The Oakland A’s made a large overpayment Thursday to sign free agent pitcher Luis Severino (three years, $67 million, with an opt out after two years; loss of third draft pick), which is the only way they can get a free agent to play in a minor league ballpark for the next three or four years through the oppressive heat of summer in West Sacramento. It makes sense only if there is more to come.
Owner John Fisher ran the payroll down the past three seasons to 29th, 30th and 30th in MLB while scheming to move the team to Las Vegas. Now that plans are in place for that to happen, Fisher needs to consolidate the $1 billion or so he’s putting into the ballpark by investing in the product. He needs to build momentum to get Las Vegas officials, sponsors and prospective fans behind the team.
