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Should the A's be pursuing Teixeira?

So, this morning's news is that the Slegna have apparently succumbed to temptation, collapsed on their previous reluctance to go above 6 or 7 years, and made an 8-year, $160 million offer to Mark Teixeira.

Even before this news, I was starting to think thnat the A's should be going after Teixeira; now, I'm leaning even more strongly toward that position.

My relatively disordered, composed-in-the-midst-of-rinsing-diapers argument after the jump ...

Star-divide

 

Given that:

  • As andeux said earlier this week, Teixeira is "as good a long-term health and performance bet as you’ll ever find on the free agent market" (safer, to be sure, than Furcal, who doesn't want to seem to play in Oakland anyway)
  • The principal suitors are now once again our direct rival in the division, who will benefit greatly at our direct expense with Teixeira on their roster for the foreseeable future (and the reverse of that)
  • The A's, even in this recession, should have cash available
  • Holliday is either going to get much more expensive (if he hits well in the offense-depressing Coliseum; and due to the alleged new emphasis on defense and well-rounded players by MLB execs) or prove to be a bust and not worth extending; there's also virtually no reason whatsoever for Holliday to give the A's any sort of discount, or for him to even bother negotiating with the A's before he hits FA next winter
  • The A's <i>already have Holliday for '09</i>--they have his relatively certain production, and they have his relatively certain trade/draft-pick value if they decide not to keep him beyond '09; the Teixeira-or-Holliday dilemma isn't a pure either-or A-B; it's A <i>plus</i> B and then the fruits of selling B. It's only A or B if the A's <i>choose</i> to not pursue Teixeira
  • Beane seems to perceive that the A's have a narrow, immediate window of competitiveness in '09, and then have to play a waiting game for prospects to develop in '11 and beyond; the time is, as grover argues below in his Staturday non-rant, now
  • None of the A's first-base options project anywhere near Teixeira in the short- and medium-term horizons; by the time he's blocking anyone, the market will likely have caught up to his contract, rendering him tradeable
  • The A's have to proceed with their competitive plan <i>regardless</i> of the stadium situation: unless Beane wants to go the Full Marlin, the payroll will have to increase, and you might as well drop the extra cash for the risk mitigation
  • Signing--or even making a good-faith, competitive, late-game offer to him--would go a long way toward grover's argument about positioning the team as "competitive" in the eyes of Randy Johnson (and, perhaps, Furcal)
  • Finally, even if the A's don't sign him, jumping in with a big offer at this stage could force the Slegna (or the Sux) even higher with their bids; any extra dollars Beane would force them to spend would be dollars unavailable for the rest of their roster

That last point is really the crux of my argument; at this point, I think it's probably a fait accompli that Teixeira signs with the Angels; let's make sure they pay as dear as possible a price.

Baseball trades, rumors and blog coverage - SB Nation MLB Hot Stove

Poll
Should the A's jump into the bidding for Teixeira?
Yes, with the intent of signing him
290 votes
Yes, but only to drive his price up for the Slegna
311 votes
No
602 votes

1203 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 137 comments |

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Comments

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Like the Spandau Ballet

None of the A’s first-base options project anywhere near Teixeira in the short- and medium-term horizons; by the time he’s blocking anyone, the market will likely have caught up to his contract, rendering him tradeable

This much is true. And this is exactly what I would do if it were my decsion to make and I’d probably do it sometime after year three or a particularly supberb season when a great prospect package could be exchanged. I doubt the Athletics will go this route, though. 1B is not too tough of a fill and incremental production can be made elsewhere. The angle about hurting the Angels through driving up the bid sounds interesting, though.

by LowcountryJoe on Dec 13, 2008 9:35 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

No, I don't think the A's will do it, either

I really don’t think Beane starts negotiations with someone unless he’s serious about reaching a deal; and I suspect that his relatively low offer to Furcal (and waiting around for Randy Johnson) is due to Crywolffisher giving him a lower ‘09 budget than they’d promised a few months ago.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 9:43 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and, yes, ~3y would be my timetable for trading Teixeira

We’d get his best peak years, but he’d still be young and reliable enough for another team to get a fair amount of production value out him.

Heck, I’d even front-load the contract to make it more likely. I still don’t understand why at least the more cash-flush teams don’t front-load their player contracts.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 9:46 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

time value of money

back loading is essentially an interest free loan

ask an actuarial about this

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 13, 2008 12:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sure, but if you could get the same PV, it doesn't matter.

I think it’s that players like the sound of the big total value. CC just signed a $161M contract. That sounds better than a $152M contract with the same PV.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 1:46 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Financial genius and pretty fair pitcher.

He can hit too.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 2:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

not as flexible as his cousin, Jake PVC, though

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 5:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Overpriced allstar

  He already has a 160/8 on the table and its still going up. Tex is very good but not great and plays first. I do like what I am seeing on his quest for the big contract. Whoever signs him will have their payroll tied up in him for years to come. If its the Angels that would be great. Think about it. About 1/6th of their payroll in 1 player. No money available when their starters reach free agency.

by Arcman on Dec 13, 2008 9:45 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I thought California had some law about contracts

that limit them to 7 years? Wouldn’t the 8th year have to have some player opt-out clause?

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Dec 13, 2008 9:49 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

no

we’ve discussed this before, but the CBA makes MLB exempt from that.

"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 Dec 13, 2008 9:56 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, thx.

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Dec 13, 2008 12:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I voted yes.

He’s as “sure bet” as any FA can be. He plays first base and a darn good first base. He would make the A’s the favorites in the AL West in 2009 and will still be in the middle of the order when the next crop of young players comes up. He’ll cost $20+ per year. BUT think of it this way. Superstar contracts only go up. So it’s entirely possible that some above average first baseman will be getting $20 million in 2012. Yet, we’ll still be paying our superstar 1B $20 million per year. So the contract only looks outrageous for the first couple of years.

I say we do it.

"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra

by brenarlo on Dec 13, 2008 9:55 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

"Superstar contracts only go up"

My real estate friend and others kept telling me the same thing a couple years ago about the housing market. “It is a safe investment” , “You can’t lose”, “Home prices will continue to go up”

Well, guess what? They didn’t and in fact they did the opposite. In this economy I would say it is a bad investment to give those large long term contracts.

I think that Wolfe and Beane are doing the right thing by not offering the large guaranteed contracts.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Dec 14, 2008 9:26 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Bad markets are the best possible time to lock up assets

as the Yankees are doing quite nicely as we speak…

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 14, 2008 11:23 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You mean by drastically overpaying for Burnett?

Or signing an OMFG-sized contract for CC?

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Dec 15, 2008 8:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They didn't overpay for either of those guys

They paid market rate for Burnett and below market for Sabathia.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 15, 2008 11:50 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh Jesus....!!!!!!!!

You can’t be serious……

by mrod on Dec 17, 2008 11:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"Superstar contracts only go up."

Until they start going down. I remember hearing the same think when someone once told me that housing is a no-lose investment proposition. Sure, long term, housing prices ONLY go up….until….

by LowcountryJoe on Dec 13, 2008 10:21 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

They'll go up 8 of 10 years....

The trend is always up.

"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra

by brenarlo on Dec 13, 2008 10:24 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

please remember

to spay or neuter your superstar baseball players.

I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico

by Leopold Bloom on Dec 13, 2008 10:51 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

QOTM

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 13, 2008 11:41 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

seconded, enthusiastically

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 2:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

As supply of superstar baseball players goes up...

…salaries will go down. That’s the good news Of course, wouldn’t this just dillute the stock superstars and, if so, what would make one superstar incrementally better than the next? IOW, wouldn’t many of these superstars become just mediorce in a relative comparison? Although it sure would be nice to have the luxury of placing some superstars in the 7-9 positions of the batting order.

by LowcountryJoe on Dec 13, 2008 10:52 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

No

You give him 8 years, he gets injured/other and your franchise is done for the next 7 years. I don’t care how much of a “sure bet” he is, committing all that money to 1 player it’s not the way to go. We don’t have the flexibility for that

Clear its radiance shine...

by ATarHeel on Dec 13, 2008 10:37 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

no no no

it’s just not money well spent at this time when there are other holes to fill…
and in response to this:

As andeux said earlier this week, Teixeira is “as good a long-term health and performance bet as you’ll ever find on the free agent market” (safer, to be sure, than Furcal, who doesn’t want to seem to play in Oakland anyway)

  This talk about Furcal not wanting to go to the A’s, that’s just ridiculous. While it might be true, him rejecting our deal does not support that claim whatsoever. this is a business where there are no allegiances, and we as A’s fans are taking it personally that he isn’t jumping at the first chance to be in Oakland.
If I was offered a deal that was considerably less than I think I can get, I’m going to wait. It’s human instinct. and I’m sure Angels fans feel the same way about Tex, but we’ve all got to realize it’s a business where the most attractive offer will prevail, especially for a guy like Furcal. When he signed his last contract with the Dodgers, he said something to the effect of “they gave me the most money, so I was most interested, and so were they”.

by stranahanahan on Dec 13, 2008 10:48 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

right, and 4/36 is probably worse for furcal than 2/25.

i mean really, its eleven million more, but its also two years more! if the a’s and dodgers pay furcal 25 over the first two years, then the a’s pay 11 mil more for the next two, thats 5.5 per season, way under the rate that the dodgers would be paying. now, long term deals do come with slight discounts and short term deals, esp a dodgers proposal, is going to be higher average salary, but a starting offer of 4/40 should have been on the table before we start to get but hurt about furcal spurning us.

"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 13, 2008 11:26 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It's worse if he's healthy. Since he rejected it he may think he's healthy. Which means we can

increase the bid. If he had accepted, that would have been bad news.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 1:48 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

No.

Even with all this cash flexibility, the A’s have a pretty limited budget. To succeed, they have to develop from within and fill in undeveloped spots with their cash.

Over the next 8 years—which is the minimum it seems it will take to sign Teix—the 1B spot seems like one of the last places they need to fill in. Everyone knows about Jack Cust and his awesomeness at DH. And everyone seems to know that the team has two pretty good 1B/DH prospects who will be starting next year in AA.

But the A’s also have this guy who used to be a pretty good prospect, Daric Barton. he was terrible last year—one of the worst players in baseball. But there’s still a lot of reasons to like him.

First, he rated as a very good defensive 1B in every metric I’ve seen. Not as good as Teix, but solidly above average.

Second, he should develop into a pretty good hitter. He has a 99 OPS+ in 607 PA in his major league career, which is just a touch below MLB average for all hitters. Looking at all active players, 33 of them have had at least 400 PA through age 22 with an OPS+ between 90 and 110. Among those 33 players, Barton’s 99 OPS+ ranks 13th.


  Cnt Player OPS+ PA From To Ages G
——————————-————-——————- +——
    1 B.J. Upton 110 914 2004 2007 19-22 224
    2 Barry Bonds 110 1095 1986 1987 21-22 263
    3 Prince Fielder 109 710 2005 2006 21-22 196
    4 Eric Chavez 109 1019 1998 2000 20-22 284
    5 Andruw Jones 107 1890 1996 1999 19-22 505
    6 Nick Markakis 106 542 2006 2006 22-22 147
    7 Robinson Cano 106 551 2005 2005 22-22 132
    8 Hank Blalock 106 787 2002 2003 21-22 192
    9 Michael Barrett 102 496 1998 1999 21-22 134
   10 Troy Tulowitzki 101 790 2006 2007 21-22 180
   11 Jason Kendall 101 471 1996 1996 22-22 130
   12 Shawn Green 100 445 1993 1995 20-22 138
   13 Daric Barton 99 607 2007 2008 21-22 158
   14 Rocco Baldelli 99 1249 2003 2004 21-22 292
   15 Wily Mo Pena 99 563 2002 2004 20-22 203
   16 Adrian Beltre 99 1918 1998 2001 19-22 493
   17 Carlos Beltran 99 786 1998 1999 21-22 170
   18 Derek Jeter 99 705 1995 1996 21-22 172
   19 Jeff Francoeur 98 960 2005 2006 21-22 232
   20 Sean Burroughs 98 784 2002 2003 21-22 209
   21 Jim Thome 98 427 1991 1993 20-22 114
   22 Rafael Furcal 97 542 2000 2000 22-22 131
   23 Derrek Lee 97 576 1997 1998 21-22 163
   24 Jay Bruce 96 452 2008 2008 21-21 108
   25 Billy Butler 96 838 2007 2008 21-22 216
   26 Delmon Young 96 1435 2006 2008 20-22 344
   27 Ivan Rodriguez 96 1666 1991 1994 19-22 447
   28 Justin Upton 95 569 2007 2008 19-20 151
   29 Gary Sheffield 95 1244 1988 1991 19-22 294
   30 Asdrubal Cabrera 92 604 2007 2008 21-22 159
   31 Jimmy Rollins 91 775 2000 2001 21-22 172
   32 Melky Cabrera 90 1155 2005 2007 20-22 286
   33 Carl Crawford 90 1611 2002 2004 20-22 366

That’s a pretty damn impressive bunch of players to be grouped with, and Barton doesn’t embarrass himself in the comparison. His OPS+ also underrates his offense a bit, as he’s more OBP-heavy than most.

In short, if you can hit at major league average in a decent sample size at a young age, you’re probably going to develop into a good hitter.

by Danny on Dec 13, 2008 11:18 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I agree that Barton will be a very good MLB player but he isn't there right now

and the A’s have a chance to compete this year. Barton can’t be the reason you don’t sign one of the best hitters in all of baseball, especially if his signing directly dents the Angel’s strength (but that can’t be the only reason why you’d sign him).

by NateHST on Dec 13, 2008 11:25 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The question is, with Oakland's current rotation

are they a good bet to compete? A lot has to roll right, from Duke’s health to Gio/Braden/Eveland’s progress.

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 Dec 13, 2008 11:29 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sure, if they could sign Teix for 1 year

But they likely won’t be able to sign him for fewer than 7-8 years, so Barton’s potential development has to be a significant factor.

Barton’s a pretty valuable asset, and he’d lose a lot of value if the A’s signed Teix. I think that money would be much better spent in other areas—like SP, RP, SS, 3B, CF.

by Danny on Dec 13, 2008 11:29 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

But if you have Tex,

flipping Barton in a package to get a good SS or 3B or CF solution becomes pretty easy.

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 Dec 13, 2008 11:30 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It does?

First, we’d be selling low on Barton given his poor 2008. Second, prospect for prospect (or very young MLBer) trades rarely go down. Third, the A’s would have very little leverage in trading Barton with Teix around.

If the A’s are going to spend a bunch of money, I don’t think it should be on one of the few positions where they not only have a pretty good young player at already—but also have 2 pretty good prospects on the way.

by Danny on Dec 13, 2008 11:37 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You don't have to package Barton for a prospect

You can package him to get anyone. He becomes expendable and I think that while his value is lower than it would have been had he performed well in 2008, it’s not that low due to his age and scouting projections.

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 Dec 13, 2008 12:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

welcome to the bandwagon!

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 2:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Um... I was joking.

Barton to 3B isn’t going to work.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 13, 2008 2:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

shouldn't that be singular?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 5:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Similiar lousy service

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 13, 2008 5:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Crap! Typo in the punch line

{sigh}

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 13, 2008 5:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

Because given the nature of the previous exchange, it’s sort of funny. And what’s up with the crap in the punch bowel?

by LowcountryJoe on Dec 13, 2008 9:48 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking of moving Duke to 3rd and Barton to starting pitcher

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Dec 14, 2008 9:31 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Agree entirely

Even if the A’s didn’t have potentially good players on the horizon, is it wise to tie up such a large percentage of the team’s payroll in the position that’s easiest to fill? If Teixiera were still playing third base, I would be in favor of maximum pursuit. As a first baseman, no.

Root for the Giants? Not even if they're playing al-Qaeda!

by Monday Fan on Dec 13, 2008 12:47 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I voted no because of Barton as well.

I’d rather go all out to sign Holliday, discount or no discount.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 1:51 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

My sentiments exactly WC

please see below, sir….

by mrod on Dec 13, 2008 4:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

thanks for the knowledge drop

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Dec 13, 2008 7:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I like Tex and the A's could make him an offer, but

I still would rather the A’s try to keep Holliday one way or the other. I just have a feeling……………

by mrod on Dec 13, 2008 11:21 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Come on, Nationals -

It’s the face of your franchise, dudes!

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 Dec 13, 2008 12:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Don't let the Orioles get their grubby hands on him!

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 1:51 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

if we sign tex, it's two times the wins added swing

since not only do we add wins, but we subtract them from the angels. other than this, i don’t think i’d want to sign tex. 1b is one of the easiest positions to fill in MLB. you don’t think there will be another good 1b on the market sometime in the near future? or that we can’t find a pretty good 1b in our system (helllllooo chris carter)? tex is good, but that kind of long term deal is a huge risk if he goes down with injury or declines.

"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 13, 2008 11:30 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

agreed

1b is easy to fill we have more pressing concerns

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 13, 2008 12:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

forget teixiera

just sign all 20 nontenders spread out the risk..now thats moneyball!!!

by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 13, 2008 11:37 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I voted Yes with the intent to sign

It’s not going to happen but the idea makes me drool.

I believe the A’s can afford to carry a $20 million contract now and in the future. Like I argued here it will take some maneuvering down the road but nothing too traumatic.

Signing Tex now would be the sure thing in comparison to possibly signing Holliday a year from now.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 13, 2008 11:46 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I should add

If the A’s did jump into the fray I’d expect the Angels to bump their offer. Pretty soon the Angels would reach a level the A’s couldn’t follow.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 13, 2008 11:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

True dat -

Why not offer 8/22 figuring you either get your Holliday-type centerpiece in Teixeira and steal him away from the Angels, or you force the Angels to pay more than 2million more a year to keep him?

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 Dec 13, 2008 12:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

that will end up hurting us just as much in the future

if the slegna are forced to pay teix 8 at 22 per, that sets the starting point for negotiations for all players of his caliber which ends up hurting us because we have to pay more for any other big-name FA that comes on the market. The more Teix signs for this year = the more we will have to pay Holliday to re-sign.

by diehardoaklandfan22 on Dec 13, 2008 2:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

:-(

:-(

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 Dec 13, 2008 2:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It's one or the other in my opinion.

I’ll say it again and every time…….I WOULD RATHER THE A’S SIGN MATT FREEKING HOLLIDAY TO A LONG TERM EXTENSION RIGHT FREEKING NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by mrod on Dec 13, 2008 4:57 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

why on earth would Holliday agree to do that?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 5:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and, here's what I like about it ...

We have Teixeira + Holliday in the lineup for (at least half of) ’09 and we get the fruits of whatever transaction in which Holliday goes away.

Personally, I don’t at all understand anyone arguing to not sign Teixeira, but to pursue signing Holliday next year.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 2:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Why? Holliday plays a more desirable position.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 2:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

And RF. It's more flexibility.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 3:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

OK, but you can switch Cunningam or Buck around then. The point is that 1B are

limited to 1B and corner OF can often cover 2 positions. Holliday could back up in CF as well.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 3:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

i'm not sure he can, actually

I understand your point, and I’d agree if Holliday was seen as more versatile in the outfield.

Teixera, on the other hand, is a gold glove first baseman, besides having proven to hit for power in both leagues.

by OaklandSi on Dec 13, 2008 4:18 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe it's that Barton, Doolittle and Carter

are more promising than the equivalent corner OFers we’ll be seeing in the next few 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

by Nico on Dec 13, 2008 2:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Because Holliday is better at baseball?

Typically that’s considered a good thing.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 13, 2008 7:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I have him at roughly a win a year better, so yes

7 wins at the end of the scarcity curve is worth a hell of a lot more than 5 or 6 in the middle of it.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 14, 2008 11:25 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

i would love if we had him...

but not for that much money and especially not for 8 years!

by chrisgatling on Dec 13, 2008 12:26 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

chris gatling used to be my neighbor when he played for Golden State

I actually played ball with him for about 10 minutes when i was about 8 or 9…

by stranahanahan on Dec 13, 2008 12:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

No

I don’t mean to be disrespectful to monkeyball, but this really strikes me as untenable as those “we should trade for a-rod he is good” posts. Wrapping up that much payroll for as long as Teixeira is demanding is just not smart business for a team like the A’s. Future flexibility, being able to lock down the better younger players through their arby years, having enough scratch to keep the farm system fueled— these things are more important to me than signing an admittedly excellent player to a gigantic long-term contract.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 13, 2008 1:02 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I'd have agreed with them. Trouble is he gave the Yankees a hometown discount.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 2:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Unless there was a real chance to trade him mid-contract

Then you maintain the flexibility. If the contract is too big, that becomes harder but OTOH he won’t be a 10-5 player until the end of his 5th season with you.

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 Dec 13, 2008 2:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

And if you can't have flexibility you have one of the 20 best players of all time

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 3:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

probably maybe

I also had a longstanding blockbuster trade proposal with the Yankees involving Chavvy, A-Rod, Kotsay, and Kendall. That actually made a smidgen of sense.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 13, 2008 5:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Except the Yankees would never have done it for any four A's players in 2004-7

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 6:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Foot, meet mouth

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 13, 2008 7:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

you got it all wrong

sign dunn to 3 yr, 45 mill, trade barton/crosby/casilla to indians for peralta. that way dunn will be gone or near gone by the time carter/doolittle arrive

that's gold jerry, gold!!!

by 9Custs on Dec 13, 2008 3:08 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

That team will have LOUSY infield defense

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 Dec 13, 2008 3:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It's coming

from someone who’s name is 9Custs. We know their ideal situation.

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Dec 13, 2008 4:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

whose*

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Dec 13, 2008 4:41 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I guarantee you this:

if the angels don’t get Teixeira and there are more than 2 teams legitimately willing to pay market value for Dunn or Burrell, Reagins will freak and throw money at one of the two, my guess it will be Dunn. He’s going to see a contract of closer to $20 MM/year if this scenario plays out…

by stranahanahan on Dec 13, 2008 3:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Dear god let this situation be true please

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 13, 2008 3:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It won't be

Don’t get your hopes up.

I’m also failing to see what the Indians are supposed to gain about trading one of their better young players for a package of a bust, a head case and a prospect coming off a horrible season.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 13, 2008 7:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Voted just to piss off the Angels.

IF he produces to an acceptable level through the contract, its a solid signing and he’s worth the big money. He’s easily worth 20-25MM/yr at his current performance level, but I wouldn’t want to be paying him that at age 35+. Especially since he’s a first baseman.

However, that’s the kind of risk that has the capability of crippling a team like the A’s.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 13, 2008 3:41 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

However, the A's entering the bidding just for the sake of pissing off the Angels is a good thing.

Just to get the price higher so them stupid slegnA can’t sign him.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 13, 2008 3:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If we do sign Tex

then Holliday is sure to go after the 2009 season, and the Angels may very well be a serious suitor for him.

Say something funny.

by muffinpryde on Dec 13, 2008 4:00 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I don’t like dying.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Dec 13, 2008 5:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Have you tried it?

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 6:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

No to Tex

Any chance on teaching Copeland 1st Base? Maybe that’s why they picked him up in the Rule 5 Draft?

by A'sfansince1970 on Dec 13, 2008 5:44 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Why would they ever do that?

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Dec 13, 2008 6:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Versatility

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 13, 2008 6:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

We already have a first baseman who can't hit

Just kidding, Daric.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 13, 2008 7:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

my ideal 2009 lineup (yeah yeah)

1. Buck-rf
2. Furcal-ss
3.Dunn-1b
4.Holliday-lf
5.Cust-dh
6.Chavez-3b
7.Suzuki-C
8.Sweeney-cf
9.Ellis-2b

sp- Duchshererererer
sp-R. Johnson
sp- Galager
sp-Gonzalez
sp-eveland

bullpen is set in my opinion

that's gold jerry, gold!!!

by 9Custs on Dec 13, 2008 6:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I think R. Johnson will sign with the Giants

I fear we’re a lot of guys’ second choice.

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 Dec 13, 2008 7:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Is that you, Cindi?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 14, 2008 6:23 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

My name is Joe Morgan....

and I can say this thread is ridiculous and I didn’t even read it.

by capper3 on Dec 14, 2008 1:02 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Unrelated, sorry

But if a Contra Costa Times subscriber could help me out, I’d love it. I had an article in today’s paper about St. Mary’s basketball, but I’m nowhere near the Bay Area now. Could someone kindly fill me in about if it printed (or just online) and if it did, how deep into the sports section? Thanks.

by JLaff on Dec 14, 2008 9:33 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Hmm...

I don’t know if anyone is worth an eight-year commitment. Plus, he becomes untradeable (well, difficult to trade, anyway) after five years, because he’ll have 10 and 5 status.

I really like Teix, but that’s a lot of years.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Dec 14, 2008 9:48 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

No one is worth an eight year commitment

Of course I’ve been divorced seven times so maybe I’m not the best person to ask.

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 Dec 14, 2008 10:13 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What did you think I was,

a baaaaaaaaachelor?

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 Dec 14, 2008 10:50 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I just moved back to Cali

I had no idea which propositions had passed.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 14, 2008 2:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Well, there was this proposition to try to narrowly

define marriage as being “between a man and a human” – obviously I voted against it.

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 Dec 14, 2008 3:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Fortunately there are more goats than Nicos, so it passed

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Dec 15, 2008 8:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Goats with Votes?

I thought that organization was a hoax.

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 Dec 15, 2008 8:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Nope. Paul writes that the Yankees are locking up...

…great deals while the assets are in the midst of a bad market. Because you just know that the Sabathia contract after year number six is going to look like a screaming genuis play [thinks of Kevin Brown, Chris Carpenter, Mike Hampton, etc.]

by LowcountryJoe on Dec 14, 2008 12:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Just curious: do you really, honestly, think the Yankees give a shit?

This is a team that just wrote off a four-year deal to Carl Pavano for $40 million, zero production, without batting an eye. And still made the playoffs 3 out of those 4 years.

They’re hiring him for his first 3 or 4 years. The rest of it is just paying the piper.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 14, 2008 1:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

CC can opt out after three years anyway

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 Dec 14, 2008 3:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Yankees giving a shit? Not really.

The expectations of the Yankees by their fans and that organization as an empire — media empire — is much different than Oakland’s franchise. The Yankees, their market, and all the factors within that market create a much different scenario. The Yankees can actually afford to eat bad years on contracts. Can the Athletics? Maybe it’s time to stop pretending that the two teams, as businesses, are playing on the same field.

by LowcountryJoe on Dec 14, 2008 3:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They're not playing on the same field???

I really don’t get baseball. :-(

-Cindi

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 Dec 14, 2008 3:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sabathia has better mechanics than those three you mention anyway

he is less of an injury risk and has a solid solid career. if there is one player you should be putting money on in this FA market, it’s probably Sabathia. It’s a much better deal than, say, Kerry Wood (it is highly unlikely he plays enough to be a 2 WAR reliever, thus justifying his 10mil/season contract) or AJ Burnett (NO WAY he stays healthy).

"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 14, 2008 5:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

i fogot about...

Smoltz/Penny/Mulder. Add them to RJ and Duke and theres ur rotation!!

that's gold jerry, gold!!!

by 9Custs on Dec 14, 2008 3:46 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

LOL

That would equal about 140 starts missed due to injury between them.

by Trainman on Dec 14, 2008 9:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

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