While A's fans are banging the "Big Hurt-for-MVP drums," let's take a look into the mailbag.
I've read that Frank Thomas wants to play four more years. Does that mean he's looking for a four-year deal from the A's? As much as I love the guy, that seems like a bit much to give a 38-year-old, isn't it?
-- Franklin R., Boston
Thomas has indeed said he'd like to play four more years, but he's not an unrealistic man, so he's simply looking for a two-year deal to return to Oakland.
Being from New York, I'm forced to listen to Yankees fans. If Oakland gets into the playoffs and plays the Yanks, how good of a chance do the A's have of beating them?
-- Dave M., Albany, N.Y.
Well, the A's would certainly be the underdog in such a series. I think anyone playing these Yankees -- the Mets included -- would be considered the underdog. And rightfully so; top to bottom, the Yankees have one of the most fearsome offensive lineups in recent history.
That said, I'd give the A's a decent shot in a playoff series, as long as their starting pitching was strong. There are weaknesses in the Yankees rotation, and their bullpen leading up to Mariano Rivera doesn't scare anybody.
The recipe for Oakland would be to score a few runs early, get seven strong from the starter and turn it over to a fresh bullpen. If the A's were able to do that against the Yankees, they could definitely pull off an upset.
Any chance the A's might pick up Barry Bonds in the offseason?
-- Raymond W., El Cerrito, Calif.
I'd say the chances are about as strong as the chances of ... (see below)
With all the injury and performance issues Bobby Crosby has had, do you see Daric Barton taking his place as shortstop in the near future?
-- Nick W., Oakland, Calif.
Um ... have you seen Barton? He's built more like a lumberjack than a shortstop, so no.
Do you think the A's might try to get rid of Crosby in the offseason, due to his constant health problems and the fact that Marco Scutaro shows much more consistency? Also, could Crosby be out of position? Is he too tall and skinny to handle the everyday diving, twisting and turning a normal short-and-compact shortstop goes through?
-- Drew F., Santa Rosa, Calif.
My answer to both questions is no. It's way too early to give up on a guy with Crosby's talent, and his trade value is as low as it'll ever be right now. As for Crosby being out of position, ever heard of Cal Ripken Jr.? He had the same body type as Crosby and seemed to hold up pretty well, didn't he?
My theory is that Crosby's just had a two-year run of really bad luck. I know I'm in the minority on this one right now, but I still think he has a big future.
Article:
Oakland Athletics : News : Oakland Athletics News
Entering Monday, Frank Thomas was hitting .280 and led the team with 38 home runs and 105 RBIs. (AP)
Mailbag: Four more years for Thomas?
Mailbag: Four more years for Thomas?
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