\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Forst said Herrmann will be utilized as a catcher but also offers versatility at first base and the corner-outfield spots, in addition to a handy late-game option off the bench. Along with his speed, Herrmann can draw a walk and has potential to provide some pop, offsetting an otherwise uninspiring offensive resume. The 31-year-old appeared in just 36 games for Seattle in 2018, hitting .237 with a .743 OPS in 87 plate appearances. He began his career as a reserve catcher for Minnesota in 2012 before latching on with the D-backs in '16. Herrmann hit .284 over 56 games in his first year with Arizona, then made his way into a career-high 106 games and totaled 10 homers in 2017 but hit .181. Herrmann was most recently non-tendered by the Astros after being claimed from Seattle in the middle of his ongoing American League West winter tour. \"We needed an option from the left side, and in fact when Chris got claimed on waivers by the Astros, we were kind of kicking ourselves for not jumping in front of that one,\" Forst said. \"Then we were pleasantly surprised to see he got non-tendered.\" Another newly available player who could be of interest to the A's: Troy Tulowitzki. The Blue Jays released the veteran infielder on Tuesday and are on the hook for the remaining $38 million on his pact, which expires after 2020; the team that signs him will only have to pay him the Major League minimum over that span.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-12-12T03:06:01Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/12/12/2520923283/1544583835807/asset_450K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Troy Tulowitzki, a five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, enters free agency after getting released by the Blue Jays","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:58","slug":"tulo-hits-free-agency-c2520923283","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-mlbcomwatermark","title":"HBmig MLB.com Watermark","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-453064","title":"Troy Tulowitzki","person":{"__ref":"Person:453064"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/fwgo3w0bsvnrlqlty9y9"},"title":"Tulo hits free agency","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/tulo-hits-free-agency-c2520923283"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Forst, abiding by the A's policy of not commenting on specific free agents, was mum when asked specifically about Tulowitzki but noted, \"I do like minimum salaries.\" That's expected to be $555,000 in 2019 and just above that in '20, making Tulowitzki -- a five-time All-Star with an injury-ridden past -- an attractive, affordable option for several teams. The 34-year-old shortstop would have to accept a move to second base were he to choose Oakland, but it's also home for the Bay Area native. The A's have other outside options to explore, though the best-case scenario at this position -- enticing Jed Lowrie back -- is looking less likely by the day. Then there's the rotation, which could include an opener yet again.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-12-11T18:50:25Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/12/11/2520888883/1544554054378/asset_450K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Athletics general manager David Forst discusses the futures of Jed Lowrie and Khris Davis with the team","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:32","slug":"forst-on-lowrie-davis-future-c2520888883","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-133","title":"Athletics","team":{"__ref":"Team:133"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-133","title":"HBmig 133","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"winter-meetings","title":"Winter Meetings","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-network","title":"MLB Network","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/irt8dvsnfu7a92eh9v2z"},"title":"Forst on Lowrie, Davis' future","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/forst-on-lowrie-davis-future-c2520888883"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Both Forst and manager Bob Melvin affirmed as much when asked about utilizing the strategy that was so prevalent in September as their starting stuff crumbled in front of them. They even employed it in the American League Wild Card Game, opening the game with Liam Hendriks for one inning. \"I think it may continue to be a necessity going forward,\" Forst said. \"It's not easy trying to find starting pitching. We are exploring all avenues, but I think we recognize that there are different ways to get 27 outs, and we're going to have to consider all of them.\" \"We're used to it so to speak, and you're seeing other teams do it, too,\" Melvin said. \"I think you'll see more of it next year.\" Among the crop of injured A's starters is Sean Manaea, who had an encouraging follow-up appointment with Dr. Neal ElAttrache last week. The left-hander underwent shoulder surgery in September and is making good progress. He's expected to begin plyometric work in January, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to pitch in 2019.","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/a-s-sign-veteran-catcher-chris-herrmann-c301723034","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"Bay Area native Tulowitzki emerges as potential infield addition","summary":"LAS VEGAS -- The A's got a catcher on Tuesday but aren't ruling out adding another.The signing of veteran backstop Chris Herrmann to a one-year deal marked progress in their push for depth behind the plate, and he could very well partner with Josh Phegley in a platoon when the","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":"**[Jane Lee](mailto:jane.lee@mlb.com)** has covered the A's for MLB.com since 2010.","tags":[{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-543302","title":"Chris Herrmann","person":{"__ref":"Person:543302"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-133","title":"Athletics","team":{"__ref":"Team:133"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-133","title":"HBmig 133","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"transactions","title":"transactions","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/d0jeo9wdpmz0pxbnuc8c","title":"A's sign veteran catcher Chris Herrmann"},"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/mlb/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"mlb-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"mlb-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV Partners","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Tickets","linkUrl":"/all-star/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1721167200;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB at Rickwood Field","linkUrl":"/events/rickwood/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1718924400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1711511940;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sell on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/sell/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=15&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Offers","linkUrl":"/tickets/fan-value","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"VIP Ticket Packages","linkUrl":"/tickets/on-location-experiences","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Students","linkUrl":"/tickets/students","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Tourism","linkUrl":"/tourism","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB World Tour","linkUrl":"/international/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Terms & Conditions","linkUrl":"/tickets/terms-and-conditions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"shopping-cart","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Online Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Auction","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=9mislq-18JnZhOEp-FeGzvUB3G6zxwkeKqwX99MKAttEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-Home","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB NYC Flagship Store","linkUrl":"/shop/nyc-retail-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en?portal=MLTS66FS&CMP=PSC-MLTS66FS","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Store","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rule Changes","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/rule-changes-2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/probable-pitchers/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Report","linkUrl":"/injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"World Baseball Classic","linkUrl":"/world-baseball-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Draft","linkUrl":"/draft/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Game","linkUrl":"/all-star/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Life","linkUrl":"/fans/mlb-life","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Pipeline","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pipeline","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason History","linkUrl":"/postseason/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Great Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/longform","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Watch","linkUrl":"/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"Video","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Search","linkUrl":"/video","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast","linkUrl":"/video/topic/statcast","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]},{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"MLB.TV","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Postseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/postseason","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Postseason Recap","linkUrl":"/postseason/history/2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season","linkUrl":"/schedule/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Postseason","linkUrl":"/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02-20","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team by Team Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/team-by-team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"National Broadcasts","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/national-broadcast-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast Leaders","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_leaderboard","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Statcast","linkUrl":"/statcast","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats/top-prospects?type=all&minPA=1","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings/wild-card","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Youth","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball","linkUrl":"/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball & Softball","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":"group","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Players","linkUrl":"/players","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Prospect Rankings","linkUrl":"/prospects","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Charts","linkUrl":"/team/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Players Association","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbplayers.com","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Negro Leagues","linkUrl":"/history/negro-leagues","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"/play","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=BeatTheStreak2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Immaculate Grid","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ImmaculateGrid2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trivia","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=SporcleTrivia2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pickle","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Pickle2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"By the Numbers","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ByTheNumbers2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diamond Decisions","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=DiamondDecisions2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bingo","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Bingo2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-mlb-2024","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;lang:es;label:Español","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"ES","linkUrl":"/es","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"日本語","linkUrl":"http://www.mlb.jp/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ja"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"한국어","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbkor.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ko"}]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#002D72","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#041E42","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#057AFF","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":null,"headerMastheadTagline":null,"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"56px"}},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}]},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","id":136,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Person:543302":{"__typename":"Person","id":543302},"Person:453064":{"__typename":"Person","id":453064},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","id":133,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
A's sign veteran catcher Herrmann to 1-year deal
A's sign veteran catcher Herrmann to 1-year deal
Bay Area native Tulowitzki emerges as potential infield addition
December 11th, 2018
Jane Lee
LAS VEGAS -- The A's got a catcher on Tuesday but aren't ruling out adding another. The signing of veteran backstop Chris Herrmann to a one-year deal marked progress in their push for depth behind the plate, and he could very well partner with Josh Phegley in a platoon when the 2019 season opens, A's general manager David Forst said from the Winter Meetings. That hasn't stopped them from continuing conversations with Jonathan Lucroy's reps, however, or looking elsewhere for alternative help. "Obviously as of right now, [Herrmann] and Josh are platooning," Forst said. "I think we'll probably look around and see if there are options, just because you never know, but it's nice to be in a spot right now where we have two Major League catchers who fit well."
Heating up the stove. We've agreed to terms with catcher Chris Herrmann on a one-year contract for the 2019 season. Welcome to Oakland, Chris!#RootedInOaklandpic.twitter.com/7C1uvBTw6p
Forst said Herrmann will be utilized as a catcher but also offers versatility at first base and the corner-outfield spots, in addition to a handy late-game option off the bench. Along with his speed, Herrmann can draw a walk and has potential to provide some pop, offsetting an otherwise uninspiring offensive resume. The 31-year-old appeared in just 36 games for Seattle in 2018, hitting .237 with a .743 OPS in 87 plate appearances. He began his career as a reserve catcher for Minnesota in 2012 before latching on with the D-backs in '16. Herrmann hit .284 over 56 games in his first year with Arizona, then made his way into a career-high 106 games and totaled 10 homers in 2017 but hit .181. Herrmann was most recently non-tendered by the Astros after being claimed from Seattle in the middle of his ongoing American League West winter tour. "We needed an option from the left side, and in fact when Chris got claimed on waivers by the Astros, we were kind of kicking ourselves for not jumping in front of that one," Forst said. "Then we were pleasantly surprised to see he got non-tendered." Another newly available player who could be of interest to the A's: Troy Tulowitzki. The Blue Jays released the veteran infielder on Tuesday and are on the hook for the remaining $38 million on his pact, which expires after 2020; the team that signs him will only have to pay him the Major League minimum over that span.
Forst, abiding by the A's policy of not commenting on specific free agents, was mum when asked specifically about Tulowitzki but noted, "I do like minimum salaries." That's expected to be $555,000 in 2019 and just above that in '20, making Tulowitzki -- a five-time All-Star with an injury-ridden past -- an attractive, affordable option for several teams. The 34-year-old shortstop would have to accept a move to second base were he to choose Oakland, but it's also home for the Bay Area native. The A's have other outside options to explore, though the best-case scenario at this position -- enticing Jed Lowrie back -- is looking less likely by the day. Then there's the rotation, which could include an opener yet again.
Both Forst and manager Bob Melvin affirmed as much when asked about utilizing the strategy that was so prevalent in September as their starting stuff crumbled in front of them. They even employed it in the American League Wild Card Game, opening the game with Liam Hendriks for one inning. "I think it may continue to be a necessity going forward," Forst said. "It's not easy trying to find starting pitching. We are exploring all avenues, but I think we recognize that there are different ways to get 27 outs, and we're going to have to consider all of them." "We're used to it so to speak, and you're seeing other teams do it, too," Melvin said. "I think you'll see more of it next year." Among the crop of injured A's starters is Sean Manaea, who had an encouraging follow-up appointment with Dr. Neal ElAttrache last week. The left-hander underwent shoulder surgery in September and is making good progress. He's expected to begin plyometric work in January, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to pitch in 2019.