Athletics promote Billy Beane, David Forst in front office

The Oakland Athletics wanted to make sure they could keep David Forst in the front office after other clubs sought to hire him, so they promoted him to general manager Monday and elevated Billy Beane to executive vice president of baseball operations.

Forst just completed his 16th years with the low-budget franchise and 12th as assistant GM, though Beane insists his right-hand man has been assuming general manager duties behind the scenes for some time. Forst has been committed to keeping his young family in the Bay Area and staying with an organization he loves despite the daunting challenges.

Beane, who had been GM since late 1997, says Forst has had multiple opportunities to interview elsewhere each year and, ''It's a well-deserved recognition and promotion from David's end.''