The Oakland Athletics found a replacement for oft-injured shortstop Bobby Crosby in the fleet footed Orlando Cabrera:

The A's deal with Cabrera is worth $4 million. He was said to be looking for about $9 million earlier in the offseason.

Bobby Crosby, Oakland's incumbent shortstop, is entering the final year of a deal that will pay him close to $5.25 million this year.

According to multiple published reports, the A's are also close to signing Nomar Garciaparra to a one year deal. Nomar would be expected to play a utility role, backing up at first and third base.

If the A's decide to trade Crosby, Nomar would likely fill in at shortstop as well.

According to ESPN.com and several news services, the Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics appear to have a deal in place that will send Matt Holliday to the A's.

ESPN.com reports that:

Final details are being finalized, though the teams have agreed to terms, a baseball source told Olney. The source said the deal may not be finalized for up to 48 hours.

The deal is also pending completion of physical exams.

Although the package coming back to Colorado has yet to be determined, it's believed that pitcher Greg Smith was one of the players under discussion.

David Forst, Oakland's assistant general manager, declined to comment on the trade.

Anything you can do, I can do better. This sentiment running rampant in the NL Central Division as the Cubs picked up A's ace Rich Harden in a six player deal.

The trade comes only a few days after the Brewers picked up linebacker CC Sabathia in a trade with the Cleveland Indians.

Chicago also picked up Chad Gaudin while jettisoning right hander Sean Gallagher and outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson.

Name: Daric Barton
Organization: Oakland Athletics
Position: First Base
Born: 4/5/1985
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Drafted: 2003 (Cardinals), 1st Round (28th Overall)


The Big Gun in the Mark Mulder trade, Barton has heavy expectations laid on his shoulders. According to Scout Magazine; Barton "came to the A's with the reputation of being one of the best pure hitters in the minor leagues".
After being injured for most of the 2006 season (elbow injury), Barton's 2007 season was widely considered successful. During a three week call up with the A's, Barton batted .342 and crushed four homers.
Barton fits the mold Billy Beane tries to instill in his minor leaguers. He's walked more than he's struck out, and his plate patience has drawn rave reviews from within the organization.
Barton is slated to become the A's everyday first baseman in the upcoming 2008 campaign. Don't be fooled by those four home runs that Barton hit during his first "cup o' joe". Barton isn't really known for his defense or for wielding a powerful bat, just his ability to hit for average and get on base. First base is such a deep position in most fantasy leagues, so don't take a huge gamble on Barton.

ESPN.com is reporting that Oakland left fielder Nick Swisher has been dealt to the Chicago White Sox for three minor league prospects.

And not a second after I placed my order for a green and yellow Swisher jersey.

The A's receive hurlers Gio Gonzalez and Fautino De Los Santos and outfielder Ryan Sweeney.
Is it just us, or does this Gonzalez trade fodder for the ChiSox? How many more times can they deal the same guy back and forth between teams?
It's a sad day for Oakland fans, the Swisher trade signals another round of rebuilding for the A's. Coupled with the Haren trade a few weeks ago, GM Billy Beane looks to be working his Moneyball magic.

My Lugnuts. My Fantasy Team. My Bastards. You break my heart.
Last week of the season before playoffs and you decide to catch fire.
Too bad we were eliminated from playoff contention five weeks ago.
I should file a restraining order against Nick Swisher, I feel like I'm being abused.
But I love him anyway.
He ruins my fantasy team for the entire season, and just after I write about how there's no way he'll be wearing the Lugnut Cap next season, he has to go and catch on fire.
Three dingers in three days.
How do I justify leaving him now?
Scott Kazmir, you little runt you. I love you to death, but every morning, I flavor my coffee with tears because I can't stand the fact that you're bullpen steals 50+ wins from you every season. You're about as useful to me as a long inning reliever.
But I love him anyway.
Joe Mauer, you represent everything that is good and wonderful with the human race.
Too bad that's not a stat in my league this year.
Last season he's leading the league in batting average. The kid hits and no one can stop him.
Then he puts on a Lugnuts jersey.
But I love him anyway.

Barry Bonds. You're foot is hurting.

You'll never wear a Lugnuts Cap, no matter how many records you break.

You'll never have the opportunity to ruin one of my fantasy baseball season.

I hate you.