ESPN: Keri: Forst says injury concerns a big reason for A’s moves

David Forst: That Was The Trade That Was.

Keri: In the trades you made this offseason, was there a specific focus on getting a particular kind of player? It seemed like you got some really interesting pitching prospects, especially in the Swisher trade where you got Gio Gonzalez and Fautino de los Santos…

Forst: With respect to pitchers, we understand there’s an attrition rate, both with respect to performance and injury. We did also focus on outfielders, not necessarily to get them specifically, but that those were the best players available. We feel there are some infielders out there that we can target, too. [Mark] Ellis is on the last year of his deal, Eric [Chavez] and Bobby [Crosby] are both coming off injuries, so we’d want to address our depth in that spot if the opportunity arose.

...Keri: Barry Bonds! Left field is probably the A’s weakest position right now, depending on which way you decide to go at the start of the season. He’s in the Bay Area already, the A’s are a team that prides itself on performance analysis, and Bonds still projects to be a productive hitter. Is there just an industry-wide philosophy that says, “Wink, wink, we’re not going to do this”?

Forst: You expect me to answer this on the record? [laughs]

Keri: On the record, off the record, whatever you want to do.

Forst: On the record, this team has committed to young players.

Keri: Such as Emil Brown.