Nomar/Frank Thomas close to signing with Oakland?

[AmishRakeFight2005]

In today's Chicago Tribune:

Oakland looms as a possible destination for Nomar Garciaparra or Frank Thomas, although Thomas could return for a 17th season with the White Sox if Paul Konerko goes elsewhere. . . .

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

Unless they're getting Nomar on the really cheap I don't see how that move makes sense for OAK. They've already got the entire IF locked up except for maybe 2B and I don't think Nomar was able and/or willing to move to the OF. Thomas would definitely be intriguing but they need a power RH bat in the OF, not 1B/DH. Maybe a sign and trade perhahps?

[Half Massed]

We really just need a big righty bat, regardless of position, as DH is effectively open at this point. Thomas would be a fine signing, as he could provide that righty pop from the DH position. Nomar doesn't make too much sense though.

[RynMan]

Myself and HM have discussed this at length. I would say Thomas has potential and would be good for a 1 year deal if possible. Nomar not so much but it would be good to have him in there to add some flexibility to the team. The Loaiza signing is setting something up here IMO.

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

Personally I think Thomas is done, especially outside of a hitters park, but I guess if they can land him cheap it's worth the shot.

The Loaiza signing is setting something up here IMO.

I agree.

[AmishRakeFight2005]

Personally I think Thomas is done, especially outside of a hitters park, but I guess if they can land him cheap it's worth the shot.

The Loaiza signing is setting something up here IMO.

I agree.

Thomas' injuries aside, he is a great player sabermetrically. High OBP.

Nomar is as well but his propensity to swing at the first pitch and not work pitchers would drive Beane nuts.

[RynMan]

Personally I think Thomas is done, especially outside of a hitters park, but I guess if they can land him cheap it's worth the shot.

The Loaiza signing is setting something up here IMO.

I agree.

Thomas' injuries aside, he is a great player sabermetrically. High OBP.

Nomar is as well but his propensity to swing at the first pitch and not work pitchers would drive Beane nuts.

Yeah I don't see it happening. Not that I have thought about things, I doubt Zito will go anywhere either.

My bet is on Craig Wilson.

[Half Massed]

Don't forget Willy Mo.

[RynMan]

Don't forget Willy Mo.

Haha, yeah I have given up on him. There have been zero rumblings, and I don't think Zito is getting traded now....although anything's possible.

[RynMan]

HM: Don't know if you visit the site, but I have been visiting athleticsnation.com lately and they are pretty quick to bring to light any rumours out there. Someone mentioned that Milton Bradley is a possibility and that the A's have inquired about him. Here is a link to the LA Times story that just briefly mentions it:

http://www.nsca-lift.org/Perform/article.asp?ArticleID=207

There was talk that the Dodgers weren't even going to offer him a contract, cuz I think he is arbitration eligible. But since Giles signed, they are going to need outfielders....however I'm not sure how long you can keep Bradley and Kent on the same team. Not sure if you can trade for a player if they are arbitration eligible can you? Anyway, not sure if he is what the A's need....but he would improve the defence in the outfield even more, and move either Payton or Johnson to DH, with Swisher at 1st or RF.

Hmmm, I just wonder how long it would take before he cracks...