A's open to trading pitchers

[HMFFL]

GM Beane says a deal involving Haren or Blanton is possible

One man established himself as a bona fide ace by starting in the All-Star Game last season. The other, by averaging 14 wins and 215-1/3 innings over his first three seasons, has proven himself as not too shabby, either.

So it is that Dan Haren and Joe Blanton form a 1-2 punch that would be the envy of any team dreaming of contending. Add to it their price tag -- Haren is guaranteed only $9.5 million over the next two years, and Blanton is entering arbitration for the first time -- and they would seem to be a dream combo for any low-budget club.

So why in the world would Billy Beane -- the general manager of the A's, a franchise synonymous with tight purse strings -- even dream of letting them go?

"What I think is a terrible idea if you're in our market is to be in between," he said. "You're either rebuilding for something special, or you're on the verge of something special. To be in between is foolish."

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[a-rod]

"What I think is a terrible idea if you're in our market is to be in between," he said. "You're either rebuilding for something special, or you're on the verge of something special. To be in between is foolish."

every GM should learn from this quote, mediocrity is not fun place for any sport fan.

[ChiBullsFan83]

Gotta love Billy Beane! The Yanks and Sox tried to use Oakland and Baltimore as leverage in the Santana negotions, so what do both of these franchises do? They tell each club that they want the same asking price for Santana if not more. Baltimore wants more for Bedard, than the Twins want for Santana and Beane would probably fleece the Yanks in a trade. It's amazing the small to mid market clubs have to literally pay for a big name but the Yanks, Sox and Mets think they can get all-stars for cheap. I'm just glad that Beane and Smith are sticking to their guns and telling them to f off and pay up or you don't get him!

[Griff83]

id like to see Blanton on the Jays

[HMFFL]

"What I think is a terrible idea if you're in our market is to be in between," he said. "You're either rebuilding for something special, or you're on the verge of something special. To be in between is foolish."

every GM should learn from this quote, mediocrity is not fun place for any sport fan.

Very true, but when your a A's fan it tends to get expected. Most of the teams I follow are horrible and don't put the money into the team like their opponents. It's nice when a special owner comes around and finally puts the team you love among the top. (Not the A's of course)

[A.J.]

id like to see Haren on the Astros

[Raptor_Guy]

"What I think is a terrible idea if you're in our market is to be in between," he said. "You're either rebuilding for something special, or you're on the verge of something special. To be in between is foolish."

This is like...the best thing any GM has ever said. If only more knew this approach...instead of being a mediocre team and making pointless signing to patch things up for the present and get nowhere in the future. Being from Toronto, I'm used to this.

[Manhattan Project]

Gotta love Billy Beane! The Yanks and Sox tried to use Oakland and Baltimore as leverage in the Santana negotions, so what do both of these franchises do? They tell each club that they want the same asking price for Santana if not more. Baltimore wants more for Bedard, than the Twins want for Santana and Beane would probably fleece the Yanks in a trade. It's amazing the small to mid market clubs have to literally pay for a big name but the Yanks, Sox and Mets think they can get all-stars for cheap. I'm just glad that Beane and Smith are sticking to their guns and telling them to f off and pay up or you don't get him!

Just curious, but is there a specific player you mean by this?

[mets87]

"What I think is a terrible idea if you're in our market is to be in between," he said. "You're either rebuilding for something special, or you're on the verge of something special. To be in between is foolish."

This is like...the best thing any GM has ever said. If only more knew this approach...instead of being a mediocre team and making pointless signing to patch things up for the present and get nowhere in the future. Being from Toronto, I'm used to this.

beane's the best there is. just imagine if he were able to spend $100 million every year. scary.