Oakland A’S Hint At Move If Demands Aren’t Met

The Oakland Athletics, unhappy with changes at the Oakland Coliseum, have made a veiled threat to leave the region next year if their demands are not met, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Discussions remain cordial, but an official told the newspaper there could be difficulties with a list of problems that may cost $10 million to fix.

The Athletics’ demands - over utilities, advertising and luxury suites - have been overshadowed by the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority’s problems with the Oakland Raiders and the Golden State Warriors, the two other professional teams who use the stadium and arena.

Slow sales of personal seat licenses for Raiders games have pushed the Coliseum into debt, forcing a local taxpayer bailout of $16 million.

As insurance in case Desi Relaford can’t handle the everyday job at shortstop, the Philadelphia Phillies reached an agreement with veteran infielder Alex Arias on a one-year $425,000 contract.

Arias, 30, was the last player remaining from the Florida Marlins’ inaugural 1993 roster when he was waived on Dec. 12. A .268 lifetime hitter, Arias batted .247 with one homer and 11 RBIs in 93 at-bats for the World Series champion Marlins last season.

The New York Mets signed Jim Tatum, formerly of the Spokane Indians, to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training.

Tatum, who plays first base, third base, outfield and catcher, spent the first half of last season with TripleA New Orleans in the San Diego Padres minor-league system. In 44 games, Tatum batted .317 with nine home runs and 25 runs batted in.