It's clear there is a disconnect between those that believe 2023 is the year and those that believe 2023 is a primer on what is coming in 2024 & beyond.. The "beyonders" are more likely to be correct.. there just isn't enough offense, consistent bullpen arms and starting pitching to make a serious run in 2023; especially given the age, experience and depth of the various areas of the club... Can they win the AL Central.. any one of four teams can.. & it would be rewarding to see the Guardians take it if for no other reason than we'd get second season experience....
End the Bro-mance... already..
Getting some middling SP like Blackburn to replace Bieber for inane reasons like the desperate need to coddle rookie starters from fantasized innings limits would only rise to the level of "okay" IF a power bat came with him.. Otherwise, it's stuffing good money down a RATHOLE... If getting that power bat's luggage carried by the "middling Bieber replacement", then "..that's the price you pay..." It would be better to take the money / resources paid to get Blackburn and set it on fire.. at least there could be a marshmallow roasted or some welcome warmth experienced..
Don't be fooled by a "four teams in three years" guy like Brent Rooker.. He is the only guy on the A's roster that does a small amount of damage, hence, his OBP & OPS is fueled by an unsustainable over 100 point walk rate.. This isn't the power bat that the statistics belie.. The fact that his defense is poorer than Spongebob's doesn't help his case..
The A's have two catching candidates that could be of interest.. but they'd only be available if the deal started with a guy like Gavin Williams.. This is a non-starter.. It's likely the reason why the Sean Murphy deal went away.. (we can't know...but we can posture like we do)..
There are other teams that can/should be engaged for a veteran hurler, a bat and/or for a current or future bona fide ML catcher.. The A's aren't it..