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Furcal Reportedly Chooses Atlanta

Siwsher_tiny by Helloooo 1st on Comment 385 comments

It's over. The incumbent's job is safe as of now because Rafael Furcal has chosen to go back to the Braves instead of accepting our 4 yr/40 mil offer. Rosenthal was the first to report it.

This is really demoralizing for us I feel. We were all set to add another weapon to our offense and spirits were high that we could possibly compete with the Angels next year but it doesn't appear that Furcal will be a part of that.

I'm sure many of us will be mad at him for spurning us, others relieved, and the rest sad as I am. Unless BB can pull off a trade for Escobar or Hardy, I'm hoping that Petit opens the season as the starting SS because I really really really don't want to waste a draft pick and the money to sign Orlando Cabrera. I'll attach a poll to see what you all think we should do now.

The options regarding having to trade one of Cahill/Anderson mean that you feel that we need to acquire one of those players and that giving up one of the aforementioned pitchers is acceptable. The options where we don't give up Cahill/Anderson mean that you explore the possibility but if the answer is no, you move on to someone else. I realize it's a bit confusing but hopefully this will clear it up.

Poll
What should the A's do about the SS position?

  1146 votes | Results

4 recs | Comment 385 comments

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Comments

Display:

Good thing we traded for Holliday.

Without a revamped infield, there is no way that we can compete with the Angels for the division title. Their pitching staff also has at least one guy that has made 30 starts in one season, unlike us.

by green_and_gold on Dec 16, 2008 1:57 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes Holliday is a definate plus

His and Chavez’ presence could improve everyone numbers next year, including Crosby’s, thus making him more valuable for a potential mid-season trade or just for A’s production.

Crosby’s not great but he’s better than many SS.

Also at the trade deadline Holliday will still have immense, immense trade value.

Which team wouldn’t LOVE to have Holliday, a guy making 9M or so, for the second half of the season? He’s the CC Sabathia/Carlos Beltran type.

by halflink123 on Dec 16, 2008 10:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

/sarcasm

"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

by flipgatey3 on Dec 16, 2008 10:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ill believe it when its finalized

form what ive read from rosenthal he just has a thing against the A’s and seems to be making a speculation.

well see

by supermarc589 on Dec 16, 2008 2:03 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dunno

I doubt he’d post something so definitive if he wasn’t close to certain it was happening. If it gets shot down then that makes him look bad and he loses credibility.

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

by Helloooo 1st on Dec 16, 2008 2:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he does make mistakes from time to time

such as Tim Hudson to the Dodgers for Edwin Jackson + other prospects.

But I think he’s right about this one.

by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 10:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gee, what a shock.

Just glad it’s done with. Too bad the A’s wasted their time. Really, I’m not too upset that the A’s aren’t signing an already injury prone player in his 30s to a big money contract.

The A’s are paying Crsoby. It’s not too big a deal to start the season with him. If he’s playing at his usual level, they should be able to pick up someone decent by late May or June because of the economy. Hell, the A’s could pick up Tejada right now. The Astros are in a bad way, want to dump Tejada’s contract, and according to reports in the Houston Chronicle and by Yahoo’s Jeff Passan, there’s been almost no interest in Tejada so far. He probably can be had for not much more than taking that contract. Actually, Tejada might come cheaper (in prospects) now than he would in June or July, since the A’s would be taking more of the contract, and by then he’ll be all accounted for in the Stros’ budget.

by AgitationStation on Dec 16, 2008 3:13 AM PST reply reply actions actions   1 recs

i agree with this comment

a couple of months of crosby (or other) won’t kill us, and there’s going to be an opportunity to pick up a short stop during the season, surely, as teams reassess where they are going. maybe it’ll cost more in terms of talent, but, yknow. if the A’s are stinking the place up, then you don’t need to make the trade. there’s still some flexibility

BB should send scouts to watch cricket players.

by alea iacta est on Dec 16, 2008 9:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised.

He turned down what I thought was a pretty decent deal from the A’s when they were the only team in the market for him. That alone made me think he really, really didn’t want to come to Oakland.

"To this day and dating back 25 years, before every game he plays, Henderson stands completely naked in front of a full length locker room mirror and says, "Ricky’s the best," for several minutes."

by VORP is too nerdy on Dec 16, 2008 4:26 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yup

He came and visited, we put the best offer on the table, we then put a new best offer on the table, and he still didn’t sign. He doesn’t want to come to Oakland, and I don’t want a player that doesn’t want to be here.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Dec 16, 2008 9:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

About the poll...

I’m just wondering how many people think trading for Escobar is realistic without including C/A. I mean, it sounds decent on paper… but will the Braves accept less?

"To this day and dating back 25 years, before every game he plays, Henderson stands completely naked in front of a full length locker room mirror and says, "Ricky’s the best," for several minutes."

by VORP is too nerdy on Dec 16, 2008 4:30 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not realistic either way

The Braves are trying to make the big league club better for 09, not worse.

by AgitationStation on Dec 16, 2008 5:46 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We're not Getting Escobar...

… unless we give up Holliday or Duke. They’re not going to deal Escobar for prospects when they were just trying to use him to get Peavy. The Braves are clearly in go-for-it mode; not interested in guys that can help them in 2011.

I think this was a dumb move by Frank Wren. If he tries to deal Esocbar now, he has very little leverage. Other GMs should not view Escobar as surplus; not as a star (after all if Wren’s not confident enough to hand him the starting job, why should anyone else value him so highly). Atlanta had a SS, and they signed another.

We should turn our attention elsewhere.

by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 6:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oops...

I meant other GMs SHOULD view Escobar as surplus.

by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 6:55 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I actually think that flipping Holliday for Escobar would be a really, really good idea.

Yes, that means the A’s probably won’t contend in 2009. But, having Escobar for 5 GUARANTEED years would be much much better than having Holliday for only one guaranteed year, and then a chance at extending him for more years. Fills the SS hole with a top SS long term. Yes plz.

Holliday ain’t coming with some major hometown discount. Then go after Bay, Nady, or even Holliday on the FA market next offseason and give up nothing besides Street/Smith/Cargon and the draft pick needed to sign the OF FA.

If Wren takes that deal (which he really, really shouldn’t), that would be awesome.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 8:41 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i'm in favor of trading holliday, for escobar or any similar player

as long as it’s not a panic move and the a’s get full value for him.
with both furcal and randy johnson unenthusiastic about leaving the NL, it doesn’t look like this whole “contend in 2009” thing is happening.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:49 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it may take holliday + a starting pitcher to get escobar…

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:51 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

let's assume mlb ready starting pitcher

so whoever would make the deal fair out of duke, eveland, gio, gallagher…

i agree gallagher is the one to keep.
i’m not sure what good duke is to the a’s if this puts them back in rebuilding mode, it would be hard for him to match his 2008 numbers and he’s gone in a year.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 9:00 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Duke would be ideal IMO.

Two one year rentals.

With Duke not guaranteed to be a Type A FA due to his injury concerns, Duke is ideal.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoa...

What am I missing about Escobar, anyway? A 100-110 OPS+ is nice from your shortstop, and I assume he’s good with the glove (although I don’t have any decent defensive stats available). When did he did and become the second coming, though? He’s 25, put up a career .781 OPS in the minors, and had 10 home runs in 861 minor-league at-bats. He also has zero basestealing ability.

If Holliday is worth Gonzalez, Street, and Smith, Escobar better not be the only player coming back from the Braves in a Holliday deal

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

by jeepers on Dec 16, 2008 2:27 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

see my reply to myself

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:52 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I did.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 8:52 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Do you think it would it have taken more than

Street, Cargon and Smith to land Escobar now?

"Good or bad, I don't know. This is awesome." ~Nick Swisher

by humdinger on Dec 16, 2008 9:20 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes

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

by ChadGod on Dec 16, 2008 11:06 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My Thoughts, Exactly

Maybe the Braves feel that an extension for Holliday would be feasible (alas, Tim Hudson), considering Matt Holliday’s dad coaches NC State Baseball.

by Colorado Fan on Dec 16, 2008 8:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought Holliday's dad lived in Oklahoma.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 8:51 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think this post deserves to be colored green

I guess saying that is kind of like laughing at one’s own joke…that’s ok, I’ll be lame like that.

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 5:58 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

I'll give you an A for effort.

"To this day and dating back 25 years, before every game he plays, Henderson stands completely naked in front of a full length locker room mirror and says, "Ricky’s the best," for several minutes."

by VORP is too nerdy on Dec 16, 2008 7:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll take it

The A’s I’ve gotten in my life are usually in spite of my effort, so this is a novelty

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 7:43 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I flagged it. F U.

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 8:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Do you own a Waffle House franchise or something?

You flagged it? Seriously?

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:20 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Waffle House? I have no idea what that means.

And no, I recommended it.

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 8:29 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

heh ok

I made fun on Waffle House in the post, indirectly, kinda sorta. So I was basically asking what offended you, seeing as I thought you were in fact offended

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Only problem with all this?

Visalia hasn’t been an A’s affiliate for a while.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Dec 16, 2008 9:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Only problem?

Carbon monoxide, San Oakland, walking off an island, dearth of vending machines—your fact-checking skills are lacking.

So yeah, that would be problematic if I was striving for realism there.

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:22 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The part of town with all the medicinal marijuana clinics.

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

by Monday Fan on Dec 16, 2008 10:01 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was watching a program last night

and there was a dude wearing this shirt:

It’s pretty sweet.

by AEP2007 on Dec 16, 2008 11:25 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here is my rage face.

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 6:09 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I guess I shouldn't have started a new season...

of MLB the Show 08 with Furcal as Oakland’s shortstop. Maybe I can get Crosby back from the Dodgers…

I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.

by franks a lot on Dec 16, 2008 6:14 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh.

So you’re the one who jinxed it.

by Rocktopus on Dec 16, 2008 6:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

heh

One rival executive said Monday night, “He will do whatever he can not to go to Oakland”…

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 6:20 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nah

It was already established in the other thread that Furcal was afraid of getting shot on his front porch

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:17 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What the hell is a Brent Sabean?

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

brian sabean doesn't work better than anyone, except maybe bill bavasi

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 9:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bah you sunk my battleship

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:45 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At least there was validity to the whole "???Mystery Team???" claim.

I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.

by franks a lot on Dec 16, 2008 6:22 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

in 2008

all A’s 4 infield ops were the worst in mlb

now its back to hoping barton isnt overhyped and chavez/ellis/crosby stay healthy…whats new

by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 16, 2008 6:44 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

(sigh)

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 6:45 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't Be Upset

We should be glad we didn’t sign this overpriced injury prone player. Even if healthy he wouldn’t help the ops that much. He likely would get hurt and eat up payroll like chavy.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 8:57 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

Does this mean Escobar goes to San Diego?

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 6:45 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if we can get escobar in a trade

ill be happier. especially if Furcal goes down next year with his balky back while we reap the rewards of a young SS.

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

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 16, 2008 6:48 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is he worth Cahill or Anderson?

Because otherwise the Braves will probably get Peavy.

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 6:49 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mlbtradrumors say's Peavy's staying put...lol

which probably means he’s gonna get moved tomorrow.

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

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 16, 2008 7:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah but Braves don't have payroll for Peavy

now that they spent that money on furcal… cahill/anderson/greinke would seem a better choice for them if they want to trade escobar

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 8:58 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No.

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

by jeepers on Dec 16, 2008 2:28 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is it a known fact that

Cardenas will not stick at SS? I know his range has been in question but what are the chances that he could improve defensively?

by AEP2007 on Dec 16, 2008 6:51 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

about as good as Chavez playing 162 games...

and Crosby hitting 10 HRs.

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 6:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Baseball America...

… suggests that The Cardenas at SS Experiment was an unmitigates disaster. Suggests he’smore likely to stick at the Keystone or move to the Hot Corner… so, he’ll replace Ellis or Chavez eventually. He is supposed to have a great stroke though — again, according to Baseball America, scouts have compared his swing to that of Adrian Gonzalez.

by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 6:58 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

About as good as

Barton learning to play 3rd. Guys rarely if ever move from 2nd to SS and succeed.

"Badges? We don't need no stinkin badges!"

by jbxchico on Dec 16, 2008 5:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

to be fair he was a ss before moving to second

Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom

by designatedforassignment on Dec 17, 2008 11:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Somewhere...

Bobby Crosby is wearing an evil, toothy grins as he tears the wings off a Christmas angel.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 16, 2008 6:53 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i hope that loser demands a trade

i’d gladly send him to one of the socal teams

i dont see dodgers paying up for cabrera

padres still need a SS, fuson drafted crosby

by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 16, 2008 6:56 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How much better is cabrera than crosby?

Offensively and defensively?

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 6:57 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No Cabrera!!

He’s an upgrade offensively, but barely.
I wouldn’t say he’s much of a defensive upgrade.
He’d cost about $10mm a year.
And, he’d cost us draft picks.

No thanks.

by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 6:59 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ok...

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 7:00 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The statistics say about 1 win

So if you think the A’s true talent is an 82 win team, adding Cabrera makes us an 83 win team. An team with 82 win talent is likely to end up with 75-89 wins vs. 76-90 for the 83 win team. The increase in playoff odds isn’t that big, and not really worth the draft pick.

by MrIncognito on Dec 16, 2008 9:57 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd say it's closer to two wins than one.

I’d put it at about .5 for defense and 1.5 for offense.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Dec 16, 2008 12:28 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep

Might decline in future years, but of course, in future years, the competition might decline too (with Crosby’s contract expiring next season).

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 16, 2008 12:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dont think there's a chance Cabera will be 1.5 wins better with the bat than Crosby.

He showed major decline last season, and he moved to a big-time hitters’ park. He looks close to dropping off the table completely.

by thejd44 on Dec 17, 2008 12:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's been an average of 2 wins better with the bat over the last three years

so I’d say there’s a chance. His “major decline” was his average going down a bit, and I’m not sure why you think it was “major” anyway. Also, being in a big HR park doesn’t make a big difference for non-HR hitters. Maybe the park gave him 1 extra HR…

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Dec 17, 2008 12:34 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so whats the final furcal tally

for posts about him on AN since news broke of interest till now in the past 2+ weeks…it has to be 1,000+ at least

by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 16, 2008 7:01 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At least that many....

by grover alone.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Dec 16, 2008 7:07 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha ha

Please welcome you’re 2009 starting SS… Bobby Crosby!

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 16, 2008 7:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lucky number seven....

Yay!!!!!

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Dec 16, 2008 7:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

"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

by flipgatey3 on Dec 16, 2008 10:46 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Apostrophe's make everything posessive.

Its a new rule.

"I'm going to take a camera crew and march into Billy Beane's office and demand to know why instituting his newfangled cost-saving measures means that the run manufacturing plant had to get shut down." FJM

by Elvez on Dec 16, 2008 11:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so what happens

after 2009? It’s not like next year’s ss free agent class is anything to get excited about.

by AEP2007 on Dec 16, 2008 7:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Fun's Not Over Yet!

ESPN now reports that a deal is not as close as was previously reported:

Free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal moved closer to a deal with the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, but a source familiar with the situation told ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick that a report that the two sides have reached agreement pending a physical exam is premature.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Dec 16, 2008 7:08 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's over...

… time to stop taking about Furcal on the A’s. He’s going to the Braves.

by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 7:11 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!?

It’s never time to stop talking about Furcal.

And FIRE MACHA NOW!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Dec 16, 2008 7:12 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll never stop talking about Furcal....

to the depths of hell, I smite thee for hates sake.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Dec 16, 2008 7:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And by the way...

… that’s a good thing. I think we should take advantage of the Agressive Braves, and offer them our “win now” players for their “win later” players.

Offer them some package of Holliday and/or Duke for Yunel and a package of prospects. Frank Wren has telegraphed the value he places on Yunel this offseason by (1) offering him as a in a package deal for Peavy and (2) signing Furcal. Wren does not value Yunel as highly as we might… So, give Wren the pieces he needs to win now (Holliday, Duke) and take the pieces he doesn’t value as highly.

by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 7:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Assumption here is that Beane has done nothing about Escobar or Hardy yet.

I have a feeling that Beane has a whole gameplan out there and he may have something pending with the Braves that would work after they sign Furcal.

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

by Eastbayjim on Dec 16, 2008 7:34 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You think so, though?

Because Beane’s “game plan” for Furcal amounted to “Lowball an apparently key free agent target after you’ve already put your eggs in the 2009 basket by trading for Matt Holliday. Watch as you, the lone bidder for this player, get your lowball offer rejected, and allow other teams into the bidding. Allow player and agent to use you as a pawn to get a better offer from some other team while you up your original offer, which was still the best one he’d gotten, in the first place.”

In short – it was a shitty gameplan.

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 Dec 16, 2008 8:52 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

imo the shitty gameplan started with trading for holliday.

they should have held on to street until he recovered some value, and if they were so eager to get rid of smith and cargon, at least use them to find a long term solution to either the SS or 3B problems.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I won't disagree

But I will note that it’s still entirely possible Holliday will be traded at the deadline for more value than we gave up in the first place. So I’m willing to hold off on passing judgment on that one just yet.

But overall I agree. This entire 2008-09 offseason has seemed like one big shitty gameplan.

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 Dec 16, 2008 8:56 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hell, that even goes

right down to the Rule 5 draft, and picking Ben Copeland. Which didn’t make a lick of sense.

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 Dec 16, 2008 8:57 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

unless on or more outfielders are placeholders

on the 40 man roster for a trade target (that likely will include both the outfielder and especially one or more A’s pitching prospects).

by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 9:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But Copeland is probably the 10th or 11th best OF in the organization

You’d have to trade a lot of guys to make him somebody you want on the roster. If Putnam, Denorfia, and Rajai were the top 3 OFs, Copeland STILL wouldn’t be a starter.

by thejd44 on Dec 17, 2008 12:07 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

don't we still have a couple of months

until spring training starts? do you (not just walk off bunt) often judge a book or a movie before the halfway point?

by jlanning17 on Dec 16, 2008 9:41 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm doing no such thing

I’m judging what’s happened so far.

What’s happened so far is “meh.”

There’s plenty of time to turn that around, of course, but it’s folly for me to try and predict how that will happen.

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 Dec 16, 2008 11:11 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's entirely possible that Holliday can be traded now

depending on how the market for the likes of Dunn, Manny etc develope.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 17, 2008 2:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

*premature*

not often I hear that word in a positive context

Save Rajai Davis

by oakinboston on Dec 16, 2008 7:12 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we better not sign f’ing cabrera…

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 7:13 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is a family blog!

Please don’t post images of Bill O’Reilly! ;-)

by GreenNGoldSooner on Dec 16, 2008 7:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YES!

I am thrilled that it seems like Furcal has chosen the Braves instead of us! I’ll gladly take our guys (or a trade) over paying for a guy who doesn’t want to be here, and will underperform.

thank god.
RIP Furcal

"He's pretty nasty," Gardenhire said. "The last pitch to Harris, we went and watched it, it's on the black. It cut the outside corner of the plate, the tip of it, and that's pretty nasty."
(Ron Gardenhire on Brad Ziegler)

by catfish hunter on Dec 16, 2008 7:16 AM PST reply reply actions actions   1 recs

I totally agree

great quote from Tim Brown article on Furcal today… likely would have been the same story with us if he signed here:

“Furcal, 31, missed 4½ months last season because of lower back pain and, eventually, surgery to pare a calcified bulge from a disc. For their $39 million, the Dodgers received one very good season (2006), one average season (2007) in which Furcal suffered from knee and ankle soreness, and one 36-game season (2008).”

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AsiqEGF5rpIdlkBP9cjnwQwRvLYF?slug=ti-furcal121608&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:01 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

THANK YOU Atlanta!

I would like a healthy Furcal but his back scares me! I’m tired of paying millions to guys to be on the DL. 4 years of hoping he would hold up with those cold April nights, no way!

If the angels stay the same we might of had a chance but if they pick up Tex or Ram we are done with our young pitching this year. I like 2010 for us. Sorry about that.

by calas on Dec 16, 2008 7:38 AM PST reply reply actions actions   1 recs

If Angels stay the same...

… they’re still better than us (even without Teix, whom they won’t sign).

Lineups are close right now, but Anaheim’s is better. Anaheim’s rotation is better than ours. Our defense is better than Anaheim’s. Bullpens are petty even. I’d give them the edge by at least ten games over us as our rosters currently stand.

by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 7:41 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pythag indicated

that they were only 12 games better than the A’s this year. The A’s will be one year more experienced (due to having a young roster) whereas the Angels will be one year older. Additionally, when you factor in the addition of Holliday and the loss of Tex….. 10 wins?

"To this day and dating back 25 years, before every game he plays, Henderson stands completely naked in front of a full length locker room mirror and says, "Ricky’s the best," for several minutes."

by VORP is too nerdy on Dec 16, 2008 7:45 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

I said a chance! lol

No to O.C.!! save the pick! He isn’t enough improvement if any at SS!

by calas on Dec 16, 2008 7:45 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

at least 10 games? how are you getting that number?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 7:47 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Teix

+ i for that

and I have no idea what lowercase Roman numerals mean, so that only makes things more exciting

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 7:56 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

do you mean "i"

the square root of -1?

BB should send scouts to watch cricket players.

by alea iacta est on Dec 16, 2008 9:19 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I didn't know what I meant

the “i” was for the “i” in “Teix”. Seemed appropriate, you know. So iIs that what “i” equals? I would think that would be a separate issue altogether from what it signifies in the Roman system, though I can’t be sure…fill me in

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, it's a different notation

but generally in mathematics lower case i is generally considered to represent the square root of -1. it’s an imaginary number. but that makes it no less real to scientists!

like my imaginary girlfriend.

BB should send scouts to watch cricket players.

by alea iacta est on Dec 16, 2008 9:35 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

heh

Thanks for the explanation. I probably came across that notation in high school math classes at some point, but there is not much residual knowledge left in that area. Basically the only math I pay attention to at this point relates to sports stats or gambling odds.

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:42 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FU Furcal

  The A’s now feel like a used girl at the prom finding out her boyfriend cheated on her with her sister. Beane is provbably pissed be used like a cheap whore. I see a trade happening very soon. For who I dont know but Beane always have a back up plan.

by Arcman on Dec 16, 2008 7:45 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so if we trade for escobar that's incest?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 7:48 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wouldn't wanna be a phone, or a wall this AM.

Pretty cagey of Atlanta to wait for us Westies to define his value, and then swoop in and grab him.

Mystery team, indeed.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Dec 16, 2008 7:57 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Indians not trading him

  He would be a good option but the indians already said he is not for trade.

by Arcman on Dec 16, 2008 7:57 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good option?

Wasn’t he below the Mendoza this year?

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 7:59 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But it was a hard .199

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

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 16, 2008 8:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

heh

ok, so we’ll give him .259 for ‘08, but I don’t see how that .713 OPS impresses anyone

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how are we praising his defense at SS

when his primary position is 2B. And it’s not like there are that many games to draw from at any position, period

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:17 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ah I see

so are you going by minor league performance to evaluate his defense?

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:35 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think it’s pretty much accepted that asdrubal cabrera plays really good defense, but i’m not sure why you people are even discussing him.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:39 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah I don't know why we people are discussing him, either

But we’re talking about Chris Burke, too, so I guess anyone is fair game. It wouldn’t be the offseason without baseless speculation and whatnot. no pun intended on baseless

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:45 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sort of.

He was more than capable of playing SS in the minors and only switched because of the “blocked” nature of the position.

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he was indeed sub-Mendoza as of June

.416 in Sept to salvage some respectability. I mean, I remember watching Brandon Phillips struggle here in Bflo, then eventually flourish in Cincinnati, but…I don’t think this guy has the tools of a Phillips.

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what about the disreputable ones?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:14 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They say Asdrubal was abducted by aliens,

and somehow Jennifer Aniston was involved.

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 16, 2008 8:27 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So if the A's offered Holliday, Cahill, Anderson, Cunningham, Buck, Ellis, Gio, Mazzaro, and $25 million

The Indians would say no?

Nobody is not for trade unless they have a clause in their contract stating as much.

by thejd44 on Dec 17, 2008 12:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like that better

  But at what cost would getting Escobar be? A outfielder, starting pitcher prospect and another player? HMMM How about waiting and trading Holiday to braves if we are out of it in July for Escobar and Hanson.

by Arcman on Dec 16, 2008 7:57 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that would never happen

"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

by flipgatey3 on Dec 16, 2008 10:49 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rather spend money on Burrell

RH power bat to play 1b,OF and DH more valuable. I can accept Crosby as the A’s #8 or #9 hitter. Last year he hit 6 or 7 which over his skill level.

by BlueMoon on Dec 16, 2008 7:59 AM PST reply reply actions actions   1 recs

#9 matches Crosby's skill level nicely

As long as he’s in the National League.

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 16, 2008 8:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bring back joe blanton!

BB should send scouts to watch cricket players.

by alea iacta est on Dec 16, 2008 10:18 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How cheap?

  Burrell would be a good option at first and outfield but I wouldn’t want to go long term with him.

by Arcman on Dec 16, 2008 8:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha!

So, BlueMoon you’ve been reading my diary as well?

It's just more exciting with Billy Beane running the team.

by ru155 on Dec 16, 2008 10:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN reporting a preliminary agreement has happened

Physical pending.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 16, 2008 8:11 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

two questions for the experts

-assuming his hitting remains putrid, how much would crosby’s SS defense have to improve over 2008 for him to not be a total disaster?
-how likely is that improvement, given how he performed defensively pre-2008?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:13 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

in a fit of pique, Beane swoops in and signs Teixeira

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

by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 8:14 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

...is not very good?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:20 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is a great bench player

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 8:30 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah but we already have plenty of guys who are good bench players, that’s the problem.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:33 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes i suppose it is

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

contest to fill in the blank

did not cut it as a killer B

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:34 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

now this guy was sub-Mendoza last year

no fluky Asdrubalish month to help his cause….190/.310 does fit in with the A’s, though

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:33 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah but burke hits like a member of the a’s while playing in the NL, with home games in houston / arizona.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:43 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

He’d get a…minor-league contract

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 8:47 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gtfo with that

"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

by flipgatey3 on Dec 16, 2008 10:51 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so Furcal reportedly returns to his original team

and stays in the NL. Good for him. His hesitance over going to a new league, to an organizaion where he has no ties, and playing half his games in a pitcher’s park (where his stat in his 30’s were probably going to go down), is understandable. I wouldn’t read anything more into it. Once the Braves offered something approaching the A’s offer he accepted it. Keep in mind also that Atlanta is a lot closer to home for him than he’s been in Los Angeles.

I hope BB has been trying to set up a trade to get a young player to upgrad our offense. A shortstop would be great (Escobar would be super!). I suspect having all those outfielders on the 40 man roster may be a prelude to such a trade, with at least one of them being a placeholder on the 40-man roster for the trade target. That outfielder will likely be part of a package that includes one or more of the top pitching prospects. Anyway, that’s my guess.

by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 8:18 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wouldn't this be funny

  Crosby gets his eyes fixed and has a great year. 300/350 with 30 home runs while Furcal back goes out half way through the season.

by Arcman on Dec 16, 2008 8:33 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well, presumably fixing his stance and swing would improve his hitting the ball

at least, that’s what happens to most players (assuming they can see — somehow I dont’ think that Crosby’s eyes are the problem.)

by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 8:46 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bobby Crosby has a batting cage installed at his home

This was reportedly going to help…last year.

I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.

by franks a lot on Dec 16, 2008 9:11 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think Crosby was too dumb to figure out how to work the machine

He didn’t realize that you had to reload the thing once the balls were gone. I can just picture him standing there for 20 minutes waiting for the next pitch.

by thejd44 on Dec 17, 2008 12:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think you’re severely overestimating crosby’s patience.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 17, 2008 6:33 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:34 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

great episode

"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

by flipgatey3 on Dec 16, 2008 10:51 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Yunel Escobar gets traded to the A's

I’ll eat my………..wait. No. I won’t eat my hat. That shit just isn’t happening.

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 Dec 16, 2008 8:34 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

without giving up cahill or anderson!

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:35 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Naw

I’m pretty convinced it wouldn’t happen under any circumstance.

Atlanta wants Peavy. They are using Escobar to get Peavy. I cannot fathom how Anderson or Cahill would be seen as an appropriate substitute to a team that clearly wants to win in 09, however ridiculous that may seem.

And San Diego has absolutely no reason to involve Oakland as a third team because Escobar is the player they want, too.

Nope. I’ve thought about it. I honestly can’t think of a single scenario that lands Escobar in Oakland.

Hardy, maybe. Escobar, not happening.

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 Dec 16, 2008 8:42 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

right, that was my point

the braves trading escobar for prospects: not happening
the braves trading escobar for prospects, not including cahill or anderson: LOL

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 8:44 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh sure.

Agree totally.

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 Dec 16, 2008 8:46 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

3 Way is the obvious answer

Padres should want prospects
Braves should want Peavy
We want Escobar

I agree that he’d cost one of A or C, and I’m fine with that.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 16, 2008 11:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A three-way is always the answer

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 16, 2008 11:30 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How Will Atlanta AFford Peavy???

They just spent all their money on Furcal.

I bet they get greinke, with cahill/anderson as a backup.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Braves aren't getting Greinke without Heyward/Hanson/Freeman

Even if they give up Escobar, it’ll take more. Greinke will cost much more than Peavy. Much more.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:06 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Really? Why?

Peavy is a better pticher then Greinke and signed longer. Peavy is more expensive, but not expensive by todays market for an ace starting pitcher. Greinke is a FA in two years. Peavy would be under team control for tne next four years. Why would Greinke cost more the Peavy. That makes no sense to me.

by AsFanInLA on Dec 16, 2008 9:20 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Peavy is more expensive, first of all.

He’s signed longer, but its at market value, not below it. There is only one below market year on Peavy’s contract, and that’s ’09.

Peavy’s also an injury risk.

And, Peavy/Greinke, when taking into account park factors and defense behind them, are actually pretty damn close to even.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:25 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

peavy is not a better pitcher than greinke

at least not by much. and after this season, who knows…greinke is about to break out in a huge way

"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

by flipgatey3 on Dec 16, 2008 10:52 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Call me crazy, but it came down to it, a Holliday for Escobar straight flip would be really smart IMO

1. Holliday = 1 guaranteed year (cut the extension stuff, I wanna see an extension really really really badly, but the odds are still against us). Escobar = 5 guaranteed years. Over the course of the time that the A’s have control of him, Holliday is worth less than Escobar.

2. Holliday = elite corner OF. Escobar = above average SS. Escobar + Cunningbuck > Holliday + Crosby

3. Escobar = cheap. Holliday extension = not cheap. Use the money that you save by not having to pay a FA SS and sign 1-2 others for the Holliday cost.

4. Hell, Holliday + a lower level SP is fine as well (aka not one of the A’s top arms).

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 8:58 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

More than Escobar

  If you give up Holiday I want Escobar and Hanson. Hanson is ML ready so might as well ask for the moon.

by Arcman on Dec 16, 2008 9:03 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the current thinking is it would require more from our side

link

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 9:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does Atlanta want Holliday?

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 9:05 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They wanted him at the deadline last year.

before they got smart and realized that they weren’t contending that year.

If they’re going for ’09, they want Holliday, yes.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:07 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks.

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 9:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And, the Braves are stupid when it comes to rentals.

or have been in recent years.

The stupid just burns when it involves a large portion of the Braves’ farm system going to a division rival.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like the Local H in the sig

Great 90’s song

"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane

by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:05 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks.

Love that song.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I doubt ATL lets Escobar go that easily

But I would throw in a pitcher other than C/A… maybe Duke/Holliday as suggested above if the braves give us a 2nd prospect back.

by MrIncognito on Dec 16, 2008 10:02 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would cheerily wave goodbye to both of them to get Escobar

No 2nd prospect required. Use the money to sign two short-term veteran starters, and you have a team that’s not much worse in 2009 and much better from 2010 to 2013.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 16, 2008 12:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

On second thought, you’re right.

by MrIncognito on Dec 16, 2008 4:01 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I find that on even thoughts, PT is usually right

On third thought, I often disagree with him again but on fourth thought I’m like, “Y’know…”

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 16, 2008 4:30 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I repeat my above comment:

How will Atlanta afford Holliday? They just spent all their money on furcal. We will have to eat big chunk of his salary. That’s fine if we’re done dealing but not fine if we want to get RJ/giambi/burrell.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:05 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Braves had over 40MM to spend entering the offseason.

They’ve spent about 25MM of it between Vazquez and Furcal.

They can add on about 13MM. If the A’s have to eat 1-2MM, fine.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:06 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

REally?

I was not aware Atlanta had become moneybags all of a sudden. Where did you get this info? That is a ton of money for a mid market team to spend in this economy.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:07 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A LOT of money came off their payroll.

Hampton, Teixeira, Glavine, Smoltz, Ohman, et all.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And the only major arb case they have is Johnson

who shouldn’t get much, since he’s only Arb-1.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

aren't they planning on resigning

smoltz and maybe glavine?

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

IDK

but it will be for less than what they made this year, definitely, so some money will be freed up there.

Hampton and Teixeira alone off the books are 25MM (assume that they budgeted last offseason as if they were keeping Teixeira).

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:11 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why would the a’s sign RJ/giambi/burrell when they just missed out on furcal and traded holliday?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 16, 2008 9:07 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

excellent point

I am not opposed to it… i would be still be a good move for us if we ate salary

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, to answer your question

I don’t think any of us have a clue what Atlanta’s budget looks like. So they may or may not have put any sort of dent in it with Furcal. And the owner may or may not be willing to let the budget grow to get Peavy.

We just don’t have the information to make the sort of conclusion that they can’t afford Peavy.

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 Dec 16, 2008 9:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Isn't peavy making 15-20 mil?

and pads don’t want to eat any salary with their current financial situation.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No

Peavy makes $8 million in 2009. It jumps to $15M in 2010, $16M in 2011, $17M in 2012, and a $22M club option in 2013.

by thejd44 on Dec 17, 2008 12:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

11MM in 2009

He won the Cy Young, so it goes up.

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

by Blicks on Dec 17, 2008 11:36 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not demoralized at all

He didn’t sound like he wanted to be here and he’s 31 years old coming off back problems. Investing 4/40 for him at this point is a big risk.

That money can be better spent elsewhere.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Dec 16, 2008 9:11 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

blessing in disguise

how badly do you want an injury risk who doesn’t even want to come play for you?

by scatterbrian on Dec 16, 2008 9:14 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not at all.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

medium badly

c’est la vie.

Save Rajai Davis

by oakinboston on Dec 16, 2008 9:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If we're talking about Barry Bonds...

…then a lot.

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

Barry Bonds wants to play for anybody.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:18 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I know.

Sigh. I love me a Barry Bonds.

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:33 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bonds not playing makes me sad

He just wants to play…With all those mediocre DHs like Raul Ibanez getting contracts…why can’t the greatest available DH get a contract. :-(

Stupid collusion.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

I don't really want to think about it.

I start to hate baseball when I do.

Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting

by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:45 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

According to an article on the Braves website, the braves will not be trading Esobar.

They will most likely move Furcal to second and Kelly Johnson to the outfield. Don’t know how true it is, but Wren has already said he’s not getting back into talks for Peavy unless Towers comes to him, so who knows.

by Erin6 on Dec 16, 2008 9:16 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Strange...

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

by brenarlo on Dec 16, 2008 9:22 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Posturization.

If the Braves go out and say “Come and get your Yunel,” that’s a way of dropping his value in the context of other teams.

You act like he has a position on the team, and then trade him in the shadows.

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

by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:26 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that's according to MLB.com writer

Mark Bowman.

By contrast, Braves blogger Dave O’Brien thinks it does point to an Escobar trade.

As neither work for the Braves organization these are just speculations at this point…I guess we’ll see (although probably the A’s and others will at least check it out).

by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 9:43 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol furcal

less $$
less yrs
switches to 2b

he just didnt want to be here…take a hike

Furcal Reaches Agreement With Braves
By Tim Dierkes [December 16 at 10:51am CST]

10:51am: MLB.com’s Mark Bowman says the Braves have no intention of trading Johnson or Escobar – they are moving Johnson back to left field. Bowman believes Furcal will play second base.

by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 16, 2008 9:24 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Furcal sticks it to the Players Union!!!1!!!

I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.

by franks a lot on Dec 16, 2008 9:25 AM PST