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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories UPDATED: Two lanes open after I-5 truck crash near Siskiyou Summit Former Medford detective accused of exploiting man with dementia State police: Grants Pass shooter tried to run victim off the road Poodle killed with pellet gun in west Medford Pot-munching deer at Applegate Lodge stars on 'Daily Show' Crime, Courts and Emergency Services State police: Grants Pass shooter tried to run victim off the road Poodle killed with pellet gun in west Medford Car thefts spike in Medford Grants Pass man charged with attempted murder in shooting of Eagle Point resident Emergency Services Politics and Elections Jackson County Commissioners plan no tax on marijuana for one year Arthur I. Cyr: Iran – a crisis without end Arthur I. Cyr: South Korea represents long-term triumph – for them and for US Special election: Jackson County voters OK marijuana tax Ex-Merkley aide chosen as Oregon secretary of state Education Medford School District one of most accident-prone in state Dianne Williamson: College admissions mania ill-advised Oregon legislators may end fifth-year high school programs Phoenix High officer looks back on varied career Oregon school officials blasting new education budget Environment Rogue Valley lions on their way to California Corps hopes to clear Lost Creek Lake of debris Beetles taking toll on Ashland pines Mt. 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Mangino: A clearer picture of police shootings begins to emerge Guest Opinion: How schools teach U.S. history raises hackles Letters to the Editor, March 27 Editorials Our View: Some police videos should be released Our View: Public records rules should apply to lawmakers, too Our View: Oregon schools will have to make do with a little more money Our View: Medford police tried to avoid confrontation Other Views: Dave Frohnmayer was a man of honor Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, March 27 Letters to the Editor, March 26 Letters to the Editor, March 25 Letters to the Editor, March 24 Letters to the Editor, March 23 Columns Philip Maddocks: GOP plan offers hope for poor once they become rich Kent Bush: Pete Rose’s request complicated by Jarred Cosart Matthew T. Mangino: A clearer picture of police shootings begins to emerge Guest Opinion: How schools teach U.S. history raises hackles Arthur I. Cyr: The legacy of Singapore’s leader Lee Kwan Yew Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: How schools teach U.S. history raises hackles Guest Opinion: Guest Opinion: Raise your voice against child abuse Guest Opinion: Central Point Cemetery needs work and city action Guest Opinion: Return to clearcutting is wrong approach for counties Lifestyle Latest stories No snow makes Marble Mountains accessible early Community blog: How to Get Rid of a Tension Headache Community blog: Try slightly smoky baked beans instead of refried Ride & Drive: 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque App Finder: Best barbecue apps Food Community blog: Try slightly smoky baked beans instead of refried App Finder: Best barbecue apps Health Watch: It’s OK to have a cheat day Frugal foodie Joanna McQuillan Weeks: Almond cookies pass the test Home and Garden Hot tub: The perfect centerpiece for outdoor living Garden Cameos: Welcome spring to the garden Paul Rogers: Ground unworkable, despite spring’s arrival Home Help: How green is your house? Plant a few dahlias, Dahling Health Community blog: How to Get Rid of a Tension Headache St. Mary's student helps others with diabetes Community blog: Sleep Tight: Making Your Bed, Body and Mind Ready for Rest Health Watch: 5 tips for seasonal allergy relief A better bedtime Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs: Friday, March 27 Religion briefs Religion News: Presbyterian Church gives approval on same-sex marriage Religion briefs: Friday, March 13 More religion events in the Rogue Valley Milestones and Achievements Haga-Parks Exercise helps special-needs kids adjust to airport procedures Engagement: Workman-Wright Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Here's Tempo's top five picks for live entertainment this week The 2015 Rising Stars music competition ends with its final round on the Britt stage in Jacksonville Live Music in Local Clubs Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick pay tribute to Arkansas bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park Next Stage Repertory presents 'Educating Rita' at the Craterian Theater Theater ‘A Dream of Red Pavilions’ at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Review: Education and its discontents Next Stage Repertory presents 'Educating Rita' at the Craterian Theater Eugene O'Neill's 'Long Day's Journey into Night' opens at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Camelot's 'Sunset Boulevard' ambitious, not as dark Music Futurebirds play the Brickroom in Ashland The 2015 Rising Stars music competition ends with its final round on the Britt stage in Jacksonville Live Music in Local Clubs Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick pay tribute to Arkansas bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park The Farr Side: Lines are blurred with theft of Marvin Gaye’s classic groove Community Events Rogue Valley artist Linda Evans' pastel paintings capture landscapes of Southern Oregon Ashland Independent Film Festival announces this year's lineup OSF Hip-Hop Poetry Open Mic Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhibits by regional artists Jesse Lawson and Joe Moxley host 'Barkeeper' Dining Basque-inspired cuisine at Eleven in Ashland Parsing the meaning behind wine medals and scores Restaurant Inspections: Sunday, March 22 Jasmine Thai Cuisine Restaurant Inspections Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines/Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW UPDATED: Two lanes open after I-5 truck crash near Siskiyou Summit ... Former Medford detective accused of exploiting man with dementia ... Mandatory paid sick leave gets mixed reviews ... UPDATED: Two lanes open after I-5 truck crash near Siskiyou Summit ... Former Medford detective accused of exploiting man with dementia ... Mandatory paid sick leave gets mixed reviews ... MAJOR LEAGUES New-look A's expect to contend Oakland's makeover saw nine trades with 27 players Comment By Janie McCauley The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Janie McCauley The Associated Press Posted Mar. 26, 2015 at 6:54 PM By Janie McCauley The Associated Press Posted Mar. 26, 2015 at 6:54 PM » Social News OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics topped even their most trade-happy of days by making nine swaps involving 27 players in a wild offseason for Billy Beane and his front-office mates. As far as Beane is concerned, the A's wouldn't have even had a chance to close the gap on the reigning AL West champion Los Angeles Angels without a major offseason overhaul. Even if that meant shipping out a trio of All-Stars in third baseman Josh Donaldson, first baseman Brandon Moss and catcher Derek Norris. "Our expectations don't change, not with the guys we brought in," manager Bob Melvin said. "You look at it early on and you're thinking, 'What are we doing here?' Then we see the last few moves ... and it all came together at the end as far as what this team would look like going into spring. ... We feel real good about this group." There were so many changes that Melvin had to search for names on the backs of jerseys during February's FanFest. Billy Butler is the new designated hitter, and two-time All-Star infielder Ben Zobrist can play just about anywhere for Melvin, who is always one to mix and match his lineups based on matchups and who's playing well. Ike Davis came in a November trade from the Pirates to play first base, while third baseman Brett Lawrie came from the Blue Jays in the swap that sent Donaldson to Toronto. "It's unique. I don't think many teams have taken turnover like this," reliever Dan Otero said. "Who are we to judge? Everybody's here for a reason, so it's going to be great." Still, all the change took some getting used to this spring for an Oakland clubhouse known for its easygoing nature. You first must know your teammates' names. "Team chemistry's a little funky. You have to spend time with people and get to know people for team chemistry to fully come," center fielder Coco Crisp said. "You can't expect it just to happen. We'll be fine. We have a good group of core guys, guys that talk and mingle." Here are some things to know as the A's chase a fourth straight playoff berth: BUTLER'S BIG MOVE: Butler makes the first move of his career and is coming off a down season with the Royals, who lost in a seven-game World Series to San Francisco. He batted .271 with nine home runs and 66 RBIs in 151 games last year, 108 of those as a DH. "Everybody's awesome to be around," Butler said. "I couldn't be happier to get ready for another year with them. There are a lot of talented major league guys in this room." FILLING THE VOIDS: Lawrie batted .247 with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs in 70 games for Toronto last season and takes pride in his defense to back up a talented rotation led by Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir. "We have a lot of ability out there and that's a plus for the pitching staff," Lawrie said. "All they have to do is take care of business." GRIFFIN AND PARKER: Both right-handers are recovering from elbow ligament reconstructive surgery that sidelined them all of 2014. Parker hopes to return shortly after the season begins, while June has long been the target goal for these two. "There's no reason to start ripping the slider," Parker said. "I'm going to focus on command." SPEEDY OUTFIELD: Despite the losses around the diamond, Melvin likes the look of his speedy outfield with Crisp, Sam Fuld and Craig Gentry. "They can cover a lot of ground," Melvin said. "In the case of Gentry and Fuld, they throw very well, too. Especially in our outfield at home, the field can play big and you need to cover a lot of ground out there. It's a comfort to have, and I know our pitchers feel good about it, too, that on a cold night in Oakland, you can stay. It's tough to go opposite field and know that when a ball's hit in the air and stays in the ballpark it's probably going to get caught." ZITO'S COMEBACK: Back in his original uniform two years removed from the end of a $126 million, seven-year contract with San Francisco, lefty Barry Zito looks to be a factor for the A's out of the bullpen — or even to start when needed. After a year off, Zito arrived in Arizona motivated to show he could still pitch at the highest level. By Janie McCauley The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Janie McCauley The Associated Press Posted Mar. 26, 2015 at 6:54 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. fantasy football Fantasy Football Outlook for Bengals Stars Mar. 27, 2015 at 9:59 am Things DFS Players Should Never, Ever Do Mar. 25, 2015 at 8:31 am Fantasy Football Outlook for Lions Stars Mar. 25, 2015 at 8:29 am Fantasy Football Outlook for Redskins Stars Mar. 23, 2015 at 7:01 am Fantasy Football Outlook for Panthers Stars Mar. 20, 2015 at 8:17 am Fantasy Football Outlook for Texans Stars Mar. 18, 2015 at 8:45 am calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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