Fremont Bound

As expected, the Athletics offered arbitration to David DeJesus and Josh Willingham.  Of course this is typical Billy Beane as he’s out to get his draft picks.  Neither are expected to accept and while Josh Willingham has expressed some interest in coming back, it doesn’t look like the A’s are too keen on spending money until their stadium issues are resolved.

Willingham is modified Type-A free agent so if he goes else where, the A’s will get a sandwich pick.  If DeJesus signs somewhere else, they get a supplemental first round pick.  Of course these were two of the A’s better offensive players so if they go, it’ll further deplete an already mediocre offense.

The Athletics made a few roster modifications to protect some players from the 40 man draft.  Jermaine Mitchell was added to the 40 man roster so he’ll be protected but then they outrighted Evan Scribner and Cedric Hunter so they could be gone shortly.

Mitchell had a really nice year as an aging minor league player.  He put up solid numbers at both Double A and Triple A and depending on what the A’s do this offseason, you could see him in a major league uniform on opening day.  Mitchell was a fifth round pick way back in 2006 and he’s now 27 years so he’s past the point of being called a prospect but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a productive player for the big league team.