[EmpireWF]

It sounds like the Athletics are very interested in bringing back veteran outfielder Shannon Stewart in 2008. He declared for free-agency but Billy Beane has begun early talks with his agent, Greg Genske.

According to the SFGate, "Stewart, coming off two-plus seasons of foot injuries, signed a $1 million deal with the A's last winter, but his price tag is expected to go up after he remained healthy all year and performed well in the leadoff spot, batting .290. It's also thought he might want to be closer to his home in Florida.

"We are interested to see what the market is," Genske said. "We expect it to be robust, given the year he's had and the career he's had."

A's try to figure out where they're going

[azrael492]

How much are they expecting to get since there is excitement that he remained healthy all season long. He had an OBP of .345. Shouldn't a leadoff do better than that. He also only scored 79 runs. Seems to me that his production should be higher for what it sounds like they are expecting.

[EmpireWF]

Well Oakland normally takes their chances with guys like him who they can get on the low. But I agree with you, shouldn't go to the well too many times.