The pickin’s are thin today for real baseball news, but this Susan Slusser piece sort of struck my interest.  Justin Duchscherer has re-signed with the A’s, with a very incentive laden contract as he brings himself back to the major leagues.

A couple of readers had suggested that he might be a good fit with the Mets, though his personal issues might be too much of a challenge with the New York Media his first year back pitching full time.  Certainly, if things go well the first half of the season, there is always the chance he could be a Met later on.

But the piece gives a glimpse into how a decision might be made to join a team.  Sometimes it really isn’t about the money- sometimes it is about knowing what you are getting yourself into, and knowing you will be playing with people who are invested in you.

Slusser also has written a piece about the A’s attempt to woo Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman.  The A’s have been sneaky in the past, jumping in at the last minute and signing Dominican Michael Ynoa in 2007.  From a couple of scouts who have seen Chapman pitch that I have spoken with, he is good, but certainly not polished or really ready to step onto a major league field and blow hitters away.  He will need some time in the minors, and therefore not quite worthy of huge dollars.  That to me means the A’s have a chance, if they think he is better than many of their current arms.  Only time will tell.