In the San Francisco Chronicle, Eric Chavez describes the A’s as being in ‘rebuilding mode’
As for the team’s immediate future, Chavez has no doubt that Oakland is in rebuilding mode. That doesn’t scare him, because he’s used to seeing major contributors depart each winter.

“…you get used to guys moving on. I already know we’re reloading, that’s black and white to me, but we’ve been doing this for years and we’ve still been able to win. A lot of other teams have proven you can win at any phase you’re going through, look at Colorado.

“You can’t question what Billy’s doing - somewhere down the road, Dr. Evil has a plan.”

Hot Foot relayed an article from San Francisco Gate’s blog “The Drumbeat” last Friday inferring that the A’s plans could be predicated on how improved the Los Angeles Angels are by the Winter Meetings.

Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane had said at the GM meetings, as reported by Tom Verducci on SI.com, that the Oakland A’s were ‘at a crossroads’ and he would decide on breaking up the team before the Winter Meetings on December 3rd.

Buster Olney writes in ESPN that Oakland executives will sit down early next week to consider what they might get in return for trading pitchers Dan Haren and Joe Blanton.

The A’s would draw great interest in Dan Haren if he were made available. Haren was the starting pitcher for the American League in the 2007 All Star Game, and finished the season with a 15-9 record, 3.07 ERA, and 192 Ks in 222.7 innings.