The Padres have just made a deal with the Reds.
To Cincinnati: RHP Mat Latos
To San Diego: RHP Edinson Volquez, 1B/LF Yonder Alonso, C Yasmani Grandal, RHP Brad Boxberger
How does this affect the A's chances of trading Gio Gonzalez this offseason?
The A's have posted their schedule for promotions and giveaways, with more to be added in the future, I'm sure.
There are some pretty cool ones, such as the 1972 A's celebration and Rollie Fingers bobblehead on Apr. 21, kids baseball socks (hopefully they come with stirrups too) on June 16, a curious Gio Gonzalez bobblehead on June 17 and a Scott Hatteberg bobblehead on Aug. 18
Here are a few ideas that were somehow left on the cutting room floor:
Apr. 6 vs. Seattle — Groundhog Day
Bill Murray throws out the ceremonial first pitch to "Punxsutawny" Phil Garner, A's players come onto the field to the tunes of Sonny & Cher's "I've Got You, Babe," and once again are thoroughly dominated by face Mariners ace Felix Hernandez.
Apr. 22 vs. Cleveland — 30th anniversary of the 1982 Oakland A's
One day after the 1972 team is fêted, Rickey Henderson, Joe Rudi and the best Dan Meyer in Oakland history (no, not that one, the other one) come back to the Coliseum for a remembrance of a team that time forgot — the 1982 Oakland A's. With a record of 68-94, these players will remind the current squad that, hey, it can always get worse.
More after the jump.
May 22 vs. Los Angeles of Anaheim — Occupy the Coliseum
A's fans are invited to sit anywhere they choose (for a Tuesday night game, surely there will be many options) and loudly oppose newly-minted one-percenter Albert Pujols and the Angels.
June 16 vs. San Diego — Remembering the 2006-2010 Athletics
Several former A's from this era will be on hand, such as Huston Street, Mark Kotsay, Aaron Cunningham, Chris Denorfia and Jeremy Hermida.
June 21 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers — Kobe Bryant and Frank McCourt Day
Half of the runs the Dodgers earn will be awarded to the A's. The Dodgers will also be forced to give back this ring.
July 2 vs. Boston — Trade-in Night
Andrew Bailey or Gio Gonzalez bobbleheads, shirseys and other memorabilia can be traded in for Stockton Ports, Vermont Lake Monsters and Sacramento River Cats apparel.
Aug. 6 vs. Los Angeles of Anaheim — Map Night
The first 20,000 fans Whoever bothers to show up this night will receive a map of the greater Los Angeles vicinity, noting where Los Angeles is and where the separate city of Anaheim is.
Aug. 21 vs. Minnesota — "What would you do with a million dollars?" night, sponsored by Coors Light
Twins get in free.
Sept. 14 vs. Baltimore — Depressed Fanbase Night
The 300 fans in attendance may get to see a team with fewer playoff hopes than the A's — the Baltimore Orioles! Drinks at The Field Irish Pub half off.
