LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Athletics had a productive day at the Winter Meetings on Wednesday, which coincided with the arrival of general manager Billy Beane. He flew in from New York, finalized a deal with free-agent left-hander Alan Embree and moved within a passed physical of securing Mike Piazza for the 2007 season.
Embree is signed, sealed and delivered to the Athletics' already-strong bullpen, and by the end of the week, the gaping designated hitter hole created by the departure of Frank Thomas should be filled by Piazza. Embree signed a two-year contract and Piazza has agreed to a one-year deal for a reported $8 million to $9 million.
When he met with reporters Wednesday afternoon, Beane made sure he didn't say it was a done deal with Piazza, a future Hall of Famer. But the GM left little doubt that one of the most productive offensive catchers in Major League Baseball history would be calling Oakland home next season.
"Hopefully, we can have it done by the end of the week," Beane said. "We're optimistic."
The addition of Piazza to the lineup might not completely make up for the 39 home runs and 114 runs Thomas drove in last season in helping the Athletics win the American League West title and advance to the AL Championship Series. But the numbers Piazza compiled while playing catcher for the San Diego Padres last season at age 37 -- 22 home runs and 68 RBIs -- definitely caught the A's attention.
"We need a right-handed bat and we need one in the middle of the order," Beane said. "A guy like Piazza fits that bill if we are able to bring it to conclusion. We are intrigued by what this guy can do if he just goes out and hits.
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Beane arrives and lands Piazza, Embree
Beane arrives and lands Piazza, Embree
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