Oakland Shopping Spree?

December 27, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

Could it be true? The Oakland Athletics are looking to spend money this winter??? GETTTTT OUTTTAAA HERE!! These are the Athletics, Billy Beane is still the General Manager, there is no way they could be looking to splurge. At least that’s what I thought, you too I bet. According to multiple reports this month, the A’s are looking to spend some money on the mid-range talent on the market.

The most popular name thrown around this winter is Jason Giambi. The Oakland lineup hasn’t been the same since the slugger left for the New York Yankees before the 2002 season. So the A’s are looking to turn back the clock and revisit the years when they had a power bat crushing the ball. That is something that Giambi can still provide, granted his average and on base percentage is down from the past he’ll be hugely beneficial to the Athletics.

So whom else is Beane looking at? The San Francisco Chronicle suggests Bobby Abreu and Garret Anderson.

Oakland has been looking at another former Yankees player in Abreu whom actually looks like the best option for them out of the three players. Abreu doesn’t have the power, never really did but he’s an on base and run producing machine. He’s driven in over 100 runs the past seven seasons and could be a huge bat behind newly acquired Matt Holliday. With the patience of Abreu, a career .405 obp, teams would be required to throw to Holliday. If Oakland is serious about adding Abreu they better act quickly thou, as the Chicago White Sox and AL Champions Tampa Bay Rays are showing interest.

Garret Anderson is a player the A’s have a considerable history with as a lifelong member of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The 36-year old can still produce but might not be someone the A’s should spend considerable money on. At least that’s what I think. If Beane actually did sign him you’d have to wonder if the A’s are changing their organizational philosophy. Over his career Anderson has walked minimally, his career obp is only a .327 not a number that Beane would be a big fan about. In addition, Anderson averages around a 3.4 in pitches per at-bat, definitely not the plate patience Billy typically likes for his hitters.

Regardless of what happens is refreshing to see Billy Beane trying to add players. Watching him constantly trade players as they become expensive has gotten pretty tiring. I’m not an Oakland fan at all, but as a baseball fan I hate seeing teams move players a year or two before their pay day. I hate the small markets excuse about money, keep the guys around try to win some games it will bring the fans in. Regardless seeing Matt Holliday come to town and possibly others is a nice change of pace. Bringing in at least one bat to go with Matt would definitely help Oakland compete with the Angels in the weak American League West.

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