This spring, a different message is emanating from Oakland's camp in Arizona. Third baseman Eric Chavez is close to a reported six-year, $66 million contract, eight months before he's eligible for free agency. Chavez's deal would end a run of departures that included Giambi, Johnny Damon, Tejada and Keith Foulke, while debunking the perception of Oakland as a breeding ground for future Yankees, Red Sox and Orioles.
It's understandable if Tejada felt slighted that the A's are signing Chavez after they let him walk. He could express remorse that Oakland management didn't at least try harder to keep him. He could stand on his head in the clubhouse, chew gum and read passages from "Moneyball" aloud to make a point.
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