Questions abound for A's at Winter Meetings
In reality, there's typically more talk and less action, with nonstop rumors -- most of which end up being just that -- stealing the spotlight. Yet, often, major moves are actually made during this time, ones that help shape the landscape of the upcoming season.
A's general manager Billy Beane hasn't been prone to pulling the trigger on a blockbuster here, instead choosing to piece together his team outside the frenzied atmosphere.
Whether he chooses to take part in a trade this time around remains to be seen, but fans can expect to stay in the know either way.
All MLB.com club reporters will be at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville through Thursday, when the Meetings conclude with the Rule 5 Draft. From now until then, A's readers can expect constant coverage, including significant rumors, impending signings and any breaking news.
Beane is scheduled to hold court with local reporters in a round of informal sessions in his suite Monday and Tuesday night, and assistant general manager David Forst will take over those duties Wednesday and Thursday. Each night, readers will be offered a breakdown of these talks and what they mean for the club's makeup.
In addition, manager Bob Melvin is scheduled to greet media in a half-hour session on Monday evening, and a compilation of his thoughts on his defending American League West-champion club will also available be here.
Will Beane and Co. find a trading partner in their pursuit of a shortstop? Will they really keep all of their current outfielders on the roster, or could one be dealt? Which A's pitchers will draw interest from outside organizations, and are any available, anyway?
Plenty of questions beg answers in the coming months, and some could find them as soon as this week. What do you think the A's to-do list should look like? Who would you target if you were standing in Beane's shoes?
Let us know by starting your own discussion right here, and be sure to check back over the next four days to find out the latest word from Nashville.