When A's pitchers and catchers officially begin workouts today, myriad expectations will begin battle with realistic counterparts. Talent will try to reign over health and youth as Spring Training kicks off for a revamped Oakland team, which is trying to overcome a 75-87 record and last-place division finish in 2009. Many of the ballplayers battling for major league spots had strong years last season with the Sacramento River Cats, Oakland's Triple-A affiliate.

West Sacramento, Calif. – The Sacramento River Cats and Clear Channel Radio-Sacramento have announced a new, two-year broadcast agreement to make Talk 650 KSTE the exclusive broadcast home of all Sacramento River Cats games.  The agreement, which includes the airing of all 144 River Cats’ regular season games and all Cats’ post-season action, was announced this morning on KSTE’s Armstrong and Getty Show.   The “Voice of the River Cats,” Johnny Doskow, will return to the booth for his 10th season with the team.

Chris Carter, who helped the River Cats win the Pacific South Division title in 2009, was named the top prospect in the Oakland A’s organization by Baseball America.

Michael Taylor has dodged knee-jerk labels all of his life. He is big, but can play a little-man's game. He is a diabetic, but also an athlete. He is a left fielder, but can also comfortably play right. There is no confusion about one label today: Taylor is an Oakland Athletic. Enjoying one of the trickle-down benefits of the mega-deal among three other teams, the A's on Dec. 16 obtained the outfielder from the Toronto Blue Jays in return for infield prospect Brett Wallace, who spent part of 2009 with the Sacramento River Cats.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - River Cats players, coaches and staff members teamed up on Friday, Dec. 11, at Raley Field to help bring 15 tons of food and plenty of holiday cheer to families in need across Sacramento. In the early afternoon, the River Cats joined with Tyson Foods, Lift Up America, Food for Families and The California Emergency Foodlink to distribute the 30,000 pounds of food to families in need.

The Oakland A’s acquired third baseman Jake Fox, second baseman Aaron Miles and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jeff Gray, minor league outfielder Matt Spencer and minor league right-handed pitcher Ronny Morla, the club announced today.

Volunteers from the River Cats Raley Field partners and suite holders will provide the children with a baseball-themed holiday festival with food and beverage provided by Centerplate Concessions and Sacramento Coca-Cola. All kids at the event will receive a holiday gift. Additionally, children have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

The Memphis Redbirds toppled the Sacramento River Cats 6-0 on Friday night to claim the Pacific Coast League championship and end the Cats’ run at a third title in a row. Memphis was on the attack early as they scored in each of the first two innings to take a quick two-run lead. Allen Craig scored Jon Jay in the first inning with a base hit to center, and Mark Shorey scored in the second when Shane Robinson hit a soft fly ball to left field.