Swingin’ A’s make some big off-season moves

Posted on December 17, 2010

Hideki Matsui #55 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim bats against the Oakland Athletics during the game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 5, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

 

It’s no secret that I am a huge San Francisco Giants fan. I always have been. One the other hand, when I was growing up I hated the Oakland A’s. With a passion. Over time I have lost the hatred for the A’s as I have been photographing them professionally since 1987. I do not openly root for them, but I like to see them do well as it is good for my business and it makes things much more exciting when I go to the Oakland Coliseum to work. The last few years of A’s baseball have been dreadful to cover. The only highlight has been the visiting teams that make their way through the east bay during the season. Sure the A’s have some great young pitching, but the bats have been just awful. When you are counting on Jack Cust to be your big run producer you know you are in trouble. However, after some big moves by general manager Billy Beane this week I think the A’s are going to be much improved in 2011, and be in contention for the American League West crown.

Beane’s first big move to bolster his offense was to acquire outfielder David DeJesus from the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Vin Mazzaro and a minor leaguer in November. This was a great move for the A’s. I have always liked DeJesus as a player and he is fun to photograph. He has a great smile and a pretty left-handed swing. My Giants were interested in trading for him last summer before he tore a tendon on his right thumb, ending his season. He is a nice all-around player who will be an immediate help for the green and gold.

The A’s roster really began to take shape this week when Beane signed free-agent DH Hideki Matsui and traded for Washington Nationals left fielder Josh Willingham. These moves add instant credibility to the A’s lineup and should help the great young pitching staff pick up a few more wins in 2011. Matsui can still hit (at least better than Cust) and he adds some much-needed excitement to the ball club. He has always been a winner and his post season experience should really help the ball club. Besides, Matsui is also fun to shoot with his pretty left-handed stroke and his stoic face. One thing is for sure: Godzilla will bring many more photographers to the Coliseum this coming season!

Yesterday Beane pulled off what might be his best move for 2011 when he snagged Willingham from the Nationals. Willingham is a legit big league hitter with power. By putting him in left field the A’s will have a very nice outfield. He will be joined by Coco Crisp in center and DeJesus in right. As a photographer these moves excite me in so many ways. It is always fun to shoot new guys with new teams, and having the chance to shoot these new players wearing the A’s home unis will add some fun to shooting the club in 2011. The fun will start in a few months when I start shooting the new guys during spring training in Arizona.

I won’t be wearing an A’s hat when I shoot in Oakland in 2011, but I hope the A’s have a good season. After all, I am just a selfish photographer who is hoping to have a good year in 2011!