Bay Area Sports Guy – Giants make a splash, A’s seem content to tread water

The Giants have apparently found their huge upgrade in right field–physically, at least. At 6-4, 210, Hunter Pence towers over Nate Schierhotlz and Gregor Blanco. The Athletics, on the other hand, appear unlikely to make any such moves, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.

Yesterday, Olney announced that the A’s and Diamondbacks were in trade talks involving Arizona shortstop Stephen Drew. This year notwithstanding, Drew would provide much needed production from a middle infield spot without sacrificing too much defensively. But all speculation for naught, as Olney tweeted today.

Though rumors spread like wildfire through Twitter, Olney’s claim seems to be substantiated by other reports. Peter Gammons reported that the A’s withdrew from Yunel Escobar talks and balked at the asking price of Chase Headley. Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reported that the A’s spurned discussions with the Phillies for Alameda native Jimmy Rollins. Philadelphia wasn’t asking for much in return, but the A’s would have had to absorb a majority of Rollins’ contract, something the A’s were unwilling to do.

If Gammons and Knobler’s reports are accurate, then Billy Beane and the A’s were seeking a deal that requires them to neither part ways with a coveted prospect nor incur extra salary. With the deadline now past, it appears the A’s are/were content to make a playoff run with their current roster–for better or worse.

7 comments

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TommyJ

They are playing with house money now. A trade with less to give might be available in August with waivers or in the off-season instead of today's ridiculous prices. Remember a lot of people thought this team was going to be one of the worst in the league but get better in '13. They got the bonus playoff-push year this year to season them. I hope they make it, but 17 out of 20 on the road in Sept with a real good but real inexperienced staff. That's asking a lot.

Stan

Beane did say there wasn't a problem with adding over money. Then,he never did. Beane,once again has it in his head to compete with one hand tied behind his back willingly, as part owner he never loses sight of cost cutting. Its like,never make a GM part owner. Like with tarps, other teams aren't following the A's thinking.

Its all smoke and mirrors. After all, Look at the ownership! Their unwillingness to spend money and improve the team continues to drive away the remaining fans that are left. Too bad the Giants didn't pursue Escobar or Headley. Either of them would be a nice Plan B if the whole Brandon Crawford experiment doesn't work. Not to mention, Escobar or Headley would've improved the Giants bench.

Tru

Tread water? They're the hottest team in baseball. I'm all for bagging on this ownership and even Billy, but if nothing great is there don't waste prospects or payroll space.

Scott Warfe

Tru, usually I agree with you, but I don't think the A's have made a wise decision in not improving the roster. The team is currently over-achieving. There is no way around that. The Angels and Rangers both improved themselves. Detroit also strengthened their roster. Even if the A's do get the coveted second spot in the wild card, they would have a difficult time beating any of those three teams on the road.

See, I don't think too many players on the A's are overachieving. I think that the core pieces that are leading this team to success (Reddick, Cespedes, Parker, Milone, Cook, etc.) actually have talent and the role guys (Smith, Colon, Gomes, etc.) have a track record of doing what they're doing now. I'm all for adding new players, but if nothing was there you can't force it. Billy thrives on wheeling and dealing, I don't think he would stand pat if there was a great possible trade. As for the team's chances, well after the four game Yankee sweep, I'm convinced they can win against any club. They've had the best July in franchise history and have also played well against other potential playoff squads.This team hits HRs, pitches and plays defense, that's a pretty good combination for success. Believe me, I was expecting a huge crash initially, but this team has made me a believer.