First of all, Kielty has appeared at first base in only eight of his 483 big-league games, so I doubt that he's a viable option there. Thus, he's probably doomed to another season as a fourth or fifth outfielder, getting the bulk of his at-bats against left-handed pitching.

Second, you should know that no less an authority than Ron Washington has said Swisher is the organization's best first baseman, and Swisher has said it's his position of preference.

Does that mean Swisher won't be in the outfield in 2007? No. If the A's don't pull off one of the many rumored trades out there -- surely you've all heard the one involving Joe Blanton and Mets outfielder Lastings Milledge -- it looks like Swisher might spend quite a bit of time in left field next season. And while I'm not so sure he has the potential to be an "excellent" defensive outfielder, a la Mark Kotsay or Milton Bradley, I know that Swisher works his tail off and will maximize whatever potential he has out there, so it's not a bad option to have.

If the A's do trade for Milledge, I think they'll anchor Swisher at first base, with Johnson or Durazo as his backup. I also think it's possible that if Durazo and Johnson both have nice springs, Durazo will open the season on the big-league roster and be traded shortly thereafter -- allowing A's general manager Billy Beane to essentially get something for nothing -- to make room for Johnson, who would start the year at Triple-A Sacramento while Beane works the phones.

How much truth is in the Blanton-to-New York rumors? And if true, how could that help strengthen our team? Wouldn't that leave them with two huge holes in the starting rotation?
-- Jacob K., Napa, Calif.

The A's and Mets have definitely discussed a variety of deals, so this is one of those rare cases where it's not just a rumor. As for how it would strengthen the team, the thinking is that Milledge would be an ideal replacement -- younger, cheaper, more upside -- for Jay Payton, and Blanton could be replaced by any number of starting candidates from within the organization, including Chad Gaudin.

Personally, I really like Blanton and would want to see what he can do in his third year in the bigs before giving up on him. Sure, he had a high ERA last year, but he also won 16 games.

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What are the chances of this happening on a scale of 1-10: Beane, realizing his starting pitching likely won't be as formidable as in years past and aware of the health concerns of Eric Chavez, Bobby Crosby, Kotsay and Bradley, shocks the baseball world by trading Johnson, Blanton and either Kirk Saarloos or Joe Kennedy to the Atlanta Braves for Mr. Andruw Jones! Isn't 2007 the final year of Jones' six-year, $75-million deal? This way, Kotsay can move over to left field, which might be better for his back. A middle lineup consisting of Jones, Mike Piazza, Chavez, Crosby, Bradley and Swisher? The offense could finally carry the starting pitching. Just for one season. What are the chances?
-- Michael C., San Jose, Calif.

On a scale of 1-10, I give that a zero. Sorry. Jones is a heckuva player, and you're right about that being a sweet lineup, but I don't see Beane giving up all that talent -- potentially two-fifths of his starting rotation and a still-solid prospect who could be great trade bait down the road -- for a player who will be making $13.5 million in 2007 and almost certainly will be out the door after one year.

What's the deal with so many A's fans being so willing to trade Blanton, by the way? He's young (26), cheap and reliable. Is it the body? Get over it. He's never been on the disabled list, he's made 64 starts over the past two years, and he's 28-19 since the end of May 2005.

Considering the A's need for an outfielder and their financial restraints, what are the chances that the they might consider signing someone like Sammy Sosa?
-- Jeremy M., Concord, Calif.

Someone like Sosa? Or Sosa himself? Either way, you're talking about a guy who didn't play in 2006, looked absolutely awful in 2005, will forever be dogged by steroid allegations and has a history of rubbing teammates the wrong way.

Granted, Beane has rolled the dice a few times recently and brought in guys with some baggage, but I can't see him reaching quite so far as to take a run at Sosa. His kind of baggage makes Bradley's look like a Hello Kitty backpack.

Why don't the A's consider Bradley for the leadoff spot? He has a good OBP, draws walks, can steal a bag when needed and as a switch-hitter, he'd give manager Bob Geren more flexibility in filling out the rest of the lineup. Jason Kendall seems much more suited for the No. 2 spot with his ability to slap balls in any direction.
-- Mark G., Manteca, Calif.

You make some excellent points, Mark, and I know that former manager Ken Macha toyed with the idea of Bradley in the leadoff spot during Spring Training last year, so maybe Geren will consider it, too.

Playing devil's advocate, though, my question back to you would be: Who hits third?

Chavez? I say he's a classic cleanup hitter. Swisher? Not until he starts hitting for a higher average and cuts down on his punchouts. Piazza? Maybe, but I like him protecting Chavez. Kotsay? Not enough pop. Crosby? Not enough proven.

Given the team's personnel, Bradley's probably the best fit for the No. 3 spot right now because of his blend of patience and power.

By the way, I agree that Kendall would make a good No. 2 hitter because he can move the ball around, but he did hit into a lot of double plays last year. Besides, the A's offense didn't take off last year until Kendall took over at the top of the order, so why move him now?

Last year, the A's had a big winner by the name of Dallas Braden in the system. This year, I don't see his name on any roster. What has become of him?
-- Bill V., Chicago

Braden, a 23-year-old lefty who led the A's farm system with 15 wins in 2005, underwent shoulder surgery that offseason and didn't pitch much this past season, going a combined 4-0 with a 4.10 ERA in 10 games in the Arizona Rookie League, at Class A Stockton and at Double-A Midland.

Braden was slated to pitch in the Arizona Fall League, but he broke his nose before the season started. He's not on Oakland's 40-man roster, but he's been invited to big-league camp for Spring Training. He'll probably start the 2007 season at Midland if he's healthy.