Oakland Athletics

When the Oakland A's brought in Jason Giambi as a free agent they knew what they were getting. He was going to strengthen the lineup and add a powerful left handed hitter into the lineup as well.

Also, what was known was Giambi's excellent eye at the plate. Well his plate discipline has been horrific and he's been far from impressive in the start of his second stint as an A.

In tonight's game against the Seattle Mariners the A's had an excellent chance of getting some runs back after starting pitcher Dallas Braden allowed two in the top of the first.

When you think of closers there's three names that come to mind and each of them did it in a different way. One used his dominant cutter, one used more deception with his delivery, and one used his outstanding changeup to fool hitters.

With that being said we'll examine their average season as a closer and what there best years looked like.

The Oakland Athletics have been one of the most interesting franchises since their move from Kansas City in the 1960's. Since 1968 the Oakland A's have had many great moments. However, some of these moments were so amazing (or heartbreaking), that A's fans still remember them today. But, which of these moments are the most unforgettable? We'll start with number 5.

Brian Knight has some explaining to do—most of it to Bob Watson.

His horrific call in the bottom of the first really got manager Bob Geren heated, except he didn't get thrown out of the game. In fact, it was A's hitting coach Jim Skaalen who was ejected.

Adam Kennedy was on first base via a walk. Kurt Suzuki was up and worked to a full count. The next pitch was inside and Kennedy was running on the play, but Suzuki tried checking his swing.

The Oakland A's need to shore up their third base position. With Eric Chavez continuous injury streak looking like it's never got to resolve itself, it's time for the A's to look into acquiring the replacement for Chavez.

That means a player who has power from the right side of the plate, will hit for a reasonable average so (more than .265 and provide stellar defense at the hot corner—in other words, a proven commodity. No more prospects Billy Beane—we already have enough of those.

Jack Hannahan is not an all around major league baseball player.  He does one thing well and that is defense.  Unforunately for Hannahan, he plays a position that demands that you not only to be a solid defender, but a good hitter as well.

Hannahan has proven time and time again that he can't hit major league pitching. So, why is he even on the Oakland A's roster?  Injuries have played a part of it, but there's a solution to the problem.

Put Bobby Crosby in at third base everyday, so he isn't concentrating on what position he has to play defensively.

Billy Beane used too make great decisions and make trades that benefited the Oakland A's, but lately, Beane's genius has backfired on him, and it hasn't been pretty for the Oakland A's.

No one could make the argument that the hiring of Ken Macha was the beginning of the end for the A's run, but at least Macha had teams that made the playoffs and had a winning record.

A lot has came at Barry Zito since his glory days back in Oakland. A blockbuster $126 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, the high hopes of being the ace for a team wanting to return to greatness, and being a role model for young athletes in America.

How about what has came at him on the field. Since winning the American League Cy Young Award in 2002 with a 23-5 record, 182 strikeouts, and a 2.75 ERA, Zito has found himself in the dumps.

Bob Geren is a great manager to build your confidence with. I mean what other manager will let a starting pitcher give walks to the first two batters of an inning before sending out the pitching coach, Curt Young.

Then only to have young catcher Kurt Suzuki call for a fastball down the middle of the plate and before you know it the pitcher is staring at a 3-0 deficit with no outs. Thanks, Bob appreciate the support.

Billy Beane is the only general manager that would allow personal feelings to get in the way of the team's success. The hiring of Bob Geren was the worst decision Beane has ever made and now, Beane does not have the fortitude do fix it.

Here's an easy thought for Beane: It's time to get rid of whatever personal feelings you have for Geren, and get rid of him. Then to save yourself call a press conference explaining why you had to fire Geren.