Elephant Rumblings: Kotsay, Lowrie Notes and Some Historical Tidbits

A’s Coverage:

• A’s exercise option on doubles-bashing Lowrie, bring back Kotsay as coach...
• A's lineup stable heading into offseason...
• Oakland Athletics coaching Q&A: Eric Martins, part two...
• Ex-A’s reliever Darold Knowles on sharing World Series record with Brandon Morrow: ‘I congratulate him’...

MLB News:

• Angels reach 5-year deal with Justin Upton...
• Justin Verlander and Kate Upton will reportedly marry in Italy this weekend...
• Former Phillies’ GM Amaro, Jr. will be the Mets’ first base coach...

Baseball Interest Stories:

• How the Astros won a World Series by betting on the ability to predict baseball...
• Phillies want analytical approach from new manager Gabe Kapler...
• How will 2017 MLB season affect 2018?

Today in Baseball History:

• 1881 - The American Association elects H.D. McKnight as its president. It votes to honor the National League blacklist in the case of drunkenness but not to abide by its reserve clause. The new league will rely on home gate receipts, visiting teams getting just a $65 guarantee on the road, as opposed to the NL's policy of giving 15¢ from each admission to the visitors. The AA will allow Sunday games, liquor sales, and 25¢ tickets, all prohibited by the NL.
• 1926 - Ty Cobb resigns as Detroit Tigers manager after leading his team to a record of 79-75 and a sixth-place finish. Umpire and former Tigers infielder George Moriarty replaces him. Moriarty is the first man to hold baseball's four principal jobs: player, umpire, scout and manager. Cobb will sign a playing contract with the Philadelphia Athletics and will bat .357 during the 1927 season.

Best of Twitter:

• Neuse being Neuse...

• Wish there were video of this...