Chavez expects to be ready for Spring Training
by micdog2001 on Nov 19, 2008 5:20 PM PST
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He wants to return to his Gold Glove position
"And I fully expect to play third base."
but he didn't totally squash the whole idea of playing elsewhere
"Hey, I'll do anything that gets me out there for 130, 140 games," he said with a laugh. "I'll do whatever they want me to do if I can do it; I've jumped out there in the outfield before."
Usually it's best to take what Chavez says with a grain of salt (I wondered if I was using this phrase correctly, according to this I am. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=176207) but at least this time he is optimistic. A few months ago sounded like his career was over. I for one would be happy to have Chavez healthy and manning the hot corner again. Even if he never returns to his 30 HR, 100 RBI days he still is a MAJOR upgrade of Hannahan (IMHO, maybe somebody on AN could dispute that).
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I really believe that if he is healthy and plays 130+ Game
He will be a great asset for this team. With Chavez/Holliday/Cust in the middle of the order thats a decent HR threat. Add Giambi and we might have a better than league average offense.
"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com
I really think that Beane and company are counting on this
It’s why they shut him down so early last year. They fully wanted to get him out there for 2009. Whether that works or not is another story, but I think it’s something the A’s are counting on. Still it would be nice if they could pick up a better option in case it doesn’t work out.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Nov 19, 2008 5:25 PM PST reply actions
why in Ba'al's name are they counting on this?
If there’s one. Single. Thing. The A’s should have learned over the last 5 years, it’s that players with chronic injuries, especially back or arm injuries (especially especially back and arm injuries) should. Not. Be. Counted. On.
I also have a pretty high shame threshold. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Nov 19, 2008 5:33 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Isn’t this what Chavez says every season?
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Nov 19, 2008 5:54 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
No, usually he points out that
he really isn’t that good and the Angels should walk away with the division. This is refreshing – finally an athlete willing to speak in optimistic cliches!
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
Exactly, I'm tired of players saying their team sucks and they're not fully sure
if they’re healthy or not.
and what Billy sez every season ... about Chavez, about Duke, about Huston, about Kotsay, about Ellis ...
I used to entertain the possibility of the Xbhaskarx Hypothesis (namely, that Beane lies to the press in order to not undercut his own negotiating position vis a vis other teams who might otherwise suss out his roster needs) but more and more I think that’s a canard.
I also have a pretty high shame threshold. @('.')@
Last offseason
didn’t Beane pretty much come out and say that the tipping point (sorry) for trading Haren and Swisher was uncertainty about other players’ health, (specifically Chavez, Harden, and Gaudin, if I remember right)?
Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough
Yes - which would suggest that the tipping point
for adding Holliday was confidence that Chavez will be able to handle 3B in 2009.
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'm a bit worried that the tipping point was persistent whining from Lew
along the lines of certain comments here (mostly during the season) like “Just get a bat. I don’t care how.”
The A's colors are green and gold.
Doesn't sound like Lew
(he’s never interfered/dictated that way) or Billy (he’s never acted out of desperation or feeling pressured to “do something – anything!”).
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
even if you're in good with the boss ...
… you still know what he wants and try to deliver it. at least that’s how it works at my company. Lew doesn’t know how many years he has left, he wants to watch a team with some pop.
by vk on Nov 20, 2008 8:01 AM PST up reply actions
I think the tipping point for adding Holliday was that he was available for .90 cents on the dollar
…regardless of Chavy’s health. I don’t think Beane would make a trade dependent upon Chavy’s health.
I also don’t think Beane traded Haren or Swisher because of the health of Chavez or Harden. Those are nice reasons to give the public, because they don’t affect your trading leverage whatsoever. They are also palatable to intelligent fans.
But if the real reason for trading Haren or Swisher is, “We know that these guys are at the absolute peak of their value, and that their value will only decline from here”, well, that’s not a very good thing to announce publicly. Even if it’s a huge part of why they were traded.
Haren and Swisher had this in common: a.) Both had reached their top-end projections. b.) Both had extremely desirable contracts that would make them affordable and under control for 3+ years. c.) Both had demonstrated fairly good or better durability and consistency.
That’s the best time to trade a guy and get max value. His trade value can only go down from there as he gets closer to free agency, has a down season, and/or gets hurt.
"I'll make a list for the record. These people should be trusted: Sal, andeux, rfloh, danny...and no one else. Certainly not me. And even extra super-certainly not NSJ."
by notsellingjeans on Nov 19, 2008 7:16 PM PST up reply actions
I disagree that the injuries didn't play a part in the trading of Haren and Swisher
If Beane thought the A’s would actually have a healthy Harden, Chavez and Gaudin for 2008, they would have had a shot at the division title by preseason analysis (although not in hindsight). That’s worth a lot more than trading for nine prospects.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 9:07 PM PST up reply actions
Wait wait wait wait wait...
So you’re telling me that Ryan Sweeney, Fautino de Los Santos, and Gio Gonzalez is worth more than Wilson Betemit, Jhonny Nunez, and Jeff Marquez?
Oh wait.
Of course none of us can know for sure how healthy he is..or how healthy he can stay for a full season but I really would love to see him come back and give us a full season..and hopefully at 3rd. It would be GREAT to see him back.
Well said
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 6:26 PM PST up reply actions
Count on him as a non-entity
I’m expecting Chavez to not even play a single game.
But if we want to talk about secrets and dreams: pretending the player in question is a non-entity helped another former A stay healthy…
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Won't I go blind?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 6:27 PM PST up reply actions
Branyan would be a good pickup if the A's are looking for
more power and 3B insurance. Trouble is if he doesn’t play 3B, Branyan has nowhere to play.
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
1B/DH/LF/RF
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 6:27 PM PST up reply actions
Branyan would be insurance for Barton as well.
further killing any need to sign Giambi.
I know that's a pisser, baby.
Can he play 1B and/or corner OF?
Competently, that is?
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
Semi-competently
I imagine he’d be Cust-like in the outfield, but at least he’s a warm body who can hit some.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Also
Ty Wigginton is said to be on the trading block. Like Branyan, he’s a poor defensive 3B but can also handle other positions, and he’s probably a better bet as a hitter right now.
Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough
I think Ty Wiggington would be a kick-ass pickup
Probably the best “under the radar” option on the market. His career stats are better than you’d think from the lack of hype/attention. His career .514 slugging pct against lefties appeals to me too. What a great option for “occasional days off” that Chavy will most certainly need, a 1B option at least against LHP, and even a DH option (Cust to the OF) when you want to give Sweeney or Buckingham a day off.
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
When Buckingham have a day off
do they hang out in their palace ?
by green star oakland on Nov 19, 2008 8:37 PM PST up reply actions
or hinske/teahen is okay with me
all 3 guys can play a solid 3b and fill in multiple positions
by Asfan4ever723 on Nov 19, 2008 9:05 PM PST up reply actions
Casilla and Lansford for Teahen?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 9:13 PM PST up reply actions
How about Jairo Garcia and Carney?
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 about Octavio Dotel?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 9:56 PM PST up reply actions
Wouldn't he cost something like $6M in arbitration?
What would the Astros want for him, and who else do they have at 3B? I can’t imagine they’d take back anything less than Duchscherer from the A’s. They aren’t really interested in prospects, unless they’re really good.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 9:12 PM PST up reply actions
Duchscherer???
I don’t think it would take Duchscherer to get the Wig-meister. And if it did, I most certainly would not make the trade.
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 much do you think he will fetch
on the FA market next season???
"What do we do with Crosby? Well, in my neighborhood, trash goes out on Mondays." ~ Nico
Astros needs seem to be C, CF, Starter and 3B if they trade Wigginton
Unless we’re giving up Sweeney or Suzuki, I don’t see what else we have that they’d want. Could be a 3-way I guess, if we’re willing to give up prospects to a third team.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 10:03 PM PST up reply actions
Braden?
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
Does he really improve their rotation? I don't see it.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 21, 2008 6:46 AM PST up reply actions
He's better than Wandy Rodriguez
{snerk} Wandy Rodriguez.
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
so no 3b added
guzman not even added to the 40 man
this sounds like a broken record with chavez..hope he stays healthy or hannahan
Why are the A's so not-high on Guzman?
Seems like an organization so bereft of 3B talent could do worse.
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
Poor defense + poor plate discipline is a tough hurdle to overcome in this organization
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Sounds like Olmedo Saenz
And we could use Olmedo right about now.
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'm hoping Baisley is Olmedo
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 21, 2008 6:47 AM PST up reply actions
Well, we made snarky jokes that Crosboner would never put together a relatively healthsome season, too...
… and look how that turned out last year!
Wait…
In all seriousness, though, who knows? While I’m not counting on Chavy being an everyday presence, I’m certainly prepared to be pleasantly surprised.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
And I'm prepared to be surprisingly pleasant!
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
Psssshhhhh
Believe it when I see it.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
Why thank you for that most illuminating contribution
And have a nice day!!!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
When I saw the picture with the article,
I thought, “Who is that bearded man? Isn’t that Casey, the bullpen catcher?”
Seriously. It’s been way too long, Chavy.
But hey, I’m an optimistic person, and Chavy generally doesn’t have particularly optimistic things to say, so I’ll just take this as a good sign.
Isn't it ironic how we long, hardly daring to hope, for the good old days when
Chavy was a “choke artist who only HRed in meaningless games”?
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 was around Crosby too long and
“ole Bobby wore off on em!”
"What do we do with Crosby? Well, in my neighborhood, trash goes out on Mondays." ~ Nico
No, no, no
get it right … “choke artist who only HRed in the 8th inning of games the A’s trailed 9-2 in.”
But man, was he clutch in those spots.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
The only question I ask you (ANers);
Is the starting pitching good enough to lead us to a pennant and possible World Series?
Now I am pretty optimistic, but even I am a little doubtful about the experience of the rotation especially after the All-star break…
I really want this “Holliday acquisition” to be a strength in the development of the rebuilding scheme, rather than a setback!
"What do we do with Crosby? Well, in my neighborhood, trash goes out on Mondays." ~ Nico
pardon the spelling error above; "Holiday"
I’m from Oklahoma, as is Matt, so you think I should know better!!!!
"What do we do with Crosby? Well, in my neighborhood, trash goes out on Mondays." ~ Nico
Correction for you
I’m from Oklahoma, as is Matt, so you should be impressed I can even use computers!!!!
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Both times
And no, the starting pitching is not good enough absent some incredible progress from Gio, Mazzaro, Cahill and Anderson
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 19, 2008 10:06 PM PST up reply actions
Cahill and Anderson's progress won't impact the 2009 Oakland A's
Gio’s will be important.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Whoever. Two of these guys have to come through.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 20, 2008 12:18 AM PST up reply actions
I can't remember...
Which shoulder did Chavez have surgery on? Throwing or non-throwing?
Throwing
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 haven't heard Matt Dominguez mentioned on AN in a while
but here’s BP’s take on him, raking him a five-star prospect:
3. Matt Dominguez, 3B
DOB: 8/28/89
Height/Weight: 6-2/180
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 1st round, 2007, Chatsworth HS (CA)
2008 Stats: .296/.354/.499, .233 EqA at Low-A (88 G)
Last Year’s Ranking: 3
Year in Review: Even though he was the 12th overall pick in last year’s draft, Dominguez nevertheless exceeded all expectations in his full-season debut, finishing fourth in the league in slugging percentage.
The Good: Dominguez has a remarkably quiet swing with little step or trigger, and the bat flies through the zone quickly, allowing him to make consistent, hard contact. Marlins officials believe he’s just beginning to find his power; he was recovering from mononucleosis early in the season, and ended up pounding out 10 home runs in his final 22 games. Despite being just a teenager, his defense is big league-quality right now, and he has Gold Glove potential with outstanding instincts, great hands, and a strong, accurate arm.
The Bad: Dominguez can be a hacker, and he often puts himself in bad hitting counts. He’s not a clogger on the basepaths, but he is a well below-average runner. There is some concern that the home park played too large a role in his numbers, since he hit just .246/.296/.392 on the road while putting up a 1000-plus OPS in the friendly confines of Greensboro.
Fun Fact: In high school, Dominguez was arguably part of the second-best left side of an infield in the history of high school baseball, playing third while Royals slugging prospect Mike Moustakas was at short. Prizes in the comments section for whoever can name the best—those employed by professional scouting departments are not eligible.
Perfect World Projection: He’ll become a healthy, right-handed version of Eric Chavez.
Glass Half Empty: The home park makes him look better than he is, and combined with plate-discipline issues, he’ll end up a merely average player.
Path To The Big Leagues: That was a great year by Jorge Cantu and all, but it’s not like he’ll be around when Dominguez is ready.
Timetable: Dominguez will join Stanton at High-A Jupiter to begin the 2009 season.
"This is Rickey, calling on behalf of Rickey."
"Dominguez will join Stanton at High-A Jupiter to begin the 2009 season."
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
yeah, I wasn't thinking a 2008 Chavy replacement
just that he was mentioned here before. He’s probably a bit under the radar now considering the mono dragged down his numbers this year.
"This is Rickey, calling on behalf of Rickey."
by scatterbrian on Nov 20, 2008 5:17 PM PST up reply actions
Fair enough
But prospect-for-prospect trades don’t really happen, so I don’t really see how we’d get him.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Sounds a bit CarGon-ish at the plate
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
That's become a dangerous adjective
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Nov 21, 2008 6:48 AM PST up reply actions
when his numbers inflate Coors Field
his stats will be CarGonated
"This is Rickey, calling on behalf of Rickey."
by scatterbrian on Nov 25, 2008 7:44 PM PST up reply actions
Lordy
I remember when Chavez was making a stink about wanting to go to the outfield. It was a year or two after he won his first gold glove. It was the dumbest idea in the world then. I wonder how dumb it is now.
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