A’s moves aren’t reassuring to fans

A’s general manager Billy Beane (right, with manager Bob Melvin) seems to be planning for a future that may never come. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

The A’s fan base is a veritable punching bag. Blow after blow it takes, admirably resilient, but sometimes there’s a frightful pounding and little pieces fly off, never to be seen again. What’s happening right now, for many fans, is a knockout blow.

For most of his tenure as general manager, Billy Beane built captivating, playoff-worthy teams against the odds. And on the really good days, the Coliseum was packed. Couldn’t find a better atmosphere anywhere in the big leagues. Now the A’s are cascading toward a last-place finish, certain…