Open Extended ReactionsLAS VEGAS -- The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has denied the A's request to trademark the names "Las Vegas Athletics" and "Vegas Athletics." The A's were told the nickname "Athletics" was too generic and could be confused with other activities even if associated with Las Vegas. A $2 billion, 33,000-capacity stadium on the Las Vegas Strip is under construction. In preparing for the move to Las Vegas, the A's have signed some notable player contracts. Soderstrom signed his contract Dec. 30 at the A's Experience Center in Las Vegas.