Elephant Rumblings: One path for renewed negotiations with Oakland

News and notes for the A’s and the rest of Major League Baseball.

Everything associated with the Oakland Athletics these days could be deemed a “longshot” it seems. Their move to Las Vegas still very much looks like a “longshot.” Their longterm on field product looks like a “longshot.” Perhaps the most sure thing associated with the franchise at the moment is their plans to spend next season in Sacramento.

Let’s add another longshot to the list. Scott Ostler outlined the reasons that the Athletics might reconsider leaving Oakland if Mayor Thao is forced out of office in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Oakland is facing a possible sudden change of mayors. Sheng Thao, 18 months into her rookie term, is the subject of a recall election in November. In addition, there are calls for her resignation in the wake of an FBI raid of her home, in connection with an investigation into illegal political contributions by a recycling firm.

It's no secret that Thao’s relationship with the A’s and MLB could be described as icy at best and that is probably being generous. As Ostler outlines, ousting Thao along probably wouldn’t be enough but it might be enough to restart dialogue if there were to be a new mayor.

Sources close to Oakland politics tell us that if the Town were to get a new mayor, the change might provide an opportunity for the A’s and Oakland to discuss a reunion. Some of Thao’s allies are hostile to MLB and Fisher. If Thao goes, the scenery changes. Some turnover in the city council would also help, since Fisher and MLB felt hostility from that body, but a change of mayors could get Fisher’s and MLB’s attention, especially if their Vegas plans falter.

Any restart of negotiations would need the Las Vegas deal to fall through. But, there is enough hurdles left there that a snag seems more likely than Thao suddenly being out of office.

A longshot is better than no shot.

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