Hey AN!  Longtime lurker, just now joining.  

Could it be the politics of the region and general perception of Beane and Moneyball hurts the A's?

I know Beane just got Sheets to come here.  But really, Sheets is playing the game to get back in the game, to get a bigger deal next year (nothing against him personally, or against this process.)  

But in lieu of Desme's political leaning likely conflicting with what the Bay Area's all about (or largely,) I thought i'd post this.

In general, athletes are more religious than average, conservative, not all that intellectual, homophobic and macho (not ALL, but come on, most.)  Add in the fact our park doesn't generate the numbers and ambiance of many.  Add in that there's an "uppity, think's they're all that and anti-old school" vibe left over from the Moneyball flap and voila; could there be a behind the scenes dialogue amongst players around the league that makes them both not want to come here and when they do, underperform?