Official Oakland A's Offseason Thread

[Kings Analyst]

Might as well get one started seeing as our season ended.

Here's a quick article I posted in another thread that Slusser wrote-

http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/201...team-together/

Eligible For Free Agency

Bartolo Colon
Brandon McCarthy
Brandon Inge
Jonny Gomes

Options

Balfour (4.5MM club option)
Drew (10MM mutual option)

Arbitration

Jerry Blevins (1st), Cliff Pennington (1st), Seth Smith (2nd), Daric Barton (2nd), Adam Rosales (2nd), Dallas Braden (3rd), Joey Devine (3rd)

Roster at the end of the year(*40 man roster, playoff roster in bold):

Catchers:
Derek Norris
George Kottaras

1st Base:
Brandon Moss
Chris Carter
Daric Barton

2nd Base:
Cliff Pennington
Jemile Weeks
Adam Rosales

Shortstop:
Stephen Drew
Brandon Hicks

3rd Base:
Josh Donaldson

Outfield:
Yoenis Cespedes
Coco Crisp
Josh Reddick
Colin Cowgill
Seth Smith
Jonny Gomes

Pitchers:
Brett Anderson
Dan Straily
Grant Balfour
Jeremy Accardo
Travis Blackley
Evan Scribner
Tyson Ross
Jarrod Parker
Jerry Blevins
Jesse Chavez
Ryan Cook
Sean Doolittle
Pedro Figueroa
A.J. Griffin
Brandon McCarthy
Jim Miller
Tommy Milone
Pat Neshek

Hopefully this thread works for everyone, feel free to talk about signings, potential signings, etc. Pretty much anything.

Edit: I'm sure I messed up somewhere so feel free to tell and I'll edit.

[Raidersfan93]

Thanks for making this!

This might be one of our most uneventful off seasons in a long time. I would love to bring Drew back, but maybe on a restructured deal, maybe 2 years 12-14 million. Some people have mentioned Norris isn't our answer at catcher and that we need someone else, but who? Anyways I think he will be fine, he still has more potential. I say we bring Gomes back, he as great this year for us.

[Stash]

I still think Norris has the potential to be the catcher of the future, but it's clear he wasn't ready yet. I would definitely like to add a catcher in the offseason and wouldn't mind starting Norris in AAA. I'd make a run at David Ross in FA, he's been one of the best backups around for a while.

[Raidersfan93]

I still think Norris has the potential to be the catcher of the future, but it's clear he wasn't ready yet. I would definitely like to add a catcher in the offseason and wouldn't mind starting Norris in AAA. I'd make a run at David Ross in FA, he's been one of the best backups around for a while.

I actually really like that idea. He has some pop and walks a decent amount. And there probably isn't much of a difference from hitting in Oakland compared to Atlanta. How much do you think he would want to play in Oakland, 2 mil? When Norris is ready we could possibly deal him and get an ok return.

[Kings Analyst]

I agree Norris definitely looked over matched most of the time this year. He showed glimpses and I do think he is our catcher of the future, but he still needs a bit more work. I wouldn't mind seeing him start the year in Triple A if that's what the coaches feel is needed of him. As for who to possibly to sign if Norris isn't in the majors for us I would consider possibly Laird, Napoli (extremely doubtful, .01%), and Ross.

As for Drew I'd absolutely love to see him come back, but with how weak the short stop crop is this year it looks like at this point Drew will test the waters. I still think there's a decent chance we can get Drew back though.

[Cheezombie]

Mike Napoli is a FA.

[slugger82685]

As a Rangers fan, I just wanted to say congrats to your season....it was a pretty great run and you guys flat out beat us.

That being said, there is another guy on a different website that is making outrageous claims to your team who is also a Rangers fan and it just makes me sick. I hope you guys rip him a new one about his claims, check it out:

http://www.sportshoopla.com/forums/t...e-oakland.html

[Kings Analyst]

Mike Napoli is a FA.

I realize that.

As a Rangers fan, I just wanted to say congrats to your season....it was a pretty great run and you guys flat out beat us.

That being said, there is another guy on a different website that is making outrageous claims to your team who is also a Rangers fan and it just makes me sick. I hope you guys rip him a new one about his claims, check it out:

http://www.sportshoopla.com/forums/t...e-oakland.html

Thanks man, sorry the season ended the way it did for you guys, but we have many more years so hopefully the fun continues between us.

[agureghian]

Maybe get another veteran SP.

[LakersA's49ers]

I really liked norris at times this season. When his swing is on, its beautiful. He's a little under seasoned behind the dish though. Can't wait for ST 2013 baby!

[Cheezombie]

Maybe get another veteran SP.

I vote Rich Harden.

[Raidersfan93]

I vote Rich Harden.

Not sure if you are serious, but I think if he is cheap (which he probably will be) why not? He loves pitching for us and when healthy he is dominant. Sign him for cheap and he could probably be a good arm out of the pen.

[Cheezombie]

I am serious, I doubt he draws much interest, is coming off surgery, is likely cheap, and K'd nearly 10 per 9 in 2011. His xFIP and SIERA was 3.47 and 3.68 respectively in 2011.

[LakersA's49ers]

Rich Harden is one of my personal favorites. That changeup though <3

[Kings Analyst]

I vote Rich Harden.

Big fan of Harden but pass. The injuries are too much of a risk. We sign him as our "veteran" he gets hurt a week in, then what? Too high of a risk.