A’s Notes: Beltre, Berkman, Roster Notes & More!
By Joseph Lopez
Okay, the A’s missed out on Adam Dunn’s services, but the team has enough time left to really address their offensive woes. The team non-tendered DH Jack Cust, OF Travis Buck, and 3B Edwin Encarnacion yesterday according to multiple reports, including the A’s official team site.
With Cust out of the picture, the A’s must feel very confident that they’ll be able to sign free agent Lance Berkman. Berkman is definitely no Adam Dunn, but the team is definitely interested in his services. I’m still a bit skeptical of how much Berkman has left in the tank, and how much he can contribute to the A’s, especially after hitting just .248 this year in 122 games.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN.com, the A’s are very serious contenders to land Berkman and are “targeting him enthusiastically,” but have yet to discuss salary with the slugger.
The latest on free agent 3B Adrian Beltre might be a little discouraging for some A’s fans. According to the Boston Globe (also reported by ESPN), the third-baseman is interested in returning to Boston. Beltre, who is represented by agent Scott Boras, had a fantastic season this year hitting .321/.365/.553 with 28 HR and 102 RBIs with the Red Sox.
Beltre was quoted as saying that he “liked the atmosphere” in Boston, and liked the fact that the stadium was packed most nights. The A’s attendance, however, was the second-lowest in baseball this year. Despite reports that the A’s were close to signing Beltre, the slugger may be taking his time before deciding to agree to a contract.
Beltre obviously wants to win, and he still thinks that Boston has a chance to win a championship. The A’s have great starting pitching, but without an offense, the team might have a difficult time contending again next season. The team is, however, trying to address the problems on offense this offseason.
According to the Jane Lee, of MLB.com, the A’s tendered contracts to pitchers Dallas Braden, Craig Breslow, Joey Devine, and Brad Zielger along with OF Ryan Sweeney and OF Connor Jackson.