Oakland Athletics Tickets

The Oakland Athletics aren't one of those teams that is particularly active on the free agent market, which made it all the more surprising when they made a couple of big moves this offseason during tough economic times.

Of course, the big move was acquiring outfielder Matt Holladay from the Colorado Rockies via trade. Holladay is a legitimate offensive force, although his home and away splits are particularly concerning for a guy who will no longer play in the friendly confines of Coors Field.

Still, it was a surprising move from the cash-strapped A's during what is one of the worst economies of our lifetime.

The A's filled a void at first base by signing former New York Yankee Jason Giambi, who began his career with the Oakland organization. Giambi's power and high walk totals make him the perfect fit for a club run by general manager Billy Beane.

Oakland for a long time thought Bobby Crosby would be the answer at shortstop for years to come. Years came and went, and the highly touted prospect couldn't stay healthy or show any consistency at the major league level.

The A's finally decided to give up on the hope that Crosby would one day turn things around, signing shortstop Orlando Cabrera to a contract just a few days into spring training. Cabrera had a disappointing 2008 season with the Chicago White Sox but is looking to bounce back with his new club.

Oakland still wasn't done, signing infielder Nomar Garciaparra to a contract a couple of weeks into spring training. Garciaparra comes back over into the American League after a stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Garciaparra has been injury-prone the past several seasons and is a shell of his former self, but he could be a valuable player out of the utility role he is expected to fill with the A's.

I can almost guarantee he will see time at third base, as Eric Chavez has gone from one of the league's best players to injury-prone and serviceable at best.

The team traded Rich Harden at the deadline last year, so the rotation is a bit different and lacking any big-name pitchers. However, Sean Gallagher pitched well in his short stint with the A's and could become the ace of the staff.

The Athletics, even in years when they aren't expected to contend for a playoff spot, usually find themselves in the heat of the race anyway. With the team now geared up to make a run, watch out.