Trying to Solve a Short(stop) Problem
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 12:17 PM PDT
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PrintAs any A's fan knows all too well, Bobby Crosby flat out sucked this year. If you look at the top three Batters who negatively impacted us the most, according to bRAA, it would look like this: BoCro (-20.6), Hannahan (-17.0), and surprisingly Carlos Gonzalez (-14.2). Also of note, the fourth player on that list was Barton (-11.8). Now of course, this doesn't take into account the player's defensive contributions, or possibly subtractions, but it's pretty fair to say that we all know Bocro and Hannahan should not be everyday players next year.
There have already been some posts questioning how to best replace both BoCro and Hannahan, but I am going to try to go in a new direction while solely focusing on SS. Looking at how best to replace SS, some popular ideas have been signing Furcal or trading for JJ Hardy. While both would vastly improve our SS situation, both are going to cost a pretty package. With every postseason AB Furcal gets, his future contract skyrockets as teams will probably take his success to be a sign that he is fully healthy and back to the Furcal of old. This also means that each AB takes the A's are further and further away from signing him since he's a) going to want to play for a contender and b) probably going to get a lot more money from a team other than the A's. As far as JJ Hardy, most SS deficient teams have him on their radar, so the trade market for him is going to be high. The Brewers aren't just going to give him away for free, so he will cost us a decent prospect package as well. Depending on what that package is, it may be a beneficial move, but since other teams are probably interested as well, the package may be a little too exorbitant to justify trading for him. In light of not being able to get these two players, the next best step may be to look for a league average SS on the cheap, which would kinda be like addition by subtraction for our SS problem. This leads me to one idea I recently saw via Viva El Birdos.
Recently VeB discussed how best to fix their current SS problem as well. In the discussion, they included BoCro and then subsequently excluded him from any shortstop consideration for next year. If they know BoCro sucks, don't you think that Mozeliak will too? Therefore, I doubt they are going to want to trade for him, which may exclude a deal between the A's and Cardinals that includes BoCro. However, the VeB post did include a discussion about Ben Zobrist of the Rays. While Zobrist isn't going to be anything special in the long run, he seems to be a major league average SS, which would vastly improve our current SS situation. In 227 PA's this year, he had a wOBA of .367, a wOBA+ of 109, and a bRAA of 5.9. As well, his minor league track record is strong since he hit .318/.429/.459 in 1336 career minor league ABs. In Tamba Bay, he is blocked by Bartlett and will probably be pushed out of the picture by Reed Brignac. As such, he's going to be relatively inexpensive to acquire, and if he can provide anything relatively average for a whole season, he could be a vast improvement over Crosby. In addition, he is a adequate to just slightly below average defender, meaning that his defense probably isn't going to affect his value one way or the other. Also, since Zobrist should be cheap and cost controlled for the forseeable future, this allows room for another FA signing. Discussed ad naseum is the signing of Giambi, which would improve our 1b situation, thus cancelling out some of the deletrious effects Barton had on the offense last year (unless of course he can rebound this year and fulfill his promise). If you soley take into account these two moves, we go from a BoCro bRAA of -20.6 for 605 PA's to a Zobrist at 15.7/600 PA's for a net of 36.3. In addition, Giambi's bRAA of 22.4 in 566 PA's semi-replacing Barton's -11.8 in 523 PA's means another big boost to the offense. I realize that Giambi is a bad defender and not going to play 1b every game of the season, so I don't really want to take a net bRAA here between the two, but as you can see this will add another significant amount of positive run differential. If we can only find an adequate 3b to replace Hannahan, or if Chavvy comes back healthy (which is debatable of course), I think the A's have the making of a decent offense, and one which would hurt our win total less than last year. Anyway, thoughts are always encouraged, and this was just an interesting idea that I saw and wanted to convey to AN.
Addition: We could still trade Huston Street for one of the Cardinals 3b prospects (Freese or Craig) in some combination of a package, which would lead to a more productive lineup than this year. It could look something like this:
1. Buck RF
2. Sweeney CF
3. Cust LF/DH
4. Giambi 1b/DH
5. Chavez/Freese or Craig 3b
6. Ellis 2b
7. Suzuki C
8. Zobrist SS
9. Whatever LF you want or sign Juan Rivera
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Not very sexy
As a stopgap, Zobrist may be fine. But we’ll still definitely want an improvement in the future.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
well definitely
but I don’t see too many intriguing options at this point, and let’s be honest here, good SS’s are always going to be hard to come by since they are almost always a defensive liabillity, offensive liability, or, like Crosby, both. The few that aren’t any of those are expensive and usually have to be drafted, or like Furcal, signed to a good sized deal.
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I prefer a plus defender at SS instead of a plus bat
I realize a store mannequin nailed to a point between SS and 3B would represent an upgrade over Crosby in the field and at the plate but if you want to fix SS it’s best to do it right.
The monster at the end of this blog.
I wonder if Yunel Escobar is attainable,
in the event the Braves decide they cannot contend in 2009 and need to restock their young pitching. No doubt the A’s would have to give up some talent, but Escobar represents a nice long-term solution to a long-standing problem.
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 Oct 12, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
hmmm...
I was quite interested in him when he came up. He’ll be 26 during the 2009 season. In 2008 he did .288/.366/.401 with 10 HRs, .974 fielding % at shortstop. The numbers don’t overwhelm — until you compare them with Crosby’s in 2008: .237 /.296 /.349 with 7 HR, and Fielding % .972.
Even if Escobar doesn’t improve (and he may) he still looks like an upgrade.
I was looking at him too
but I figured that the Braves will try to contend next year, thus making him cost to much. However, if the Braves decided to rebuild, I’m sure they would want some SP’s to replace Smoltz et. al., and therefore we’d match up well. He would definitely be a nice piece, albeit role player, to have.
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions
With Hudson out for 2009 and his future hazy,
the Braves’ need for starting pitching is pretty substantial. I think Escobar’s a lot more than a role player – he’s a career .300 hitter with good speed and solid defense. The one thing he lacks is power, but I can live with that at SS (the A’s NEED to add power – but they need to add it elsewhere). And he’s under contract control for four more years.
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
One other note I forgot to add -
Escobar’s career OBP is .373. He hits AND walks!
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
he's a little like Furcal
although he slugs a bit more, hits for slightly higher average, and steals less (although that may or may not be his own doing). I’d be more than happy if we could trade for him, I just didn’t think that the Braves would start rebuilding mode. However, it IS perfectly plausible, and I hope it happens, as long as we aren’t giving up someone like Cahill or Anderson.
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't give up Cahill or Anderson,
but I would sacrifice Mazzaro, Simmons, or H. Rodriguez, and I would sacrifice Smith, Eveland, Outman, or Braden. So there’s seven pieces open for discussion. The Braves are also in need of a stronger bullpen, and both in the majors and minors Oakland has plenty to offer there.
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
How many prospects do you think would get the deal done?
I would be okay trading the same players you listed (especially Dana). I would think it would have to be two of those pitchers plus one other prospect, whether a reliever or a positional prospect (or possibly one of our log jammed OF’s). I could see something like Mazzaro/Simmons/Murton (insert excess OF here) for Yunel.
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
You wouldn't give up Cahill or Anderson for Yunel Escobar?
Geez. I love those guys, but Yunel is probably a top 5 shortstop in baseball with FIVE cost controlled years ahead of him. I would absolutely give one of them up for Escobar.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
I wouldn't give up Anderson or Cahill at all
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
I'd give up Cahill or Anderson, and two of the pieces Nico said are
open for discussion for Escobar. Something like Cahill, Simmons and Outman or Braden whichever the Braves prefer.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 12, 2008 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I would not do that deal
And I’m desperate to see a real SS in Oakland.
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
Alternate solution?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 12, 2008 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions
How about Gio, Simmons and Smith?
And Crosby.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 12, 2008 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions
The Yankees want to give you ARod, Joba, and Mariano Rivera
And they’ll pay all their salaries. They just want Cahill.
Really? You wouldn’t give them up at all?
by thejd44 on Oct 14, 2008 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
If you want to miss the point, thejd44, feel free
But when those of us who use the term “untouchable” use it, we don’t mean “Even if a GM goes insane and makes a deal no one could possibly pass up.” We mean “Not even for fair value – this is one of the pieces to build your future team around.”
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
Escobar tends to get underrated
because he doesn’t do any one thing eye-poppingly well, just many thing well: good average, gets on base well, very good D.
ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524
Just not sure if the Braves are in re-build mode
I’m pretty sure you could get Brent Lillibridge fairly cheap.
The monster at the end of this blog.
Might be worthwhile - he's gone from
“too good to get” to “do we want him?” rather quickly, but who knows? Maybe he’s as good as he once appeared to be.
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
Nobody's too good to get.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 12, 2008 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions
What I meant was you would have to
give up more than you want to acquire him. The A’s don’t want to be going overboard trading their young talent during a rebuilding phase.
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
I would love to see them do a 3 for 1 prospect deal
They’ve got quantity. They need more quality. Grover’s Zimmerman deal intrigues me.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 12, 2008 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Also We may need a top young 3B more than a SS.
I think if BB can do a deal without giving up any of out top prospects, as in Cahill, Anderson or Carter then I am all for it. Those three, especially Cahill and Anderson are our future. Look at Texas, if you don’t have good pitching you don’t win.
Maybe, in the case of Atlanta they may want big league pitching and Braden, Smith, Eveland from the starters or Street would do ok. Mind you, a couple of the list not all of them. Let’s not overpay to Atlanta again.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
I think that because SS is so weak
you don’t want to give up a lot for the position, since the player is not likely to carry your team. If your going to overpay, overpay for someone who will carry the offense. Since 3b usually has sluggers, I’d be more inclined to spend/trade big there.
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 13, 2008 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
If the A's could get him and another solid hitting prospect, I'd deal Street for him
(A solid pitching prospect would work too, it just doesn’t seem like the Braves are in a position to deal one.)
This assumes, of course, that the A’s have done due diligence and figured out that he doesn’t have a blown elbow or a heroin conviction or something.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Lillibridge and Brandon Jones for Street?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 12, 2008 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I said "solid" hitting prospect
Not “mediocre.”
I wonder if they’d be willing to ship Jordan Schafer if the A’s added another pitcher in the deal.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
You're sold on Schafer
I don’t know, the HGH suspension kind of makes me doubt both his judgment and actual ability.
by thejd44 on Oct 14, 2008 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes
I believe he will be one of the top CF in baseball by 2011. He’s a true 5-tool talent.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
hgh isn't magical...
the guy still has to go out there and play…
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
Not magical?
What’s all the fuss about then?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 16, 2008 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions
i wish i knew
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
I'm less worried about elbows and heroin
and more worried about is he going to be good, or the next Crosby (himself once a highly touted #1 pick)?
In fact, based on a huge sample of one player, I’d say heroin addiction is a major plus.
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
Just looked up Lillibridge's stats
He hit .220/.294/.344 this year in the minors – a perfect Crosby!
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
I think Bizarro-Lillibridge would
bat .433 with a .492 on base percentage but would somehow slug only .022. Or maybe that’s Hebew-Lillibridge.
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
The Braves could try to trade for Peavy
since it would be close to home and Peavy doesn’t want to be part of a rebuilding project. If they did this, I don’t think they would want to trade Escobar…of course any of this is all hypothetical
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm just wondering
is there a difference between having a SS who saves runs but doesn’t generate them, or generates them but doesn’t save them? I mean, if he’s adding to win expectancy via defense or offense, does it matter as long as he’s doing it? I guess maybe as far as the pitcher’s confidence is concerned, but other than that I don’t see why it would matter too much. Plus, if we can find a good defensive backup, why not just pull Zobrist in the late innings for a defensive replacement?
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Hypothetically
giving up outs in the field messes with your pitching staff by extending opponents’ innings. Low scoring doesn’t wear out/injure hitters the way that high scoring wears out/injures pitchers.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
In terms of runs, no. A run is a run is a run.
But Nick brings up a good point. There are probably some worse side effects to being a crappy defender.
by thejd44 on Oct 14, 2008 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Also, exactly how bad is Crosby's defense?
I mean are we talking just one of the worst SS in baseball, or bad enough that we could convert someone to play SS just as well as he can? Most players in the majors are quite athletic. What if we could convert one? I’ve never really heard of this being done, but as there is an absence of good SS’s in baseball right now, wouldn’t a plus hitting, crappy fielding SS be better than BoCro?
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions
A trained unicorn would be better than BoCro
(Note: That’s actually an extremely obscure reference. Anyone get it?)
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Ellis?
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I said an obscure reference...
besides, Ellis can’t play shortstop…
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Does this have anything to do with Milton Bradley?
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
No
You have 18 questions remaining…
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
You're a virgin?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
ZR says he's a bit below average, but declining fast.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 12, 2008 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I still don't see
Why we don’t just give Petit a shot.
He could very well hit something like .270/.310/.375 and give us awesome defense at short. Which, all things considered, I’d be pretty happy with.
RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.
Petit was brutal in AAA this year and not too good last year either
His Run Value per 600 PA’s in AAA this year was -27.2 and -16.7 last year. He was above average in the Majors this year, but that was because he only had 25 PA’s and it was buoyed by a ridiculous .571 BABIP. His BABIP’s in AAA this year and last year were about what was to be expected, so it’s not as if he’s been unlucky or anything in the minors. To put it plain and simple, he’s just not that good offensively. However, that is not to say that at the very least, he could equal Crosby’s production, and he’s cheaper. If we could get lucky enough to pawn off Crosby on someone, I’d play Petit in the absence of another option, just don’t go thinking he’s going to be anything other than below average on offense.
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
The way I would put it is that
clearly the A’s don’t believe Petit can hit .270/.310/.375 in the major leagues.
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
I forgot to mention that his career minor league stats are .273/.328/.376
So its doubtful that he is going to hit .270/.310/.375 at the Majors, which is a harder level, and should consequently cause a drop in his stats. In his favor, he is young (23), so he could continue to mature, but I would be more comfortable saying that he’ll hit something like .260/.310/.340. Those stats are arbitrary since I they are just off the top of my head, but I believe that’s is a more realistic expectation, and if he does that, I wouldn’t be so happy with that.
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 12, 2008 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Well
my argument for Petit is that if he plays defense as well as he’s purported to, those numbers are really just fine.
I know the guy can’t hit that well, but if he can hover an OPS in the .650 and give us strong defensive contributions, I’d say he’s a better option than most.
I mean, sure, if we can get Escobar for a reasonable price, go for it. But I’d argue that Petit ain’t going to kill you at shortstop.
RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.
by walk off bunt on Oct 12, 2008 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions
This
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Are you agreeing or disagreeing to give Petit a shot
I can remember a time not so long ago that you were very high on him
by GusanoQuemador on Oct 14, 2008 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
"Very high" apparently only by contrast to the rest of AN...
I think he has a plausible shot at becoming a league-average shortstop and an outside chance of becoming good. Is that “very high”?
Anyway, yeah, I think he should get a chance.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
"Very High" as in that's what you must be
if you think he could be a league average shortstop. (I’m sorry I couldn’t resist)
The dude looked lost at the plate…but hey, some competition for the shortstop job wouldn’t hurt. His bat couldn’t get much worse than Crosby’s and we’d see better defense out of him…
by GusanoQuemador on Oct 14, 2008 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
League average obviously is including his defense...
I don’t think he has much chance of becoming a league average HITTER, although he’s young enough that it’s not totally out of the realm of possibility.
In regards to the “lost at the plate” comment, I feel compelled to observe that you, too, would probably look lost at the plate if all of your at-bats came either 15 minutes after getting off the bus from Sacto or in the ninth inning of a game you entered midway through after not having played for 3 weeks straight.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
And yet you still went 6 for 18.
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
Nico Nico Nico
He had 9 strickouts in only 23 at bats. Who cares if he hit .348/.400/.435 he killed a lot of butterflies. If you kill a lot of butterflies, you must be lost.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
:-( Bad Petit.
Very, very bad butterfly-killing, strickingingouting Petit. :-(
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
I am curious how Cust can be great for hitting 33 homers and striking out 41% of the time and
Petit is horrible because he hit .348/400/435 and his strike out we only 39% of the time. Seems to me it is good to have runners on base for others to knock in. Mind you I do like the 33 homers but if we are going to give the bad defensive Cust a medal we should do the same for Petit.
Also, Petit has two 2B and two walks along with those 8 hits. and Cust had 111 hits and 111 walks. Actually I would rather they didn’t strike out at all but I would say they compare pretty well for getting on base.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
The simple answer is, Petit wasn't bad at hitting for the brief time he played
but that time was so brief that it has no predictive value. He’s much more likely to hit like he’s done in the minors, i.e., not very well.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Right
To clarify, I’m not at all suggesting he’s the next A-Rod or anything. I just think it’s more than a bit crazy to say that his MLB time made him “look lost” or somehow suggested he’s garbage.
I think PT is absolutely right that it has no predictive value.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
I would like to see, Petit and Pennington get a chance in spring training for both the SS and 2B jobs.
That is unless BB goes ahead and reads our posts and decides to go for Zimmerman and one of the high value SS’s. Then Petit and Pennington would go for 2B and ultility infielder.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
as they should be on a competitive team...
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 15, 2008 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions
ahem...
I fell compelled to point out that I would look lost at the plate because I am not, in fact, a professional baseball player.
by GusanoQuemador on Oct 15, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Zobrist really kind of sucks
He had a fluky power surge this year which went well beyond anything he’s ever done before. If you question that, I’d point out that the Rays clearly think it was a fluke, because they’re still running Jason Bartlett’s limp-wristed bat out there 6 days a week.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Yes his OPS was .748 on Sept 23, and then he hit 4 HR off the Tigers in the last week
2 off Galarraga, one off Willis and one off Chris Lambert to boost his season OPS to .844. I’m not sure I’d put a lot of weight in those last five games.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 12, 2008 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Power is a fluke
But the guy does have an excellent track record as a high OBP guy in the minors with a bit of pop. That said, his defense at SS is pretty mediocre. I’d wager that given 500 or so AB he’d be a clear upgrade over BoCro….not that that’s saying much.
by CapgrasDelusion on Oct 14, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions
my point was that he's a CHEAP upgrade at SS
With so few actually GOOD shortstops, my point was that if you get one on the cheap that is better than BoCro (which isn’t hard, but i’m trying to find at least a league average hitting/defensive combo SS), you can still upgrade many of our other positions in need. Zobrist wouldn’t cost much, and now we have money left over to sign a Giambi and something else, or trade and sign a Beltre, or whatnot. Of course, signing Furcal would be nice too, but I just don’t believe the A’s are going to be able to. There are teams out there that will offer more money and/or more competiveness for next year, especially now that he’s proving his health in the playoffs. Why is he going to pick the A’s over non-rebuilding teams, or teams that can offer more money?
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 14, 2008 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions
and i didnt' mean trade for Zobrist and sign Furcal, I meant either/or
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 14, 2008 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
Basically I agree with you: I don’t view Zobrist as a long term solution but he certainly would be a nice, cheap upgrade over Crosby. I do think if the A’s went that route it would be useful to have a more defensive-minded SS along with Zobrist like a Petit.
by CapgrasDelusion on Oct 15, 2008 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
How good is Petit defensively? Is he any better than average?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 15, 2008 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I used to have a Scout membership
and they raved about his defense. I suppose it’s all subjective at the minor league level but just about everything I’ve read suggests he’s a plus defender.
by CapgrasDelusion on Oct 15, 2008 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Who's "they"? Are "they" connected with the A's?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 16, 2008 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I would assume Scout, being Scout.com probably
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by iamawesomer on Oct 16, 2008 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Who is "Scout"? Are they reporters? Scouts? Fans?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 17, 2008 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions
There is nothing wrong with Short Stop!!
=P
"He's day-to-day," Geren said. "But aren't we all?" - 5/29/08
by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 13, 2008 2:58 PM PDT reply actions
Maybe when he's in your bed
But when he puts the uniform back on the problems begin
The monster at the end of this blog.
I'm not sure Rivera even counts as an OFer
He’s just a very bad fielder who might be able to hit well. A team should really only sign him to DH. He might be a good fit for Tampa Bay.
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
I Didn't Know JJ Hardy Was Available???
Who would the brewers replace him with???
Cust is the new Jaha.
by johnjahafanclub on Oct 15, 2008 9:33 AM PDT reply actions
Alcides Escobar
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
28 year old rookie? Do not want.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
+1...unless the trade involves a Crosby/Aviles swap
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 15, 2008 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
He was probably the best SS in the AL though.
He’s at his peak!
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 15, 2008 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions
no way
they are in love
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
I would sign Furcal for a few years to be a holdover
And then throw the kitchen sink at Jose Reyes when he becomes a FA in ’12.
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i'm pretty sure the kitchen sink would render him ineffective
thats gotta hurt worse than a Eveland knuckle sandwhich
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 15, 2008 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
A 3 year holdover is a pretty long holdover.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 15, 2008 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions
i bet no one has thought of that either ;)
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
More importantly...
Why would a marquee FA want to sign with the A’s? Especially right now?
Why would Furcal want to be here?
"Some of the men didn't wait for the women and children to jump off the sinking ship that is our season." - 67MARQUEZ
by notsellingjeans on Oct 16, 2008 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions
maybe for some peace and quiet?
unlike those noisy/rowdy Dodgers fans, our A’s fans tend to like to give our players peace and quiet by staying home…
'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long
by DyeLongJustice on Oct 16, 2008 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I was offended at first.
I read that as “marquez’ FA”.
My ass is not fat. And I would have no problem signing with the A’s.
Sadly, I am one of those no-hit, no-catch types.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Are you gritty?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Oct 17, 2008 1:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I grit my teeth sometimes.
The last three innings of last night’s game, for example.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Money.
The same reason Gil Meche “wanted” to sign with KC. The same reason Barry Zito “wanted” to sign with the Gnats.
Oh wait, Zito wanted to win multiple championships. Nevermind.
There exists the possibility that teams will be shy on Furcal because of the back problems.
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