Observations
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 9, 2007 12:37 PM PDT
in News
83 comments
The season is seven games old and we've already learned a few things about the Oakland A's. I know, I know one of the mantras of AN is small sample size, but we can make a few observations, can't we?
- First and foremost, being the "ace" of the staff isn't always necessarily a good thing. In Danny Haren's case, it means an 0-2 record despite a 0.69 ERA and pitching just as well as either of the two aces that he's pitched against so far. It means matching up against guys like Lackey and Hernandez on a regular basis, at least for the first few weeks.
- I never would've guessed, even this early in the year, that Joe Blanton would have double the strikeouts of Haren. Blanton hasn't been a strikeout pitcher in his career and I assume this is one of those stats that will quickly rectify itself.
- Judging by the early season, it looks like Alan Embree is going to be someone that Bob Geren relies heavily on this year. Embree has already been in the game several times during some of the most crucial early season moments. And Embree has rewarded Geren for this trust so far. I don't think that Embree is going to be used as a LOOGY either, which gives the A's a more versatile pen.
- The A's are still going to be injury-riddled. It just seems to be the collection of players that they've assembled and their tendencies. Bradley has had a "side problem" which made me cringe when I heard it. Hopefully that doesn't continue and we see Todd Walker at first and Swisher in center too often.
- Speaking of Swisher, his approach at the plate has been great, which could explain why he's come out so fast. I've also liked Crosby's approach. He hasn't had as much early season success, but if he continues to be willing to go the other way, he's going to be fine in the batter's box. Remember there's a couple of things about Crosby this year we have to acknowledge. First, this is basically his third season even though he made appearances all the way back in 2003 because of his injury issues. He is also essentially going through his spring training now given how limited his appearances were in Phoenix. We'll see if his new approach continues though or if he goes back to trying to screw himself into the ground.
- And what can you say about Mike Piazza? The guy has taken to DHing like a fish to water so far. And the pitchers have tried to get him out every which way, whether it's been the fastball or offspeed stuff. It hasn't mattered as Piazza has come out of the gates raking.
As for what we already knew...
- The A's just seem to struggle with RISP no matter what. Perhaps this will change, but I'm not expecting it to.
- The A's have no true leadoff hitter. Kendall hasn't hit coming out of the gate and Shannon Stewart hasn't been that much better. This could be the weakest part of the A's lineup unless they want to basically switch Ellis and Kendall. I know Kendall will come around, but if he's not getting on base, he's a useless offensive player.
- If the A's are going to win a lot of games this year, it's going to be in the later innings. Their offense just isn't that potent and they're going to have to depend on quality starting pitching and a bullpen that will hopefully be able to outclass most others in baseball. Expect a lot of 2-1, 3-2, 4-2 games this year and not too many of the 9-0 snow jobs you saw in Seattle.
There isn't that much to get from seven games, but these are the things that jump out at me so far. How about you?
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I Pretty Much Agree
One thing I do like is that the A's are not in awe of the Angels. And the Angels know it.
by RudiFan on Apr 9, 2007 12:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, and why should they be?
The Angels are just not that much better than us, if at all .. so why should we be in awe of them? We want to beat those suckers, hehe ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love me some Embree
Although relationships can go the other way in a hurry, I really believe Embree is the biggest surprise this early season with Piazza coming in 2nd.
It will be nice to see a manager who doesn't "freak out" when he doesn't have a righty/lefty matchup but, instead, the best pitcher for the situation. Le freak say Chic!
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 9, 2007 12:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
one thing that jumps out at me
is that Geren really is being more aggressive on the base paths.
6 SB attempts so far puts them at #7 (I think) in all of baseball.
He's been doing it at the right situations too. 2 outs, runner at 1B with Kendall at the plate. I can't see how you don't try to steal in situations like that, but Macha wouldn't do it that often.
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess I should read the other posts
prior to posting. Needless to say, I agree with fadedash.
by RayRay59 on Apr 9, 2007 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
More Aggressive on the Bases
It definitely appears that the A's are going to be more aggressive on the basepaths. No, not Schiosa/Ozzie Guillen aggressive/stupid, but more agressive than we're used to, which I think is a good thing. My opinion may change should we start giving away outs, but for now, I'm loving it.
by RayRay59 on Apr 9, 2007 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Some other observations
- The loss of Zito isn't going to hurt the A's. His ERA is now above 8 for the Giants, and he's 0-2 after getting banged around in both of his first starts on the wrong side of the Bay.
- The loss of Frank Thomas isn't going to hurt the A's. Piazza leads the league in hits, and he can hit anybody, anytime. And he runs like a turbo-charged beer truck, not a regular beer truck.
- Chad Gaudin has the stuff to be a big-league starter, and pitching on a regular basis improves his control, the only weakness in his game in the past. When he's got a full four-pitch repertoire, watch out AL.
- Base running is hard. Your coaches and your runners and your hitter all need to be on the same page, and when it goes wrong you look like a bunch of morons.
- Infield defense has taken a dive post-Wash and won't fully recover.
- Bobby Crosby isn't 100% and Geren needs to treat him accordingly. If you got runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs and Crosby coming up, pinch hit Mr. Clutch Scutaro for him, at least during April. Re-evaluate in May.
- Nick Swisher can hit with RISP.
- Jason Kendall can throw out stealing Angels and then rub their face in it by stealing bases himself. That's because he's the ultimate gamer.
- Lackey and K-Fraud are the King and Queen of Bush League behavior.
by BubbaDude on Apr 9, 2007 1:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A disagreement or two
The infield defense doesn't suck because Wash isn't here. These are professional players who don't just forget all the lessons over winter. There must be another reason for all the errors.
by GlassHeart on Apr 9, 2007 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
more proof against Ron Washington
Texas has 5 errors in 6 games (Oakland has 5 errors in 7 games).
Furthermore, 4 of the 5 errors have come from the infield.
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on
Washington has worked with Texas's infield for a little over two months. While it's too early to say definitively that the A's miss Washington, you cannot expect him to improve Texas's infield in that amount of time. Anyone that can turn Hatteburg into a decent first baseman shouldn't be questioned after only two months.
by IndianaAsfan on Apr 9, 2007 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Wash is the Team coach
not just infield. Has a wider role than with the A's
by MobiusKlein on Apr 9, 2007 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you obviously didnt get it
saying Washington has impacted the A's defense right now has as much basis ans saying Washington has impacted Tex's D right now.
in other words, there is none.
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zito's past it
These two dudes on KNBR were saying Zito and Haren used to be good buddies, but they're not speaking to each other because of the Sanjaya controversy. Haren calls in and votes for Sanjaya 50 times a week, but Zito thinks the whole "vote for the worst" thing is wrong and immoral.
I like Haren's attitude a lot better.
But frankly, Zito's numbers have been declining for several years now and once that starts, only steroids can change it. Yoga just isn't powerful enough.
And on the defense thing, I don't think Geren emphasizes it as much as Macha/Wash did. There are other dimensions to the game that need more attention in Oakland, such as base running, and there's only so many hours in a day.
by BubbaDude on Apr 9, 2007 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keep in mind, too
that Zito is facing all new batters. For someone who studies opposing lineups as much as Barry, that's a big hurdle to overcome. Once he starts learning how to pitch various NL players, watch out!
by atomopawn on Apr 9, 2007 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keep in mind too
These new batters are also facing Zito for the first time. In that scenario, I say the pitcher has the upper hand. Why else would a lot of pitchers have exceptional rookie seasons only to regress the next year? As an example, I highly doubt Jered Weaver is going to pitch nearly as well as he did last year.
To be frank, Zito is a highly overrated pitcher: better than average, but not great. His greatest asset is his consistency with his workload. I'm going to be surprised if his ERA is lower than 4, even in a weak hitting division with pitcher-friendly stadiums. I'd choose Haren and Harden over Zito (without even factoring money) any day.
by jayefbe on Apr 9, 2007 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yet to play at home
Sample size skewed by the fact we have our home opener tonight. I expect 1-2 to start setting the table a lot better starting tonight.
by eshock on Apr 9, 2007 1:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
At what point do the Crosby excuses stop?
Seriously. I feel like it's groundhog day/year all over again with that guy.
Please Randy, don't respond by bring up his ROY (weak candidates) and the fact the A's one a few games in '05 when Crosby happened to be healthy (purely random). Crosby is who I think he is(inconsistent and injury prone). Now if everybody but the women can see this, I'll be a happy man. Thanks.
That be said, I agree with all your points....
by Bacon on Apr 9, 2007 1:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think you (and others) are being too impatient
.. as a fan ..
It's a long season, give it some time: if Bobby has another under-performing, inconsistent, injury-plagued year, then I'll agree with you.
I'm just as entitled to defend Bobby at this point, are you are to criticize. If he has another bad year, I'll join your side, although even with disappointing players I don't like to be too critical.
I sort of feel the same way about Rich Harden. He still has yet to prove himself, just as Crosby still has something to prove.
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good to hear you jump from the bandwagon when
Crosby pulls an '06 in '07. Thanks....
As far as the Rich comparison goes, at least he's performed exceptionally well when healthy, Crosby on the other hand....sad....
by Bacon on Apr 9, 2007 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's not a bandwagon, if anything ..
.. the anti-crosby sentiment seems like more of a bandwagon from my perspective ..
.. I'm probably taking an unpopular side when I step in and say, "Guys let's wait a little longer before placing the nail on Bobby's (oakland career) coffin" ..
I may have egg on my face by season's end, but I have a feeling the A's are very under-rated this year, and A's fans are going to have a pleasant surprise ..
.. (in other words) I think this is a very good ball-club. Just wait 'til summer heats up and they really fire on all cylinders ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont see anything wrong with that..
we haven't seen a full and healthy year from crosby.
without any other viable option at ss (scutaro does not count) why not give him one more chance and see what he can do in a healthy season. if he can't stay healthy, or if he does stay healthy but stinks it up, then you can easily move on.
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hang on
The reason there is no "viable" alternative is because the FO has not gone out and procured such a player. The A's are doing more than giving him a chance, they're betting the season on an unreliable player changing his ways.
by grover on Apr 9, 2007 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, the reason there is no alternative
is because they don't have anyone else ready to step in. I'm sure ideally they would have liked to have Cliff Pennington in AAA this year, but he's stll a ways away (if he'll ever make it). They have Donnie Murphy playing games at SS now, right?
What realistic opportunity was there for them to go out and get an impact SS? They made the right choice by going with Piazza for 1 year instead of someone like Lugo for multiple years.
They're betting their season on a lot more things than just Crosby changing his ways.
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
An impact SS?
Let's start with having a sound defensive option available for 162 games a season, once that's available we can start looking for "impact". And best case scenario would have had Cliff Pennington in AAA by April, 07. The "ideal" scenario probably had MoneyPenny in Midland at this time.
But I digress.
Aside from Rich Harden, the A's feature a rotation that pitches to contact. The better the defense, the better (typically) the results from the pitching staff. I agree with you, Marco Scutaro IS NOT an ideal long term alternative at SS. Therefore, having average or below defense at a key defensive position like SS undermines the greatest strength on the ballclub: the pitching. I could live with Crosby's over-hyped bat if he could just stay on the field and provide good defense. Historically though, staying on the field has not been one of Crosby's strong suits.
How's he doing this year?
by grover on Apr 9, 2007 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what's the difference
between "ideal" and "best case"?
you obviously just want to argue semantics. i'll leave you to it.
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best Case means
if everything goes amazingly right than maybe, if he has a great AFL and ST, Pennington could start 2007 in AAA.
Ideal means if he has a good year in 2006 he'll finish the year in AA and in all probability will go back there to start 2007.
If wishes were ponies than maybe the A's could have hoped for Pennington to be ready for the Show by the middle of 2007, but a more realistic date would have been 2008.
by grover on Apr 9, 2007 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is unfair
You have the right to presume Crosby is going to have a bad year. He may, he may not. But it's unfair to presume you know what Randy's opinion is going to be.
by Ray of Lite on Apr 9, 2007 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hehe it's OK because they're A's fans and ..
.. I love 'em .. anybody who roots for the green & gold, you are my allies .. we can disagree about players, - I'm for any lineup, any strategy, that brings us the 'W' ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not presuming when one states said opinion
on a blog numerous times.
by Bacon on Apr 9, 2007 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he was referring to my FUTURE opinion
.. I thought he meant presumption of what my future opinion will be .. but I may have misread his post ... Anyway it doesn't matter, I'm not offended by disagreement, we're all fans, that's cool ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's easy (and safe) to assume ones future
opinion if one has access to ones past opinions. Therefore, I can safely assume you'll continue to pound the table when it comes to Crosby, and I on the other hand, think he'll continue to be injured and underperforming.
by Bacon on Apr 9, 2007 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No I won't {grin}
I'll tell you something. I have a confession to make. I once {last-yr} called Buan's extra innings show and asked him what he thought about trading Rich Harden. I felt really foolish about that soon after. I may have a swift change of heart toward BobbyC if he continues to be one of the Walking Wounded of our beloved A's ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I was referring to his future opinion
I should have made my point more clearly.
by Ray of Lite on Apr 9, 2007 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and your solution?
What solution do you have for Crosby? He's better than Scutaro in every way. We don't have anyone in the wings at SS that's ready to play. You can say what you want about Crosby but whenever he can play he'll be at SS. And I know you're not trying to tell me his 22 HR in '04 and his OPS of .802 in '05 isn't impressive. Bottomline is he's our man at SS for '07, for better or for worse.
by methodrampage on Apr 9, 2007 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is our SS for better or worse (unfortunately).
That being said, I'm tired of the "he's turning it around soon" or "he hasn't had a chance to perform" comments.
No other player on the A's gets cut as much slack as Crosby. He is what he is (.250avg, 15hr, 53RBI). nothing more, nothing less....
by Bacon on Apr 9, 2007 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But will Bacon repent? {grin}
.. if Crosby were to go, say, (.250avg, 20hr, 75 RBI) -- and play good defense? Would that change your mind about him? I just want him to do well for our team's sake, and {as both sides agree) he's all we got right now at SS ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With those numbers, I'll repent. Wanting
something to happen and objectively thinking something will happen are totally different. I want all our players to hit 1.000/1000hr/6000rbi but I don't rationally think that's going to happen.
by Bacon on Apr 9, 2007 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's likely but ..
.. I think it is possible .. the average quoted may be a little high, since in his rookie year he didn't have a very good average ... We agree that we want him to do good since he's all we got anyway -- unless you're one of the ones who think Scutaro is a better SS and should play full-time which I don't think you are ..
Bacon, even if Crosby totally sucks wind this year, I am just too romantic towards our players, as you seem to suggest (observe) about me -- it isn't anything personal -- I'm reluctant to speak too negatively about A's players even if they deserve it.
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Execution of fundamentals
If the A's really decide they're going to do more of the small things this year (bunt, steal, hit and run etc.), then they better be sure to do it right. I'm not sure if Ellis failing to put the bunt the bunt down two nights in a row is an isolated incident or not but the A's seem to need a little more work on that. Also, smart baserunning seems to be lacking (Swish failing to go to second after the Chavez rundown).
And is it just me or does the defense seem less than sharp lately? I'm not just talking about the Crosby errors, it also seems like Chavvy isn't as sharp in the field as he usually is. Just off the top of my head: failing to properly pick the grounder the last game and therefore not able to turn the double play.
I'm still not confident about our chances against the Angels this year (once Colon and Weaver comes back, I think their rotation is far better than ours, even with Harden). It's important for the A's to get to a good start this year when the Angels aren't at full strength yet.
by lenscrafters on Apr 9, 2007 2:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They will be fine ..
- Ellis is one of the best bunters on the team. He did put down a successful bunt in Seattle, but failed in Anaheim. He's human. But things even out over time.
- Give the defense time too. Chavy is a six-time (in a row) gold glover, no worries there, he'll be fine. Crosby hasn't reached any rhythm yet but he usually is a good defender regardless of his offense. Ellis has been good and Swish is coming along. Defense is probably a bit rusty coming out of ST.
- Ditto (even more so) for Crosby. As blez said above, he missed much of last two seasons and did not get a full ST either. He played no winter ball nor did any baseball activity in off-season just trying to heal up from his back injury.
- Reminds me of how Frank Thomas last year was coming off the same way, his two past seasons wasted to ankle injuries, his timing off, and in April-May they were calling him "Big Popup" on Buan's show in mockery of his Big Hurt image. AND, Thomas was treated gingerly in ST last year just as Crosby was this year.
- Fans including myself tend to be impatient and want performance now. We have to give our guys time to perform at the level we know they can. It's a long long season.
- "Bart" Colon has been hurt for, what, a year and a half? No guarantee he will be the same old dominant "Bart". Same with Jered Weaver, he is entering his sophomore year and his older brother had a history of starting off promising career then flaming out, so jury still out on him.
- We can beat the Halos, keep your chin up and don't concede the season until the Angels' final (clinching) out, god forbid that it should ever happen. I prefer to see the A's get their clinching out, hehe ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
so colon and weaver's injuries
mean that they might not be the same players again and could flame out, but crosby missing all that time means "don't worry, give him time, he'll be fine"
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
just trying to offer hope
.. rather than be negative about our team's chances or about its players .. Definitely mine is a biased opinion because I want things to go our way.
Colon and Weaver might be lights out and the Angels may win the division by ten games {which is what I've read some commentators predict, btw}.
fadedash why do you go out of your way to bait people? First nico, now me .. you have a talent, you'ven made it an art ..
Knock it off!
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm not baiting anyone
simply asking why one way and not the other. did i say anything specifically about you? did i make any personal attacks?
i was proving a point and you helped make it . people think in order to be a loyal a's fan you have to be positive.
we can't be "negative" on certain issues and still hope and be loyal fans at the same time?
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course people can be both ..
.. ardent athletics fans yet have negative opinions about some players ..
Your post came across that way, but I'm sorry for over-reacting.
Definitely I am very biased: I want Crosby to get healthy, get in a groove, play good defense, hit with power, etc. I want our whole team to succeed.
And while I don't wish the Angels' players to be injured, I do wish them and their team to fail, heh.
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i want that as well
in fact, right above, i'm pretty much in agreement with you on Crosby. He hasn't had the best of opportunities because of his health and he deserves a chance to prove that he can be healthy, and when healthy, he can have a good year. But if he can't do either of those this year, it's time to find another option.
What I can't see, however, is how his healthy year will be more valuable than Colon and Weaver's returns from injury. And that's why I was wondering why you were so optimistic on Crosby but not so much on Colon/Weaver, that's all.
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wishful Thinking: I want it to go our way
You're right, I'm hoping Crosby will prove valuable to us whilst Colon and Weaver not so valuable to the opposition.
I was wondering why you were so optimistic on Crosby but not so much on Colon/Weaver, that's all.
I did hear that Colon's velocity is down. Eric Gagne's too, but it doesn't mean they won't be effective. We'll see ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
{forgot to say} I did see your other post
.. afterwards, after this one .. definitely agree and appreciate that! :) Quoting you below:
we haven't seen a full and healthy year from crosby. without any other viable option at ss (scutaro does not count) why not give him one more chance and see what he can do in a healthy season.
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crosby
What is everyone expecting from Crosby at this point in the season? Not a lot, I hope.
I've gotten what I've expected so far. The guy has been hurt for 7-8 Months, sitting on a couch, rehabbing, and barely playing any baseball. He's showing a lot of rust (obviously) at the plate, and especially in the field.
By seasons end, I expect Crosby to have a.245 - .255 Average, with about 15-20 Jacks... and most importantly, play a solid SS. If Scutaro is our everyday SS, we're going to lose more games.
by Colorado Fan on Apr 9, 2007 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Crosby can deliver that
then there's no reason he shouldn't be the #1 option at SS next year.
But if Crosby can't stay healthy, can't improve his shaky D, or can't hit .255 with 20 HRs, then why bother with him next year?
Personally, I feel the same way about Ellis, even though his glove is amazing. If he doesn't show any offensive improvements this year, is his option work picking up? Especially if Scutaro (who's D is easily above average at 2B) has the kind of OBP year he had last year?
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel that way about Ellis too...
There is no player on the A's who I want to see succeed more so than Ellis. For one, his last name is my first name, and I can't help but root for the guy. Second base is my favorite position to play, and I love watching Ellie putting on his clinic every game.
But if he can't increase his effectiveness at the plate to the point where he's hitting higher than ninth in a lineup with Buck and Kendall, than I can't think of any better option than to move him along and find a better plan at second.
by Elvez on Apr 9, 2007 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitchers are much more injury prone than SS
Harden has missed tons of time. So have Prior, Wood, Mulder, Hudson, Liriano, Burnett, Martinez...the list is practically endless. All of these guys are A-1 aces who may never attain that status again -- some, like Prior and Liriano and Martinez, may never pitch in the majors again. Mulder may never be any good.
There's a long history of pitchers' injuries ruining careers. There's less of a pattern with position players. So it's natural for Colon's and even Weaver's situations to put up red flags -- the red flag for Crosby is the back (which is a very very troublesome injury), but position players are less likely historically to have to retire because of injury than pitchers are.
by Nick on Apr 9, 2007 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Was Mainly Thinking of What I'd Heard about ..
.. Colon's drop in velocity .. he has always been a power pitcher so I'm wondering, if he has lost velocity, whether he will be as dominant or overpowering as he was before the injuries ..
.. also "Mossback" of AN {in two previous posts} was the first to draw the parallel between Jered Weaver and his older brother - which I thought was interesting ..
.. and fadedash has a point, that I'm hoping for a rosy outcome for our shortstop Crosby, and not-so-rosy outcome for the Angels' pitchers Colon and Weaver ..
.. I admit that I am biased. Bacon has sort of exposed me as a bit of a "romantic" when A's players are concerned {or at least, for now, with Crosby} ..
.. I have to plead guilty to all those things: i) I am a fanatic who is very very biased for my A's; ii) I am a romantic who wants the "glass half full" to tip in favor of the A's players and to tip contrarily for the A's opposition .. {grin} ..
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the exception of a back injury
Position players who injure their back (not to mention any names, Kotsay) find coming back very difficult. Ron Kittle was a ROY before injuring his back and falling off dramatically before he eventually had to retire due to his back. Mattingly is another who's production was affected by a back injury. I would say a back injury for a position player is a serious issue to try and come back from. Maybe not as serious as Mulder's or Pedro's (or Hampton - another year down for him), but a red flag nonetheless.
by IndianaAsfan on Apr 9, 2007 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ellis = one of the best bunters?!
Yikes, is there any evidence of that? And being one of the best bunters on the A's isn't much of an achievement. I'm still mad that Ellis couldn't get that bunt down in the playoffs a couple of years back. It seems like the A's have had problems with a few of the fundamental things, such as bunting, scoring runners from third with less than two outs, moving runners over, etc. Granted the utility of some of those things is less than others, but I sure hope we can hit some fly balls with runners on third this year.
Also, I know it's early, but doesn't it seem like something is wrong with the batting order when Piazza leads the league in hits, and had a ridiculous four game stretch against the Angels where he was 10-16 and only had one rbi (which came on a solo homerun). I don't know, but this stat makes me a little angry. Maybe I'm wrong, though.
by RayRay59 on Apr 9, 2007 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm with randy on crosby
i've seen all his AB and i like what i've seen even if the numbers aren't there yet.
As for the infield,chavez,ellis and swisher are all fine,even kendall has been throwing out runners.Crosby is just a bit rusty and scutaro,no matter what tv annoucers will tell you,was never that good defensively at SS.
by J Rod on Apr 9, 2007 2:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
thanks j rod and i'll qualify with caveat:
It's not good having to require a bench player to play the high percentage that Scutaro has been playing these past three years mainly because of Crosby's inability to say on the field. {There was the whole year he filled in for Ellis, too}. If Crosby cannot stay healthy, definitely even his most diehard defenders have to admit we gotta go another direction. That said, I do think that Scutaro's best position is 2nd-base, as he doesn't have shortstop's arm nor range - but he is a fantastic "super-sub", very good player who can play all infield positions if necessary - we are lucky to have him on our bench!
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duke is a STUD
We all knew this last year, but the man (knock on wood) has been lights out.
by nfadil4 on Apr 9, 2007 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
duke
didn't seem to be hurt by his limited spring training efforts
by inbillywetrust on Apr 9, 2007 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, someone had to
Sample size.
Sample size, sample size, sample size.
Which, of course, as Blez so eloquently pointed out, doesn't mean people can't share their observations.
I'm just not going to put a lick of stock into any of em until we've been playing for a month and a half.
Except for Crosby. You're all wrong about him. He's awful and a horrible human being. ;-)
by walk off bunt on Apr 9, 2007 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
(Crosby) he eats babies too {grin}
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And he's all to blame for global warming
by doctorK on Apr 9, 2007 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
can anybody quantify how good andruw jones...
is defensively?
his ZR and RF from espn.com don't seem to put him at the top of raw defensive stats. are giants fans (who want to sign/trade for him this off season) off their rocker? is there a flaw in those stats and does someone have more reputable data?
by inbillywetrust on Apr 9, 2007 3:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
how about Gold Gloves
I know Gold Gloves aren't the be-all-end-all when it comes to being the best player at you're position for a given year (see Mark Ellis in '06). But when a guy has 8 gold gloves he tends to be pretty solid in the outfield. But I think the fact that he's averaged just shy of 34 HR's a year for the last 10 years is pretty impressive for a CF. But then again you're talking about the Giants.
by methodrampage on Apr 9, 2007 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
totally agree
but that's all backward looking. i'm curious if his range is slipping or if his arm is weakening? he's not exactly a spring chicken any more and certainly won't be at the end of his next 3-4 yr contract.
by inbillywetrust on Apr 9, 2007 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't Resist ..
.. to say, "Older and in decline" - fits the Giants plans just fine! .. {g} ..
but that's all backward looking. i'm curious if his range is slipping or if his arm is weakening? he's not exactly a spring chicken any more and certainly won't be at the end of his next 3-4 yr contract.
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm,
by this logic good ole Derek Jeter is a good shortstop. I mean, he has three gold gloves.
Andruw Jones is just not a great defensive centerfielder anymore. Some stats suggest he might not even be a particularly good centerfielder anymore. That being said, he is still a pretty great offensive centerfielder, which more than makes up for his slipping defense.
by RayRay59 on Apr 9, 2007 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Derek Jeter
isn't a pretty solid defensive SS? That's all I said Jones was, pretty solid.
by methodrampage on Apr 9, 2007 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Believe it or not
He's not. He was notoriously bad up until a couple years ago when he started winning the GG's, by which time he had improved to "kinda average."
Of course, you can choose not to believe the metrics. But scouts have been down on him for his terrible range for a long time too.
by walk off bunt on Apr 9, 2007 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
fielding win shares (fws) might be better
Andruw's FWS and OF Rank (MLB)
- 7.2, #1
- 5.8, #7
- 5.0, #9
It shows that he's one of the better defensive outfielders in all of baseball, but also shows that he's been declining for 3 straight years.
However, like most defensive metrics, you have to observe it with caution.
Here's a few of the notable players that, according to FWS, had better defensive years than Jones:
- Brady Clark
- Juan Pierre, Randy Winn
by fadedash on Apr 9, 2007 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jones, has lost quite a bit of range, as he seems
to be a lot bigger, not quite Barry Bond's bigger, but significantly larger than he was 3 years ago. His HR's have increased, but his range has decreased. With that huge yard at the Phone, he won't be making as many web gem catches, he will be huffing and puffing as the ball hits off the wall
by theblackpearl on Apr 9, 2007 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can someone please remind me . . .
what LOOGY stands for again?
by migueltejada on Apr 9, 2007 3:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Certainly
Left handed One Out GuY
by walk off bunt on Apr 9, 2007 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the 07 A's
Piazza is the man! The hits just keep on coming. One observation is that he is not the fleetest of feet, even though he's a lot better than big hurt at running. I remember seeing Piazza's first double in Seattle, his legs and arms were moving frantically, but the body didn't seem to be moving very fast along the base path. Also hopefully when the weather warms up, The Pizza man will be making more "home" deliveries.
Crosby is looking better. He still swings very hard, but I like the outs he made in Sunday's game, warning track right center field. If he keeps on hitting it to opposite field, I like his chances.
Buck still worries me with his strike outs (10 in 17 AB).
Their pitching is solid, no one flashy (maybe Harden), no Zumaya 100 MPH fast ball type, but they get guys out. I like their WHIP a lot. Get Loaiza back, bump Witasick out, and we are set. This pitching staff is playoff caliber.
However, overall the offense is not ready to challenge for a deep post season run yet, judging by the difficulties they have had scoring runs against good pitching right now. Once guys like Crosby and Buck can be more consistent doubles hitters, they can potentially single and double any team to death, but they just don't have anyone someone like David Ortiz or Ryan Howard type of home run hitters. They have 3 guys with 30 HR power (Piazza, Chavey, Swisher), 4-5 guys with 10-20 HR power (Bradley, Crosby, Ellis and Stewart, Kielty), they will be fun to watch, and with a little luck, could go deep like the Tigers did last year.
by asfansince1989 on Apr 9, 2007 3:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i like it too!
This part is for sure:
they will be fun to watch
This part we wish:
and with a little luck, could go deep like the Tigers did last year.
But it will be enjoyable to watch! :)
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also glad we didn't keep Zito
At least last year he got the bad outing out in the first game. Feel bad for the Giants fans. Serves the team right, they got what they deserved. They want people to trade in A's Zito jerseys for free Giants tickets. I don't understand why that organization is so hostile towards the A's.
by asfansince1989 on Apr 9, 2007 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure if they are hostile ..
- KNBR fairly often interviews A's players and coaches. I don't get the impression they are hostile, they seem friendly enough.
- I didn't interpret the jersey thing as hostility, but rather like "turning over a new leaf", as in "Zito plays for us now".
- If anything there could be some jealousy of the A's success. Since coming to Oakland, - four W.S. championships, lost in two other W.S. - not to mention all the divisional championships.
What I don't understand is the Giants' continuance of a dead-end strategy with:
- Weak neglected farm system
- Dependence on aging free agents
- Bonds enslavement, poor trades
- 126-mil for Zito
and so forth. But that is their business. I am glad the A's have such quality staff, minor-league system, coaches, GM, player development, etc. - with which the A's won't be out of contention year after year the way their brethren across the bay seem to be destined to be .. ;-(
by Randy Bell on Apr 9, 2007 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's more like disdain
for anything East of the Bay Bridge. Anyone remember what Art Agnos said about Oakland before the '89 series? That's the typical SF attitude about anything Oakland.
Of course, the Raiders probably deserve it.
by doctorK on Apr 9, 2007 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who else is STUPID excited about this game?!
by baseballgirl on Apr 9, 2007 4:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I am!
I went and signed up for the free mlb.tv preview thing so I could watch it. I don't really have the money to afford a whole season of this right now... but I want to get what I can!
GO A's!!!!
by drmmerchk on Apr 9, 2007 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody who has digital cable...
...on one of the major cable companies should be able to watch this game on TV, since Extra Innings on cable is still in a free preview through next Sunday. Although I think the ridiculously large A's blackout region still applies (Northern and Central California, all of Nevada, much of Oregon).
The game will be on the 8th Extra Innings channel...so, say, if your cable system carries EI on Channels 701 through 710, the game should be on Channel 708.
by Soaker on Apr 9, 2007 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We have Dish
which kinda sucks.
We don't even get all the HD channels we should. :(
by drmmerchk on Apr 9, 2007 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair observations...
I don't have much to add to that. But I chuckled when I saw "snow job" and "Seattle" in the same sentence.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 9, 2007 5:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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