A’s playing waiting game

The Billy Beane Theory of General Managing: The first two months of the season are for evaluation, the second two months are for action. That should make the Athletics an intriguing team to watch, on and off the field.

Beane unloaded ace Dan Haren and outfielders Nick Swisher and Mark Kotsay in separate trades last winter, restocking the A’s farm system with 11 prospects in the process. There is no apparent need for opening-day starter Joe Blanton and closer Huston Street in this rebuilding, and oft-injured third baseman Eric Chavez and pitcher Rich Harden also could be traded if healthy.

So, after the first two months, Beane could accelerate the rebuilding by trading his few remaining veterans. But the AL West appears down this season, with the Mariners less than overwhelming and the Angels riddled with injuries, so don’t count out Beane trading for veterans in June and July if the A’s hang in there until then.