A’s Notes: Roster Moves, Stadium Issues, & More!

The Athletics have been very busy this offseason, and it does not appear that they have any intentions of slowing down. According to multiple rumors, the A’s have offered free agent 3B Adrian Beltre a five-year deal worth $64 million. It’s believed that the Red Sox, who signed Beltre to a one-year deal prior to this season, will not go over a four-year deal. The A’s appear to be set to offer more than four years.

The A’s, according to MLB.com’s Jane Lee, have added OF Michael Taylor, OF Corey Brown, IF Adrian Cardenas, and IF Sean Doolittle to their 40-man roster. Taylor and company are now protected from the Rule 5 draft that is quickly approaching.

Taylor, who is seen as the A’s top prospect now that Chris Carter has arrived in Oakland, hit .272 with six home runs and 78 RBIs this past season with Triple-A Sacramento. Taylor arrived this season with the A’s, after being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for prospect IF Brett Wallace. Heading into next season, the A’s have a ton of outfielders all vying for playing time, so Taylor is going to have to show his potential this spring. Carter, who transitioned to the OF this year, will also be vying for playing time. He is figured to be a big part in Oakland’s future, so I guess it’s not a matter of “will” he make the roster, but rather “when” he’ll make it.

Cardenas, also another big part of Oakland’s future, had a pretty decent year this season, as he hit a combined .304. He split time between Double-A Midland, and Triple-A Sacramento. He hit a scorching .345 with three homers and 32 RBIs with the RockHounds, and hit .267 with a homer and 21 RBIs with Sacramento. Jemile Weeks, who could also be a part of Oakland’s future infield, will likely compete against Cardenas for a spot in Oakland’s middle infield.

The SFGate recently published an article about the A’s stadium issues, and you can read about it here.

In recent rumor reports, the A’s have become unlikely candidates for acquiring talented Arizona Diamondbacks OF Justin Upton. The A’s have the resources to pull of a significant trade with Arizona, but the D-Backs are looking for a deal that includes four highly talented prospects. That could be a little too expensive for Billy Beane’s taste.