Elephant Rumblings: Get comfy, Brent Rooker

MLB news & roundup

Good morning A’s fans!

If you weren’t awake at 9:49 P.M Pacific time last night then you may have missed it. The A’s, our big spending Athletics, have signed Designated Hitter Brent Rooker to a massive contract extension!

This continues a big offseason for a club determined to go into Sacramento an improved club. Locking down Rook sends a message that this team is finally ready to actually, uh, keep their talent. Rooker was the topic of brief trade talks during the mid-season trade deadline and early offseason but the club made it clear fairly early on that they’re committed to their DH. Rooker will now likely don the Green & Gold for three different cities during his Athletics tenure, suiting up for Oakland, Sacramento, and probably Las Vegas? How rare is it for a player to play for three separate cities while wearing the same uniform? Not a joke, someone look it up.

Rook has been a godsend for the Athletics during a time they needed anything. Over the past two years he’s helped solidify an offense that has been lacking in contributors. In just two seasons Rook has slashed .272/.384//529 with 69 long balls and an All-Star appearance to boot (it should have been two All-Star selections but I digress). Without him this team likely loses 110+ games and challenges the ‘06 Tigers for the worst team in modern history. Words don’t do justice for what Rook means to this team right now, and this deal clearly shows the front office recognizes that.

Heading into next year he is the unquestioned leader of the squad. He, like everyone else, will be playing in a new home ballpark with a whole new environment and temperature to deal with. If there was one person on this roster that deserved this vote of confidence, I’m glad it was Brent Rooker. It’s hard to lock in a DH-only player because that spot can be used for half-days for someone like Shea Langeliers or Lawrence Butler, but if there is one DH-only player in the league that we want, it’s Brent Rooker.

We got a good one folks. Another late-bloomer who found his way with the A’s. And for once, we will get to see how his career plays out. Get comfy, Brent. We’re all excited to see what you can do in the minor league ballpark you’ll be playing in for the next three seasons. 40 home runs? Dare I say 50?

Have an awesome Tuesday A’s fans!

A’s Coverage:

• A’s do some exploring in Sacramento
• Athletics sign Brent Rooker to 5-year extension
• Athletics manager Mark Kotsay excited about team’s offseason moves
• A’s players, staff ‘impressed’ after touring Sutter Health Park
• The Best Pitcher in Oakland A’s History
• Athletics add former Colorado Rockies catching prospect Willie McIver

MLB News & Interest:

• Reds acquire Gavin Lux from Dodgers
• Reds designate former top prospect Roansy Contreras for assignment
• Yankees reportedly discussing Luis Arraez trade with Padres
• Nolan Arenado willing to waive no-trade clause for Red Sox
• Royals sign Michael Lorenzen to 1-year deal
• Rangers sign veteran reliever Chris Martin to 1-year deal
• Will Roki Sasaki sweepstakes come down to 1 of these 7 teams?
• Latest on Tanner Scott’s market
• Execs prospect poll: No. 1 prospect, top hitter, pitcher and more
• Wife of late Padres owner Peter Seidler sues for control of the team
• Mets third baseman David Wright to have number retired by team
• Brewers resign Jake Bauers
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Gotta get comfy in their temporary home, I guess....

That would be fun, right?

Eye spy with my little eye a breakout candidate (79 days*):