if the A's could re-sign Thomas, get Sheffield and possibly move Kotsay, they would then have Shef in right, Bradley in center and Swisher at first.  The lineup becomes a lot more dangerous with Sheffield, Thomas and Bradley in it.  Then you've basically pushed Chavez down to the sixth spot in the lineup.

But the Yankees would have to eat a ton of that contract.

Are we going to become the Raiders version of baseball?  Welcome to all washed up guys or attitude problems.

I love Sheffield but it's another injury possibility that may be too much considering the other two guys above who are always injured too.  Not to mention Ellis, Chavez & Crosby.

Was Thomas an "attitude problem" this year? Did Bradley cause friction in the clubhouse this year? Was either one "washed up" or "under-perform?"
The answer to all of the questions above is a resounding NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Why do some of us keep acting as if this was some sort of mirage????  Thomas and Bradley were model citizens this season -- are you kidding me? We don't sniff the postseason without them!
You guys are incredible -- it's like you'd rather have 24 boy scouts and lose.  
When will you get it??? Who gives a rip about someone's reputation??? Did you help the team win??? That's the only thing that ever matters -- ever.  This is not politics (thank God)-- and even if it were, Bradley and Thomas were class acts the entire way.
Get a clue.

i've been thinking about it fro a few days already.

the only real reason why NY picked up sheff's option is because they're concern he'd end up in BOS-who is interested the sheff's services. there is basically two reasons why the a's should trade for sheff:

1. sheff is 38 yrs old looking to make an impact on the game of baseball so that he'ii be voted, or least seen as, a HoF player. sheff is also looking to play another 2-3 years and therefore is looking for a new contract. plus, sheff is a very bitter man right now and is looking to prove people wrong. all this leads to a career type of year. i love players who are playing in their last contract year....i say beane should trade for as many of these types as possible.
2. i don't believe it'ii take much to get sheff out of NY...just so long as the yankees control the destination. beane and cashman have a good working relationship. plus, if beane can play his cards right i think he can get the yankees to give the a's between 3-5 million...this is the key. what beane could essentially do is flip sheff to another team (the cubs, the phils) or instigate a three way with young cheap blue chip talent coming to the a's and spending the 3-5 million on a free agent pitcher to cover zito's innings.  

either way i like the a's involvement with sheff and the NY. this type of situation is where beane is at his best.  

Sheffield is just about the single scariest hitter in the game. When he's up against the A's, I just assume he's about to club a 400 foot laser shot (and he usually does). I wouldn't mind having that on our side.