Blanton for Milledge?

by brenarlo on Dec 5, 2006 8:42 PM PST

MLB.com is talking about rumors of a Blanton and Milledge swap.

Mets' Milledge, A's Blanton possible swap: Oakland assistant GM David Forst was asked about a rumored deal that would sent A's right-hander Joe Blanton to the Mets for outfielder Lastings Milledge: "We haven't had specific conversations about players. [GM] Billy [Beane] has talked to [Mets GM] Omar [Minaya] several times, mainly because Omar likes to make deals, but we haven't discussed any specific deals." When asked if the A's would he hesitant to trade starting pitching, Forst said: "We would be open to any deal if it made sense."

Of course, this is just a rumor and we all know what Beane says about rumors, but since we're all looking for things to talk about... I like this deal... A LOT. Blanton appears to be a 3, 4, or 5 starter the rest of his career. Maybe, I'm missing something but I'm not sold that he's anything more than that. Milledge is probably not quite as good as the east coast media makes him out to be, but it sounds like the guy is definitely an everyday OFer. He could play LF everyday for the next few years. I also very sure that Beane would do this in a heart beat... unless he thinks he can milk Omar for more. http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061205&content_id=1751300&vkey=hotstove 2006&fext=.jsp

Tweet Comment 92 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

The reality is that if the A's

dealt Blanton, they would need to replace him in the rotation (through another transaction) in order to be competitive in 2007. But the bigger reality is that a Blanton-Milledge swap would be something Beane simply couldn't pass up. Heck, you could always turn around and flip Milledge for a better starter than Blanton! I doubt the rumor has legs, though. Too one-sided.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 5, 2006 8:40 PM PST reply actions

But if it is true

MAKE THAT DEAL NOW!!!!!!!

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

by haren4prez on Dec 5, 2006 8:45 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah

The Mets can't be that dumb.

"[Frank's] a big battler. He's the mother of battleships."

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Dec 5, 2006 8:49 PM PST up reply actions

They just might be...

As the Bannister to the Royals for Burgos sounds legit...couldn't we of offered at least as much for Bannister? Might be a steal for the Royals.

Gas to Chicago- $23.87 A's/White Sox Tix- $28 Watching the A's whipping the Sox in July 05'- Priceless

by WiscoFan on Dec 5, 2006 8:57 PM PST up reply actions

Depends:

If the Mets really wanted someone who could blow saves like they were going out of style, then yes. If the Mets really wanted someone named Ambiorix, then not so much.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 5, 2006 9:03 PM PST up reply actions

LOL at wikipedia

i was looking up the stats of Ambiorix Burgos and went to the Wikipedia page for him. this is what it said:

by gotgreen on Dec 5, 2006 9:30 PM PST up reply actions

lol

ah, disgruntled Royals' fans...wonder what it says on Jeremy Affeldt's wikipedia page.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Dec 5, 2006 9:33 PM PST up reply actions

More Wiki fun:

Chad Bentz

The real Chad Bentz Plays hockey and gets mad ladies.

Eric DuBose

When pulled over for erratic driving by Florida police in March, Dubose was naturally asked to recite the alphabet. "I'm from Alabama," Dubose reportedly quipped, "and they have a different alphabet."

Someone on AN edits Wiki

BigLeagueChoo: rerish noooo

Tony Romo > You

by JLaff on Dec 5, 2006 10:03 PM PST up reply actions

o_o

not talking about me, are we? because I got off the wikicrack about six months ago, and cannot trust wikipedia for information at all after my six months on there.

"The hard... is what makes it great."

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

It wasn't me...

I just added photos. Or do other people, outside of AN, call him Millhouse?

BigLeagueChoo: rerish noooo

Tony Romo > You

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

Someone's been editing Zito's page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Zito

Barry Zito did not attend high school due to anal cancer that resulted in several hospitalizations. However, the anal cancer went into remission after Barry was sexually violated by a Samoan warrior.

I did not know that about him...

by Zonis on Dec 5, 2006 11:26 PM PST up reply actions

Fixed!

BigLeagueChoo: rerish noooo

Tony Romo > You

by JLaff on Dec 6, 2006 7:16 AM PST up reply actions

did you do this?

"On Wednesday, December 5th 2006, Barry Zito signed a 6 year deal worth more than 130 million to be the ace for the Texas Rangers pitchng staff."

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 6, 2006 12:09 PM PST up reply actions

if they do that trade...

plus the Shealy trade, then they're definitely turning the page on the Allard Baird era.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Dec 5, 2006 9:36 PM PST up reply actions

except...

now they're apparently going to sign Miguel Batista to a 3 year, $24 million deal. And they might also "win" the Gil Meche sweepstakes as well. I may have spoken too soon.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Dec 6, 2006 5:45 AM PST up reply actions

I don't think that's a bad deal

for either side. Bannister is pretty good, but so is Burgos. He's really young (21 or something), and he throws six million miles an hour. The Royals just brought him up too fast.

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

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 9:12 AM PST up reply actions

Only reason to make this deal...

Beane should be able to flip Milledge for someone better.

Question: If Beane could make such a flip why couldn't Minaya?

Answer: There must be other players involved, one coming from the Mets to Oakland; one going from Oakland to parts unknown.

Who be the 3rd party?

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 5, 2006 9:40 PM PST up reply actions

Why would that be the only reason to make the deal

Milledge is a pretty legitimate hitting prospect, the kind we sorta lack.

Joe Blanton's done nothing in two seasons now to indicate that he'd be discenrably different from, say, Halsey or Saarloos, next season. Eats innings and keeps his ERA under 5.00.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Dec 5, 2006 9:56 PM PST up reply actions

I disagree

He's got a ton of talent but I don't think he'll live up to it.

I also think Blanton is better than he showed last year.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 5, 2006 10:04 PM PST up reply actions

i agree with that

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 5, 2006 10:57 PM PST up reply actions

i agree with grover and X

bad trade for beane.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Dec 6, 2006 5:21 AM PST up reply actions

His chances of living up to it are more than 0%.

Which makes him the best prospect in the A's system if he joins it.

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 6, 2006 12:55 AM PST up reply actions

That didn't make a lot of sense

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 5:56 AM PST up reply actions

I'll give it to you

That Milledge has "toolsy flameout" written all over him.

But I think the potential is worth it, and I think you guys are all overvaluing Blanton here a bit. I really think at this point Blanton is a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Dec 6, 2006 7:28 AM PST up reply actions

Blanton

I think his reality is somewhere between his 2005 and 2006 seasons. You can trade him, but I want more certainty than Milledge. Blanton is young and inexpensive and he's got 400+ big league IP to his name. That's worth more than one prospect.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 7:33 AM PST up reply actions

right gover

no way would i trade a 3-4 starter who'ii give you 200 innings, and esp considering a market value that is giving 10-11 mil per for a 3-4-5 SP (see lilly) for a guy like milledge.

bad bad idea.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Dec 6, 2006 7:51 AM PST up reply actions

Blanton=Jeff Suppan

Command, decent breaking stuff, throws strikes. Not a bad guy to have, but neither is Lastings Milledge.

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

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 9:14 AM PST up reply actions

I wish....

by iloveoakland on Dec 5, 2006 9:02 PM PST reply actions

BB seems to always eventually get the guy he wants

and he definitely covets milledge!

by gotgreen on Dec 5, 2006 9:09 PM PST reply actions

Also...

If this trade was to occur, BB knows it helps prevent the Mets from going after Zito, which most likely means a higher compensation pick when another team signs him. Definately something that would enter into the equation.

Gas to Chicago- $23.87 A's/White Sox Tix- $28 Watching the A's whipping the Sox in July 05'- Priceless

by WiscoFan on Dec 5, 2006 9:13 PM PST reply actions

vice versa might be the bigger factor...

rather than making this trade --> Mets not landing Zito, it's more likely that the reports that the Rangers have offered Z a 6-year, $100+ million deal that the Mets are not willing to match would --> this trade.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Dec 5, 2006 9:32 PM PST up reply actions

I will buy

I will buy myself a Milledge jersey on day 1 if we get him

by apilgrim on Dec 5, 2006 9:30 PM PST reply actions

If you trade a 200+ inning starter shouldn't you

get someone that can handle a skills position?

If Heilman comes over also I'd try it

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 5, 2006 9:34 PM PST reply actions

Well, let me put it this way...

if the Phillies offer Ryan Howard for Blanton, I hope Beane doesn't say that he'd prefer Victorino!

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 6, 2006 6:48 AM PST up reply actions

If you trade a 200+ inning starter shouldn't you

get someone that can handle a skills position?

If Heilman comes over also I'd try it

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 5, 2006 9:35 PM PST reply actions

I disagreed with you

the first time you made this arguement, but the repetition convinced me. :)

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 5, 2006 9:37 PM PST up reply actions

I disagree with you, grover,

but that's probably because you only said it once.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 5, 2006 9:39 PM PST up reply actions

I proposed this today at 4:22 PM (PST)

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/12/5/185819/178/4#4

by Colorado Fan on Dec 5, 2006 9:40 PM PST up reply actions

Then there is no need to go for 3!

Flip this Lastings! Makes sense.

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 5, 2006 9:52 PM PST up reply actions

From oakland.athletics.mlb.com

On David Forst:

"He squelched a rumor that the Athletics and New York Mets were discussing a potential trade that would send starting pitcher Joe Blanton to the Mets for outfielder Lastings Milledge."

Well, so much for that. Let's work on getting Reggie Sanders over here. Not for Cupcakes, but maybe a smaller package deal.

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

by haren4prez on Dec 5, 2006 9:51 PM PST reply actions

For Baby Cakes?

Who is Baby Cakes?

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 5, 2006 9:57 PM PST up reply actions

Why?

Reggie Sanders can't hit worth a lick anymore.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Dec 5, 2006 9:57 PM PST up reply actions

One day Reggie Sanders is going to die

That's not a threat, merely a statement of fact.

And on that day I can finally rest easy knowing that there will be no more calls for his arrival in Oakland... or whatever the Hell this team will be called in the coming years.

Why the Fuck do we want a 39 year old OFer who can't stay healthy and struggles to hit RH pitching?

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 5, 2006 9:59 PM PST up reply actions

but

what if you die first?

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Dec 5, 2006 10:04 PM PST up reply actions

Then I won't give a damn either way.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 5, 2006 10:05 PM PST up reply actions

heh

good answer

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Dec 5, 2006 10:06 PM PST up reply actions

When they finally drop the Big One

all that will be left is cock roaches, Twinkies and Reggie Sanders.

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

by haren4prez on Dec 5, 2006 10:11 PM PST up reply actions

So I guess

that reggie will end up playing for the twinkies?

Rickey Henderson: 35, 24, hall of fame!

by Athletics fan and runner on Dec 6, 2006 11:35 AM PST up reply actions

Definitely a Tweenkie

The kind that glows at night

by Billy Ball 2005 on Dec 6, 2006 2:54 PM PST up reply actions

If we trade Blanton to the Phillies

(say, for Burrell or Victorino or some combo including one of them), would he have to change his nickname to Tastykakes?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 6, 2006 6:50 AM PST up reply actions

We could include Crosby in the deal

TastyKakes and Amoroso Roll on their way to Philly.

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

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 9:15 AM PST up reply actions

How da yiz want your shortstop, hun?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 6, 2006 10:44 AM PST up reply actions

Milledge is a heart breaker

I think he's going to end up a woulda, coulda but never did player. He's not ready but the Mets rushed him last year. The A's (re: Beane) would be inclined to do the same in 2007.

I don't think Milledge will ever live up to the hype.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 5, 2006 10:03 PM PST reply actions

Milledge does have less serve time

Milledge does have less service time my about a year though. That is something to consider

I am a sports writter.

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

Well, I know it will never come to pass

but it would have been nice.

The Lineup and Rotation if the trade had been done...

C1 Kendall
CF Kotsay
RF Bradley
1B Swisher
3B Chavez
DH Piazza
LF Milledge
SS Crosby
2B Ellis

SP Harden
SP Haren
SP Loaiza
SP Kennedy
SP Windsor

by Zonis on Dec 5, 2006 11:33 PM PST reply actions

That rotation worries me a little,

but I love that line-up.

"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith

by Boonee on Dec 5, 2006 11:52 PM PST reply actions

Just a hunch...

but I think any deal with the Mets would be for more then just Millege. I could see Calero thrown in if it would bring Heilman to help out our rotation.

Then you could have Kennedy, Gaudin, and Windsor fight it out for the fifth spot.

Harden
Haren
Loaiza
Heilman
Gaudin/Kennedy

Well it's true that rotation is a bit more risky then one with Blanton in it, it has more potential for the long term. The A's are a team that needs a yearly infusion of prospects to keep costs down and I really don't think Beane can afford to let another year go by without any new prospect additions so a rotation like that is a risk the A's need to take.

by Threepwood XX on Dec 6, 2006 12:11 AM PST up reply actions

I like it if only if A's get Heilman too

I wouldn't do Blanton for Milledge straight up. Milledge wasn't that good last year, bad enough the Mets traded for Shawn Green and played Floyd and Endy Chavez. Blanton, for what he's worth, was a 16 game winner last year.

Hi, I am closetasfan, and I am a NRAF, and an ANA

by closetasfan on Dec 6, 2006 6:21 AM PST reply actions

He was 20 years old last year.

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

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 9:16 AM PST up reply actions

The plot thickens

As I was tossing freight around this a.m. I was listening to MLB home plate when Buck Martinez said the A's were dangeling Rich Harden to the Mets for Milledge. Have they lost their minds? Or is Harden damaged....I feel like I'm reliving the great Charlie Finley bake sale of 1976.

by billyball1981 on Dec 6, 2006 7:07 AM PST reply actions

That trade would be insane

but if that rumor has any validity at all, I'd bet it's a bait-and-switch situation -- Beane getting Minaya all excited about Harden, and once the Mets have decided that they want Harden, demanding a whole lot more than Milledge to get him. Conversely, it could be a way to get Minaya to admit that Milledge isn't "untouchable," with Beane intending to end up pulling the extras beyond Milledge (Heilman and, I dunno, something ridiculous like Wright), and settling on Blanton-for-Milledge or something.

Here's how it would progress:

Harden for Milledge

...becomes...

Harden for Milledge, Heilman, and Wright

...which becomes...

Harden and Blanton for Milledge, Heilman, and Wright

...which becomes...

Blanton for Milledge.

But I still think that rumor is b.s. Even with his injury history, Harden is just as likely to dominate over the next few years as is Milledge, who has no track record of success in the majors at all.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 6, 2006 7:19 AM PST up reply actions

If Wright were brought up by Beane

I think Minaya would laugh, hang up the phone, and never speak with Billy ever again.

Otherwise, I feel what you're saying.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Dec 6, 2006 7:26 AM PST up reply actions

Link

This guy mentions it as well, but it's got to be the creation of some new york media types.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2006-12-06-have-nots-bargains_x.htm

I'd do Harden for Lastings, Vargas, and another bat.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Dec 6, 2006 7:58 AM PST up reply actions

Correction

I'd think about that deal, but not neccessarily pull the trigger.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Dec 6, 2006 7:59 AM PST up reply actions

You're pretty demanding, jubjub

I'd do Harden for Lastings, Vargas, and another bat.

There's a lot of folks here on AN who would do Harden for free!

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 6, 2006 10:57 AM PST up reply actions

True

I guess that's a real example of taking one for the team.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Dec 6, 2006 11:12 AM PST up reply actions

They can have Harden

if Pelfrey is part of the deal.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 8:03 AM PST up reply actions

lets me get this straight

You are down on the toolsy Milledge because he struggled a little in his debut...

But you love the two pitch Pelfrey?

by SeanR on Dec 6, 2006 8:50 AM PST up reply actions

I'm saying if the price was Harden

I'd want Pelfrey as part of the return. The deal still includes Milledge or whomever (I personally prefer Carlos Gomez to Milledge but that's not the issue) but I'd insist on an arm in return.

I don't push as hard for pitching if the deal is for Blanton.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 9:01 AM PST up reply actions

milledge is a top prospect!

He's 21, and he's raked at every stop he's been at. How many major leaguers could you name that had their first cup of coffee when they were 21? There aren't too many that aren't studs. I don't know what's more ridiculous, the notion that the Mets would trade Milledge straight up for Blanton, or the notion that the Mets would have to trade MORE THAN JUST MILLEDGE for the A's to want to trade Blanton.

by Nick86 on Dec 6, 2006 8:08 AM PST reply actions

Prospect vs. young, established big league SP

Milledge has holes and been rushed. He's also been slowed by injury.

Damn straight it would cost more than than Milledge to land Blanton.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 8:15 AM PST up reply actions

Agree.

Pre-arb non-salary-dump healthy league-average pitchers don't get traded for toolsy minor leaguers. If it goes down my guess would be Blanton+B prospect for Milledge and a few minor league arms.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Dec 6, 2006 8:34 AM PST up reply actions

Zito

If the Mets don't sign Zito, they will probably need to make a deal (or sign Schmidt/Meche).

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/12/mets_rumor_roun.html#comments

I think we all know that Beane covets Milledge, Heilman, & Pelfrey - Can we get 2 of 3 for Blanton, Calero, S. Casilla?

by Colorado Fan on Dec 6, 2006 8:54 AM PST up reply actions

Similar to a Mets trade of the 1980s

when they traded Walt Terrell (whom Blanton resembles quite a lot as a pitcher) for Howard Johnson, a "toolsy" young 3B (who had debuted at the age of 21, with a lot more success than Milledge I might add) after the 1984 season. Terrell had a couple of Blantonish seasons with a very good Tigers team, and HoJo became a starting 3B for the Mets after their big WS win in 1986, putting together a couple of very good seasons but never really shaking the rep of being inconsistent.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 6, 2006 10:55 AM PST up reply actions

That would be a HORRIBLE trade:

At this point.

You are talking about trading an established and CHEAP major league pitcher for a prospect?

It would take more than Milledge. maybe we can package Millhouse and Blanton for Milledge and one of thier young arms, but that would be what it would take for me.

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Dec 6, 2006 8:47 AM PST reply actions

i'd guess

that if you asked any writer from Baseball Prospectus or Baseball America, they would tell you Milledge > Blanton. Billy Beane probably feels the same way. I'm not saying they or I am necessarily right, but the smart money would be on Milledge.

by Nick86 on Dec 6, 2006 8:54 AM PST reply actions

They'd say

Milledge has the potential to be a better player than Blanton in the future. If you asked them which one was the better player today they'd all say Blanton.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 9:02 AM PST up reply actions

Now the latest rumors involve Harden

The USA today is reporting that Harden for Milledge and Heilman is the latest rumor.

by brenarlo on Dec 6, 2006 9:07 AM PST reply actions

grover

Well, yeah. Trade value isn't determined by who is better today. I don't think the Reds would trade Homer Bailey for Esteban Loaiza, but I'm sure they'd rather have Estaban pitching for them on Tuesday. That Milledge may not amount to a regular does not change the fact that he is is desirable.

by Nick86 on Dec 6, 2006 9:16 AM PST reply actions

1 in the hand is better than 2 in the bush

Or something like that.

Lot's of people find Milledge desirable, I don't. Which isn't that big of a deal except when assessing trade value.

Milledge is a prospect. Blanton an established big league pitcher. Joe is durable and cheap and he's had success in the Show. You simply can't say the same about Milledge.

Pitching is at a premium right now, Blanton is worth more than 1 stud prospect. How much more is open to debate.

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

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 9:25 AM PST up reply actions

here's somthing

BAL wack-job ownwer rejected a Brian Roberts and pitcher Hayden Penn to Atlanta for first baseman Adam LaRoche and second baseman Marcus Giles trade. Insert Blanton and Johnson or Ellis for LaRoche and Giles....then you have a trade.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Dec 6, 2006 9:21 AM PST reply actions

LaRoche and Giles

Boy would they fir in nicely. Take a look at this lineup: 1.Kendall C 2.Giles 2B 3.Bradley RF 4.Chavez 3B 5.Piazza DH 6.Swisher LF 7.LaRoche 1B 8.Crosby SS 9.Kotsay CF I guess the question would be: How does this affect our defense? I'm not sure that we lose a whole lot. Payton was better at LF than Swisher and Ellis would be better than Giles, but I think that the offense would more than make up for it.

by brenarlo on Dec 6, 2006 9:26 AM PST up reply actions

right

and i'm willing to give up a little D for some O.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Dec 6, 2006 9:29 AM PST up reply actions

Are you kidding me?

I weep for Baltimore fans. Peter Angelos should be dragged behind a barn like Old Yeller.

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

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 9:30 AM PST up reply actions

cbs sportsline:

"Surprise, surprise. Baltimore owner Peter Angelos vetoed a deal that would have sent second baseman Brian Roberts and pitcher Hayden Penn to Atlanta for first baseman Adam LaRoche and second baseman Marcus Giles, according to the Baltimore Sun, after the Orioles had spent the better part of three weeks putting the trade together. GM Mike Flanagan should have anticipated that one."

- i tend to believe this one, given the HX.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Dec 6, 2006 9:38 AM PST reply actions

That guy

needs to be pushed into the Inner Harbor.

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

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 9:42 AM PST up reply actions

Question: If the Mets didn't trade for Zito

Why would they trade for Blanton? And if they signed Zito and traded for Blanton, would I in someway be a Mets fan?

by oaklandfan40 on Dec 6, 2006 10:54 AM PST reply actions

because...

Pedro's career is now in question, and this is the offseason...and Zito was never really on the table, the A's were going for it in 2006.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Dec 6, 2006 4:09 PM PST up reply actions

What an asset for the Mets...

To have Rick Peterson as their pitching coach.
Minaya can look for pitchers with outstanding stuff but question marks (health/mechanics/control), and take risks on them that other teams wouldn't.
Minaya can take a flier on a pitcher with outstanding stuff like Ambiorix Burgos because he knows Peterson can fix him.
Perhaps, Peterson can help Harden remain healthier than he has with the A's.

by notsellingjeans on Dec 6, 2006 12:12 PM PST reply actions

I guess I'm way off here

For the second time, I have to disagree with the evaluation of a trade on this thread. But I don't see how that trade would be good for the O's. Giles and Roberts seem pretty redundant. They're both 28 and have had pretty similar WARP3s throughout their careers, although Roberts has been a littl better the last two years. And maybe this is just me valuing potential over current performance, but a 21-year-old with two cups of coffee and great minor league stats is probably better than LaRoche, who doesn't hit much more than Dan Johnson at first base.

by Nick86 on Dec 6, 2006 12:18 PM PST reply actions

I'd take LaRoche

IMO, Dan Johnson's upside is Adam LaRoche. Why not trade him for a guy who we'd be hoping he'd become? I don't think the Braves would want DJ, though, they think Scott Thorman will fill in for him fine (I disagree, but that's a different issue). I think we'd have to do something like Calero for LaRoche. They seem desperate for bullpen help, so maybe they'd do it straight-up? Given the price of relief pitching (thank you, Orioles), it's possible. I think the money would end up close to a wash in '07 (LaRoche at $420K in '06, Calero at $850K, both up for arby, I think).

Calero seems like a steal, so I'd hate to see him go, but we need some offensive help and it would move Swishy to the OF.

by Eric in Atlanta on Dec 6, 2006 2:16 PM PST reply actions

eric

I agree, LaRoche>DJ, but I still think Penn>LaRoche. I was saying the Orioles trade wouldn't make sense, but I think LaRoche would be a good fit for the A's.

by Nick86 on Dec 6, 2006 3:41 PM PST reply actions