Things Have Gone A Little Haywire

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 9:26 PM PDT in News Comment 125 comments

At the beginning of Spring Training, I don’t think there was a lot of talk about possible injuries to Dan Johnson and Esteban Loaiza, but here we are, on one of the last days before the season is to start, and it appears we need to rebuild the team a bit.

First piece of big, season-changing news (and take it any way you want) is that Dan Johnson has been placed on the DL, and it could be for a while (the rumor is up to three months). Most likely (but don’t hold me to it), Durazo will make the club, apparently having been trained in Marco Scutaro’s witchcraft, but other possibilities include starting Daric Barton at first, or moving Swisher there, and starting Travis Buck in the outfield.

I have no idea why Loaiza didn’t start tonight’s game. MLB.com is not being especially helpful tonight, and information out of the clubhouse is not forthcoming. However, we will be updating breaking news as soon as we learn about it. In the meantime, if you have seen Esteban Loaiza, could you please return him to either Sacramento or Oakland, or better yet, try to exchange him for Johan Santana first?

[UPDATE: Loaiza does appear to be hurt. No more info available yet.]

Another potential hot issue is the absence of Milton Bradley from center field. Having already lost one CF’er this year, I would think we’d rather not lose two. If the madness continues, I’d say it’s highly likely that we will not go the whole season without seeing Barton or Buck, and who knows? The way things are going, we might not start the season without at least one of them, and I would not be at all surprised for Beane to start dealing for another starting pitcher.

[UPDATE: Bradley had some tightness in his side, but hopefully is just day-to-day.]

Please feel free to chime in with any news as it becomes available. I’m waiting for the dust to settle. Have fun tomorrow, Nico!

Oh yeah, and there was a game tonight. Possible scores include 9-7, 8-6, 14-3, 156-45 (okay, I made that one up), but I think it was 11-10, in favor of the big kids. You don’t really care, do you? Well, except for the two homeruns by Swisher. I think that is what’s known as a little glimmer of hope.

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Hopefully Bradley and Loaiza are OK

.. Ruby to first, we can do it ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm more concerned about Loaiza's

absence than Bradley's. Bradley played yesterday and I expect to see him this weekend. (If he isn't there tomorrow then I'll start to worry.)

On the other hand, tonight was Loaiza's turn for a last spring training tuneup. His lack of velocity on his last start was a cause for concern, and we've heard that the right trapezius is acting up. Given that the plan is to start him between Haren and Harden, I'd say this is definitely a cause for concern.

by OaklandSi on Mar 29, 2007 9:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

As w/ DJ - might turn out as blessing in disguise

.. DJ's injury allows the A's to keep Ruby whereas they might well have lost Ruby with his minor league contract clause that allows him to look for work elsewhere if not on the opening mlb 25-man roster. If Loaiza is held up a bit, - reshuffled in the rotation - it might work out that Harden will pitch against the Angels after all, and maybe Blanton pitch against the Mariners .. we'll just wait and see ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

An injury is a possibility, but...

...the other possibility is that Loaiza may have elected to stay in Arizona and pitch in a minor league game today.

by Soaker on Mar 29, 2007 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

although the A's were playing minor leaguers today...

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

by rebus on Mar 29, 2007 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

true, though odd that no mention

the A's are typically very closed mouth about bad news, which is why some of us are worried

by OaklandSi on Mar 29, 2007 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no sh#%

Bud Selig is the bravest, kindest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.

by ak_A on Mar 29, 2007 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im a big fan of Ruby at first

We need that big bat, from that big bat position. Durazo has been knocking the cover off the ball in the Winter leagues, and he tore a whole in the ass of spring training. I just have so much more confidence with Durazo playing first, than I do with Johnson.

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Mar 29, 2007 9:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I Could go either way but Ruby ..

.. has been hitting well .. so the plus side of Ruby is the upgrade to our offense which we can use .. and hopefully DJ, like Kotsay, will be back mid-season ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Loaiza

Didn't I see something just after Loaiza's last start saying that his fastball velocity was around 5 MPH slower than usual? And wasn't that the big warning sign this time last year that things weren't right?

I am very worried.

by matthias on Mar 29, 2007 9:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

not only that

but there were reports that he was having trapezus issues once again.

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 Mar 29, 2007 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

only last year was left-trapezius?

and this year the right-trapezius? Or vice versa?

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

right trapezius this year ..

Who's on First?
Rick Hurd
Chin Music Baseball Blog

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i saw loaiza at a bar before the game

he was a bit behind schedule but said he would drive 130mph to get there on time.

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 Mar 29, 2007 9:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Final Score:

11-9

We all think we're much smarter than we really are...- Huston Street

by iloveoakland on Mar 29, 2007 9:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

pretty sure it was 11-0 A's over Cats

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

typo - 11 to 10

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep I just heard it on Cats' Radio: 11-10 final

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh.. Oaklandathletics.com

says 11-9

We all think we're much smarter than we really are...- Huston Street

by iloveoakland on Mar 29, 2007 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Mar 29, 2007 9:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You ain't gonna die!

Say the freakin' words!

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

by rebus on Mar 29, 2007 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sharon!!!!!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

baseballgirl!!!!!

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Mar 29, 2007 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Missed you!!!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ditto!!!

Why are we yelling?!?!

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Mar 29, 2007 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know!!!!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

SHARON!!!

Yeah, why ARE we yelling?

SHARON!!!

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 Mar 29, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

come on billy

when you bring back Goleski, why dont you just pick up C.C. Sabiathia in the Deal, and bring him back to the V town?

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Mar 29, 2007 9:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

loaiza...

went to spring training and saw loaiza pitch against the texas rangers in surprise on 3/24. he wasn't throwing very hard at all - 84 mph cutter was about all he could muster. he was junk balling but gave up 0 ER. The day before against the padres, i saw him standing in the outfield stretching. he kept rubbing his trapezeus, but i thought it was nothing at the time. didn't even connect it the next day when his velocity was off. hopefully, it truly is nothing.

by inbillywetrust on Mar 29, 2007 9:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

readjust the rotation?

.. might work out that Harden could pitch against the Angels after all, and maybe Blanton pitch against the Mariners .. we'll just wait and see ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that would be good in the short run

but I cringe at the way our rotation looks without Esteban.

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

by rebus on Mar 29, 2007 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed i was only thinking short-term until ..

.. whatever is ailing E-Lo works itself out ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ummm....bad news...

in his blog, rick hurd says that loaiza was scratched due to a trapezeus issue and that bradley was scratched due to tightness in a side muscle.

http://blogs.contracostatimes.com/ba...

by inbillywetrust on Mar 29, 2007 9:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

creepiest. web. banner. ever.

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

by rebus on Mar 29, 2007 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, there goes the season

we were only gunna win if we had everyone heatlhy...

We didn't even make it out of spring training yet, and we've already lost Kotsay, Johnson, Loaiza and Bradley.

by Zonis on Mar 29, 2007 9:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bradley will be okay...

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed sounds minor

precautionary move to let him rest today ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Bradley will be okay...

in August, I'm sure. In fact he'll probably be great.

by matthias on Mar 29, 2007 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

see Rick Hurd's blog

http://www.cctextra.com/blogs/baseba...

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed on bradley

sounds purely precautionary.

loaiza sounds more distressing. we're hoping to chose the less of evils between kennedy and halsey. looks like we get both, though kennedy may have redeemed himself with his last start.

sadly, this is all proof that we're reading way too much into meaningless spring training data points. luckily it's a long season.

by inbillywetrust on Mar 29, 2007 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

remember the Angels are a little banged up too ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

we have only lost Kots and DJ ..

.. for any long period of time .. and that might turn out to be a blessing in disguise ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dan Meyer

Where are ye? Please come back healthy and as the prospect you once were...

by Zonis on Mar 29, 2007 10:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If Loaiza goes down, who fills his spot?

I think Billy will try to troll the waiver wire and maybe pick up a very usable starter that is on the bubble elsewhere. I don't think he would make a trade, as a lot of talent will soon become available cheaply.

by elephantman on Mar 29, 2007 10:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

There's a guy from Tornoto

relief prospect though, Francisco Rosario I believe. I think we might be able to get him, and he's a good pitching prospect. Could be Gaudin part 2.

by Zonis on Mar 29, 2007 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could be worse.

Ruby will be a fine replacement for DJ, and we could do a lot worse than Halsey if they have to rest Loaiza a bit to get rid of the muscle issue.

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

by jeepers on Mar 29, 2007 10:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

agreed- this team has depth

.. we're not all gonna die, y'all quit panicking, hehe ...

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Relax, everyone.

The A's medical team is saying the season is just "day to day".

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 Mar 29, 2007 10:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

so he's dead?

by Zonis on Mar 29, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Furthermore...

the case of Godspell is saying that the A's season is "Day by Day."

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

by jeepers on Mar 29, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In my youth I was Grateful Day-to-Day Head

Perhaps there's Help on the Way.

"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." --Dr. Johnson

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Mar 29, 2007 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope so.

Otherwise, we might be looking at "Fire on the Mt. Davis."

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

by jeepers on Mar 29, 2007 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

question:

Did DiNardo get optioned to AAA? Shame...I would have liked to see him on the A's roster.

I need a new sig.

by Squeaky on Mar 29, 2007 10:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think he got optioned yet

but he might just get the spot if Loaiza's injured, since he was doing better then Halsey.

by Zonis on Mar 29, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When I read the game thread...

I was reminded of a chicken running around with its head cut off.

Ew.

I mean to say that I get the mental image of A's and ANers running around and yelling "Where is E-LO? Where is Bradley? Where am I? Why are we yelling?!"

Seems like the kind of day...

I need a new sig.

by Squeaky on Mar 29, 2007 10:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That WAS the game thread!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was tired just reading it

I need a new sig.

by Squeaky on Mar 29, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When it's down to me trying to handle PxP...

...it does not figure to be a very coherent game thread. My first and last attempt at that.

by Soaker on Mar 29, 2007 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You did well!!!

We needed you!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But was the chicken...

stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a goose stuffed inside a turkey stuffed inside a goat stuffed inside a cow?

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 29, 2007 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cogoturducken?

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

by jeepers on Mar 29, 2007 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, DJ being out could be good for his eyes

didn't he say something about trying to rush his eye therapy stuff during spring training? now if he's out for a while (which it seems he might be), he can really get that problem straightened out. just looking for any silver lining here. as for esteban and his possible trapezius injury...if he's not 100%, we better shut him down until he's healthy. we don't want a repeat of his first half of last year.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Mar 29, 2007 10:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed and I KEEP SAYIN ..

.. this could all be blessings in disguise, A's fans .. think positive!

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Be Glad ..

.. the A's organization has some depth .. other teams not so fortunate ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know what really stinks?

Starting the season with exactly 10 games in a row (thus requiring all 5 starters). It's as if the schedule makers looked at Oakland and said, "Hmm...How can we minimize revenue?...Maybe only one home Yankees series and we'll do it in April...and while we're at it how can we mess up their rotation as much as humanly possible?"

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 Mar 29, 2007 10:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

and make em travel all accross the country

like have them play in New York, then fly to Cleveland, then back to New York!

by Zonis on Mar 29, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

seriously

plus that weird NYY/CLE/NYM road trip with no off days in June.

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

by rebus on Mar 29, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whoa.

You guys just said that at the same time.

I need a new sig.

by Squeaky on Mar 29, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

weird.

and they don't even get a travel day to come home and host TOR the next day.

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

by rebus on Mar 29, 2007 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boston

Dont forget this one:

September 2007:

Sept. 20th - Off Day
Sept. 21st - @ Cleveland
Sept. 22nd - @ Cleveland
Sept. 23rd - @ Cleveland
Sept. 24th - Off Day
Sept. 25th - @ Boston
Sept. 26th - @ Boston
Sept. 27th - Off Day

Thanks for playin'.

by Colorado Fan on Mar 30, 2007 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just Start out with .500 as the goal ..

.. the A's have always been a 2nd-half team .. let's just concentrate on trying to play .500 ball until the weather gets hot and the A's get hot ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My goal IS .500

I just want half our players to stay off the disabled list.

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 Mar 29, 2007 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hehe ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would be funny if it wasn't so true

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's not so great

Since it'd be .500 on the DL plus .333 unavailable for 5-10 days at a stretch yet not quite bad enough to be DL'able.

"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." --Dr. Johnson

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Mar 29, 2007 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bipartisan Declaration: WE SHALL SURVIVE !!!

.. not wanting a CGV or anything, this is humor intended to encourage, not political -- but, I guess everyone knows I'm Republican, I am almost sure jeepers is Democrat -- Well now, me and jeepers are declaring it now, in unity, to all A's fans:

-------------- We're gonna be OK guys & gals !!!! ---------------

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I am jeepers

and I approve this message.

I prefer bleeding-heart commie, btw.

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

by jeepers on Mar 29, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

where did the loaiza update come from?

In the diary, it says "Update: Loaiza does appear to be hurt." Was something announced or was that from understanding he wouldn't pitch today?

by fadedash on Mar 29, 2007 10:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I was referring to the trapezius

He was supposed to start today & obviously this flared up...

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

me too, i thought all we knew was tightness ..

.. in the right trapezius ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 10:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that was the news

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 29, 2007 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Urban Strikes Back

Who here thinks that with the complete lack of updating on the A's site about things like Johnson & Loaiza that Urban is taking his revenge on AN by not giving us the details.

by DMOAS on Mar 29, 2007 11:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed. And Aces sucked!

:-)

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Mar 29, 2007 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah...

Gloopid Glurban and his tricks! I hear he's also responsible for global warming.

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

by rebus on Mar 29, 2007 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe tomorrow ..

.. there will be more info ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 29, 2007 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Johnson's injury might not be 3 months

At least, that blog linked some posts up mentions that there are new injury rules in effect which keep trainers from disclosing certain things. Three months for a tear sounds like an over-estimate, but I'm no doctor.

I think it's good information for the A's but is incredibly unfortunate for Johnson. This way they can keep a good candidate for the 1B spot instead of losing him, which was the likely scenario had he not made the team.

by RenoTy on Mar 29, 2007 11:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm looking forward to baseball like

I look forward to breathing, but dude. Can we please bribe Selig to put off the season for a month or two so the boys can heal?

This is agony.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Mar 29, 2007 11:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I dont get the we are ok with Ruby

stuff....Has anyone seen this dude actually play 1B? It's not pretty. Man, I know it won't happen, but if Im Beane, Im picking either Barton or Buck and letting them come up and play every day. Screw the arby clock and get them some time and experience. Either one, I don't care, but putting Durazo fulltime at 1B is not an answer for a team i care about long-term.

Chavy and Tejada and Giambi eventually thrived because they were brought up to play and allowed to have some struggles, but to learn from everyone in the clubhouse and see big league pitching every day......We have an open spot, let's at least use it to grow some young guys. Neither guy will learn THAT much facing AAA Chumps.

Barton or Buck......NOW.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Mar 29, 2007 11:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

pfft

that's what spring training is for. Barton and Buck are better off at AAA for now.

If Durazo ends up costing us too much defensively after a few weeks, a deal can be made for an outfielder or 1st baseman, but I doubt it will be necessary. It's not worth it to call up Barton or Buck just until June and then throw them back in AAA.

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

by rebus on Mar 29, 2007 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who said anything about throwing them back?

Bring Buck up and let him play.....Learning first hand from pros like Kendall and Chavez and Piazza and seeing MLB pitching day in and day out will make him a better player in 08 and beyond. The door has now been opened, the opporuntity is there....Give it to him.

We know what Durazo can do and it's ugly in the field and kind of good at the plate. Sounds like a nice guy off the bench a few times a week to spell guys.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Mar 30, 2007 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You may get your wish.

I don't think the A's want to take anyone off the 40-man roster to accmodate Durazo.

I'm not opposed to them bringing up Buck or Barton, though I think Durazo helps us more in the short term. Either way, the loss of DJ (which is really still the loss of Kotsay) is easily replaced at the bat.

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

by jeepers on Mar 29, 2007 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about bring up Buck AND Durazo

and sending down Perez?

Melhuse can spell C and 3B and Scutaro can spell 2nd and SS.

Durazo is WAY better off the bench than Perez.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 30, 2007 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

but melhuse sucks

perez is already backup CF, maybe he can become the backup C in the next two days?

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 Mar 30, 2007 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Catcher can't be hard to learn real quick right?

Just catch the ball and throw it back to Mr. Harden.....

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Mar 30, 2007 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it would be funny

to see Durazo play emergency third base.

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

by rebus on Mar 30, 2007 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

send Melhuse outta here

have Piazza catch every now and then, let Ruby DH those days. Perez might be more valuable because he can OF in a pinch

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

by closetasfan on Mar 30, 2007 6:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought about that last night.

The main problem with it is that Kotsay's going to be back in two months--when that happens, what do you do with Buck? Is it worth it for both the team and Buck to get two months here, but at the expense of a full arbitration year? With Bradley, Kotsay, and Stewart already in the OF, someone has to sit.

Durazo is nice because he costs nothing, he can stay here for two months without messing with our future plans, and either a) fetch something in a trade, or b) force a different roster move.

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

by jeepers on Mar 30, 2007 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt on DJ being easily replaced....

I just really like the idea of using this opportunity to let Buck play....What do we have to lose? 3 months of Durazo? Yawn..Id rather see what Buck can do...not like we are sitting some stud Veteran to make room for him.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Mar 30, 2007 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

aren't you underrating Durazo's bat?

we'd also lose him entirely if we leave him off the roster, whereas Buck and Barton will still be available as emergency insurance.

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

by rebus on Mar 30, 2007 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His bat is nice.....his glove ain't...

I'd love to keep Durazo as a guy to play 2-3 times a week and come off the bench to hit.....I would love that. Starting every day at a corner infield spot for an AL team that needs O? Nah, I dont think he does enough for that. Sure he had the one .320 season..btu over the course of his career, he is a .265/20 HR guy....That kind of defines dime a dozen in my mind.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Mar 30, 2007 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Durazo's bat is more than "nice"

It just doesn't make sense to go to Barton or Buck first, because if Durazo fails, you have prospects to bring up. If you bring up the prospects and they fail, you don't have a .900 OPS hitter lying around. They really aren't easy to come by.

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

by rebus on Mar 30, 2007 12:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed and i guess everyone can't be pleased ..

.. by that I mean, some of you have been clamoring for the A's to dump DJ, saying you much prefer Ruby -- now we got Ruby to replace DJ, and still not everyone is satisfied ... might I add, in agreement with rebus -- Durazo is a proven stud hitter at the MLB level, the others are not -- they are still just minor league prospects at this point ..

.. let's don't underestimate Ruby's potential with the bat, he could help us out a lot .. I still say this whole "mess" could, further down the line, turn out to be "blessing in disguise" because we would probably have lost Ruby forever if DJ had not gone down ..

.. and for crying out loud, Ruby isn't exactly an old man, he is only 32, that would be young for our geriatric AARP Big Brother across the Bay .. {g} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 30, 2007 6:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

40-man not an issue

Currently stands at 39 so adding Durazo is the simplest of paperwork.

Insert new, original, thought provoking sig line (...HERE...)

by grover on Mar 30, 2007 1:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good to know.

Thanks.

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

by jeepers on Mar 30, 2007 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

welcome

see... I post when it matters.

Insert new, original, thought provoking sig line (...HERE...)

by grover on Mar 30, 2007 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

40-man roster

In any case there would be the same issue with respect to Buck or Barton as with Durazo - none of them is currently on the roster.

Looking at the names, I'm not sure who the A's would feel comfortable bumping if they needed to add more than 1 guy to the list.

by Faust on Mar 30, 2007 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Off to bed.....Fun discussion...

Stuff like this makes this site great as people actually know their facts when they argue and discuss guys. Makes it fun. Can't wait for the season to start.....I really have no idea how this team will turn out..Some days I think 86 wins and competitive and others 76 wins and trading for prospects in July...Can't wait.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Mar 30, 2007 12:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A's Notes: What a Hacke!

Story is up, but Ray Hacke makes no mention of any injuries. Another story forthcoming?

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Mar 30, 2007 12:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

mychael urban using anonymous

name to post on the internet?

try a less obvious one next time, mychael!

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 Mar 30, 2007 12:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is all I can find on SF Chronicle site:

A's to place first baseman Johnson on DL

Athletics 11, River Cats 10

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 30, 2007 12:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Second Link Says:

Esteban Loaiza was scratched from his scheduled start for the Oakland Athletics on Thursday night because of tightness in his upper back and neck.

and ...

Center fielder Milton Bradley was also a late scratch after complaining of soreness in his right side before the game. Bradley, batting .395 this spring, took batting practice before the game but was held out after consulting with team trainers.

.. it does sound like Bradley's was a precautionary thing .. we'll see with Loaiza ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 30, 2007 12:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It does say

that he is day-to-day! Got that, people? Just day to day. Not going on the DL just yet. It's alright so far.

by Philip Christy on Mar 30, 2007 2:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh great,

who's responsible for killing him?

"Length matters, and if anyone tells you otherwise they're just trying to spare your feelings."-green star oakland

by F171615 on Mar 30, 2007 3:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm very disappointed in you.

You've been here long enough to know that day-to-day = dead.

Pay attention!

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 30, 2007 6:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We just lost the season...

ok well the A's didn't just lose the season... it was pretty gradual. Things were very iffy before spring started. Now that guys are going down 3 at a time... it will not be long before everybody gets hit by the perennial back breaking injury bug. The A's are less than mediocre now, I would not be surprised if they were swept out of Seattle in the opening series.

With the Oakland A's, the intravenous drip is always half full!

by OaktownRajah on Mar 30, 2007 3:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

how can we lose it?

whe we havn't played a game yet?

ALLEZ LES A'S!!!

by J Rod on Mar 30, 2007 5:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep Your Chin Up ..

.. C'Mon, we still have good pitching and this team has some depth .. As I see it, guys are not "going down 3 at a time" -- we have lost Kotsay and DJ for what, 2 or 3 months, and Loaiza has some tightness in his right-trap and shoulder. Halsey was going to have to be sent down to AAA, he could fill the gap if Loaiza misses some starts early in the season. Just look at the Angels, they have issues too, they are quite banged up also going into the season. It's a long season, don't get down in the dumps too early.

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 30, 2007 5:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i know durazo's D is a question mark

but from what i've heard,buck in RF isn't a pretty sight either,and barton still has a lot to learn at 1B.

ALLEZ LES A'S!!!

by J Rod on Mar 30, 2007 5:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

and his bat has been very good in ST ..

.. even in the winterball he was swinging the bat well ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 30, 2007 5:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crap.

I think I need to start paying attention to the game threads.

"I think they're confusing sex with "Dance Dance Revolution," which might explain the reluctance."-mikeA

by Jennifer on Mar 30, 2007 6:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's your fault!

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 30, 2007 6:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably.

"I think they're confusing sex with "Dance Dance Revolution," which might explain the reluctance."-mikeA

by Jennifer on Mar 30, 2007 6:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This Episode Should Remind Us Once Again ..

.. you can never have too much depth! ...

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 30, 2007 6:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

roteworld.com reports

Esteban Loaiza experienced tightness in his right trapezius muscle Thursday and had to be scratched from his scheduled start, the same injury that forced him out on March 9.

He played catch about an hour before the game but never warmed up for his start. He will be re-evaluated on Friday. If the tightness remains, there's a possibility Loaiza could start the season on the disabled list.
Source: Contra Costa Times

by WhatElse on Mar 30, 2007 9:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs