Oakland Athletics Roundup: Open 40-Man Roster Spots; Rule 5 Draft; Billy Beane’s Water Use
Oakland Athletics Roundup: Friday, October 23
The Oakland Athletics have had a quiet end to the week, after a flurry of activity at the beginning. Over the last few days, the A’s have completed several roster moves on both the major and minor league level. Seven minor leaguers were released, including Triple-A Nashville catcher Nick Rickles. Switch-pitching reliever Pat Venditte was claimed off of waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Seattle Mariners claimed pitcher Cody Martin.
The A’s also released outfield Jason Pridie, who is pursing a playing opportunity in Japan, and outrighted catcher Bryan Anderson to Triple-A. Pitcher Barry Zito also announced his official retirement. This will open up a total of six spots on the 40-man roster once Edward Mujica becomes a free agent at the end of the postseason. That should give the A’s plenty of room to target free agents, put in a few waiver claims of their own, and try to get themselves into a better position for next season.
The winter meetings are only several weeks away at this point, and hopefully, the front office is preparing to be very active once they arrive.
In Case You Missed It:
A’s Rule 5 Draft Eligible Minor League Players – With limited open roster spots, it seems likely that the A’s will be able to protect some of their minor leaguers who are eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this winter, but not all of them. Is there a current Athletics prospect who is about to become another team’s Mark Canha? Samantha Riley explains who is eligible, and who is likely to be protected before the draft happens.
Billy Beane Spends a Ton of Money on…Water? – It’s the off-season, so let’s keep things light. Evan Giddings takes a look at Billy Beane‘s exorbitant water bill, and does some quick math. Spoiler: it’s a lot of water.
#Athletics:
#Athletics announce successful clavicle resection surgery for LHP Drew Pomeranz; he'll be ready for spring training. .
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) October 22, 2015
Wed @MLBazFallLeague: @Reds RHP Nick Travieso looked better than @Atheltics LHP Sean Manaea: https://t.co/rEGIG72L40 pic.twitter.com/8YffcXQK8l
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) October 22, 2015
Who should the #Athletics top free agent target be this winter? Our staff voices their opinions: https://t.co/utDR5Lvbmp
— White Cleat Beat (@WhiteCleatBeat) October 22, 2015
Around the Web:
Athletics Nation: Offseason Priority – Starting Pitching – Athletics Nation looks at the A’s need for reliable starting pitching, and offers a few options for the rotation next season.