Ray Fosse gets a little break

Usually, when the A’s make an organizational move, it’s unnecessary – see recent trades of Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill.

But this time, the A’s are thinking about making a move that I approve of. CSN Bay Area might have a hand in the decision as well.

Longtime TV color analyst Ray Fosse will be replaced in the booth for 20 select games this year by former A’s first baseman Scott Hatteberg. The first game that Hatteberg will team up with A’s play-by-play announcer Glen Kuiper is June 15th, according to The Chronicle’s Susan Slusser.

As you can imagine, Fosse isn’t too pleased. He acknowledged the validity of the story to Slusser, and made it clear that it wasn’t his idea. He also confirmed that he has no health issues that would cause him to step away from his duties.

Hatteberg, who has no broadcasting experience, was enthusiastic about the opportunity.

“I’m excited to do it. I’ve never done it before, though, so I’m not sure how well I’ll do.”

Obviously, it’s not a permanent move and there are no indications that the A’s and/or CSN are trying to push Fosse out, but it will be interesting to see if other former A’s players are brought in for short tryouts.

If this is a continuing theme, one former A’s player I’d love to see call games is Eric Byrnes, who hosts Sportsphone 680 on KNBR on weekday evenings. Byrnes also makes occasional in-studio appearances on MLB Network. He has unmatched enthusiasm, a vast knowledge of the game, and is clearly a fan-favorite.

Fosse’s most recent on-air mishap came last year when the A’s were in Texas. After a foul ball off the bat of Conor Jackson ricocheted back on the field, Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton retrieved the ball and threw it into the stands. A fan, Shannon Stone, reached over a railing for the ball and fell 20 feet. He later died from injuries sustain in the fall. As a replay was shown, Fosse can be heard laughing. There was no way to know the severity of Stone’s injuries, but showing a little bit of concern may have been a more appropriate response. CSN was forced to release a statement afterwards.