Comments on: A’s options: Stephen Drew declined, Grant Balfour exercised

By: b453841l

b453841l — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:27:59 +0000

Grant Balfour exercised; however, Pablo Sandoval did not.

By: APBA Guy

APBA Guy — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 22:17:31 +0000

Scott Boras believes that Drew can do well on the open market precisely because it is such a weak year for shortstops. Whether “well” translates into multiple years at $ 10M plus, he certainly didn’t play that caliber of ball with the A’s, though he was a stable presence defensively, and allowed the A’s to move Pennington to second which considerably tightened the infield defense.

It’s entirely possible that he A’s will make some kind of offer for Drew, but probably not enough to get Boras’ interest initially. Beane has said that the payroll will increase for 2013, and with attendance having increased almost 15% because of the playoff run and because this team was actually fun to watch, there may be a little headroom even after the Chris Young deal.

By: sknut

sknut — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 22:10:07 +0000

I hope the Twins sniff around Drew he would be an upgrade over what they have. not saying much I know but its a start.

By: proudlycanadian

proudlycanadian — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:44:18 +0000

Have to congratulate the Aussie on his fine year. Balfour actually lost the closing role for a short time during the season, but quickly regained the job.