The Gift That Keeps on Re-Gifting

Billy Beane's Christmas came early this year and the gift he gave to A's fans was a gift he had helped wrap himself.

Ken Macha (finally) has been introduced as the manager of the Oakland Athletics.

There were no reports on whether Art Howe let the door hit him in the ass on the way out.

Free (?) Agency

Scott Hatteberg's option has been picked up for this year and Greg Myers option has not. The difference? Oh, about $100,000.

With Hatteberg solidifying himself in the number two spot in the batting order (Scott Hattberg OWNS RIGHT CENTER), playing 1st base, DH'ing and acting as third catcher there was no need to pay Crash $1.1 million to be a back up catcher at age 37. The A's opted for a $100,000 buy out of Crash's contract and will most likely sign him to a deal below $300,000 prior to Spring Training.