Elephant Rumblings: A’s reflect on Spring Training without Rickey

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

Spring Training is just around the corner. Sadly, recently departed A’s legend Rickey Henderson will be absent from the clubhouse and greatly missed by coaches and players when pitchers and catchers report in Mesa next month. Martin Gallegos at MLB.com caught up with outfielder Lawrence Butler, starting pitcher JP Sears, and manager Mark Kotsay, who shared some of their favorite memories of the Man of Steal.

The A’s are preparing for their first season since leaving Oakland, the team’s home across six decades. Reportedly, season tickets for the A’s inaugural season at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento have sold out, but there’s much to question behind the headlines, as AN’s Nico illuminates from a true fan’s perspective. The Blogfather should have more to share about the West Sacramento Experience as the season commences.

As the new season approaches on the horizon, AN’s 2024 Season in Review continues with a report on workhorse starting pitcher JP Sears from Connor Ashford. And if you can’t get enough speculation on how the 2025 roster will round out, the folks at SI.com have a couple of new intriguing improbabilities for you to ponder.

Have a terrific week, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Sacramento Season Ticket “Sell Out” Provides More Questions Than Answers
• Athletics 2024 Season In Review: JP Sears
• Athletics sell all season tickets for inaugural year at 14,000-seat ballpark in West Sacramento ($)
• Does Former San Francisco Giants Utility Player Make Sense for A’s?
• A’s Open to Adding One More Starter
• ‘We’re all going to miss him’: A’s imagine Spring Training without Rickey

MLB News & Interest:

• Padres Hire Scott Servais For Special Assistant Role
• Anthony Santander, Jack Flaherty Reportedly Open To Short-Term Offers
• A Pete Alonso contract prediction plus more MLB players who could sign short-term deals ($)
• Here’s each club’s top international prospect
• Alek Manoah Targeting August Return To Blue Jays
• AL East Notes: Morton, Rays, Neander, Yankees
• Orioles “Haven’t Closed The Door On” Re-Signing John Means
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Jessica Kleinschmidt kicks off an A’s prospects series at BA.