The A’s Ticket Services Office received a few choice emails and phone calls in the past 24 hours. Only a few of the “You Stink” variety. RHP Rich Harden was traded yesterday to the Chicago Cubs, along with pitcher Chad Gaudin. While news stories report most about the known quantities, we are happy to receive Sean Gallagher and friends. Any player that our Baseball Operations Department identifies as a desire must be positive (see: Mark Ellis, Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, Carlos Gonzales, Ryan Sweeney… all starting A’s players acquired from trades).

But rather than focus on the two players that departed, we’re excited about the four new members of the A’s family that came from the Cubs. Not to forget a fifth new addition to the A’s that stopped by McAfee Coliseum yesterday, recent first-round draft pick Jemile Weeks. Weeks signed his first professional contract with the A’s yesterday. While it could be a few years until we see him again his combination of speed and power has the Ticket Services staff wiping our brows with ticket stock in anticipation of future gains. Ironically, a retired Athletics great with plenty of speed and power in his heyday was on hand last night for the ceremonial first pitch. Rickey Henderson returned to the site of his record breaking 939^th stolen base. Watch out Rickey, Weeks might be on your heels someday.