As the Oakland A’s season has come to an end, it is time for the team to do some end of season housework. It is time to clean out the lockers, to put a bow on 2021, and begin to look ahead to the offseason. And, in the case of Dave Kaval, time to send out a disingenuous e-mail detailing the parallel paths the organization is taking.
The e-mail started innocently enough. Kaval went over the highlights of the season, from Matt Olson‘s emergence as a star to Chris Bassitt working his tail off to return after his horrific injury. Bob Melvin set an Oakland record for managerial wins, Starling Marte ran wild, and Khris Davis made his return.
Dave Kaval sends disingenuous e-mail to Oakland A’s fans
It would have been fine if Kaval ended the e-mail there and said he looked forward to seeing the fans in 2022. But no. He talked about working with the Oakland community and with the city about building a new ballpark. Then, in the next sentence, he mentioned the possibility of relocation as they “are also following MLB’s direction to explore other markets.”
But this really should not be a surprise. The team is raising ticket prices substantially while getting rid of popular programs. The fanbase is already infuriated by the open flirtation with Las Vegas, those price increases, and Billy Beane‘s statements that, if one reads between the lines, seemingly indicate that the roster will be dismantled due to payroll limitations.
This appears to be entirely by design. Infuriate the fans enough where they no longer go to the ballpark or support the team, and ownership can point to that apathy as an excuse to leave Oakland behind as quickly as they can and head to Las Vegas.
The Oakland A’s claimed to be “Rooted in Oakland.” However, every time Dave Kaval speaks, he proves those words were just a lie.