Oakland athletics any future?

That's the nature of a small market team. If you find yourself in utter despair (which it looks like you're heading that way), just look at the Rays and Marlins. They built their teams up through the draft, and they find ways to compete. The only difference for small market teams is that the importance of scouts and coaches (at all levels) increases dramatically. Some teams (like the Pirates and Royals) can't seem to figure things out, but there is proof that it can be done.