What happened to Geren's plan?

by boilerdan on May 10, 2007 6:51 AM PDT

Geren was going to mix things up and keep guys on the bench fresh and guys in the lineup rested.

So far in May, Melhuse has 4 AB's, Walker has 2, and Scutaro hasn't played. I'd like to see Scutaro rotate through the infield over the course of a week, giving everyone a rest. Walker could be a valuable PH, but it would be nice for him to get some regular AB's. And no need to explain why Melhuse should see more time (despite Kendall's three dribbling singles yesterday).

DiNardo has looked good in limited action - how about an inning for him here or there (granted, the A's don't seem to play many games that are out of hand)?

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Geren has Melhuse, Scutaro, Cust in today

Walker got to PH the other day but hasn't been used much lately - but DJ has been pretty hot hitting so that might be why Walker isn't getting a chance right now. :)

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by Randy Bell on May 10, 2007 10:27 AM PDT reply actions

How about Walker at DH?

It's not like Cust is hitting like Snelling.

by boilerdan on May 10, 2007 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Cust

Currently has an OPS of 1.288
OBP .421
Slugging .867

He's not going to try to kill you, I'm just going to try to doink you. -Rex Hudler

by JediLeroy on May 10, 2007 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions

After yesterday, yes

And can we say "tiny sample size"?

by boilerdan on May 11, 2007 5:45 AM PDT up reply actions

It's the same "tiny sample size"

that you were willing to use to bench him.

Not once did I mention that Cust would somehow maintain this level of performance. I'm merely pointing out that what you said was misinformed.

He's not going to try to kill you, I'm just going to try to doink you. -Rex Hudler

by JediLeroy on May 11, 2007 7:51 AM PDT up reply actions

I didn't say "bench him"

The whole point of my post was suggesting that the bench players get some ABs (Walker had 2 hits yesterday, BTW). Nothing I said was "misinformed", just an opinion.

by boilerdan on May 11, 2007 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Comparison

It's not like Cust is hitting like Snelling.

Snelling OBP: .480
Cust OBP: .421

Snelling SLG: .350
Cust SLG: .867

Snelling OPS: .830
Cust OPS: 1.288

Snelling may have more hits in all (7 vs. 4), but Cust has scored just as many runs (4) and has actually driven in 5 runs, to Snelling's 0. I'd take three home runs and a single over seven singles.

Don't get me wrong, I love Snelling so far. But Cust has been at least as productive. Even before yesterday's game, Cust mirrored Snelling's overall production (.885 OPS vs .910). When you made your post, Cust had already hit his first home run of the day, giving him a higher OPS than Snelling.

He's not going to try to kill you, I'm just going to try to doink you. -Rex Hudler

by JediLeroy on May 11, 2007 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions

The Bubonic Plague

Seriously, though. You'd prefer Walker over Swish? Or even DJ? Even if it was for only one game? Scutaro's batting .007. All the people that really need a rest have already received breaks-- of the 15 or 60-day variety.

Pining for Millhouse doesn't really make much sense, either. Sure, Kendall stinks, but if you're going to make any kind of argument for giving Kendall a break, it should start with bringing up Brown or Suzuki.

He's not going to try to kill you, I'm just going to try to doink you. -Rex Hudler

by JediLeroy on May 10, 2007 11:10 AM PDT reply actions

Seriously, no I don't prefer Walker over Swish

But when DJ goes back on the DL, or Crosby is hurt again and we expect some guy to come off the bench who hasn't played in a month and can't touch a breaking ball, everyone will be pissed off. I'm saying there is value in keeping bench players fresh. It's not like Ellis, Crosby, and Chavez are killing the ball and can't come out of the lineup for a game.

I'm all for bringing up Suzuki - but the team hasn't done that, so until they do, I'd prefer to see Melhuse in the lineup twice a week.

by boilerdan on May 10, 2007 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

That makes sense.

Truthfully, I'd actually prefer Melhuse to take over permanently for Kendall than to have Kendall continue in his spot. Sure, you may have a similar OBP, but at least Millhouse's fly balls would be to the warning track, and he'd ground into half the double plays.

He's not going to try to kill you, I'm just going to try to doink you. -Rex Hudler

by JediLeroy on May 10, 2007 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions

If Walker or Melhuse are ever the long/medium

term solution at 1b/dh/c, we might as well just go ahead and call it a season, trade all of our veterans and let the Rivercats finish out the A's season.

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by devo on May 10, 2007 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I believe Melhuse is recovering

from that unusual bout of activity in which he got 4 ABs.

Seriously, though -- the three of them have combined for 24 hits in 119 at bats. That's "good" for a .201/.246/.261.

Why exactly would we want more PAs for that triumverate, especially considering that each of them represents a significant defensive dropoff from the starters?

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by devo on May 10, 2007 3:58 PM PDT reply actions

Chicken and egg

If they were getting a few more AB's, maybe their numbers would look better. For me it's all about insurance - make sure the backup/fillin is not rusty and get the starters a day off once in awhile. When Ellis, Crosby and Chavez break down in August it won't all seems so ridiculous.

by boilerdan on May 11, 2007 5:51 AM PDT up reply actions