I've read that the A's might be interested in free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. What does that say about the team's faith in Bobby Crosby, and do you think there's any truth to the Furcal rumor?
-- Jackson K., Alameda, Calif.
First of all, I doubt if it's a rumor. The A's -- and many, many other teams -- would love to have Furcal, who is a dynamic offensive presence at the top of the order and a very good defensive player.
But I don't think Oakland will be able to meet Furcal's contract needs. I hear his agent is looking for a five-year deal (or longer), and Furcal made more than $15 million this past season. I'm thinking that's way too big of a commitment for the A's to make to a 31-year-old coming off an injury shortened season.
What does the situation say about Crosby? I think that's pretty obvious. Crosby is entering the last year of his contract, and if he doesn't get traded and doesn't put up much better offensive numbers next year, it's pretty clear that 2009 will be his last in Oakland.
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Jason Giambi? Come on. Please tell me this is a bunch of bunk.
-- Cecil N., El Cerritos, Calif.
It's not, but trust me when I say that Giambi is not a priority for the A's right now. Is there a chance he'll return? Yes. But if he does, it'll only be after Beane has made some bigger moves. Giambi would be a late-winter addition, if at all.
Why don't the A's just give up on Eric Chavez as a third baseman and make him a first baseman or a DH? Enough is enough. Beane is letting his buddy-buddy relationship with Chavvy cloud his thinking.
-- June F., Mexico City
I disagree. If there's even the slightest chance that Chavez can get back to his pre-2006 form, and there is, the A's would be knuckleheads to give up on the idea of him as their third baseman. He's a six-time Gold Glover, he's only going to be 31 next season, and his rehab has been going well. I understand why you might think Beane is too attached to Chavez, but one of Beane's greatest strengths is his ability to detach and make well-informed business decisions.
The A's have paid Chavez a lot of money, and they haven't gotten as much bang for the buck as they'd hoped for. If Chavez is healthy and playing Gold Glove defense at the hot corner, they'll be getting a lot more value out of him than they would were he a first baseman or DH. Strictly business.