There's some A's news (or maybe "news") today, which doesn't happen every day. Even though it's already been linked, I'm going to try to milk this article for all it's worth. It's hilariously headlined "A's are hoping for a healthy meeting." Yes, that would be nice.

When the A's convene today in Phoenix, the topic will be health. If he gets very good news on that front, Oakland general manager Billy Beane might decide to decline offers for starters Dan Haren and, perhaps, Joe Blanton, and go for it in 2008. Less positive info, and Haren and Blanton might be heading elsewhere.

Hmmm, are they actually serious about this evaluating the health and deciding where to go thing?

There are a few paragraphs about Harden in there. Good spirits, etc.

"If we have our starting staff together and all healthy, I think we could do something special," Harden said. "I've got to stay healthy, and it definitely would be nice to have that (current group) as our rotation. I'm excited to have Justin in there, too. Hopefully, we'll get a shot to stick together and do something."

Justin has to stay healthy too. When no one has to pitch though, we can just imagine that rotation.

According to Harden, Chavez is "looking really good."
Super!

Rumor about the Reds:

The Reds, who are chasing Baltimore's Erik Bedard, also might turn their focus toward Haren with an offer that could include starter Homer Bailey.

Probably not, though.

Kiko is likely to be nontendered. I'm glad to hear that. I want Mulder back though.

Two new players:

On Tuesday, the A's sent left-handed reliever Jay Marshall outright to Triple-A Sacramento and announced they have signed left-hander Ryan Wing and infielder Brooks Conrad to minor-league deals with an invitation to big-league camp.

Fun names to replace Kiko! Nice work, Billy.

Anyone who questions the A's commitment to character hasn't read this article from the official site about A's values:

"Lakeview Pride means that you follow the school rules, are obedient, have excellent behavior and respect for others," fourth grader Vicky Ly said.

End.