While Everyone Else Is Focused On DH I'm Looking at LHRP

by LiveAdam on Nov 18, 2005 12:01 AM PST

Given Scott Eyre's ridiculous 3-year, $11 million deal from the Cubs, the time has come to pounce on cheap left-handed relief pitching while it's still out there.

While certain media outlets are reporting that Beane has interest in bringing back Ricardo Rincon, I think there are several cheaper options out there who can get the job done just as well. Let's play GUESS THE MAN FROM THE STATS.

First, Rincon's numbers's:
1-1, 4.34 ERA, 37.1 IP over 67 G, .246 BAA (.250/.240 LH/RH split)

Mystery Man #1's numbers:
5-1, 3.84 ERA, 58.2 IP over 55 G, .229 BAA (.164/.260 LH/RH split)

Mystery Man #2's numbers:
3-1, 3.13 ERA, 37.1 IP over 65 G, .224 BAA (.158/.385 LH/RH split)

The A's paid Rincon $1.9 million in 2005. Mystery Man #1 got $750K, while Mystery Man #2 receive $600K.

Made up your mind yet?

Ok, Mystery Man #1 is former Athletic Chris Hammond. Mystery Man #2 is Halloween himself, Mike Myers.

Now, I can hear the responses already. "But Adam, Chris Hammond and Mike Myers are so old!" Big deal. Rincon turns 36 next April, so he's not exactly youthful.

So, while I think Rincon has served us well, I think Kennedy along with Hammond, Myers, or even FLores (don't think I forgot about him) can do fine in the pen from the left side, and save us a bit of money in the process.

Ok, I'll let everyone else get back to the nonsensical Wily Mo Pena trade talk.

-Adam

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Older

is usually costlier. Go with Ron Flores and use the money saved to help acquire a DH.

by redruin on Nov 18, 2005 2:33 AM PST reply actions

I agree, kind of

If we have Kennedy and Flores in the 'pen, then there is no need for another lefty. I just hope that Kennedy remains there - it sure is painful to see him on the mound in the first inning. I also have to believe that Meyers will be on the squad at some point, I'm just not sure in what capacity...I hope he isn't called up to replace anyone in the rotation, save Saarloos, even then I'm not sure.

by SD Erik on Nov 18, 2005 6:38 AM PST reply actions

According to ESPN's rumor board

Yanks and Red Sox are interested in Myers, so that means he'll be overpriced probably.

I liked Hammond when he was here, but I'm not sure we can afford him either. I'd say let Ricardo walk and use Flores probably.

"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe

by EastCoastA on Nov 18, 2005 10:08 AM PST reply actions

Macha didn't trust

Hammond the first time, I doubt that's all going to change now.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Nov 18, 2005 10:09 AM PST up reply actions

Good point.

Though I have to admit I never understood why...seemed to be in the doghouse from day 1 despite solid numbers.

"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe

by EastCoastA on Nov 18, 2005 10:17 AM PST up reply actions

I agree

Hammond was proven and Macha didn't like him. He'd sit him for two weeks and then pitch him 3 or 4 days in a row. he did the same thing with Rhodes and got both of them injured. Bullpen management has always been my biggest criticism of Macha.

by RunRickeyRun on Nov 18, 2005 10:32 AM PST up reply actions

Rincon has served the A's well

not withstanding his detractors at AN, he has been a good situational lefty reliever (a spot where there haven't been lots of options). That said, as a soon to be 36-year old his best days are most likely behind him. If the A's decide to go younger (and cheaper) I can certainly understand why. Flores deserves a look-see, and Kennedy might also be an option -- although he undoubtedly would rather start, and might also fetch something good in a trade.

I'm not sure how much Hammonds has left, although he did well last year. I have my doubts as to whether he would want to return to Oakland, given that he was not treated very well by Macha and company.

by OaklandSi on Nov 18, 2005 10:45 AM PST reply actions

Sorta

Rincon's numbers have become steadily worse over the last few years. His stuff is declining, and his performance even against lefties was pretty mediocre last year.

Given the volatile nature of relief performances, there's still a chance that Rincon will rebound to have a good season, but the A's have 4 or 5 guys who are at least as useful.

by MrIncognito on Nov 19, 2005 4:32 AM PST up reply actions

Watching Macha's use of Rincon I think

he used the crusty vet to face the bad ass hitters. This "shielding" of younger relievers (Flores, Street, etc) from the sluggers that could win it with a swing swelled his stats.
While I prescribe to this strategy as being a good thing I see he faced 50 righties and 88 lefties. Everyone knows Rincon's problems with righties but he was left in regardless.
My point is this; since Rincon was in against the other teams best hitters it stands to logic his numbers would take a hell of a beating compared to others who face simply any/all hitters be they #9 or other. In other words Rincon's appearances were against the best the AL has to offer while our other relievers had the luxury of being shielded.

2005
VS ABs HR BA OBP SLG OPS
L 88 3 250 316 398 714
R 50 4 240 387 520 907
2003-2005
L 258 5 217 276 318 594
R 252 9 270 390 429 819

Flores 2005
L 13 0 151 154 154 308
R 21 1 286 286 429 714

I agree that Rincon money can better be used on adding power to A's lineups - But it is important to realize that a role player like Rincon can come in face the best the other side has, Vlad, Manny, Sheffield, etc. ...and you get that out, or limit damage to a single or walk.

Flores sample is too small but seems he needs to face Lefties only in crucial situations -- I'm not so sure Macha will respect that.

"...It might have been a great year with a real DH."

by A s Eh on Nov 19, 2005 3:46 PM PST up reply actions

well said

by OaklandSi on Nov 19, 2005 4:15 PM PST up reply actions

Myers

Take a careful look at that average vs. righties. .385??? Yikes. Methinks Rincon is a better LOOGY.

A Beane in the hand is worth $60M in payroll

by jeepers on Nov 18, 2005 12:33 PM PST reply actions

What about Octavio Blo-tel?

Didn't he say he'd pitch for free for the A's if they'd let him come back?

"Macha, Howe...whatever." --salb918

by BruceBochte on Nov 18, 2005 1:45 PM PST reply actions

1st of all Kennedy blows in relief!!!

2nd of all I am more for a lefty, ex-starter, now turning old who can be that guy. Someone like, I don't know, ummmmmmmm Tom Browning?!?! ( :) )

"Carlos Pena, Staring Into the Sun Looked Like He Was Stoned On Acid" - Bill King

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Nov 18, 2005 2:39 PM PST reply actions

Kennedy Just Blows Period

that guy sucks, starting,relief,closing,first base whatever I have Absolutly No faith In Joe Kennedy What so ever. ESPICALLY after he lost that criticle game against the Angels, I was so pissed I almost destroyed my Television. Rich Harden should have started that game. Kennedy only pitched like 4 innings anyway. Is he still on our roster? if he is we should trade his ass...

I HATE THE ANGELS!!!! GO A's in 2006!!!!! The New era of the Bash Brothers is about to begin....

by Shippee33 on Nov 19, 2005 1:38 PM PST up reply actions