A's reportedly agree to terms with Shannon Stewart

Yeah I just read that too.

Am I the only one who thinks this came outta left field?

If you want results, press the red button. The rest are useless.

by Katie on Feb 7, 2007 8:39 PM PST reply actions

Well WayOutInLF14 did post it.

;-)

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Feb 7, 2007 8:42 PM PST up reply actions

I didnt even notice that!

Its almost midnight, I'm tired!

If you want results, press the red button. The rest are useless.

by Katie on Feb 7, 2007 8:45 PM PST up reply actions

So much for Slusser saying

the A's had no interest as recently as five days ago. :)

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Feb 7, 2007 8:41 PM PST reply actions

I think it's welcomed...it's certainly another name out there. Assuming healthiness (which doesn't happen with Larry Davis) Dan Johnson and Durazo's battle just got more interesting for now a backup role. Does anyone know if Johnson and Durazo can accept/decline being sent down to the minors?

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Feb 7, 2007 8:42 PM PST reply actions

Nope.

Not really, anyway. Johnson isn't out of options, and Durazo's a non-roster invitee. If the A's don't put Durazo on the 25-man roster, he could theoretically decline a minor-league role, but if he hits well enough in ST to interest a major-league roster, (and how many clubs are really looking for a backup DH?) it's likely the A's will hang on to him.

by Nate on Feb 7, 2007 9:00 PM PST up reply actions

didn't he get traded either with or for

Booby K? I can't remember

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Feb 7, 2007 8:43 PM PST reply actions

Yes

Summer 03 after the all-star break. Toronto sent Stewart + PTBNL to Minnesota in exchange for Kielty. (The PTBNL was pitcher Dave Gassner, who started a few games in Minnesota but didn't pan out.)

I read it as a low-key now-vs-future trade. Minnesota thought they still had a shot at the division and thought Stewart could give them a boost right now. (Turned out to be right on both counts.) Kielty was number four in a crowded outfield in Minnesota then (behind Torii Hunter, Jacques Jones, and Dustan Mohr). He looked like he might have some real potential if he got some regular playing time, but Minnesota wasn't in a position to give it to him, so it made sense to send him on to Toronto.

I remember all this because in 2002 at the trading deadline I had been advocating that the A's trade for Kielty. (Minnesota needed starting pitching and I suggested offering up Harang.) At the same time, I remember, Robert Buan was advocating a trade for Mark Kotsay. As it turned out, we were both right, but a year too early.

"...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 Feb 7, 2007 9:30 PM PST up reply actions

ah yes

Devo, HollywoodOz how do we feel about this? Billy must have seen my posts in that Jan. 31st link dump.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Feb 7, 2007 8:55 PM PST reply actions

what a surprise

if it could reach $2.5 million, i wonder how much the base salary is...
stewart and kielty trade for each other, and now competing for a job!

"If Stewart can stay healthy being off the fake grass, maybe he helps replace Jay Payton."

has anyone here actually looked at payton's stats?

if stewart can stay healthy, he could match payton's 10 hr in 560 at bats and .290 avg, but he might walk more than 20 times a year and actually have a halfway decent obp.

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 Feb 7, 2007 8:56 PM PST reply actions

i think

this makes one hell of a stewart/kielty platoon. with shannon leading off when he's in and kendall leading off when kielty plays.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Feb 7, 2007 8:58 PM PST up reply actions

Except

as a platoon player, we only want Booby batting right, which is what Stewart is.

by sslinger on Feb 7, 2007 9:48 PM PST up reply actions

But Stewart's Splits are MUCH Better vs. RHP

by Eck on Feb 7, 2007 10:21 PM PST up reply actions

re

Hunh. I like this move so much more after looking up those stats. A reverse split, that's great.

by 31Boots on Feb 7, 2007 11:39 PM PST up reply actions

<eagerly does internet search

for "shannon stewart splits">

Huh. I always thought that baseball's version of a home run is the motherf---ing home run itself. -FJM

by oblique on Feb 7, 2007 11:46 PM PST up reply actions

lmao

"I can't believe you guys like that (Swisher) doesn't wear underwear..." ~ Mark Ellis

by Poppy on Feb 8, 2007 6:41 AM PST up reply actions

Sounds good to me!

Especially with an incentive laden deal. An ideal, 1 year replacement for Payton and Co.

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

by Boonee on Feb 7, 2007 8:56 PM PST reply actions

Holy I Like It!

We could do a lot worse than Shannon Stewart. Suddenly, I can see an offense with a 1Bman (Swish) who hits like one, and an outfield with sufficient offense, defense, and depth to compete.

Me likey.

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 Feb 7, 2007 9:03 PM PST reply actions

Could work out

2006 Kielty vs. LH: .325/.358/.607
3-year Stewart vs. RH: .299/.350/.424

by MrIncognito on Feb 7, 2007 9:09 PM PST reply actions

2007 strategy is no different from 2006

the main thing is depth, once again. as a GM, it's probably a good idea considering how many injuries this team has had recently, and also because of the steroids and amphetamine testing.

OF: bradley, kotsay, swisher, stewart, kielty, goleski, ledee, bocachica, chucky-t
SP: haren, harden, loaiza, blanton, kennedy, halsey, gaudin, windsor, komine

plus we have like four first basemen, and close to a thousand relief pitchers with like 2-4 more who could be ready by mid-season or september.

the big concern is still the infield, there's no way antonio perez could be any worse, so that's fine for 3b, but it would be nice to have a better defensive SS if crosby goes down again, so we can keep scutaro in the 3rd middle infielder role.

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 Feb 7, 2007 9:11 PM PST reply actions

What stands out to me

about Shannon Stewart's career splits

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5509/splits;_ylt=AvRmrPO2VIFE_RbalNHif3SFCLcF?year=career&ty pe=Batting

is how even they are L/R, home/away, grass/turf, you name it. What that tells me about a hitter is that he can simply hit. The guy has always been right about a .300 hitter no matter how you slice it.

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 Feb 7, 2007 9:12 PM PST reply actions

Whatever he's smokin', it's not grass

Nico, I think you're way off base when it comes to your commentary on splits. Stewart loses 60 points of OPS on grass. I think he's a slap hitter who's benefitted from playing much of his career on carpet, which gives him an artificially high number of base hits and doubles. I'm less than excited about this aquisition frankly.

by LoveDemAs on Feb 8, 2007 7:21 AM PST up reply actions

Yes But ..

.. look at Kendall, no power whatsoever, only singles and doubles from him, so .. at least Stewart has some occasional pop ..

by Randy Bell on Feb 8, 2007 10:41 AM PST up reply actions

OK, so the pro-Stewart arguments are ...

He's healthier than Kotsay!
He's got more power than Kendall!
He's got a better OBP than Payton!
He's a better outfielder than Swisher!

Yay!

Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 8, 2007 10:56 AM PST up reply actions

you forgot

He's faster than Piazza!
He's grittier than Chavez!
He's more even-keeled than Bradley!

...and quite possibly a better pitcher than Alan Embree.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Feb 8, 2007 11:16 AM PST up reply actions

and ...

Fewer letters in his name than Duchscherer!
More Mexican than Chavez!
Longer forearms than Durazo!

Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 8, 2007 11:56 AM PST up reply actions

and most of all....

available.

by A s Eh on Feb 8, 2007 12:02 PM PST up reply actions

and

relatively cheap

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Feb 8, 2007 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

I'm Impressed

I didn't expect this and I think it's a great move. Good role player for good bucks. Thanks, Billy!

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Feb 7, 2007 9:14 PM PST reply actions

Shannon Stewart

On the stats by Nico, did you notice his life time batting average in Oaklnad? It was 0.188, or some such thing. His stats versus Oakland overall were the his worst for any club, but in Oakland, he was really bad. That was either good Oakland pitching or Mr. Stewart has a problem in our home ball park.

by racodd on Feb 7, 2007 9:20 PM PST reply actions

It was good Oakland pitching.

</crossed fingers>

"I guess more players lick themselves than are ever licked by an opposing team." ~ Connie Mack

by Flyin As on Feb 7, 2007 9:29 PM PST up reply actions

OR...

it's just a flukey coincidence.

by kvn on Feb 7, 2007 10:22 PM PST up reply actions

Did anybody notice his stats against the AL West?

More specifically his Avg., OBP, SLG and OPS?

When averaged together, they are:

Avg.: .329

OBP: .370

SLG: .468

OPS: .838

I like that. A lot.

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

by Boonee on Feb 7, 2007 9:20 PM PST reply actions

That improves the comfort level...

His foot problem is serious, one that will not go away and may be easily and frequently aggravated. Other A's have played with it and required extra days off and schedules favoring grass fields.

McAfee is natural grass and it is logical that the Angels, Texas, and M's are grass, ...but I'm unsure. Stewart's stats are so good there and we REALLY CAN use another steady veteran bat for those games. It would be wrong to expect Shannon to play many games on artificial turf.

CF Kotsay 500 PA
CF Bradley 200 PA

RF Bradley 350 PA
RF Swisher 200 PA
RF Goleski 150 PA

LF Kielty 200 PA
LF Stewart 300 PA
LF Swisher 200 PA

1B DJ 500 PA
1B Swisher 200 PA

Hopefully Goleski can start on the 60 day DL then join the team as the in house atificial turf specialist or even better, BB makes a deal with the tribe so Goleski can join AA Midland.

If Stewart and everyone else stays off the extended DL the plate appearances should be close.

If Goleski or Buck beat down the door to the A's 25-man roster that is a good thing!

by A s Eh on Feb 7, 2007 10:36 PM PST up reply actions

"artificial turf specialist"? wtf?

and goleski would almost certainly go to sacto, not midland.

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 Feb 7, 2007 10:41 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks for the official insights Mr B

any other factoids for the masses?

by A s Eh on Feb 8, 2007 7:00 AM PST up reply actions

If Goleski goes to Sac where do you put Ledee?

and
ChuckyT
Bocachica
Jason Perry
L Cobb
etc.

I probably have this wrong but I think Goleski was in AA when A's snagged him. I also seem to recall the A's having a tendancy to do more prospect evaluating and grooming at AA with a short stop over at AAA before the prospect comes up for a cup o joe.

...better prospects that exhibit everyday potential that is.

I estimated the A's AA group of Robnett, Buck, Putnum, Stavinsky, etc. to be at similar career stages so speculated he would go to Midland.

Problem: Buck looks like the one that should come up first and Goleski looks very promising if we can stash him at AA or AAA.

If we can't I would like to see us try very hard to keep him on the A's for at least an in depth try out that tells us where his development truly is.

The Tribe, like other MLB teams and the A's in particular, might prefer to keep thier prized prospects at A & AA, with a quick stopover & prep at AAA before joining the major league team. Cleveland's outfield and lineup in general was potent last year. They would not be inclined to rush prospects with no vacancies available. In other words the Tribe MAY have held Goleski back to bring him up this year. That may give us an inkling of why BB thought enough of Goleski to buy the #1 rule 5 pick for $100,000.

What say you?

by A s Eh on Feb 8, 2007 7:52 AM PST up reply actions

He has to stay

Goleski has to be on the 25 man roster or he goes back to Cleveland.

by brenarlo on Feb 8, 2007 8:53 AM PST up reply actions

"where do you put Ledee?"

dude, first you say we're paying ledee $1million, now you're worried about his future?

we gave ledee a minor league contract and a spring training invite. who f'ing cares where you put ledee. there's a 99.999% chance ledee isn't on the oakland athletics by april, whether he's in the minors, on another team, or working at denny's.

you put ledee the same place you put ruby durazo and lou merloni and kaz tadano.

goleski: okay a's, aaa or aa, who knows at this point. but he's NOT going to be "the in house artificial turf specialist". how many games do we play on artificial turf? even without bobby kielty, stewart wouldn't have to start on turf if it was an issue because swisher could move to the OF and DJ could play first base.

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 Feb 8, 2007 9:42 AM PST up reply actions

LOL. Calm down Dude

Try to take in the bigger picture. All this cherry picking and tunnel vision is affecting your posts.

by A s Eh on Feb 8, 2007 10:43 AM PST up reply actions

700 is too high

I think is is mor elike 650 ab's per a postion than 700

I am a sports writter.

by scottofchico on Feb 7, 2007 11:18 PM PST up reply actions

PAs include walks/all plate appearances...

Last year they averaged a little over 700 for the 9 batters.

You are right about ABs though.

by A s Eh on Feb 8, 2007 7:03 AM PST up reply actions

How will this affect the opening day roster?

now there is no room for Goleski and he cannot be sent to AAA. I think another move is in the works perhaps involving Kielty or Johnson or....both?

by reggiejax on Feb 7, 2007 9:26 PM PST reply actions

or goleski goes on the DL

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 Feb 7, 2007 9:29 PM PST up reply actions

I wonder if it's the end of the line

for Krazy Klown. Kielty is well paired with a lefty (I wanted Catalanotto), but when you add a right-handed hitter, a guy who hits LHP and RHP equally, or--in this case--both, I don't see a lot of room for Kielty, other than as a luxury pinch-hitter. And he's a bit expensive for that role.

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 Feb 7, 2007 9:30 PM PST up reply actions

you may be right

but i don't think kielty gets enough credit around here.
he doesn't play regularly (isn't that melhuse's excuse?) yet still put up a .770 OPS, 20 doubles and 8 jacks.

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 Feb 7, 2007 9:39 PM PST up reply actions

end of line for Krazy Klown?

rip 2006, it was nice while it lasted.

by ak_A on Feb 7, 2007 9:47 PM PST up reply actions

you've got

more than 900 miles to go, brother.

by sslinger on Feb 7, 2007 9:51 PM PST up reply actions

End of the line for Krusty the Klown

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

by Philip Christy on Feb 7, 2007 11:22 PM PST up reply actions

splits

Stewart is capable of hitting both RHP and LHP but looking at the splits his numbers ARE significantly better against RHP. He did have a lot more ABs against righties, but the numbers are consistent through his career.

Lets also not forget that Stewart hasnt exactly been the most durable OF out there. Giving him rest and sitting him against lefties seems like a good move to me.

link to splits

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

by pickinmachine on Feb 7, 2007 10:23 PM PST up reply actions

shouldve proofread

I meant to say looking at his recent splits (the past 3 yrs), he has hit RHP better.

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

by pickinmachine on Feb 7, 2007 10:46 PM PST up reply actions

stewart & kotsay

are probably going to need plenty of rest, this is where kielty gets his playing time.

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Feb 8, 2007 7:35 AM PST up reply actions

Kielty's contract ends this year...

...and Bradley, and Stewart contracts are for this season only. Kotsay's ends after 2008. If Swisher takes 1B we might turnover the entire outfield!

Looks like an opportunistic time for some of our under rated outfield prospects:

http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/pl/435/435562cumXXXb06.html

http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/pl/459/459941cumXXXb06.html

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

http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/pl/456/456035cumXXXb06.html

by A s Eh on Feb 8, 2007 9:08 AM PST up reply actions

I'm afraid to follow those links

It's a shame that families get torn apart by something as simple as wild dogs. -Jack Handey

by JediLeroy on Feb 8, 2007 3:43 PM PST up reply actions

lol

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 Feb 8, 2007 3:51 PM PST up reply actions

Wow! I don't blame you!

you'd think they could alter those some.

by A s Eh on Feb 8, 2007 8:14 PM PST up reply actions

maybe we can keep Goleski on the roster

and send Perez to AAA. Still leaves room for either Durazo or Johnson. How often has Scutaro played 3rd?

by reggiejax on Feb 7, 2007 9:39 PM PST reply actions

Perez is out of options

by theblackpearl on Feb 7, 2007 9:40 PM PST up reply actions

ahhh yes I forgot

there is a possible roster spot open if Witasick is waived or traded correct?

by reggiejax on Feb 7, 2007 9:45 PM PST reply actions

Yes, get rid of Witasick!

Nice move! Thank you Billy for Shannon Stewart! This years Big Frank!

by A'sfansince1970 on Feb 7, 2007 9:52 PM PST up reply actions

Goleski to dl

Perez is needed to rest Chavy periodically.

by A'sfansince1970 on Feb 7, 2007 9:51 PM PST reply actions

Well after watching Perez last year, Chavy never

wanted to come out,

by theblackpearl on Feb 7, 2007 9:54 PM PST up reply actions

how

easy it is to forget that Goleski is a rule 5 pick. He has to stay on the 25 man roster and can not be DLed. If we keep him he has to "waste" a spot while he is injured.

by OaktownIn06 on Feb 7, 2007 9:59 PM PST up reply actions

except he was already injured when we picked 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 Feb 7, 2007 10:00 PM PST up reply actions

which

has nothing to do with it. Even if you pick an injured player, they have to remain on the 25 man roster for the entire year. That is why we know that when Cleveland forgot to post his injury it was an honest mistake(If they would have posted it, we would not have picked Goleski in the 1st place). I am sure that we could get our 50 K back in exchange for Goleski since Cleveland failed to report the injury; however, since we paid 100 K to get the pick in the first place, I say we keep him.

by OaktownIn06 on Feb 7, 2007 10:07 PM PST up reply actions

Wrong - Rule 5 draftee can be DL'd, but...

according to the wiki:

To prevent the abuse of the Rule 5 draft, the rule also states that the draftee must be active for at least 90 days. This keeps teams from drafting players, then "hiding" them on the disabled list for the majority of the season. For example, if a Rule 5 draftee was only active for 67 days in his first season with his new club, he must be active for an additional 23 games in his second season to satisfy the Rule 5 requirements.

by calgbear on Feb 7, 2007 10:13 PM PST up reply actions

so can we DL him for part of the season

and maybe Perez the other part? I wonder how legit the injury has to be or if it is like the NBA where teams just invent injuries.

by reggiejax on Feb 7, 2007 10:19 PM PST up reply actions

Goleski's injury...

is actually a blessing. We can 60-day DL him for half the year or more, and then see if he's good enough to warrant a roster spot next year.
Essentially his injury gives us two years to evaluate him.
If he heals by the end of the season, say he has a great spring training next year, and then we have a clearer idea of his potential, and then he warrants a roster spot.
Essentially his injury allows us to legally manipulate the Rule V rules.
And I think we might've known about his injury all along in anticipation of this, and planned to use this loophole.
The guy matures and gets one year older/stronger, has another offseason, and then makes our team in '08.

"Fictional numbers are really effective for making your case." -Devo

by notsellingjeans on Feb 8, 2007 12:37 AM PST up reply actions

Cool .. :)

hehe ..

by Randy Bell on Feb 8, 2007 12:58 AM PST up reply actions

Perez couldn't be worse than last year

or could he?

by reggiejax on Feb 7, 2007 9:55 PM PST reply actions

This is kinda offtopic...

but if you search for "shannon stewart" on yahoo, the first page that comes up is actually a link to a playboy playmate.

by lenscrafters on Feb 7, 2007 9:57 PM PST reply actions

piazza's wife?

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 Feb 7, 2007 9:59 PM PST up reply actions

she just had a baby girl, nicolette piazza

congrats, piazza family.

"We're Menudo," -BB

by eshock on Feb 7, 2007 10:20 PM PST up reply actions

Great Signing???

http://www.shannonstewart.com/

by Colorado Fan on Feb 8, 2007 8:54 AM PST up reply actions

great ...

I use so much willpower resisting the urge to view porn at the office computer. Oh well, at least I have a ready-made excuse. "I thought it was Shannon Stewart the baseball player! Honest, I did!"

"WTF is wrong with you people TASTELESS COMMENTS. I'm disgusted. Mocking a 10 year old's horrible painful death." --eshock

by rubin sierra on Feb 8, 2007 10:52 PM PST up reply actions

This is awesome!

Since losing a great player like Jay, we needed a good replacement. I think Shannon is a really good option! :) I like this deal.

"We got a new 33 in town." ~Nick Swisher~

by Cassandra on Feb 7, 2007 10:08 PM PST reply actions

Similar batters through age 32

3. Darin Erstad (927)

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

by rebus on Feb 7, 2007 10:50 PM PST reply actions

re

It's great insurance for when Bradley and Kotsay are hurt, but I will be sad if Stewart gets many ABs at the expense of DJ. I was so down on DJ last year, but I've been getting excited about him again in the last few weeks. Given his season before and his numbers in the minors, how could last season not be a fluke? He can hit. Shannon Stewart can hit too, don't get me wrong. I just think this could be a great growth season for DJ. And Swisher in the outfield makes the defense much better to boot (Kielty or Stewart). I don't trust the metrics on Stewart. He's one of the worst looking defenders I've seen.

Oh, and I hate this move if it means getting rid of Kielty. Kielty needs to start every game vs lefties, all season and playoffs. If he quit switch hitting, I'd take him over Stewart period.

Goleski was just a waste of money. I wouldn't be shocked if they were willing to take one of our minor league relievers for him though (Flores maybe, whom the A's obviously don't like, or even Jairo).

by 31Boots on Feb 7, 2007 11:11 PM PST reply actions

I hear ya

I'm going to sit back and watch things unfold. Last year, we were wondering if Jay Payton would get any AB's in 2006. This year, we are wondering if DJ & Kielty will get enough AB's.

These things have a way of working themselves out.

As for DJ, I'm not as optimistic as you are. The first time I see him take a strike-3 on the inside corner, then slumps his shoulders as he walks back to the dugout...we'll be right back where we were in 2006. On the other hand, I won't be surprised if DJ hits .313, 29, 91 for the Sacramento Rivercats, and wins the PCL MVP.

by Colorado Fan on Feb 8, 2007 8:52 AM PST up reply actions

I like this a lot...

While he is past his prime when he was VERY good...I like him more than DJ and a lot more than Kielty.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Feb 7, 2007 11:37 PM PST reply actions

I wonder about the status of Kotsay

We've been wondering about the Swisher/DJ and Kielty situations, but what about Kotsay? He's in his last year here, wasn't doing too well at the end of the season, and was complaining pretty heavily about it.

Is it possible he goes, Bradley slides over to center, and Stewart and Kielty slug it out in right/left?

I only ask because it seems, from everything I've heard and read this offseason, like the management is pretty intent on giving DJ the full-time 1b role, at least until it's warranted to use Durazo/Swish instead.

It seems like we have entirely too many outfielders/DH's, which depth wise is good, but playability wise is hard.

by RenoTy on Feb 7, 2007 11:39 PM PST reply actions

OH...YEAH...

mmmm BOW BOW......chick...chicka chicka...

by Philip Christy on Feb 8, 2007 12:13 AM PST reply actions

Kotasay

Kotsay has two years left on his contract. It is something to think about though. Is it possible that we might trade kotsay?

I am a sports writter.

by scottofchico on Feb 8, 2007 1:50 AM PST reply actions

I doubt anyone wants Kotsay very much

an aging CF with back problems and a lucrative contract is hard to trade for much. if someone does want him though, we'd better get something very valuable to us in return. maybe an ace SS backup, or a #3 starter (yeah right).

i'd be very content with this squad going forward in April. the lineup isn't mashing, but it's dynamic, and the starting pitching isn't dominant, but we're deep in guys who will keep us in 162 games.

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

by rebus on Feb 8, 2007 2:11 AM PST up reply actions

Pitching not necessarily dominant but ..

.. Harden when healthy can be dominant for sure, and Haren has had his moments as well, and I can remember some impressive performances even by Blanton especially back in the 2nd-half of '05 ..

by Randy Bell on Feb 8, 2007 5:14 AM PST up reply actions

so,lineup?

kendall C
stewart vs RHP kielty vs LHP LF
Bradley RF
swisher 1B
piazza DH
chavez 3B
kotsay CF
crosby SS
ellis 2B

bench

melhuse C
perez 3B
scutaro 2B-SS
johnson 1B
stewart or kielty OF

by J Rod @ Athletics Nation on Feb 8, 2007 5:34 AM PST reply actions

And ..

.. various mixtures of the above .. {g}

by Randy Bell on Feb 8, 2007 5:38 AM PST up reply actions

Negative Correlation

I like this signing because Stewart is a solid role player (Night Elf lvl 13 with batmaking skill). I just hope we see some negative correlation in DL time between him, Kotsay, and Bradley. PF (because I can't spell it) is a nasty injury to overcome (just ask McRoidBoy).

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Feb 8, 2007 6:36 AM PST reply actions

YES!!!!

Just saw this and got super then I see that Norv Turner and Singletary are staying with the Niners!!! What a way to start the day.... =]

"We do it a little different here in Oakland" -Jay Payton

by iloveoakland on Feb 8, 2007 6:44 AM PST reply actions

Correction:

*super happy

"We do it a little different here in Oakland" -Jay Payton

by iloveoakland on Feb 8, 2007 6:44 AM PST up reply actions

Finally!

We have an answer to the Angels' Garret Anderson (when it comes to foot injuries, anyway).

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Feb 8, 2007 6:49 AM PST reply actions

one element missing

We need someone with a weird spinal ailment as well. And no, Chavez doesn't count for being sans spine.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Feb 8, 2007 6:58 AM PST up reply actions

Not just the foot injuries either

But also to the middling, average dependent offense he provides as well!

BeaneBall: This is a guy playing baseball. BeaneBall: But then, suddenly, MONEYBALL! HendryHuggins: Wait, I missed the part where moneyball.

by walk off bunt on Feb 8, 2007 7:23 AM PST up reply actions

that's why he's replacing jay payton

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 Feb 8, 2007 7:25 AM PST up reply actions

Haha, yeah, I know

I'm not really deriding the move or anything, just having fun with the Shannon Stewart/Garret Anderson comparison.

BeaneBall: This is a guy playing baseball. BeaneBall: But then, suddenly, MONEYBALL! HendryHuggins: Wait, I missed the part where moneyball.

by walk off bunt on Feb 8, 2007 7:28 AM PST up reply actions

I like this a lot too!

Finally some depth, somewhere.

I don't worry about him taking away somebody else's ABs. If Kotsay and Bradley could play 150 games apiece we'd have a bit of a logjam in the outfield, but that would be a GREAT problem to have. Given that we'll be lucky to get 130 games out of either of them, there's plenty of room for outfielders.

Now if we could only clone Marco Scutaro, we'd be okay in the infield too.

by matthias on Feb 8, 2007 6:56 AM PST reply actions

infield

do melillo and spanos go up to sacto this year?

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 Feb 8, 2007 7:33 AM PST up reply actions

I hope people aren't

expecting him to come light the world on fire. It's a fine depth move, but he's essentially, well, Jay Payton. With, remarkably enough, less power. Some combination of his 2005 (.274/.323/.388) and his 2006 (.293/.347/.368) is what we should expect, which is to say, not a whole lot, at least if you're hoping he'll be a productive every day player, or even significant contributor for that matter. But as a backup, I can live with him getting 300 or so plate appearances, and he's not expensive, so it's a fine move.

BeaneBall: This is a guy playing baseball. BeaneBall: But then, suddenly, MONEYBALL! HendryHuggins: Wait, I missed the part where moneyball.

by walk off bunt on Feb 8, 2007 7:26 AM PST reply actions

i look at it this way

stewart gives us more options, just in case bradley or kotsay get injured (very possible), or DJ sucks (also very possible). swisher is completely free to move back and forth between OF and 1b.

obviously none of that matters much if stewart can't stay healthy, which is also very possible.
but it's only a few million bucks, and it's money that i think most of us were not expecting to be spent at all.

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 Feb 8, 2007 7:38 AM PST up reply actions

But for that money, why not Trot Nixon?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Feb 8, 2007 7:52 AM PST up reply actions

good question

as billy

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Feb 8, 2007 7:53 AM PST up reply actions

True. Both contracts are for 1 year and

Trot's was only $3 million.

Maybe something simple,
...is his home closer to Cleveland?

by A s Eh on Feb 8, 2007 8:30 AM PST up reply actions

Well Stewart's contract seems to e incentive laden

and if he doesn't play well, or is injured, he won't reach that 2.5 Mill.

by theblackpearl on Feb 8, 2007 8:44 AM PST up reply actions

no idea

sure, nixon's been a bit better and slightly healthier over the last three years, but it's more money, probably 2-3x as much.
also, nixon signed before stewart, so it's at least possible that we went after nixon before settling for stewart.

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 Feb 8, 2007 9:34 AM PST up reply actions

Trot = 3x as expensive

Only 1 mil of Stewart is guaranteed vs. 3 mil for Trot.
Stewart is also a bit more flexible in terms of the OF positions he can play.
I'm also suspicious that the Trot who put up good numbers was juiced. His career line suggests it - and so does his precipitous decline.

Goleski, I believe, is being stashed. He'll be on the DL almost all year, and it will MUCH easier for us to carry him for a full season in '08 when Bradley and Kielty are gone, and he's had another year of physical maturity.

Monkey makes a good point though - We NEED to stop scrimping on draft picks, and targeting low-ceiling, "signability" guys. If that means scrimping 2-3 million on the big club's payroll, so be it - the long term benefits are huge.
(see Smoak, Justin, or the consequences of drafting cheap signable guys with no athleticism like Jeremy Brown).

"Fictional numbers are really effective for making your case." -Devo

by notsellingjeans on Feb 8, 2007 2:49 PM PST up reply actions

or, for the limited impact Stewart may have ...

... why not roll that $1-$2.5M into the draft-pick-signing budget?

Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 8, 2007 9:35 AM PST up reply actions

Sign Justin Smoak NOW!

by franks a lot on Feb 8, 2007 9:58 AM PST up reply actions

because we're moving to fremont

if he's healthy, he's not much worse than jay payton, a useful player easily worth $3m. if not, it's probably around $1m.
if the front office thinks we have a decent shot at the playoffs, maybe they think it's worth the $1m risk.
or maybe we're rich enough now that we don't need to choose between stewart and draft picks?

a better question would be, if we are worried about a few million, why embree? that's guaranteed money for an older player, at a position that's not as important and is a relative strength for the organization.
isn't goleski/bocachica/ledee instead of stewart a bigger dropoff than ron flores instead of embree?

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 Feb 8, 2007 10:03 AM PST up reply actions

agreed all 'round

I can not fathom Beane's recent attraction to "proven (injured) veterans" who, even with their damaged-goods-outlet discounts, still cost more than fungible rookies (rookies for whom the A's have zero long-term plans <coughDJcoughFlorescough>).

Thomas seems the exception, but that's because he had a far, far higher baseline perf than any of the other washed-up invalids Beane's collected over the past 4 years.

Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 8, 2007 10:54 AM PST up reply actions

Thomas was also ..

.. dirt cheap, 500-thou with incentives ..

by Randy Bell on Feb 8, 2007 11:00 AM PST up reply actions

Depth

Given all our existing chronic injury risks we could always use more depth. I'm also not convinced that all of those fungible minor-leaguers are truly fungible - Charles Thomas, Bocachica, and Matt Watson aren't people I want to see on the major league roster, even as backups. So all other things being equal I don't mind adding someone like Stewart (or Embree, or even Erstad) to the pool of available players.

But roster spots are finite, and what I don't get about these moves is that they're taking a roster spot from a player who is just as (and possibly more) valuable. If Stewart makes the team it will most likely push Kielty or Johnson off. Kielty is out of options and just as good as Stewart at this point. Johnson might be a quad-A hitter (and still has an option year left), but he's also the only 1B we would have other than Swisher, so essentially we'd be trading depth we need at one position for depth we don't really need at another. So I'm as puzzled as you are as to how this move really makes the team better.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Feb 8, 2007 11:44 AM PST up reply actions

yes, granted to all points

Though with the larger issue of depth, while Beane has the last couple years built apparently deep rosters, the depth has generally been pretty sub-par, ineffective, and poorly managed.

I'd also argue that a signal and cost-effective strategy for managing depth would be the adoption of a (heh-heh) bleeding-edge wellness/flexibility/injury-prevention regime, but that's just me.

Astronauts wear diapers during launch and re-entry. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 8, 2007 11:59 AM PST up reply actions

Law of Averages ?? ..

.. We gotta have one healthy year dontcha think? Gosh the Tigers and WhiteSox hardly had any injuries last year -- well, I guess Placido Polanco hurt his shoulder near the end of the season but he did make it back to the playoffs and performed well, we weren't even healthy in the playoffs {Harden, Chavez, Crosby, Ellis} .. shucks we gotta have better luck one of these years !! :)

by Randy Bell on Feb 8, 2007 12:10 PM PST up reply actions

it may have been sub-par, ineffective and

poorly managed, but it's what kept what should have been one of the top teams in the league in playoff contention despite injuries, instead of mediocre (red sox) or totally crappy (cubs).

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 Feb 8, 2007 1:23 PM PST up reply actions

(also 2005 dodgers)

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 Feb 8, 2007 1:24 PM PST up reply actions

but that'll sort itself out in spring training

don't forget, the players write the lineups!
if DJ figures out how to hit, stewart should be the #4 OF.
we hope.

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 Feb 8, 2007 1:21 PM PST up reply actions

Embree signing was to ..

.. replace Kennedy in the pen since the A's knew after the loss of Zito that Kennedy was moving into the starting rotation .. just look at Embree's numbers last year, they were pretty good, IMHO ..

by Randy Bell on Feb 8, 2007 10:59 AM PST up reply actions

whoa, the news totally caught me by surprise

this morning!

i love the move though!

by gotgreen on Feb 8, 2007 8:10 AM PST reply actions

Great move.

It's like keeping a cheaper version of Payton that has better plate discipline.

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

by jeepers on Feb 8, 2007 8:25 AM PST reply actions

Wow, I finally got one right...

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2007/1/30/122015/484/1#1

I'm now batting above the "Antonio Perez Line"...which is 100 pts. behind this line

by Colorado Fan on Feb 8, 2007 8:32 AM PST reply actions

Feeling Two Ways

I like Shannon Stewart, I really do, strong bat who could lead the team in avg IF he stays health.
And there is my other feelilng.
As good of a deal as Stewart might be, do we really need another big IF on the team? Also, a lot of people are really happy about the depth this brings us, but I cannot be unconditionally happy knowing Stewart's feet are super questionable.
So....tempered optomisim?

by uiekazoo on Feb 8, 2007 9:56 AM PST reply actions

You mean a big OF

Stewart is a big OF, not IF.

"Fictional numbers are really effective for making your case." -Devo

by notsellingjeans on Feb 8, 2007 2:41 PM PST up reply actions

IF as in

IF he is healthy, not as in In Fielder. OH YEAH!

by uiekazoo on Feb 8, 2007 3:24 PM PST up reply actions

base salary

not sure if this was posted somewhere in here but stewart is getting $1 million guaranteed and an extra $1.5 million if he hits all the incentives. (link)

by gotgreen on Feb 8, 2007 1:46 PM PST reply actions

love this move, L-O-V-E it

This could be as good as the Thomas deal in its own way. Great insurance policy on our fragile outfielders, great all-incentives deal by BB, and if all goes well this guy could give us a .300+ effort. Always liked Stewart, when he was on the Twins he killed us. Sure he was hurt a couple of years but it's gonna help hgim getting off the turf and onto the friendly real grass. Versatile, driven player that can take over a game. I see him and Bradley learning from each other.

Stellar move, WOW.

Do we really need an excuse for more cellphone usage at baseball games?

by emperor nobody on Feb 8, 2007 2:37 PM PST reply actions

Stewart's projection

.281/.344/.402, 336 AB, 17 2B, 7 HR, 29:45 BB:SO

http://catfishstew.baseballtoaster.com/archives/588837.html

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Feb 8, 2007 3:08 PM PST reply actions

worth reposting somewhere else

by mikeA on Feb 8, 2007 3:47 PM PST up reply actions

jaypay? trot nixon?

hmm, that .746 OPS is pretty close to the obp-less .743 OPS payton put up last year...

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 Feb 8, 2007 3:54 PM PST up reply actions

bigelephant offers-

two trunks up on this signing.

this signing has huge upside. if stewart is hurt more often then he plays that's no big deal.

he's defense is suspect, in fact i'd say swisher is a better IF then stewart. but really this is a upgrade over what the clown can offer and probably DJ. i say DJ is on his way out of oaktown.

"Where you start is not as important as where you finish."- Zig Ziglar

by bigelephant on Feb 8, 2007 4:10 PM PST reply actions

Johnson's future

There does seem to be a disconnect between Billy's statements and Billy's actions. Billy has said he believes in Johnson, but has gone out and signed guys that will either compete with him for playing time or will allow Swisher to play 1st base. I would be very nervous if I were Johnson.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Feb 8, 2007 4:27 PM PST up reply actions

We would be selling very low on DJ...

if we traded him right now. If the guy has any chance of becoming a ML-quality first baseman, I think we have to try to let it happen with us, right now.
If we traded him now, we'd be giving up four and half years of cost control over a guy who may return to his 2005 numbers, which were more than serviceable for a first baseman. That's a hell of a sacrifice for a team like us.
We need DJ to reach his perceived potential. Arguably, we need that to break our way more than we need any other single thing this year, in terms of future planning. Our outfield doesn't hit well enough if it doesn't include Swisher.
Think about how valuable it is to have a first baseman who can hit 20 homers and make 400K. That's DJ's potential. It would be very hard to give up on that.
I think Beane is desperately hoping it will happen...and bracing himself for the chance it doesn't by surrounding himself with extreme backup options (Durazo, Stewart, etc. - guys who will only become significant factors as plans B or C if DJ does bust again.
But I don't think Beane was being coy when he said he's rooting for DJ. He is, more than he's rooting for any player. In a business sense - a cheap 1b - we need DJ to succeed more than any other player. Beane isn't looking to trade him. He's just covering his butt if DJ flounders.

"Fictional numbers are really effective for making your case." -Devo

by notsellingjeans on Feb 8, 2007 5:17 PM PST reply actions