 Jason Schmidt |
Philly Cuts Schmidt; Several GM's respond
The Phillys released starting pitcher Jason Schmidt Monday, to the surprise to the rest of the league. So far five teams have made offers to Schmidt's agent, among those was A's general manager, Poison Maddux. Maddux and the A's offered Schmidt a 3 year deal, at $4M per year along with a $4M signing bonus. The left-handed hurler has played for 9 teams in 6 years. He is currently 9-9 with a 4.40 ERA. |
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Looking Foward to 2006
The Oakland Athletics don't appear to be contenders for the 2005 season, but GM, Poison Maddux feels the A's will be on top of the AL West in 2006. Oakland has hot prospects overflowing from its farm system. Reports say many of Oakland's finest prospects will make their debut April 1, 2006. Of the four teams in the AL West, Oakland's minor leagues have the highest promise. Chicago (NL) General Manager, Rudy, anticipates success. He was noted as saying, "I agree that OAK will be a contender soon, not neccessarily because of their wonderful new GM but because the division is already competetive and OAK has the best farm system. It's all setup, it just has to be realized." |
 Maddux, A's GM |
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Poison Maddux Sends 10 Pitchers Packing
In an effort to bring more hitters to Oakland's farm system, the A's cut 10 pitchers from the AAA, AA, and A rosters. Maddux has since approached the agents of several free agents, including those of Jason Schmidt, Justin Gemoll, Jason Johnson, and Chris Widger. Reports say most likely two of the four will be in an A's uniform by Wednesday. |
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Maddux Has a Lot of Work to Do; 14 Potential Free Agents
Oakland's general manager has two months to negotiate contract extensions with its 14 players whose contracts end in 2005. Among those are Billy Koch, Alex Ochoa, Freddy Garcia, Matt Myers and Barry Zito. This process is more difficult for GM's with a losing ballclub. When asked for comment Maddux said, "You don't have to think twice if you're playing for the Yanks, already making more than you should, and resigning yourself into another surefire winning season. Guys like Barry Zito, who have played their careers in one city, are going to make what could be a difficult decision." Zito has a losing record this season despite an ERA below 4. |
  Billy Koch (TOP), Barry Zito (BOTTOM) |