A New Record
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 16, 2007 10:27 PM PDT
in News
123 comments
The A's have been in Oakland since 1968. They've had a lot of bad seasons to go along with the four World Championships. But they have never gone 11-straight games scoring three runs or less. Until now. They've also now lost eight in a row.
And wouldn't you know that the final opportunity to get the A's back into the game would come down to Kurt Suzuki. Zuke is going to have to learn quickly to protect that outer half of the plate with two strikes. Something Kendall knew better than pretty much any player in baseball. Still, I'm really happy that the Suzuki era has started. He made a great play and tag on Gerald Laird who was clearly out, but Marvin Hudson didn't exactly bring his "A" game to the park tonight. The whole umpiring crew was a bit shaky as Sosa was clearly safe at second on Kotsay's throw when Sosa was tagging to go from first to second.
I do like Suzuki and think he's going to be good. But we'll probably have to take our lumps on a nightly basis while he learns his way around. If you want to get to know him a little better, be sure to read the AN interview back when he was with Stockton.
Tonight was one of those games showing a flaw in the A's offense. They wound up with five walks, but no one seemed able to come through with a hit at the right time. Still, it sometimes seems easy to get these guys to walk. The problem has always been what to do with these guys once they do actually make it to first base. But again, the story tonight is all about Jason Kendall. Believe it or not, there are many Cubs fans celebrating Kendall's arrival. I guess the situation can always get worse with a catcher.
It's a difficult night in that, as several ANers pointed out, Kendall was involved with some of the most memorable A's wins the last couple of seasons. How much this adversely impacts the A's pitchers remains to be seen, but the A's pitchers were already starting to go in the other direction any way. So if they have a rough outing the next time out, we can't blame Kendall. I pointed out that Haren and Gaudin both have ERAs above 5 in July.
I do wish the best of luck to Jason. Maybe he can help the Cubbies break their curse. Heck, Foulke helped the Red Sox do it and Dye helped the White Sox do it. At the same time, I'm really glad to turn the page to the future. I wonder whether we're also going to see Barton soon. And DJ moved as well. It's going to get very interesting around AN over the next 15 days even if they aren't all that interesting on the field. Or scoring any runs.
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Let the selling begin
DJ, Crosby, Kotsay, Kennedy, Piazza (of course wait for the bobblehead release)
I have accepted the fact that injuries pretty much killed this season and can live with that. (reality, we can't hit worth a damn/and the AAA bullpen has sucked).
by Hawk on Jul 16, 2007 10:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Kotsay better start packin' his bags...
he's the next one out the door.
by FoolshGame22 on Jul 17, 2007 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i sure hope so
by rebus on Jul 17, 2007 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let the trading begin
The team you saw tonight will be a dramatically different team next year, that is a good thing. Unfortunately Cust has gotten the Swisher, Crosby and Chavez disease, pull everything and swing for the fences, wait a minute that applies to every A's player not named Stewart or Buck, but I am sure Buck will learn from his peers. In any event I love the fact this team will be getting an overhaul, everyone from BB on down will hopefully be evaluating how they do business. The next 15 days will be very exciting.
by china bob on Jul 16, 2007 10:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hi Ho BruceBochte here
I guess I am a contrarian, but I predict that the KenDoll trade is just the beginning of an A's championship run. This team will begin to compete now! Kendoll was dragging the whole offense down. I predict that the A's will really turn it on with Zuki behind the plate and that albatross Kendoll gone!
Now is the time for the A's to pick up some ground on the slumping Angels!
by BruceBochte on Jul 16, 2007 10:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately
the team is weighing the team down.
The earlier part of the season saw one aspect of the team stepping up to cover the ass of the other part of the team. Superior pitching covered the offenses ass. If that didn't happen, fielding covered pitching's ass, and so on and so forth.
The last really long run of games has shown one aspect of the team really eating it when the rest of the team faulters. During scoring opportunities, for example, Swish makes his "he's a great, patient hitter" adjustments and hits into a momentum killing double play. During a night where we are hanging with the Mariners, Scutaro suddenly reverses his clutchness and gives us five seperate and distinct errors. Upon closing a routine close for us, Embree eats it against something that the A's are scratching to find, timely hitting from the Tribe slamming us with homers to blow his save then eventually win the game.
BTW, I really don't buy the "these things balance out" reasoning between the Mother's Day walk off win a la Cust and the Tribe comeback we suffered recently. If that was the case, then teams like the Devil Rays and the Royals would see their ship come in a lot more, while the Yankees would have only a third of their rings.
Honestly, a win would be nice right now because having the Rangers challenging us for third is upsetting to say the least.
I'll miss Kendall despite his faults and hopes he has a successful run with the Cubs as they are my National League team. I'm just glad he's not with the A's anymore.
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2007 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's no big rush for this:
Zuke is going to have to learn quickly to protect that outer half of the plate with two strikes.
There are 69 more games after tonight...and to tell the truth, they basically are 69 spring training games. Except to the extent that the A's are playing contending teams; you certainly want to see them put forth a competitive effort in those games. But to me, the rest of the season is entirely about getting in position for April 2008 and beyond. That means giving players like Suzuki, Andrew Brown, Dallas Braden and Daric Barton a chance to sink or swim at the big league level...and sticking with them when they stink it up big time for several games in a row.
There are going to be a lot of crappy games the rest of this season. But there will also be some streaks when this team is a lot of fun to watch.
by Soaker on Jul 16, 2007 10:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A few other observations...
- I thought Braden did a good job tonight. But for a foul-tip not held combined with a remarkable at bat overall (from a lousy hitter), and but for a fly ball that really should have been caught by someone, Braden could have had 6 shutout innings. Guys like Jamie Moyer are late bloomers and Braden may be a guy to hang onto for a while until he figures out how to make his stuff work better and better for him. I don't think the numbers did him justice tonight.
- I've been pretty disappointed by Andrew Brown so far. He seems to throw about 50% breaking pitches, which is odd since he has virtually no command of it. Why doesn't he trust his mid-90s fastball? Trust your stuff.
- If you don't have the physical skills to get hits, you at least need to know how to make outs. 3 sac fly chances (Swisher, Swisher, Ellis), 0 runs. Not acceptable, especially when your #3 hitter is taking strikes (and yes, they were strikes) that can be sent to the outfield. Why let the umpire determine a borderline call when you have a chance to get the job done? Not really acceptable.
- I've always used Jamey Wright--a guy who can't keep a job as a 5th starter--as the prototype for a bad pitcher. 7 shutout innings.
- Jason Kendall is gone. It was a good day.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 10:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
wtf
by rubin sierra on Jul 16, 2007 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, considered you just posted this...
...I'm gonna guess "no"!
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks. That's reassuring.
It looks like I just solved the problem (below) ... I recently installed Apricot's killfile ... and I just had to turn it off momentarily in order to post that non-reply comment.
By the way, Apricot's killfile? Pretty awesome. Highly recommended.
Sorry to post a reply that was in no way a reply to your comment (interesting stuff per usual), but like I said, technical problems, yada yada yada.
by rubin sierra on Jul 16, 2007 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, for posting a reply
that was in no way a reply to my comment, you DID have to be banned.
I know, it's kind of ironic.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with you on Brown
I've really liked what I've seen from him so far. He does rely on the breaking stuff a bit too much, but he looks like a good force out of the pen for the future.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 16, 2007 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
His arm seems fine,
and I agree he could be a good pitcher. But not if he keeps trying to finesse his way through every hitter.
Kendall would have called more fastballs tonight. <sniff> sorry. <sniffle>
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW, I seem recall that our last disagreement
was over whether or not Crosby was going to have a breakout season this year. (I won't tip my hand which way I predicted) :-}
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
and we also had a disagreement over whether or not DJ was going to be a AAAA player. I won't tip my hand on which way I went on that one ;-)
The problem is that it seems that both of us were right. And wrong. Heh.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 16, 2007 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was going to ask
"So who won that one?" Maybe DJ has created a new category: AAAAA. Huston Street should do some research.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
do you mean like.....
"BTW, I seem recall that our last disagreement (0 / 0)
was over whether or not Crosby was going to have a breakout season this year. (I won't tip my hand which way I predicted) :-}"
........high octane hepes medicine??????
by mrod on Jul 16, 2007 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree about Braden but not Brown.
Braden should keep on pitching until we are sure that he isn't 5 spot worthy or if we get lucky is. As for Brown? He has the strength...maybe he just needs more training. I like the way he looked on the mound. Jamey Wright has always been a poor pitcher. if the guys can't hit against him...they suck even worse than I previously thought.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 16, 2007 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trade Clause? Santa Claus?
When the A's got Kendall, it was my understanding that he had a clause in his Pirate contract saying that he had to approve any trade, and that he only wanted to be traded to a West Coast team. This made sense, since he hated losing in Pittsburgh and he lived in Manhattan Beach. Anyway, once the A's got him, was that part of his contract taken off the table? If so, that means the A's could have traded him to any team. If not, did he have to "approve" this trade? As to what we got----the potential jewel is Bevins. The catcher is just so much cannon fodder. And, sad to say, I don't believe Suzuki is ready. He needed another year at AAA, at the very least. Look what we've lost from last year's team---Thomas, Bradley, Payton, Kendall, all of whom played a part in our success. Not this year, folks. We just don't have the players.
by Buck18 on Jul 16, 2007 10:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you about Bradley
The A's record since the Bradley DFA is miserable!
But as for the rest:
Cust>Thomas
Steward>Payton
Suzuki can't be worse than Kendoll...
by BruceBochte on Jul 16, 2007 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The A's record since I turned 40
is 5-15, but few have argued that one has to do with the other.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you hit right handed or left?
by BruceBochte on Jul 16, 2007 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a lefty,
and yes, I'm working on a changeup, and yes, I'm in touch with the Giants.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, with all due respect even with the injuries
Bradley made more appearances for the A's this year than you have...
Dude hasn't stopped hitting since he got of the DL for the Pads...
by BruceBochte on Jul 16, 2007 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm tied with Loiaza, though.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
(quickly adds up personal record)
This goes back to my sophomore year at Cal:
Ages 20-29: 823-744 (.525)
Ages 30-39: 761-792 (.490)
Ages 40-ugh: 617-448 (.579)
If I knew then what I know now ;-)
by Soaker on Jul 16, 2007 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
(quickly adds up MY own personal record)
by rubin sierra on Jul 16, 2007 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What do you know now
that you didn't know then? That you're old? But you weren't old then. That Crosby can't hit? I think we all knew that when you were in your 20s.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no-trade clause
Kendall's contract has a full no-trade clause, and he didn't give it up when he signed with Oakland.
He would have had to approve the trade to Chicago. It's not a stretch to think he'd welcome the change of scenery.
by iglew on Jul 16, 2007 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey!
Don't forget Millhouse!!!!!!!!
<snicker-snicker-snicker...>
by mrod on Jul 16, 2007 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was on extra innings with robert buan and said
first thing he did when he heard about trade was laugh
by smasfan on Jul 16, 2007 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm hoping it was an evil, cackling laugh
But I didn't hear any thunder.
by louismg on Jul 17, 2007 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How long
do you think it will take the A's to change their collective tune on the subject of the importance of Kendall's pitch-calling ability? My guess is that even Fosse will have adapted within two weeks, probably by saying that--miracle of miracles, Suzuki appears to be just as brilliant a pitch-caller as Kendall was.
by rubin sierra on Jul 16, 2007 10:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He can't avoid it
It's part of his contract. Gotta fill up the air, every game, no matter how the team plays.
by MobiusKlein on Jul 16, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The A's clearly paid tribute to Kendall tonight
by hitting .200, grounding into tons of double plays, scoring no runs and blowing every chance with RISP. It was like he hadn't been traded.
by PaulThomas on Jul 16, 2007 10:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
[One lone tear falls]
by LAXile on Jul 17, 2007 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
[Followed by a slow clap]
by LAXile on Jul 17, 2007 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
my slow clap usually has a different drip
by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2007 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Umm
Sosa was out at second. It wasn't even close, throw was there way before he'd even gotten to the base. The tag may not have been perfect but he slid into it. You have to call the guy out if the throw is there and he slides right into the base.
by baseb3383 on Jul 16, 2007 10:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I just can't believe that we got rid of Kendall
And we got TWO players back for him? I mean, wow...
by Zonis on Jul 16, 2007 10:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In other news,
did you know that Texas pitcher Jamey Wright has had a "star-crossed career." So says the AP
by rubin sierra on Jul 16, 2007 10:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe they meant
"sword fighting" at the urinals with star player Moises Alou.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 16, 2007 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The "cheer for your fave sport highlight"
tonight was the last 15 seconds of the July 4 hot dog eating championship. It was far more offensive than anything the A's bats could muster.
Since the NL has been the time-honored home for light hitting heavy gritting catchers, I do hope Kendall finds a happy home in Chicago. And here's to his K crew cronies Kotsay Kennedy and Kielty finding bliss in a new home soon too.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 16, 2007 11:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
why they voted for that i dont know,he threw out
the pitch so they showed his hot dog win already
by smasfan on Jul 16, 2007 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
threw out the first pitch,
or threw up the first pitch?
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol it makes me sick seeing him eating the hotdog
by smasfan on Jul 16, 2007 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
who is next to leave?
DJ sounds like the obvious choice according to all the rumors. So it can only mean 1 thing,,,, someone like Kielty or Kennedy is next..
by Hawk on Jul 16, 2007 11:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agree
I gave up on him last year when he was pulling his Rich Harden DL routine
by Hawk on Jul 16, 2007 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops, that was supposed to be a reply to FSU
I really am technophobic.
by PaulThomas on Jul 16, 2007 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't think techies
should be allowed to marry? C'mon dude, it's the 21st century.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yea I say unto you
Let every maiden marry one of the Elect-- for if she wed a techie, she commits a grievous sin.
by PaulThomas on Jul 16, 2007 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
anyone listening to robert buan? hes going to
talk to melhuse. ironic the first night he comes back to oakland same night they traded kendall
by smasfan on Jul 16, 2007 11:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Whatever happened to Randy Bell?
Lotta characters on AN. That dude was hilarious...
by BruceBochte on Jul 16, 2007 11:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree. And the A's decline
pretty much coincides with his disappearance from AN. Rannndddyyyyy!!! Come baaaaaaaaaack!!!
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right...
Speaking of historical W-L record...he last commented on June 14. The A's are 8-20 since then.
by Soaker on Jul 16, 2007 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I fear that Apricot's killfile killed Randy Bell.
by LAXile on Jul 17, 2007 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know...
He posted so much ...that it is worrisome that he just stopped.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 16, 2007 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's alive, and he wasn't banned
He stopped posting voluntarily. Hopefully he'll return again.
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh good, Nico.
I am glad that you checked in on him.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 16, 2007 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
did nico go to a hospital to check in on him?
by ak_A on Jul 17, 2007 6:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's listed as day to day
So he might be dead.
by 66th ave tailgatter on Jul 17, 2007 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he wasn't banned
by rubin sierra on Jul 16, 2007 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who are you, Nico
You sound like Dick Cheney. Did you get a FISA warrant to check on Bell or did you just circumvent the courts entirely?
by RLangford on Jul 16, 2007 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a theory about Randy Bell
but it betrays such an abject lack of faith in humanity that I cannot voice it.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 16, 2007 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well don't voice it...
write it. :-)
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 16, 2007 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
voice it in
by rubin sierra on Jul 17, 2007 12:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't know what your theory is...
My theory is that he took his own friendliness so seriously, that he couldn't possibly last around here given the volume of his comments. That is a shame in some sense, as he is clearly a nice guy.
But: I definitely did not enjoy his 100-post-per-day pace; and what I enjoyed even less was the cycle he created where he would make an illogical (to put it nicely) comment (which he did all the time), someone would inevitably respond to his nonsense (often inappropriately/obnoxiously), and suddenly there would be a tiresome 2,000 word back-and-forth.
I would take oaktoon any day.
(feel free to email me your theory)
by mikeA on Jul 17, 2007 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
a sig is born
by LAXile on Jul 17, 2007 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just thinking of
guys who have lost playing time w/ current clubs and could available...
Kelly Johnson - Atlanta
Craig Monroe
Elijah Dukes
Wilson Betemit
care to add to the list
Personally I'd like to aquire Johnson...although we have MaEl
by Hawk on Jul 16, 2007 11:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Mike Fontenot was mentioned earlier today
by Nico on Jul 16, 2007 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not bad
it would be cool to replace Crosby with a speedy SS with a good glove.. wouldnt mind no power as long as he could get on base and steal a few bags..
by Hawk on Jul 16, 2007 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suggested him
and you said he hadn't hit well. Even though his BA looks great...and he's the oddman out there in Chicagy.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 16, 2007 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
melhuse said first initial thought about kendall
was laughter
by smasfan on Jul 16, 2007 11:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I say nice move getting rid of Kendall
and good pitching in his place. I hope Zuk does well. First of many future trades. Who's next, I wonder? When does the losing end? Maybe tomorrow? Go A's!
by A'sfansince1970 on Jul 16, 2007 11:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Local news station here in Ptld, OR
Just reported Kendall trade on the 11 o clock news. THe reporter said, looks like the fire sale is on in Oakland, rumors from a source say Mike Piazza and possibly Eric Chavez could be next.. wonder who this guys source is.. Or he is just stirring things up for us PNW A's fans.
by Hawk on Jul 16, 2007 11:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Chavez ...
if he gets traded I will be flabbergasted.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 16, 2007 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too
But then again, when Mulder was traded, that was my reaction,, now look what we got for it..
by Hawk on Jul 16, 2007 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ahhh, Portland
I'm skipping the A's-Mariners games the weekend after this coming one, but instead will be at the Oregon Brewers' Festival along the Willamette...something I've done about 7 of the last 10 years. Portland is one of my favorite cities...lookin' forward to it!! (Please have good weather.)
by Soaker on Jul 16, 2007 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In your honor, we will! Enjoy the microbrews!
I will be in Seattle watching our Oakland Athletics, or whoever is left of THIS team, play the M's. Hope we don't get killed!
by A'sfansince1970 on Jul 16, 2007 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't rule out a trade.
But he's always been the team pet. and so I doubt that they will give up on him.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 16, 2007 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Idiots! I can say that, I live in Portland!
Just not enough news here!
by A'sfansince1970 on Jul 16, 2007 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well Piazza is def gone
Chavez? I doubt it unless they made us an offer we couldn't refuse. Luca Brasi straight up?
by baseb3383 on Jul 16, 2007 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
During the season?
No way. That's an offseason move. Guys with huge outstanding contracts just don't get dealt midseason.
Now, in the offseason, I could definitely see it. Chavez is approaching 10 and 5 and, thus, a vesting no-trade clause. And we know how much the A's hate no-trade clauses.
by PaulThomas on Jul 16, 2007 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't see it myself, though I wouldn't be
opposed to it.
by OldhamA on Jul 17, 2007 1:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way that happens
That's Billy's golden boy/toy/lapdog.....ca't see it happening. What "source????????"
by mrod on Jul 16, 2007 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see Chavez getting traded.
He's still too valuable to our future plans if we want to contend next year.
by Helloooo 1st on Jul 16, 2007 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The ONLY reason I don't see a Chavez trade
is that we'd be selling really low. But who knows, maybe others still see his potential.
by oblique on Jul 17, 2007 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
did swish GIDP in honor of kendall leaving?
by smasfan on Jul 16, 2007 11:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
How long till the A's site removes Kendall from
the header at the top of the page? Who replaces him?
by Hawk on Jul 16, 2007 11:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Might be waiting 'til Crosby gets dumped too
Haren is an obvious candidate for addition. I would suggest Blanton too...don't know if they want to go with three pitchers though, it would suggest that the team has a LOUSY offense (!).
by Soaker on Jul 16, 2007 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
crazy
I avoided most of the game tonight and wasn't on AN since early this afternoon, so my brother came up and said, "looks like Melhuse will be playing a lot more now, huh" and I was like, "uhh, yeah, since he's on the Rangers..." and when he told me Kendall had been traded, I thought he was pulling my leg. But the Internet People say it is so-- woohoo!
Also, Foss, I'll buy my next box of Kleenex in your honor.
by whiteshoes40 on Jul 16, 2007 11:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Me likey the trade of JK
A good deal for both sides for sure. We get a couple young cheap players, the lefty looks really good too, and Kendall gets a chance at a post-season/championship one more time, as that is something he is running out of. I really think he is one of those guys that just is a NL lifer. Watch him for the rest of the season and see what he does.
Loved ya Jason, you were a baller and I'll always respect your hustle and great attitude. Best of luck in thw windy city!!!!!!!!!
by mrod on Jul 16, 2007 11:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i miss spring
back when i could make fun of jamey wright for having the worst career KBB+ in BASEBALL HISTORY.
http://www.athleticsnation.com/comme...
by xbhaskarx on Jul 17, 2007 12:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My prediction
is Kotsay and DJ get dealt next. One or both of them going to the Yankees and we get Scott Procter/Melky Cabrerra..or one or the other. It "could" happen........watch....
by mrod on Jul 17, 2007 12:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe Cubs fans are happy
You're telling me they couldn't plug in a prospect from their farm system that would've hit better/thrown out more runners than Kendall? The guys stats are terrible all the way around; the only thing you can make up about his game is that he "handles pitchers well."
And agreed with other posters... the following players are gone for certain:
Kotsay
Kennedy
Piazza
Johnson
Crosby... who knows. We don't have any prospects coming up. I think we're stuck with him until someone emerges, anyone, for the love of God...
These guys will probably be throw-ins:
Kielty
Calero
And I wouldn't be surprised if Stewart was traded too. We will see a completely different team next year. And thank goodness.
by baseb3383 on Jul 17, 2007 12:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
But you'd HAVE to think that Beane would target a Short Stop in one of the trades to replace Crosby.
Also, since you have Braden, Meyer, and Madsen all coming up, I wonder if DiNardo and his shiny lefty ERA might be on display for a trade. Wouldn't that be something, pick up a pitcher from the BoSox scrapheap and trade him 4 months later for something valuable.
by Threepwood XX on Jul 17, 2007 1:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
Hopefully Meyer develops, which would make DiNardo expendable for something good. Odds are that we will have a surplus of pitching for next year; we just need to somehow parlay that into some bats at shortstop and in the outfield.
by baseb3383 on Jul 17, 2007 1:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"surplus of pitching"
We supposedly had that heading into this year.
Not that I'm saying we shouldn't entertain offers for JoKe, iNardo, ELo, Embree, and Calero.
Just that one can never have too much decent pitching.
by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2007 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Count this Cubs fan...
... as one who's thrilled with this deal.
The Cubs needed a catcher upgrade. Kendall, by all accounts, is great with the pitchers, and great in the clubhouse. His overall numbers this year are mediocre, however, since June 12 he is hitting .297/.319/.451, pretty close to what he did last year. If you added up the numbers of Rob Bowen and Koyie Hill, who had been doing the Cub catching, you might get close to those.
I know Billy Beane usually knows what he's doing. You'll be stunned at the holes in the swing of Bowen, who as a big guy you'd assume has some power. He doesn't. He's decent behind the plate, though he doesn't throw many runners out.
I don't know much about Blevins, other than the fact that before this year he hadn't done much in the organization and is now 24.
My understanding is that the Pirates, who had paid some of Kendall's deal when he came to the A's, are paying some of what's left, so it costs the Cubs little in terms of dollars.
It's a rental, it's an upgrade, I'm happy.
Al, visiting from Bleed Cubbie Blue
by Al on Jul 17, 2007 2:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Kendall
I used to feel like you about 3 years ago. He's declined BIG TIME over the past 3 seasons.
Things to look out for:
- Kendall doesn't throw anybody out. When you play a running team in the NL, you will see leadoff singles turn to doubles at the blink of an eye.
- Outfielders play so shallow on Kendall, line drives over the 2nd-Baseman have started to turn into flyballs to the Right Fielder.
- Isn't the infield grass considered "long" at Wrigley Field? If that's the case, it's not a good thing for the ground-ball-machine called Jason Kendall.
- Kendall might lead the Cubs in GiDP's this season. I'm not joking.
- Kendall is a leader by example. Other players will see what work ethic is all about. They will see what "grittiness" is all about... But, the players won't see any production from the work ethic.
Good Luck to the Cubbies - I'm rooting for them to win a Championship in my lifetime. Just don't expect miracles from Jason Kendall.
by Colorado Fan on Jul 17, 2007 8:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
First off, I hate to say it
But no way ever will Kendall have a slugging % that high for the rest of the season. And if you notice by the OBP, he doesn't walk much anymore. Pitchers are challenging him with fastballs, and he's not hitting them.
I expect him to put up something like .270/.295/.350 for the rest of the season, which is pretty terrible. The only good thing you could say about Kendall the last few years was that he walked a little. Now he doesn't even do that anymore. He's done.
by baseb3383 on Jul 17, 2007 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cub fans
Had to laugh at these quote from bleedcubbieblue about KenDoll:
You have to love Kendall's grittyness(sp?), even if he is having a down year.
Gritty rhymes with shitty.
Going forward I wouldn't mind seeing Kendall in the 2 spot in the lineup once he heats up a little. Historically he is a good OBP guy.
We kept waiting for him to return to his historical ways, but they seem to be history.
That was a good move by the Cubs, picking up Kendall. Here's hoping that batting average of his comes up real soon. The Friendly Confines of Wrigley ought to do wonders for his BA and OBP.
Yeah, the close fences will really help with his weak pop-ups and slow infield choppers.
All kidding aside, Kendall's trade may help him, at least in the short term, since everybody wants to leave a good first impression.
by doctorK on Jul 17, 2007 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA
by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2007 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So with all this trade fodder
I suppose I should put off getting that A's jersey. Less of course I get a Henderson one(or more likely a Steinbach one, but no one out here knows who the hell he is sniff)
by JerseyMarine on Jul 17, 2007 4:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
BS man
We know Steinbach - he was the famous German organist who drank beer!
by MobiusKlein on Jul 17, 2007 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barton
Isn't there some date in the season after which a new call up starts his major league salary schedule the next year instead of this year? Has that passed or is that a possible date to look for Barton or others to be called up?
by travelling fan on Jul 17, 2007 6:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why the hell would we want Proctor?
See the rotoworld update. If this trade happens, I'm going to pour about a dozen beers on Billy if I see him at AN day. That would just be ridiculous.
by sprtsnwyn on Jul 17, 2007 6:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed
I'd like to see DJ dealt, but not for Scott Proctor - why do we want someone on the decline in this already terrible pen?
Get someone young back who has an upside, not someone ready for the glue factory.
by coffee roaster on Jul 17, 2007 7:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My hope is that this is a leak
by Billy on purpose, showing the talent price from the Yankees to other interested squads in hopes of getting something more from someone else.
by rebus on Jul 17, 2007 7:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a Billy ruse!
Proctor? NO WAY! Only youth will come our way.
by A'sfansince1970 on Jul 17, 2007 10:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
NO! It's a Charlotte Russe!
by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2007 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
The Kendall hate continues, even after he is gone. That is UN-Believable!!!
Atleast Nico got it right when it comes to who is really hurting this team...Bobby Crosby. He has 6 more RBI than Kendall.
It sure is easy to pile on the #9 hitter for an inept offense isn't it.
Yeah, Blez, it will be painful to watch Suzuki on a nightly basis. He just isn't a very good catcher at this point. In fact, he's pretty bad. You gave him credit for his tag, but he was still off. He should have swept the tag and the ump would have seen it. You can't blame the ump for just seeing a flailing attempt and not the original tag. Crosby made a helluva throw and as Suzuki learns the ropes and the game slows down I'm sure he'll make that play better.
This is the team we have right now and I'll be out there banging away and Duke and I will be inventing new chants for each and every one of these guys.
Can you please save this thread so that when Kendall
does well for the Cubs everyone can eat their words.
Suzuki got a taste of what Kendall had to endure while he was here. Pitchers who don't know the first thing about keeping a runner close. In the NL, that all changes.
Nice Wrap, Cheers,
- Saint
by saint on Jul 17, 2007 10:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No one here thinks Crosby isn't a problem
That said, to say there is only one hitter who is the problem on this team is incredibly naive.
RBI's are defacto the worst way to measure a hitter. Who cares about RBI's, we care about OBP and SLG, and no one was worse at those two combined than Jason Kendall.
by awesomer on Jul 17, 2007 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW! RBI don't matter as much as OBP???
by saint on Jul 18, 2007 8:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I'd expect long term fans here to know
Just who Terry Steinbach is, but I'm unfortunately surrounded by Yankee and Met fans when I'm at home in New Jersey, or National and Oriole fans when I'm down at school in DC.
Those damn fools. :-p
by JerseyMarine on Jul 17, 2007 4:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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