We A's fans don't even know who is on our team anymore. Giambi gone, Dye gone, Tejada gone, Hudson gone, Maulder gone, Zito gone, Burns gone, Haren gone, Swisher gone and now even Kotsay is gone. If they are wondering why people do not buy tickets, it is because we never know who is still on the team and if they are you better not get attached to them. Heaven forbid buy their jersey.

Just because the A's one time were the Kansas City A's doesn't mean they need to resemble the current team in KC...LOL

Jim, that is what happens when you do not build a farm system.

Rick, that is too funny. 

You think that will be enough to take care of those Phighting Phils this year?

Martin, with all the changes that the braves have made in the team, you might be surprised. The outfield is 2/3rds new.

I was a huge fan of Andruw and will definitely miss him. His effortless style in the outfield was a real joy to watch. I have high hopes for the Braves this year and am looking forward to opening day!

Rich, I am sure that the new look Braves will be exciting to watch.

I think the A's had an awesome farm system at one time recently, Danny...problem is they've made a committment to not paying "star" players. But I'm going to side with them here....since their big pay-day....which of these guys has produced the same numbers A's fans were accustomed to: Tejada, Giambi, Hudson, Mulder, Zito???? Who got the better deal in Mulder for Danny Haren, Kiko Calero, and Daric Barton?? They even reloaded with Swisher, Haren, Calero, etc.....Now THAT's where I'm lost---letting the young guys with average contracts go!?!?!?!?

Kotsay's a nice pickup for Atlanta if he's healthy.

Jim, that was the only way that the trade would be approved. He had to clear the medical examine by a league physician.

Whoops, Danny. I meant if he can STAY healthy it's a good pickup. I'm sure he's healthy enough to go to spring training. But in the past 5 seasons he's played more than 139 games only once (148). The four seasons previous to last year's he averaged 136 games....which means he gets out there 84% of the time. Do the Bravos have a guy that could be ready to go once every 5 days or more?

Actually, it is funny you mention that as they also picked up Josh Anderson from the Houston Astros in the off season as well. In addition to that, they have Jordan Schafer that they think is ready, however, they would like to get one more year in the minors before they lay him out.

Well then, they look to be set! Good info Danny

Thanks Jim. Our middle infield looks good too.

I agree with Jim and Jim.  I'm not even sure I need to go to any more A's games this year because all I've got is a bunch of newbies and some hurt older players.  Who knows if the few remaining infielders like Ellis, Chavez, and Crosby will stay healthy this year.  I'm looking forward to seeing Barton play, however.  As for outfield, Stewart won't be back, Swisher is gone, Kotsay is gone...All we've got left is Buck, but I think Brown will be a good addition.  I think BB is putting a lot of faith is his pitching rotation, and is hoping for offense.  I don't know what this season is going to bring, but it could be ugly!  Let's hope Geren has some very motivating speeches lined up.

Adam, I feel for ya.

Adam....a question from a guy in the mid-west....WHY, of all their talent, did the A's decide to give Chavez the money?

I think its because he's one of the older guys on the team and has the charisma and enough talent to demand it.  Just like Swisher, he's not the MVP of the league but I guess he's paid his dues the last couple years.  BB is a bargain hunter but probably had to pay somewhere.  I think Ellis had the better season last year though.

Danny,

If he stays healthy the braves have a good player in Kotsay.  I am a life long A's fan here in the central valley of Ca.  Looks like we will be mediocre at best for the next couple of years.  I'm still looking forward to baseball though.  Nothing better than spending the afternoon in the sun drinking $7 beers and watching some young millionaires playing a kids game. 

Jim, you speak the truth my friend.

Jim P. - Good to see some of my fellow M&M's taking part in ActiveRain, and to be an A's fan is all the better.  I agree that it is probably going to be a rocky season, but a day at the coliseum is better than most other days.  And the pic of 510 is awesome...as a bleacher bum, those are my seats and my people!

Guys, I feel for the A's this year. They will go into every game knowing they are over matched.

You have to admit that Andruw was an excellent centerfielder for the Braves and someone has commented here on his "effortless" style.  As a youth baseball coach in Western North Carolina, a number of the kids that I work with watch the Braves and we are a mere 2.5 hour drive from Turner Field.  I, for one, am glad to see Andruw's effortless style leave Atlanta.  Do you know how hard it is to convince a 12-15 year old outfielder to use "two hands, son", when he watches Andruw lazily throw his one glove hand up and retireve fly balls?  They just look at you and go "that's not how Andruw does it".

Todd, what would be worse is if they tried to do his pattened basket catch.