Are the A’s done wheelin’ and dealin’? Probably not, but who knows what GM Billy Beane has in store for us A’s fans. The team has already taken a few steps forward in the right direction in terms of upgrading an offense that ranked 28th in home runs (109), and 26th in slugging (.378). The A’s have recently added Josh Willingham, and Hideki Matsui, and according the Beane, the team may not stop there.
The A’s could swoop in and try their luck with free agent 3B Adrian Beltre again, but the Angels and Rangers figure to be in the running for Beltre as well. The A’s reportedly offered the slugger a five-year deal worth about $64 million, and the Angels recently made a “significant” offer as well. The A’s, who went after Beltre last offseason, withdrew their offer earlier this month, but could always try to get back in the running for Beltre.
The A’s also added depth to their pitching staff by signing pitchers Brandon McCarthy and former A’s-ace, Rich Harden. Both pitchers could potentially be in the running for the open spot in the rotation, but there’s no denying that both arms add significant depth to an already talent pitching core.
The A’s offensively could use a little work still, but fans should be happy with the additions thus far. There aren’t too many big names left out in the free agent market, so if Oakland plans to add a bat, they could test the trade market. It’s been an exciting offseason thus far, and the A’s will probably make one more deal or so.