Editor’s Note: After Tuesday’s loss to the Anaheim Angels, which officially ended Oakland’s season, A’s General Manager Billy Beane asked to say a few words to the team. Below is a transcript of his speech, a Yard Work exclusive.

“Hey Kenny, can I say a few words? I’m gonna talk now, okay? Okay.

“It’s been a helluva season guys. It really has. You rallied after that slow start, got us back in line with our preseason projections for on-base percentage, slugging, all the key metrics. More important, you guys really gelled as a team and showed folks that chemistry is an exact science! [Beane laughs] Oh, yeah — funny stuff. You’ve impressed me and all of the people of Oakland out there. You’re a great group of guys.

“It was sad to see Byrnesy go. I always got a kick out of him, and Bobby, I know you miss him. We all do. Byrnsey, Hud, Mark — those were quality guys. Even Chad! What a Jesus freak, right? But baseball’s a tough game, especially nowadays, and it’s hard to build new friendships, and you guys really have. I mean, at the beginning of the year, I’ll admit, in the back of my mind I thought BZ was gonna be a crybaby wreck without his two bros around. But he had his best year since he took the Cy. And guys like Swish and DJ and Huston — hey there, Legs — all you ‘old guys’ embraced them like brothers. Hell, Joey B already acts like an old man. Having a strong team make-up really helps with self-actualization of potential, something we’ve seen the Braves do over and over. I mean, sure, John over there has an extra $50 million to play with, but you’ve really got to give it to them. It takes a special team to overcome both Raul Mondesi and Brian Jordan.

“I won’t lie — the injuries hurt. Really hurt. Suddenly Rich’s comparables were looking less like Seaver and more like Prior, which about gave all of us a heart attack. But he’ll be back. At the very least his arm hasn’t taken much abuse, and pretty soon he’ll be like he was in Sacramento. What was it, Rich — 47 up and 47 down? You had a quite a defense up there didn’t you? Ha! And, hey, Cros — take it easy on that ankle this winter, kay? We don’t need you running around carrying deer meat or washing trucks. You’re the man now, dog. Keep it real.

“Our year is done, but the real work is just beginning. Me and my staff are gonna work our asses off to get you a great group of guys for next season. Many of you will be here to enjoy the fruits of all of our labor. Jason, Ginty, Tommy, Joey K and Octavio — O-Dot! — it’s been great getting to know you guys, watch you guys grow and mature, watch you exceed our wildest expectations in so many ways.

“Speaking of Jason — good old K-Dog — I’d just like to say, ‘no hard feelings.’ You know, that broken leg happened, what, four years ago? It’s a bitch, I know — Jermaine had the same issues. Granted, he had them right after we re-upped him for three years, but never mind. Anyway, I just want you to know that I won’t hold it against you that you possibly single-handedly cost us a playoff berth. Granted, I could go and blame Kenny for batting your Espinozian ass second for six months, but, whatever, right? Blame the source of the problem. Which I’m not doing. Just last year, I’d probably start introducing you to the bathroom tile — remember that sombrero you took against the M’s a few years ago, EC? That chair almost hit you! But I’m older and wiser now, and I know stuff happens that’s beyond our control, stuff that can’t yet be pinned down with a number. Stuff like our catcher making Christian Guzman or Derek Bell look good. So, K-Dog, like I said, no hard feelings, you no-good overpaid chump piece of shit.

“Sorry — did I say that out loud? I apologize. Believe me, I know what it’s like to be a no-good overpaid chump piece of shit, too, Jason. Just brush it off. Who knows what will happen this off-season, but best of luck wherever life takes you. Oh, and don’t forget to settle up with the clubhouse guys on your soda tabs and that kinda thing before you jet. Cool, cool.

“Our Pythagorean record — Kenny, you gave them the memo on that right? Right. Good. Okay, well our Pythagorean record has us right there in first place, same as it did last year. So that’s good. I have to believe that those wins will catch up with us at one point. Granted, there’s no proof of this, but I know it’s gotta be true. The Angels have been fortunate the past two years, and they’d have to be with Scoscia at the helm. But lemme assure you that there’s no mathematical reason for this. If things played out the way they should have, we’d be in first place by a nice margin. We can take solace in that. We were the better team. And we’re only going to get better. Don’t ever forget that. Especially you, K-Dog. You fucking rat bastard.”

[Sounds of a struggle.]

Unknown Voice: “Get the hell off of me. Back the fuck off.”

[Glass breaks.]

Beane: “You punch like Jim Abbott you goddamned son of —

[Tape stops.]