Outfielders we could realistically get...

by 31Boots on Dec 10, 2006 4:44 PM PST

...without significantly altering our current roster. We need a quality replacement for Payton. Kotsay and Bradley are both likely to spend some time on the DL, and Johnson may not hit (forcing Swisher back to first.) Kielty is so useless vs righties that he's not suitable to move up to Payton's role. Goleski can't be counted on. So, Beane needs one more quality player. Here are some decent choices.

1 Geoff Jenkins: If you've read a diary from me, you've seen this before. He still batters righties and plays great defense. Milwaukee wants to move hiim. Would make a great platoon partner with Kielty. I view this as the ideal. Could probably be had in exchange for Kurt Suzuki, or possibly Saarloos or Halsey.

2 Kenny Lofton: Lofton has been replaced in LA by Juan Pierre, but he's still a solid player (probably better than $9m/yr Pierre.) He put up a .763 ops in Dodger Stadium and plays at least average defense. He would obviously be especially useful for us since he plays centerfield. IIRC, he's a free agent. Would likely command a $4 million or so salary, and may not be willing to sign on without a sure starting gig.

3 Emil Brown: Very underrated player who doesn't seemed to be valued by his own team. Put up consecutive .800 ops seasons, and plays excellent defense per the metrics. A bit stretched as a starter, but would make a very fine 400 AB fill-in. Not sure who we'd have to trade, somebody toolsy like Santiago Casilla (plus). Dayton Moore is a scout first.

Those are three good ones. Beyond them, it's going to be hard without giving up a significant piece in return. Any ideas?

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Comments

Cliff Floyd

He would sign with Oakland because we'll give him an incentive-laden deal where he could make up to six or seven million with so many ABs... and would be given the starting LF job. I'm sure he thinks he could handle that. Plus he immediately makes Oakland a big time contender (if they aren't already) and who doesn't want to play for a contender?

I'm not saying that we will get him... but I think it's possible.

by brenarlo on Dec 10, 2006 5:14 PM PST reply actions

We'd have to beat out the Cubs

if rumors are true.

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners

by Helloooo 1st on Dec 10, 2006 5:45 PM PST up reply actions

Two others

Matt Murton, Cubs (they have 4 starting OFs; this option may disappear if they unload Jones)
Luke Scott, Astros (probably too much of a blue-chipper, but they don't have a starting spot for him either).

by notsellingjeans on Dec 10, 2006 5:20 PM PST reply actions

Murton, a LFer, may be why the Cubs

are bidding against us for Floyd

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 10, 2006 6:35 PM PST up reply actions

just say no to kenny lofton.

"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Dec 10, 2006 5:26 PM PST reply actions

I agree

How is he any different than Kotsay? His defense is worse... they hit about the same. Why in the world do we need 2 Kotsay's?

by brenarlo on Dec 10, 2006 5:33 PM PST up reply actions

He's a better hitter than Kotsay.

Career .299/.372/.423, and .301/.360/.403 last year.

Kotsay, on the other hand, is .285/.340/.420, with .275/.332/.386 last year. So, career-wise, Lofton out OPSes him .795 to .760, and beat him to the tune of .763 to .728 last year.

No argument on the defense, though. He has a terrible arm, and I once read a scout describe his approach to center field as "playing like bees are chasing him."

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 11, 2006 10:07 AM PST up reply actions

The dude is 40.

Which means the Giants will offer him $15m.

"That's one osteoporitic offense." - Jeepers, on the SF Giants

by Ozzz on Dec 11, 2006 1:50 PM PST up reply actions

Sure, he's 39, Kotsay's 31...

but Kotsay's back is 127.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 11, 2006 1:51 PM PST up reply actions

And the cavalcade of Jeepers-inspired sigs...

...continues.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Dec 11, 2006 2:04 PM PST up reply actions

Pffft.

Been there, done that.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Dec 11, 2006 4:55 PM PST up reply actions

D'oh!

I don't know if I saw that and filed it away for reuse, or if we arrived at the same conclusion. Either way, it's a certified salb918 line.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 11, 2006 8:46 PM PST up reply actions

Nah.

Great minds will come to similar one-liners independently.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Dec 11, 2006 9:07 PM PST up reply actions

re

Lofton was also 32 for 37 stealing last year. He was much better than Kotsay overall. Would have been a perfect 4th outfielder.

by 31Boots on Dec 11, 2006 7:01 PM PST up reply actions

just read the strangest rumor

the Rockies were said to be scared off by Lofton's one year $6 million asking price...so the Rangers are set to sign him for one year, $7 million
http://www.mlb4u.com/rumor.php?order=date&spec=DESC

...and the rumor just above this one has Jose Mesa getting signed by the Tigers...!

by OaklandSi on Dec 10, 2006 7:11 PM PST up reply actions

The Rangers need to keep the spot warm

for next offseason when they give the keys to the Brinks to Wells.

Cisco Kid was a friend of mine...Cisco Field, not so sure.

by haren4prez on Dec 11, 2006 8:56 AM PST up reply actions

Jeromy Burnitz?

I wouldn't want him, but he would be a Matt Stairs type hitter.

by brenarlo on Dec 10, 2006 5:37 PM PST reply actions

I'd be down with Burnitz.

In only 300 ABs last season he hit 16 dingers. his average is toilet, but so was Thomas'.

"That's one osteoporitic offense." - Jeepers, on the SF Giants

by Ozzz on Dec 11, 2006 1:52 PM PST up reply actions

Trot Nixon

Wouldn't mind seeing us get him.

by brenarlo on Dec 10, 2006 5:40 PM PST reply actions

Craig Wilson

There's a good one.

by brenarlo on Dec 10, 2006 5:41 PM PST reply actions

Ehh....

Couple problems with Wilson:

He's not a good enough defensive player to where his bat would outweigh the liability he would present at any of the positions he's unsuccesfully tried the last few years (catcher, OF, 1B), and
He's got platoon issues. Ideally, we should look for a left-handed hitter, or at least a right handed guy that can muster league average numbers against right-handed pitching.

by Taj Adib on Dec 10, 2006 6:10 PM PST up reply actions

No to Craig Wilson

Has hand-eye problems (spoken out loud in the Pittsburgh newspapers by Littlefield, their GM); can't hit curve-ball down and away. Every pitcher knows this. Streaky. Strikes out a lot.
Couldn't make it in Pittsburgh, the ballplayers' graveyard.

"It's a cookbook!"---The Twilight Zone

by Buck18 on Dec 11, 2006 9:32 AM PST up reply actions

geoff jenkins

i doubt it's his production that's the problem.

what's his contract look like? i think he's making close to $8 million a year, but i don't know for how many years. but considering he'll be 33 next year, it could be a bad deal.

i've read far more stories that mention that he's on the market than stories that mention teams that are interested in him.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 10, 2006 5:43 PM PST reply actions

They could pay some of it...

by brenarlo on Dec 10, 2006 5:47 PM PST up reply actions

Jenkins

1 year gauranteed/$7 million. 2008 team option for $9 million or $500 K buyout. Ship 'em Witasick and his $1.5 million salary and you drop the nut to $5.5 million. Get the Brewers to kick in a couple bucks and you could be under $5 million.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 10, 2006 5:56 PM PST up reply actions

sounds like a plan

but maybe the brewers wouldn't be willing to do it.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 10, 2006 6:14 PM PST up reply actions

Jenkins played RF a couple years but was bad

at it.
J is really a very expensive LFer

ESPN defensive splits tell the story.

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 10, 2006 6:44 PM PST up reply actions

Like I said before

A Jenkins/Kielty platoon, producing no better then they did in 2006, would end up with an .893 OPS. That's 2 points less than Carlos Lee managed last year and they'd do it for roughly $10 million.

And that's before you factored in the money saved by trading Witasick or Saarloos or whomever.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 10, 2006 8:23 PM PST up reply actions

True but neither is very capable at

RF or CF if they were i'm for it!

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 10, 2006 11:47 PM PST up reply actions

LF

Why can't they be a LF platoon?

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 11, 2006 9:04 AM PST up reply actions

The role playing outfielders are stacking up:

LF = *Jenkins/*Kielty ($10?)
RF = Bradley/*Go-Go Goleski ($4-5?)
CF = Kotsay/ Bradley ($7)
1B = Swisher/*DJ ($3-4?)
AAA IN/OF = *Bocachica ($0.5)
*With Role Players ($24.5-26.5)

If we can't add a young versatile RF/CF/LF defender with 3-4 years contract control the calibre of JayPay, It costs us nothing and might settle down the OF & 1B situations if we can try out GoGo at 1B vs LHPs with DJ still in there vs RHPs. "Try Out" is the intent here and Spring Training would provide the testing grounds:

http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/pl/457/457830cumXXXb06.html

GoGo @ 1B
LF = Swisher ($3-4)
RF = Bradley ($4-5)
CF = Kotsay ($7)
4th = *Kielty ($3?)
5th = *Go-Go
1B = *DJ vs RHP/*Go-Go vs LHP ($1)
(AAA=Bocachica $0.5)
(Saves $6-$7 million: $18.5-$20.5)

Swisher's OF power stats are better than at 1B. (For whatever reason)
GoGo in the OF vs RHPs to give regulars a break.
Kielty in the OF vs LHPs to give regulars a break.
The bad news of Bradley leaving in '08 is put off until a better deal for a 3-4 year outfielder is discovered.(Bradley for 2-3 more? Let's see if Geren is able to hold MB back as well as Macha).
Kotsay's deterioration is cancelled until 2009 or a new homefield with grass is found, whichever is 1st.

If needed, we can probably add another OF or 1B player after Spring Training just as easily as now but with a deeper understanding of the OF/1B puzzle.

If we can not add a young defensive/offensive player for all 3 fields lets throw those bucks towards another 200+ inning pitcher instead.

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 11, 2006 10:15 PM PST up reply actions

Swisher/DJ

will be about 900k, tops and that is only if Swish gets his arbi years bought out.

Read my latest articles

by devo on Dec 11, 2006 10:23 PM PST up reply actions

Cash

The $$$ going towards Jenkins ($7 million minus the contract to Milwuakee) is not enough to get you a 200 IP SP unless you traded for one. On the FA market $5-6 million doesn't get it done and I don't think the A's have an extra $4-5 million available to add towards the funds I've earmarked for Jenkins.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 12, 2006 9:35 AM PST up reply actions

Geoff Jenkins

would be a great addition! I don't think Milwaukee would give him up for the chump change you mentioned though -- it would be awesome if they did!

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Dec 10, 2006 5:46 PM PST reply actions

Jeremy Reed.

Can play CF, under team control, and I still have an irrational desire to see him succeed.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Dec 10, 2006 5:48 PM PST reply actions

i am sure Croz agrees...

by CyZito on Dec 10, 2006 6:29 PM PST up reply actions

I share your irrational desire

but at this point I think I'd rather pry Adam Jones from the Mariners. If they'll give up Rafael Soriano for Horacio Ramirez, they ought to give up Jones for, I don't know, Kirk Saarloos?

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Dec 10, 2006 11:25 PM PST up reply actions

i like reed a lot

and i think hes a much better hitter than he was last year for two reasons

lack fo playing time didnt give him time to get into a groove
played with a broken wrist for the start of the season

Plus, he plays great CF

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane

by harendaman365 on Dec 11, 2006 5:13 PM PST up reply actions

Seattle down on Mr. Reed

They finally shifted Suzuki to CF... not much chance of Jeremy winning his starting job back.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 11, 2006 7:00 PM PST up reply actions

re

I like Reed too. In fact, he'd be perfect with the lefthanded batting and ability to play CF. I wonder if Bavasi would do a deal in the division.

by 31Boots on Dec 11, 2006 7:06 PM PST up reply actions

Maybe

Bavasi is looking for SP, so someone like Saarloos or Halsey, guys with some track record of starting could get a deal done.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 11, 2006 7:28 PM PST up reply actions

About some of the guys mentioned in here

Burnitz can't really hit enough anymore to justify being given at bats. Nixon's power has been sapped for a couple years now, although he could provide some decent OBP. Wilson would be a good enough bat, but whether or not he can actually play in the outfield is suspect. Floyd would be a good pickup, but it looks like he's gonna head to the Cubs, who are pretty high on Matt Murton and would in all liklihood not trade him. As others pointed out, just say no to Kenny Lofton. Jenkins would be an interesting pickup, but might be costly. Scott too would be interesting. Brown's interesting too if he can be had cheaply.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Dec 10, 2006 5:48 PM PST reply actions

in other words...

no one would work?

by brenarlo on Dec 10, 2006 5:51 PM PST up reply actions

Of the mentioned

I think four would work. Jenkins, Scott, Floyd, and Brown.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Dec 10, 2006 6:04 PM PST up reply actions

And really

I think Nixon and Wilson would work too. Just perhaps not as well as the other four.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Dec 10, 2006 6:05 PM PST up reply actions

If Burnitz gets 550 ABs...

...on last year's numbers, he hits for a crappy average, and knocks in 25 home runs.

I tend to think we could use that over Bobby Kielty hitting .270 and 8HRs.

It's not like he'd cost much.

"That's one osteoporitic offense." - Jeepers, on the SF Giants

by Ozzz on Dec 11, 2006 1:56 PM PST up reply actions

re

I read the Houston Chronicle every day. Luke Scott is only moving if it's a major deal. Like, we could get him and Jason Hirsch for Dan Haren, but we're not getting him for somebody like Halsey.

by 31Boots on Dec 11, 2006 7:08 PM PST up reply actions

Ryan Church

Church is available, and Nationals GM Jim Bowden is known as a trade-happy GM.

Church has a good eye, good power, and can play CF. He's young enough (28) still that he doesn't make a ton of money. He could probably be had for middle relief or a #4-5 type starter (Joe Kennedy?)

He had a poor year last season in the minors, but he's got a good track record before that, and hit well in a partial major league season. I think Church could be a good contributer to the team, and an outfield of Kotsay, Swisher, Bradley, Church and Goleski seems pretty solid. Church can fill in for Kotsay when the back spasms hit, and is insurance in case (knock on wood) Bradley and Kotsay are both under the weather.

Church hit .276/.366/.526 with 10 home runs in 196 at-bats last year, and has a career MLB OPS of .808 (.891 in the minors).

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/C/Ryan-Church.shtml

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Dec 10, 2006 6:04 PM PST reply actions

Church & Baldelli are upgrades and can

play all 3 fields.

Floyd is a tired old LFer that puts up horrible numbers in the second half.

Lets not become the Giants!

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 10, 2006 6:55 PM PST up reply actions

Church would be ideal.

He might even be good enough to wrestle away the lion's share of the playing time in LF.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Dec 10, 2006 7:31 PM PST up reply actions

Church in CF

Every scouting report I've seen says that Church is a stretch to play CF. I don't have the metrics on hand but as I recall the numbers support the scouting reports.

Church in LF... not an issue with me. Planning on making him the full time CF... scary.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 11, 2006 8:58 AM PST up reply actions

problem with Lofton

Is he wouldn't be guaranteed a starting gig. Lofton can hit for a CF, but he'd be competing for at bats with Dan Johnson, who, even though he can't hit for a 1B-man, is still better than Lofton. I think he'd be a good addition but he probably would not start.

I also agree that Wilson isn't ideal for the A's, who already have Kielty.

by Nick86 on Dec 10, 2006 6:16 PM PST reply actions

looks like lofton is going to the rangers

link

by gotgreen on Dec 10, 2006 6:22 PM PST reply actions

Rocco Baldelli

Its been rumored that the Rays want to deal Baldelli and upgrade their pitching staff. I think a deal involving Blanton & prospects could get this done. Maybe its wishfull thinking but Baldelli looks completely healed from his knee surgery, and can flat out hit.

He is only 25 and hasnt hit his prime.

This is from rotoworld

The Braves are reportedly more willing to part with Kyle Davies and prospects for Rocco Baldelli than they would be Chuck James.
MLB.com is reporting that the Braves are considering parting with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and/or Yunel Escobar in a Baldelli trade. Both should be attractive to the Rays, though Saltalamacchia, despite his disappointing 2006, is the significantly more valuable property of the two. Since Davies' stock is down, the Rays may hold out for James even with Salty in the deal.

We can do better than Chuck James, frankly I'll be really upset if the braves get him for this rumored deal.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Dec 10, 2006 6:25 PM PST reply actions

Thank you!

Baldelli or Church play all 3 OF positions with high OPS and that will help fill in for the departed JayPay & Frank

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 10, 2006 6:58 PM PST up reply actions

Saltalamacchia!

Now there's a name that really jumps the spot.

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Dec 10, 2006 11:28 PM PST up reply actions

They won't.

The Rays always ask for a mint in trades, which is why they never make any of any significance.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 11, 2006 10:09 AM PST up reply actions

That was then

Friedman doesn't do it now, does he? He's made a fair amount of deals if I'm not a total moron (which is possible)

by Alon on Dec 11, 2006 6:11 PM PST up reply actions

Baldelli

Is not our type of player. Beane doesn't like people who strike out 5x as much as they walk. He's constructed a roster around guys who don't do that, for better or worse.
He's not gonna get Baldelli.

by notsellingjeans on Dec 10, 2006 6:31 PM PST reply actions

disagree

If Baldelli can put up a .871 + OPS, I dont think Beane will care too much about the K's. Its really about Balance. Not every single player is going to strike out as little as Kendall. If you want power you gotta take the K's.

Besides, its not like Baldelli is up there hacking like Jenkins, or Burnitz, TRYING to hit a HR everytime hes up.

Baldelli was coming back from knee surgery also last year, and is still only 25, so theres room for improvement.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Dec 10, 2006 6:40 PM PST up reply actions

And we really need a

Rocco!

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 10, 2006 7:00 PM PST up reply actions

Lofton to Texas means...

Soriano may have to play CF, at least until Pie is ready.
It might also mean the Cubs will go harder after Floyd.

by notsellingjeans on Dec 10, 2006 6:34 PM PST reply actions

Wilkerson

I could see the A's going hard after Wilkerson if the Rangers sign Lofton....via trade or as a free agent if he's non-tendered.

by onestepahead on Dec 10, 2006 6:50 PM PST up reply actions

talk about strikeouts

the guys typically K's over 150 times a year.

by methodrampage on Dec 11, 2006 7:19 AM PST up reply actions

I'm rooting for the Cubs

then they will have a reason to trade for Kielty

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 10, 2006 7:01 PM PST up reply actions

David DeJesus

Thats who I would get and I like Emil Brown

by Idunno on Dec 10, 2006 8:41 PM PST reply actions

great great great batting eye

id love to see him in an a's uniform
statistically one of the most patient players in baseball

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane

by harendaman365 on Dec 11, 2006 5:17 PM PST up reply actions

3.67 pitches per plate appearance

places him 105th for 2006 (with Bobby Abreu leading the field at 4.45 and Jay Payton bringing up the rear at 3.12) so I'm not sure what statistic you had in mind.

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Dec 11, 2006 7:49 PM PST up reply actions

ur right

however, i think it was 2 years ago when he had a great P/PA. Additionally there is a difference between eye, and patience. He has a great eye for sure.

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane

by harendaman365 on Dec 12, 2006 4:20 PM PST up reply actions

not an outfielder

What about Adam Laroche? The Braves had a deal with the Pirates for Mike Gonzalez, but that fell through. They want to free up first base for Scott Thorman. I think Laroche is a solid option, and we have the bullpen parts to spare. He just turned 27 and OPSed 915 last year. Trade the Braves Calero and a prospect and get this deal done.

Another option is Brad Wilkerson. The Rangers pending signing of Kenny Lofton makes it highly likely that Wilkerson is non tendered. We all know his power/patience history. He struggled a bit last year, but he's very capable and would make a great platoon with Kielty out in left field.

"Imagine all the Hebrews goin dumb"-Tell Me When To Go

by ohad on Dec 10, 2006 8:44 PM PST reply actions

I would LOVE to get Adam LaRoche

He's got real power.

Wilkerson, I dunno, maybe for a 4th OF. Saying he struggled last year is generous, as his OBP was .306 (killed my fantasy team for a month). If Stephen can be picked up on the cheap, then fine, but not as a starter.

"The future's like, who cares?" ~Eric Chavez

by rebus on Dec 10, 2006 9:23 PM PST up reply actions

which begs the question ...

while many pegged Wilkerson as a breakout/bounceback candidate, given his less than stellar '05, why did you give him a chance to drag down your lineup for a month?

Another project of Devo's

by devo on Dec 11, 2006 10:02 AM PST up reply actions

I agree

Both would be good additions, and would fit in well.

If the asking price for LaRoche was Mike Gonzalez, he might be hard to get, though. Mike Gonzalez is basically a slightly older version of Huston Street. Would you trade Street for LaRoche? I wouldn't.

Wilkerson, however, could be more attainable, but he'd be more expensive. He's a fairly proven hitter, and a bigger name. He'd be due to make a good amount of money because of it.

I think either would be a nice addition, but they may be more expensive than they are worth, ni terms of what we'd give up, and what we'd pay.

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Dec 10, 2006 9:24 PM PST up reply actions

would Wilkerson really be so expensive?

He hasn't yet proven that he can recover from his shoulder injury and only had one good month in 2006. He was paid 3.9mil in '06...what does that translate to in 2007? We might be able to afford him.

"The future's like, who cares?" ~Eric Chavez

by rebus on Dec 10, 2006 9:34 PM PST up reply actions

Sure we can afford him... but do we want him?

No steroid testing - Wilkerson mashes.
Steroid testing - Wilkerson sucks.

Players that fell off a cliff after 2004 should be treated with the utmost contempt.

"That's one osteoporitic offense." - Jeepers, on the SF Giants

by Ozzz on Dec 11, 2006 1:59 PM PST up reply actions

Not interested in Wilkerson ...

His k-rate ballooned this year, his bb-rate has dropped two years in a row, his power went in the toilet last year and only bounced back a small amount this year and his always anemic BA has dropped three years in a row and so has his now anemic OBP.

As I mentioned in the Dirty Alex Sanchez Award Diary, I see a lot of Ben Grieve here.

Another project of Devo's

by devo on Dec 11, 2006 10:00 AM PST up reply actions

i agree, no wilkerson

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 11, 2006 12:09 PM PST up reply actions

Felix Pie

I want Felix Pie of the cubs. Maybe, we could trade a starting pitcher for him

I am a sports writter.

by scottofchico on Dec 10, 2006 11:54 PM PST reply actions

for Felix Pie

we'd have to trade Haren. Pie is their top prospect.

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Dec 11, 2006 2:25 AM PST up reply actions

how far away is Pie from the Majors?`

I remember talking about him as their "stop prospect" as far back as two years ago. But then I heard that the Cubs want to sign a CF this offseason...so where is Pie? I would think he'd be getting close to major league ready, unless he got hurt or something I didnt hear about...

"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer." ~Ted Williams

by ZeroIndulgence on Dec 11, 2006 2:37 AM PST up reply actions

My thoughts (as if you really wanted to read them)

The Athletics do not have the luxury of carrying high quality players on their roster for those "just in case player-x is injured" situations; and neither do many other teams, for that matter...it is costly and quality players demand plate appearances. Kotsay, Bradley, and Swish all start and you expect them to start. Kotsay is the only one you know you will have to rest frequently (while he still plays in 120+ games) but just because a player like Bradley has had injuries in previous seasons, it does not mean that you plan your roster to include a sixth OF just because you think something may happen to him. And besides, having Kietly and the Rule V Guy around pick up the slack when any of the other OFs need rest. The Rule V Guy probably will not stick around [I cannot recall an Oakland Rule V making it through an entire season except for, maybe, Jennings in `86], though. If there is a really big crisis, it will not be likely that it lasts long and there will be minor league players that can be given a shot until either the crises is over or a deal can be made.

Besides, a good GM, with the constraints that Oakland faces, gives the Rule V Guy every opportunity to stick and not cut into his opportunities to show that he can. And, when/if the RVG doesn't earn his keep, then you pursue an OF, mid season, when non contending teams look to shop and retool and everyone has had a chance to see how the season is playing out with the other bats in the lineup. If, for instance, some guys in the lineup are having a solid season [a `career year' - like one that Chavez is supposed to have any year now], a GM may not have to address an OF problem so aggressively.

Assembling a team requires having balance and the right amount of tradeoffs. Having a quality OF who should be getting plate appearances sitting and waiting for a potential injury to flare-up is not adhering to the `balance' part of the equation. Don't hold your breath waiting for this OF bat to arrive and if you insist on doing so; don't believe for a second that the acquisition won't be "significantly altering the current roster".

4 8 15 16 23 42

by LowcountryJoe on Dec 11, 2006 2:58 AM PST reply actions

Rule 5

Mike Neu made it through 2003 with the A's, then was traded to Florida with Bill Murphy for Mike Redman.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Dec 11, 2006 6:24 AM PST up reply actions

nothing, for now

I think we're set for now in the OF. At least until the start of the season and the current roster gets a chance to show how it will perform in '07. There are some "ifs" with the current crew, but I would bet on Beane doing nothing else until they start playing and we learn more about the health of Bradley/Kotsay, the abilities of Goleski, etc.

by Eric in Atlanta on Dec 11, 2006 6:46 AM PST reply actions

if we keep goleski

Do we really have space for another outfielder? Or are we assuming we're dumping Kielty if we get one of these guys?

by Nick86 on Dec 11, 2006 10:07 AM PST reply actions

Depends ...

are a great idea when you're going to the Comedy Club.

{badum, bum, chsh}

We'll keep either 11 or 12 pitchers -- my money is on 12.

That leaves us with 13 position players
C Kendall
1b DJ/Swisher
2b Ellis
3b Chavvy
SS Croz
LF Swisher/Kielty
CF Kotsay
RF Payton
DH Piazza
C2
MI2 Scooter
OF4 Kielty/DJ (effectively)
OF5 Goleski

It's possible, though not likely Piazza is our C2, freeing up a space for Perez or another OF.

It's also possible that we go with 11 pitchers, in which case it's a lot easier to do.

Regardless, we should assume that any new OF is at the expense of either Kielty or Goleski (partially because Kielty's budgeted salary would likely be allocated for the new player).

Another project of Devo's

by devo on Dec 11, 2006 11:11 AM PST up reply actions

Payton?

u mean Bradley. otherwise good analysis.

by vk on Dec 11, 2006 10:08 PM PST up reply actions

What about Brady Clark?

OF, Brewers.....

Dude, is cheap and gritty....

"hunting for fresh meat"

by Masaryk on Dec 11, 2006 10:43 AM PST reply actions

OF possibilities

I'm surprised no one mentioned Aubrey Huff. I've heard nothing about him anywhere, no rumors, anything. He'd be a solid pickup for either 1B or LF, and would be a better option at 3B should Chavy get hurt than Perez. Adding Huff would also make it possible to non-tender Kielty, making it easier to keep Goleski and true UTL guy like Bocachica.

Church is a good idea as well. According to ESPN, defensive numbers in CF for his career are close to Kotsay's, but a bit lower:

Church
3.15 RF .861 ZR

Kotsay
2.66 RF .877 ZR

Not too much difference, Church is probably closer to average in CF where as Kotsay was above average for years. Church would be a good fit in LF for 2007, move him to RF in 2008 when Bradley is gone, and then CF for 2008 and 2009 or until one of Mitchell, Robnett, or Herrera is ready.

Jenkins would be a good one year option. He and Kielty or even Goleski could form a decent platoon in LF. The only problem I see with this is unless Buck or Goleski would be ready for full time duty in 2008, we're back in the same boat we are in now.

"You're a terrible ballplayer, but you've always been a great asshole."-salb918 on Ozzie Guillen

by gatling on Dec 11, 2006 11:56 AM PST reply actions

re

Aubrey Huff is asking for 3/30 per the Houston Chronicle, and once the dust settles on the top guys, I expect somebody who missed out will give it to him.

Church is a very good idea. Gotta deal with Bowden though, and he's publicly said he wants to keep Church, so he might ask a lot. Church is good, but you don't give up anything particularly useful for him, imo.

Jason Lane may be non-tendered. Schizo player, but he may just need a chance with a team that actually believes in him. He's essentially Kielty, if Kielty quit switch hitting and could play RF.

by 31Boots on Dec 11, 2006 7:00 PM PST up reply actions