til June?

MILWAUKEE -- Finally, an answer to one of this winter's most puzzling questions: Why is the National League's All-Star Game starting pitcher still looking for a job?

The answer is that free agent right-hander Ben Sheets may need surgery to repair the torn flexor tendon in his elbow, and his former employers may be asked to pick up the tab. Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said on Thursday that the team has been in discussions this week with Sheets' agent and officials from Major League Baseball about who would pay for the procedure

        Interesting development today with hearing that he apparentally had all but signed with Texas when a physical resulted in a deal breaker.

        So, as I begin to think about how A's fans will react to this (as he's been a hot topic of late), this may not end the debate but instead continue it further. It seems like a no brainer that anyone signing him before June would probably be making a huge mistake, assuming he probably won't be ready now before June at the earliest. So why risk giving up a draft pick. Does this leave Milwaukee as his only suitor? Should the A's try and nab him June 1st, thus not risking a pick? Or should they consider signing him before June, losing a draft pick but jumping in before anyone else does...  3 solid months out of Sheets is better than none, but is the risk worth it?

Really Randy?!?

The San Francisco Giants have given Randy Johnson a belated Christmas present by signing dandy Randy Johnson to a one year deal. The financial terms have not been disclosed.

Well, good for the Giants, this gives them some rotation flexibility. There had been no word o RJ recently so this comes as somewhat of a surprise, so I'm assuming he wanted to sign with the Giants all along. Glad to see he got his wish to play at home, I just guess he's not ghetto enough to play on the other side of the bay.

Discuss.

Free Agent Steal?

"Family says doctors misdiagnosed Rocco Baldelli's condition." The Baldelli family today said that Rocco's diagnosis of mitochondrial disorder, potentially fatal, was incorrect by previous doctors. A clinic in Cleveland said that it is in fact channel-opathy, a non-progressive and highly treatable disease.

I have to say that this is just fantastic, to see what he went through and tried so hard to play last year. Baldelli is one of those few guys that I really have followed for no reason other than I just enjoyed his play. I hope that this will get him back to the level of play he was at just a couple of years ago.

   And not to get all hot stove on you, but if they figure this thing out he could potentially be the free agent signing of the year. Certainly no once-was like Josh Hamilton, but with some motivation and getting the energy back he had lost, he could have a great season.

         First, my apologies to everyone who doesn't want to hear another Furcal I apologize, but I'm trying to write this off not simply as a complaint about him but about negotiating in the baseball world in general. But again, please don't read if you don't want to hear anymore about what has enfolded over what has seemed like the entire offseason thus far.

         That aside, i write this from the view of a baseball fan who, while trying to keep informed, doesn't have the best idea of how negotiations are typically run in regards to free agency, trades, etc. i would love to be enlightened if my opinion is far from the norm or proper etiquette, but here goes:

        Paul Kinzer, in my humble and honest opinion, has done nothing to prove himself anything short of idiotic this offseason. I feel I can state this opinion with the Athletics faithful, as we currently do not have any players being represented by him, Arn Tellem, or the rest of the Wasserman Media Group (Giambi, Kendall, and Frank Thomas are the only 3 current major leaguers with any affiliation to them at this time). Now I'm sure Kinzer and his pals at WMG are generally pretty smart guys, having representation from the likes of Chase Utley, Hanley Ramirez, and Alexis Rio, along with many other household names. However, Kinzer ultimately failed to get the job done with his 2 prize free agents this offseason, Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez, and Rafael Furcal.

       Am I upset at what has happened as an A's fan? Of course, but viewing this without a bias I can honestly say that he failed his clients in what is his primary goal: getting his clients as much money as possible. First, he decides to shoot his mouth off before the offseason and claim that his client (K-Rod) deserves, not just Rivera money annually (at $15MM per year), but 5 years on top of that, coming in at $75 MM total guaranteed money, for, as proven by many playoff teams recently, one of the more expendable roles/positions in baseball. So, a player thinking he will get a record sum of money ends up getting at least around $60 mil right? Wrong. Kinzer gets him just barely less than half the guranteed money, in a 3 years $37 mil. Now I'm not saying that this isn't a fine amount of money for anyone, but to make these comments before your closer finishes out a record breaking season and yet he only puts away half of what he expected has got to be disappointing to say the least. I mean Joe Nathan, a guy 7 years his senior, put away 4/47, just last year, with what some would argue as lesser numbers than Rodriguez (again keeping in mind he will be 37 at the end of the contract, while Rodriguez won't have hit 30 when he's done with his, options pending).

     Next, onto Furcal, everyone's favorite player 'round AN as of recent. Kinzer think he can legitamately get his client 4 years at the current rate he's getting paid annually ($13 mil/year). So negotiations continue long past 3 SEPARATE DEADLINES, because of who knows what. Things continue, teams move in and out, mystery teams appear and disappear like they're going out of style and we reach today, where it becomes more clear than ever that there were only 2 teams who ever had a chance in signing Furcal, the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Problem is, neither even tried to offer the player a contract near what he was hoping for, with the highest offer between the two seemingly a 3/30 from the Braves with a 4th year option. So, Kinzer expected his client to receive around $52 mil in guaranteed money, instead getting most likely $22 million less than that (unless something manifests in the next few hours). So, between 2 clients, Kinzer has gotten his clients contracts, totalling in $60 MM less in guaranteed money than he expected.

      Of course, I know there is more to it than that. But from the perspective of someone looking at this from a financial perspective, wouldn't they be shocked. I know there's the economic crisis and everything, but Kinzer had to be aware of this and should have judged the market a bit better. Myabe this is his marketing ploy, to significantly overvalue his clients and then get them to sign for a lower amount, but I highly doubt that. That aside, here is where I have come to respect Scott Boras for his frankness in dealing with negotiations. You don't see Boras quoting as saying there are "mystery teams interested in my clients"? No, instead he simply says "is that an offer? are you serious? well you're joking if client X will sign for that. Give me a better offer or get out."

     No, instead Kinzer tries to use Jedi mind tricks to fool those who his client are really interested in signing with to up their offer. Does he think that this kind of stuff doesn't get around in the baseball world? This is the kind of BS that loses agents their  clients and friends in GMs. If I was a baseball player looking for an agent am I going to sign with Kinzer, who doesn't get his guys near the amount of money they hope for and strings everyone along, or will i go with Boras because he gets me the most value, doesn't set empty deadlines, and knows when and how to judge the market? I will go with Boras, no questions asked.

        And I know there is plenty more to this, I know I am missing point A and whatnot, but this has simply been poor negotiating from an agent's perspective. And have the courtesy to tell an organization that your client isn't interested. I mean, that's just ridiculous. Beane showed Furcal nothing but courtesy, showed him around the area, gave him the best offer, and it is now clear Kinzer tried to use Oakland as a marketing ploy, trying to drive up the offers from LA and Atlanta. That, to me, shows a total lack of respect. At least we know Boras would show teams the honesty in saying, "hey, you just can't compete dollar for dollar, I don't recommend you stay involved in negotiations."

             Now with that off my chest, here's to Oakand A's baseball. Who's to say where we go from here with our offseason plans? Maybe the A's make some moves to improve this team, maybe it stays the same? Only Billy Beane really knows. Maybe he'll wake up tomorrow and unload the team, or maybe he'll make the deal of the century. All I know is that I stand by Oakland Athletics baseball no matter what happens, and 2009 never rested on one player in Free Agency. Furcal isn't to Oakland what Teixeira is to LA of Anaheim.

Cheers to '09!

ummmm....

ok...

According to John Perrotto at Baseball Prospectus Giambi appears headed back to the A's, and the announcement could take place during the Winter Meetings, as Giambi calls home to Las Vegas.

I don't really know how to feel, I have said I don't feel great about Giambi signing with the A's, but depending on what other deals are made, if we could keep him in the DH slot who knows? (notice my attempt to stay positive).

Stay tuned for any other news...

UPDATE:

Giambi has been spotted in the Bellaggio, telling reporters he is "looking for a job.."

Link

Link: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/11/giants-sign-edg.html

San Francisco Giants sign Edgar Renteria to a 2 year deal worth $18mm.

So, Furcal's other most likely suitor is out of the picture, what does this mean to the A's? Giants had to give up a 2nd round pick for Renteria... What do you think this mean for the market? Does this change the price at all?

Your thoughts, comments, questions...

UPDATE:

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle talked to a Giants source who said the below report is not true.  Schulman admits the Giants may be splitting hairs, as they might deny a deal if only formalities remained.

Rafael Furcal's agent Paul Kinzer says he's still talking to the Giants, which would seem to indicate a Renteria deal isn't close.

So, while Beane has made clear that at any time during any season he will make any and all players available, it seems to be a fair assumption to say that it is a very likely scenario that Huston Street will not be an Oakland Athletic by the start of the '09 season. So let's look at the possible scenarios and see where you would like to see him traded and what you think would be a most likely return (whether it be Street straight up or packaged with others):

Cleveland Indians: They have made clear that they are in on the Street sweepstakes as they will be unable to score either K-Rod or Fuentes, and I think this is the most likely destination.  I for one would love to see a trade for Asdrubal Cabrera, as he seems like the great choice for ss of the future.

New York Mets: It is no secret they are in desperate need for help in relief, and it is unknown how much they are willing to spend on a free agent, so Street may be their best option. What do the Mets have that the A's want? Milledge (whoops, one year too late!). MLBTR reports the A's have interest in Heilman, but are the A's really going for more pitching, highly doubtful...

Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays: Reid Brignac? Someone else? ???

Colorado Rockies: Is this a possibility? What would we want from O'Dowd? Would this be a Holliday trade? Atkins (hope not)? Stewart? (highly doubtful now that Atkins is out the door)....

Detroit Tigers: No secret they need closing options too, so who would be a valuable return, I know some say Ordonez would look great in Green and Gold but is he really worth $15 mil plus on the end of his star years? I say no...

So, what do you guys think? Not just your preference but what do you think is the most likely destination for Street? What do you think is a legitimate return (everyone knows Beane will ask for the moon)?

Free agency aside, this thread is devoted to discussing those players who other teams have made clear are either available or whom they will be exploring possible trades with. Now I clearly will not have all listed, but I will name a few whom I think could be a possible trade candidate for the A's, and what they will have to give up in return (let's keep it to hitters, I think it's fair to assume the A's won't be going for any major pitchers)...

Jeff Franceour- The Braves have made it clear they are disappointed in his performance (as evident by them sending him down to AAA after 2 straight 100 rbi seasons), Franceour to the Royals has been popping up lately, but i don't think so. Would the A's be interested and what would they have to give up? With the Braves losing most likely Glavine and Smoltz (I've heard they won't resign him) they would most likely want some starting pitching and maybe even an outfielder in return. Beane has dealt with the Braves before but I say this would not be a smart move.

Prince Fielder- If the Brewers don't make the playoffs it has been made clear they will have a major shakeup and apparently they are more than just willing to explore a Fielder trade. They are gonna lose Sheets and Sabathia, so they need starting pitching. Would Duke be a possibility with some fillers? Mazzero? Would you part with Simmons, Cahill, or Anderson? Personally, I would pounce on a chance for Fielder. He's a great player and is only going to get better/ stay consistent. He's my guy for green and gold in '09. Plus, will his inability to recreate his monster season in '07 lower his value maybe a bit?

Aubrey Huff- Coming off a career year, he's clearly overvalued, both by other teams and the Orioles. Beane won't do it, and maybe if this was last year it would be a consideration, but i say no way.

J.J. Hardy- How about a blockbuster, Fielder and Hardy to the A's? It's a possibility....

Dan Uggla- For sure available, but is he overpriced tradewise? Could we get anyone else from the fish? Ramirez? Jacobs? Who would you like to see the most?

Jimmy Rollins (?!?)- This name may surprise a few, but recently he has soured in Philly, and the Phillies may make him available... Do you like him? Too close to past his prime? It would certainly be a homecoming for him and I'm sure it would make him more than happy... But for what?

Atkins, Holliday- Well, it seems that Atkins is way overpriced, but Holliday? I would love to see him on the A's and he can hit away from Coors. Again, they need starting pitching, but how much?

So, this is just a bit to start the thread. Who would you want that it is clear is available. Obviously, I have only mentioned top stars, because that's what we would all love to have, but post your thoughts, and other guys you see as a fit, whose your top guy. Me, it's Fielder...