Outside The Confines: The Las Vegas Athletics?

The Oakland Athletics have a long history of struggle when it comes to getting a new stadium. They have repeatedly clashed with Oakland municipal officials when it comes to agreeing on a new location in downtown Oakland. So MLB has said if the A’s and the local government can’t come to terms, the A’s can start exploring options elsewhere.

The most popular rumor right now involves the A’s moving to Las Vegas, but there are other locations in the mix as well, including Portland, Charlotte, Vancouver, Nashville, and Montreal, all sites that have been whispered about for expansion teams as well.

MLB has implied that moving is a last-ditch effort though, as the A’s would like to stay where they are. MLB said in a statement about the potential move, “We know [the A’s] remain deeply committed to succeeding in Oakland, and with two other sports franchises recently leaving the community, their commitment to Oakland is now more important than ever.”

It’s hard to know how this development will pan out, but it’s definitely too soon to buy yourself a Las Vegas A’s jersey. Al wrote about this yesterday; here are a few more articles on the topic, plus other baseball news.

• Las Vegas’s mayor suggests that Vegas and the A’s have been in talks for almost two years, writes Mick Akers.
• Marcus Thompson II is unimpressed with the A’s threat to leave their current home. (The Athletic subscription required.)
• Jake Mailhot looks at how Robbie Ray is finally finding the strike zone.
• The Yankees have had up to seven positive tests this past week, shares Andrew Gastelum.
• Jarred Kelenic made his major league debut last night and shared the story of his incredible custom cleats with Daniel Kramer.
• Rhett Bollinger would like you to take a moment to be very impressed with Shohei Ohtani’s season.
• In an update to an incredible story from this offseason. Jeff Passan looks at Drew Robinson’s return to baseball after his suicide attempt.
• Alden Gonzalez highlights Mike Trout’s season, as he might have his best year yet, and how his dad knew it was coming.
• The Giants are off to a strong start, and Peter Gammons reflects on how the veteran presence of Evan Longoria is helping them get there.
• I feel like this is how I would look against major league pitching.

• Paul Hoynes looks at how Cleveland baseball fans are having to adjust their viewing habits.
• The Jays are finalizing their plans for fan seating at Sahlen Field, shares Eric Fisher.
• The Red Sox might be on top of the AL East, but Nick Selbe warns they shouldn’t let themselves rest easy.
• The Minnesota Twins dropped to last place in the AL Central this week, leading David Schoenfield to ask: what the heck is wrong with the Twins?
• Our own Sara Sanchez asks a very natural question: is this the year of the no-hitter?
• Speaking of no-hitters, Kevin Goldstein reminisces over a no-hitter that almost was.
• Jules Posner spotlights the new lease Nick Solak has on his career now that he’s with the Rangers.
• Absolutely loved this Clinton Yates story on Josh Bell’s deep love of reading.
• Joseph Salvador shares Noah Syndergaard’s opinion of baseball’s unwritten rules. (spoiler, he thinks they’re dumb).
• Michael Baumann investigates how well all those blockbuster offseason moves are looking a quarter of the way into the season.
• In a classic debate as old as baseball itself, Levi Weaver explores the best and worst of baseball’s best accessory: the cap. (The Atheltic subscription required.)
• Watch Miguel Cabrera make Venezuelan player history in this fun data graphic.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.