Looks like the A's might actually take some time looking for a new manager.

A's will be patient in picking next manager (AP)
The Oakland Athletics are prepared to take their time in hiring their next manager. For now, re-signing slugger Frank Thomas is a top priority for general manager Billy Beane. The A's have offered 38-year-old Thomas a two-year deal, and Oakland is hoping to get something done before the Big Hurt can file for free agency after the World Series.

Different folks seek different strokes at helm
Ken Macha received a pink slip this week because he wasn't a players' manager. The same day, the highly coveted Lou Piniella received a three-year contract from the Cubs, largely because he was a welcome alternative to Dusty Baker, a players' manager.

Deconstructing the Coliseum, Part I: The Bowl Shape
This is the first article of a new series called "Deconstructing the Coliseum." The purpose is not to trash it or spit on it, for the Coliseum has served its purpose admirably over the years. Instead, my goal is to educate readers of this site on what to potentially expect from a new ballpark, and how it compares with the current situation and other ballparks as well. The first part of this task is explaining where the Coliseum succeeds and fails.

This is from the "new A's ballpark" blog, which has a lot of great articles and nuts and bolts relating to, well, see title.

Retrieve Lilly from the doghouse? (Kershner)

Guilty pleasure (Warning: Continual profanity.):  The worst rated player in Madden 07 writes him hate mail. . Sample: It's also pretty wonderful that my awareness rating was 59. You make it sound like I wake up in the morning, helplessly s--t and p--s myself, then lose three of my teeth before I discover that I am trying to eat a rock for breakfast.

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We're at the end of Season Three of our complex and elaborately staged pastoral opera, "The Dialogues of Diego Chavez". Thanks for allowing me a little space to be as weird as I want. Thanks for those of you who have encouraged and enjoyed, and for everyone else I'll try harder next year.  Tomorrow, let the usual chaotic jostling for Dump Opening return.

• Season One
  
• Season Two
  
• Season Three So Far (1. Grover Woos Tapir, 2. Thunderbutt Woos Toilet, 3. Kyli Woos Slusser, 4. Whiteshoes40 Woos Hairy Chins, 5. Poppy Sniffs Special Air From Special Places)
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