Open Thread

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 14, 2004 10:23 AM PST in News

Topics on the table include:

The A's being named Organization of the Year by Topps (one of these years it's going to result in a WS victory).
Scott Hatteberg's future-should Billy try to move him as part of the Hudson package to make room for Dan Johnson? (given it's his birthday today - he's exactly two years older than me, so Happy 35th Scott).
Anything else that comes to mind.

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Comments

Does this mean...

...it's your birthday today too, Blez?

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Dec 14, 2004 10:37 AM PST reply actions

Yep...

so I have a bit of a soft spot in my heart for The Mad Hatter.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 14, 2004 10:43 AM PST up reply actions

Well then, Happy Birthday ...

what are your birthday wishes?

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Dec 14, 2004 10:45 AM PST up reply actions

Thanks

For a happy and healthy baby girl...and my wife to have a painless delivery :-)

Oh, and the A's to win the World Series in 2005.

Wait, do I get only one?

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 14, 2004 10:52 AM PST up reply actions

Here's hoping ...

That three's company.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Dec 14, 2004 11:15 AM PST up reply actions

Happy Birthday!

by Jennifer on Dec 14, 2004 10:49 AM PST up reply actions

Happy Birthday Blezinski!!

I hope all three of your wishes come true!

by nickolai on Dec 14, 2004 11:03 AM PST reply actions

Happy Birthday Blez!

And to Hatty as well!

"We tend to scoff at the beliefs of the ancients. But we can't scoff at them personally, to their faces, and this is what annoys me." Jack Handey

by davebenfremont on Dec 14, 2004 11:03 AM PST reply actions

As the pregnant wife who is planning to ask for every drug under the sun in that delivery room, I will say for the record that I'm willing to put up with some labor pains if it means the A's winning the World Series for my hubby. That would make 2005 a stellar year for us...
:-)

Happy Birthday to the best husband and baby daddy-to-be in the world...

by mami blez on Dec 14, 2004 11:08 AM PST reply actions

Now that is a generous wife!

Happy Birthday Blez and thanks for creating such a wonderful community for A's fans!

by Eck on Dec 14, 2004 11:39 AM PST up reply actions

Para su querido esposo......

Mrs. Blez, habla espanol usted? if so, thats awesome!!!! :) my mom has been through 4 pregnancies (me being the oldest) and she says that the pains only last a bit (if you're lucky!) but its sooooo worth it. I wish you extremely good luck with little Erubielita (hehehehe) and Blez? Feliz Cumpleanos!!!!

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Dec 15, 2004 4:43 PM PST up reply actions

una pregunta

Hay una razon que estas escribiendo en espanol?

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Dec 15, 2004 5:20 PM PST up reply actions

DUDE!!!!

you speak spanish too? that's AWESOME. estaba hablando en espanol porque queria saber si la senora Blez hablaba espanol tambien. Es una respuesta buena?

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Dec 15, 2004 5:45 PM PST up reply actions

escribi en espanol...

...porque soy una mexicana muy orgullosa y espanol es mi primer idioma. Yo pienso que es un idioma muy bonito y romantico.

I LOVE our multicultural community here! :-)

by mami blez on Dec 15, 2004 6:15 PM PST up reply actions

Ah, una mexicana, Blez tiene mucha suerte ...

ahora entiendo.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Dec 16, 2004 10:28 AM PST up reply actions

Happy birthday, blez!

And continued good health to Mrs. Blez and little Erubielieta.

I looked up the "organization of the year" award and couldn't find the Topps one, but I found the "Baseball America" list, and found that 3 of the 18 teams that have won it have won a World Championship within five years of doing so.

Twelve of the winners in those years have never won a world championship during the time period of the award.

Oh and happy birthday to Mr. Hatteberg, too, the most stylishly dressed of all our Oakland A's.

by jrbh on Dec 14, 2004 11:25 AM PST reply actions

So you're trying to say...

Winning that award really doesn't mean much...

And also;

-Happy Birthday Belz and Christmas tidings to the Blezinski famliy, that inlcludes little Erubielita.

"Evil will always triumph because good is dumb." - Spaceballs

by secret ASian man on Dec 14, 2004 12:16 PM PST up reply actions

Belz?

I mean Blez I really have to use the Preview fature more often.

"Evil will always triumph because good is dumb." - Spaceballs

by secret ASian man on Dec 14, 2004 12:17 PM PST up reply actions

FATURE!?!

Arrgh

"Evil will always triumph because good is dumb." - Spaceballs

by secret ASian man on Dec 14, 2004 12:17 PM PST up reply actions

Lol

Lol
Hapy Brthday Belz

by RichardP on Dec 14, 2004 1:29 PM PST up reply actions

sit back

and enjoy a cold one.

by ucla kid on Dec 14, 2004 11:47 AM PST reply actions

I'm kind of late to the party...

but happy birthday, Blez! Having this site has made this one of my favorite years of being an A's fan. Sure the team's season could have ended better, but all the same, I've enjoyed the year immensely. From the game threads lamenting everything from Queen Arthur's ineptitude to Kotsay's amazing play to the greatness that was the first AN Day (which, if I've never told you, was an great pleasure), the memories of the 2004 A's will always be vivid for me. Thank you, as always, for all the work you put into this site as I can't imagine having a better place to discuss my favorite team. I wish you all the best in the coming year, with the A's to be sure, but especially with your the new addition to your family and all the joy a baby will bring.

With gratitude,

~ Wes

by Wes7 on Dec 14, 2004 12:47 PM PST reply actions

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!

I have a soft spot for Hatty too.

And since I know that you share a birthday with him, Blez...you're stock has risen :)

by Sharon on Dec 14, 2004 1:31 PM PST reply actions

Thanks everyone...

I didn't mean to hijack this thread. I figured I'd open this up to talk about DJ's readiness. But I appreciate all the kind words.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 14, 2004 1:38 PM PST reply actions

Happy Birthday, Blez.

...and thanks for creating this great site. I've been furtively checking it at work since I found out about it last season. Now I figure it's time to jump into the fray!

So happy birthday, and I'll see you all at the Coliseum this spring!

Owen

Really, deep down in your heart, don't you think it's time to get rid of Stomper?

by 66th Hegenberger on Dec 14, 2004 1:43 PM PST reply actions

Readiness or Dizziness

This guy got vertigo his first week in the bigs. Is this going to be a problem? Oh yah, Feliz Cumpleanos El Blez.

Network Associates Stadium: Former home of the 'Fear Mecir' sign.

by dboysick on Dec 14, 2004 1:44 PM PST reply actions

El Blez...

I think I like the sound of that!

Gracias.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 14, 2004 2:05 PM PST up reply actions

How about Hell's Belz?

Happy birthday Blez and Erubielita

by jmoney on Dec 14, 2004 6:25 PM PST up reply actions

De Nada

Viva El Blez!

Network Associates Stadium: Former home of the 'Fear Mecir' sign.

by dboysick on Dec 14, 2004 2:07 PM PST reply actions

Happy, happy birthday

and many more! Sounds like you're on top of the world Blez--you and the misses and baby-makes-three.

by Pepper on Dec 14, 2004 2:32 PM PST reply actions

Ooops!

. . . meant "Mrs."

by Pepper on Dec 14, 2004 2:36 PM PST up reply actions

Happy Blezday!

Thanks again for the site. My older daughter turned 9 on the 1st and had a slumber party. There's an idea. Maybe next year you could host a slumber party for AN on your birthday!

You've got room for a couple of hundred, right?

by McFood on Dec 14, 2004 3:02 PM PST reply actions

Hilarious...

Well, since we have about 1,000 people registered at AN, I think I'll need a bit more space than that.

Thanks, McFood :-)

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 14, 2004 3:07 PM PST up reply actions

Don't worry

you can't expect more than 1/4-1/2 of the most regular contributors to come.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Dec 14, 2004 3:10 PM PST up reply actions

Only A Thousand ?

I just paid for a blog ad ! Does not matter,I just want to support your website.Happy B-day I wish you and yours well.

by floorpimp on Dec 14, 2004 5:07 PM PST up reply actions

Have it...

at the Coliseum Arena!

Plenty of tickets left for the Warriors games, folks!

by McFood on Dec 14, 2004 5:14 PM PST up reply actions

random items

Re: Birthdays
Happy B-day Blez! I share my birthday w/ Zito. Both in '78, actually. Also had the exact same birthday as an old girlfriend. what are the odds???...

Re: Hatty
I fully expect him to play out his contract with the A's and then make a move into management if he feels like he's done playing. Billy loves the guy and I think he'd be a good fit in that type of roll. And the rest of baseball isn't nearly as high on him as our org is so there's no way we could move him. Johnson is easily 5 times as likely to get moved as Hatteberg. I'm not saying I like that thought... I'm just saying that's the reality we're faced with.

Re: Huddy
I've been cruising around the web for a bit while I wait for some long jobs to finish up at work and I read through a thread on a Dodger blog about the Huddy/Jackson rumors. Has some interesting insite about the trade from the Dodger perspective as well as some clues about what the real prize might be (Joel Guzman).
Speculation, same as what we see here, but still interesting:
http://www.all-baseball.com/dodgerthoughts/archives/016674.html

LFB 4 ever

by Tim J on Dec 14, 2004 3:22 PM PST reply actions

Scotty in 2005?

Elephants in Oakland is sure that Hatteberg will be traded away within the next few weeks, possibly along with Rincón. together that would free up $4 million that could be used any number of ways. Much as Beane loves Hatty I don't think he would let sentiment get in the way if he could move him. Question is: who would want Scottie at this time? He can no longer play a full season, and his production is likely to decline (he's 35 and drug-free).

As for Rincón, if the new lefty and/or Rhinecker could possibly fill the LOOGY role they would certainly be cheaper. But that's a big if...

by OaklandSi on Dec 14, 2004 3:37 PM PST up reply actions

Shortage

That still only leaves one southy in the pen. Hammond and Shit Aurthur are gone.

Network Associates Stadium: Former home of the 'Fear Mecir' sign.

by dboysick on Dec 14, 2004 3:52 PM PST reply actions

Blez

Happy B-Day to you and Hatty. From your wife's post you have already won the World Series. :-)
I like Hatty but at this point in his career I think he's better suited to coming off the bench. We need to see if DJ can do anything.

by IndianaAsfan on Dec 14, 2004 4:04 PM PST reply actions

Hatty's not done as a starter.

He had the best stretch of his career before he wore down last year. He just needs more rest. We need somebody who's not a butcher with glove, like Ruby is, to spell him at first.

by McFood on Dec 14, 2004 5:19 PM PST reply actions

Stop posting Billy's resume fillers

Happy birthday by the way.

But Topps? who cares. World Series or bust. Just cause we small market doesn't mean we have to think like a small market. Leave those organizational awards to like Pittsburgh or something.

by suggy on Dec 14, 2004 6:26 PM PST reply actions

Happy Birthday Blez

Mrs. Blez,

Good luck with your "all the drugs under the sun" plan. The epideral has saved many a marriage including my own.

On to baseball!

I see Hatty as a good fit in Toronto or LA. And can we trade Keilty if one of the Big 3 goes? Free up the roster space and some money and get an outfield back-up who can actually hit.

by grover on Dec 14, 2004 7:13 PM PST reply actions

Hatteberg

It was mentioned last week that Toronto may have interest in Hatty. Jason Fraser and Justin Speier's names were mentioned as possibilities. Any thoughts?

by WayOutInLF14 on Dec 14, 2004 10:05 PM PST reply actions

Hatteberg

I defend him so much I feel like his father. If you look at the A's hitters you will note all of them strike out far too much, except Hatteberg. He has value as a hitter. You certainly don't want Swisher and Johnson in the lineup at the same time. Hatteberg has never been anything but a bridge until the draft produces another first baseman. He is perfect in that role. He didn't cost anything, and he is not paid much. But he gets on base, he makes contact, he doesn't strike out, a far better hitter than Dye.
Nobody knows if Johnson can hit in the bigs, and he is not a good fielder, why would anyone give us a great prospect for a 35 years old Hatteberg?
He is fine where he is, and in a year, maybe two Johnson or someone else will come along. I see Johnson replacing Durazo in a year or two.

by china bob on Dec 14, 2004 10:41 PM PST reply actions

I agree

At least let Hatty and Johnson platoon first base for 2005 so he can get more rest and be productive during the second half

"We tend to scoff at the beliefs of the ancients. But we can't scoff at them personally, to their faces, and this is what annoys me." Jack Handey

by davebenfremont on Dec 15, 2004 12:08 AM PST up reply actions

Hatteberg is undervalued....

I agree with McFood, china bob and davebenfremont. Scott continues to put up very nice numbers (.367 OBP, .420 SLG, .284 AVG in 2004), has a bit of power (15 HRs, 82 RBIs), is pretty inexpensive for a vet, and is defensively superior to both Ruby and Johnson.

By all means, keep Johnson on the roster as a backup 1st basemen/DH and see how he does while Ron Washington works on his defense. But to trade Hatteberg and toss Johnson in there as a rookie starter is likely to be a disaster (anyone remember Carlos Pena?).

by andyinfremont on Dec 15, 2004 5:28 PM PST up reply actions

Happy Birthday Principal Blez

You're not really naming your daughter Erubielita are you? That's as bad as Benny Santiago naming his kids Benny, Bennie, and his daughter Benny Beth.

I'm just glad that someone is still older than me. By a year.

by Misfit on Dec 15, 2004 8:28 AM PST reply actions

happy b-day

it's belated, but happy b-day blez.

mrs. blez, you rock the party -- willing to take pain for a WS championship.

you know, when we win it all next year, it'll be because erubielita brought us luck, so you guys will have to get working on little chavezita soon after. ;)

as for hatty, i don't see why so many are so quick to want him gone. sure, he wore down late in the season, but considering the other people making similar money in the league, i like his production level. a lot. there was a period there when he threw the team on his back too. i say platoon him with DJ.

by Eric in Atlanta on Dec 15, 2004 8:49 AM PST reply actions

Happy Birthday

From fellow Sag and A's fan. Thanks for all your work on this site where frustrated A's fans can vent with others. Good luck with the new addition and Happy Holidays.

Morada Mudshark

by Morada Mudshark on Dec 15, 2004 10:08 AM PST reply actions

Happy Birthday! :)

Okay, let's throw something out there. This is not a serious trade offer, but it's been a long long time since I've really coveted a major league baseball player for the A's. I have always wanted Pudge, but there's a new player in my affections now.

I was looking over my fantasy baseball team from last year and I realized still how crazy I am about Mark Teixeira. Let's steal him for the A's this year. Play him at second.

Now how do we get Texas to agree? :)

Dear Santa, I'd like a happy, healthy Big 4. And Byrnsie.

by baseballgirl on Dec 15, 2004 11:41 AM PST reply actions

Hanley Ramirez

Ramirez for Hudson or Zito? What do you think?

by frisco03 on Dec 15, 2004 12:17 PM PST reply actions

That they'd better ....

be offering more than just that.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Dec 15, 2004 1:01 PM PST up reply actions

Rameriz

Not unless Beane has a trade worked out where we move this guy, we do not need a backup for crosby, and I think a minor incentive to deal Hudson to the NL is the hope he signs there. I sure do not want him in Boston, NY or are division.

I'll take Jackson from LA

ogallalabob

by ogallalabob on Dec 15, 2004 1:50 PM PST up reply actions

More than Hanley

is a given... Play Hanley at second Omar becomes trade bait... add Youklis to the deal and move him to DH/1B. That means Johnson/Hatty/Durazo can be moved... At most we'd have to play against Huddy twice a year... Jackson had arm problems.

by frisco03 on Dec 15, 2004 2:15 PM PST up reply actions

Still not enough

So throw in Arroyo...

Nope, still not enough.

by grover on Dec 15, 2004 7:02 PM PST up reply actions

Belated happy birthday Blez!

And may all three of your wishes come true! Thanks for giving us fans of the green and gold a forum! Mitch.

GO A's!

by mitche82865 on Dec 15, 2004 2:46 PM PST reply actions

Happy belated Blez!

Hey, is your opinion of Hatty skewed somewhat because you share the same day of birth? I know mine is of Huddy because we share the same b-day!

And also, I think it's really funny that regardless of what you guys name your daughter, she will always be known to the thousands at AN as "Erubielita!" I can just see it now, when she's about 3 and really able to start understanding things, at the "4th Annual AN day at the ballpark"....she has this really perplexed look on her face all day because everyone has been saying "Hi Erubielita", and "it's nice to finally meet you Erubielita!" "I remember you when you were just a glimmer in your daddy's webpage!!!"

by Force on Dec 15, 2004 5:06 PM PST reply actions

Oh please don't do that to my poor baby girl

She'll hate me forever :-)

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 15, 2004 5:53 PM PST up reply actions

We'll have to refer...

to her as just "Ruby" then. :)

by Jennifer on Dec 15, 2004 6:07 PM PST up reply actions

aww blez

she wont hate you!! she'll just say "Daddy? Who are these strange people callingme Erubibilelita?" in her cute little three year old voice... :) her favorite player is going to be Barry Zito... granted he's still on the A's...

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Dec 15, 2004 6:08 PM PST up reply actions

Since my favorite is BZ...

then I imagine my little girl might follow.

Hopefully. She certainly has enough A's outfits. I even bought her a little onesie to match one of my tee shirts.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 15, 2004 6:40 PM PST up reply actions

The real question is...

Which A's bear do you get her? I got my son a Byrnesie Bear.

by grover on Dec 15, 2004 7:02 PM PST up reply actions

happy birthday, blez

i too am a bit late to this party, and didn't realize it was also your birthday.

thanks for taking the time / effort on this site! I don't know what I'd have done without it...

catfish

by catfish hunter on Dec 15, 2004 5:44 PM PST reply actions

Happy Birthday Blez...Selig is finished!

How's that for a present?

If this DC baseball thing falls through and MLB winds up with mucho egg on its face, this makes the All Star Game controversy look like a walk in the park.

In short, Selig's done!

by Rob @ Athletics Nation on Dec 15, 2004 7:31 PM PST reply actions

Selig won't be done.

The reason it may fall through is because MLB won't get enough money out of it, and that's why they have Buddy Boy in charge. They don't care about the fans, or how they look to the fans, they're only looking at the $.

by McFood on Dec 16, 2004 7:15 AM PST up reply actions