Furcal Reportedly Chooses Atlanta
by Helloooo 1st on Dec 16, 2008 1:48 AM PST
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.
4 recs |
385 comments
Email
Print
Comments
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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Oops...
I meant other GMs SHOULD view Escobar as surplus.
by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 6:55 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
If that starting pitcher is not Anderson, Cahill, or Gallagher, I'd strongly consider pulling the trigger.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 8:52 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Holliday for Escobar would be a complete steal for the A's.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 8:51 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!
Save Rajai Davis
by oakinboston on Dec 16, 2008 5:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
shit
I’ve been so busy posting in ru155’s diary that I didn’t notice this one. I guarantee you all that Crosby is going to turn all this Furcal talk into a distant memory. And for those who do remember, they’ll look back on this offseason and laugh. Not being satisfied with the status quo, how laughable. If for some reason Crosby can’t handle the down-and-away breaking ball this year, well, Cliff Pennington will win the first of his many silver slugger awards. The A’s are absolutely loaded at that position, and Furcal would have likely been starting the season in Sacramento, if not Midland. Winding up on the Visalia Oaks opening day roster wouldn’t have been out of the question, either. As it turns out, Furcal has never visited or even heard of a more appealing city than Oakland (kids in the DR grow up wishing they could walk off the island to the mystical municipality known as San Oakland), but he just couldn’t be sure that he would actually spend any time with the big club. He didn’t like Midland—the Friday night lights were just too bright for him.
The Braves, by contrast, were absolutely hopeless at the position pre-Furcal. Addressing their need at the six-spot was clearly the number one priority for the ATL front office heading into this offseason. The kids in John Schuerholz’s English class get to throw spitballs at a substitute teacher today, because, with apologies to Mike Holmgren, the man widely considered to be the most influential sports figure with high school teaching experience has taken a personal day in order to present executive of the year honors to his successor. This may seem premature, but Bud Selig issued a statement saying that if CNN could award the election to Barack Obama with zero California precincts reporting, he could award the goddamn exec of the year award. There’s precedent. And Atlanta-based CNN proved that people in that city don’t want to wait for anything, as their LA-like commute times and overall Southern pace of life show.
Meanwhile, I’ve read the rough draft of the statement that Furcal will be reading at his press conference. Written with the help of a Kinzer-assembled dream team of translators, the long and short of it is that while he would’ve loved to realize the dream of every young Dominican by spending four years as Andres Biedrins’ next door neighbor, he was afraid of the anarchistic atmosphere in such unsettling locales as Visalia and Sacramento. His family was justifiably terrified at the prospect of the family breadwinner plying his trade in either of those places. The city of Atlanta, on the other hand, while not quite as desirable overall as Oakland, is a place where Rafael feels he can leave the car running during lavish feasts at the neighborhood Waffle House. With the windows up and his baby in the car, moreover, because carbon monoxide actually doesn’t exist there, let alone kidnapping. Now, admittedly, things would get a little dicey if they were to venture into a San Diego-esque hellhole of a suburb like Flowery Branch (Rafael is visibly shaken here, struggling to cope with the violent imagery that the name of that place evokes), but he realizes that as long as he and his family stay within the city limits, they will enjoy peace, prosperity, an appearance in Jermaine Dupri’s next video, and a lifetime supply of free soda, courtesy of the pride of Atlanta, Coca-Cola. Do they even have Coca-Cola in Visalia, Furcal wonders in earnest? Told that there has been at least one, prossibly two Coke vending machines spotted in Greater Visalia, Furcal nods, waves to the crowd, and leaves the stage. The curtain drops, a shoe is thrown by Susan Slusser, and Visalia begins the grieving process.
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 5:47 AM PST reply actions 9 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
I gotta be honest, I didn't even read it. TL;DR.
Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting
by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:13 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Nooo, reeeeeaaaallllyyy?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Dec 16, 2008 10:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So, this is completely off the subject but.....
where and what exactly is “Oaksterdam”?
by AEP2007 on Dec 16, 2008 6:04 AM PST reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 actions 0 recs
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRCCCCCCCCCCCCCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!111!
Save Rajai Davis
by oakinboston on Dec 16, 2008 6:14 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
lololol
Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting
by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 6:17 AM PST up reply 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 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 actions 0 recs
He might have been scared that Crosby would stick a shiv in him.
by LoneStranger on Dec 16, 2008 9:02 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
a typo -- does Brian Sabean work better for you?
by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 9:37 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Other than Gold Glove Winner Michael Young of course.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 16, 2008 6:16 PM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 actions 0 recs
Well what's plan B grover?
"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 up reply actions 0 recs
Not even going to worry about it until the ink dries
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 16, 2008 7:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If Plan B were around in the spring of 1979
There might not be a Bobby Crosby problem for the A’s.
by thejd44 on Dec 17, 2008 12:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, and speaking of overestimations of offensive capabilities, Team B was around in 1979
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 17, 2008 9:34 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
_I'm_ 2009 starting SS Bobby Crosby?
I think not!
by GreenNGoldSooner on Dec 16, 2008 7:10 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Now that's a good post!!
FIRE KEN MACHA!!
by Uncle Charlie on Dec 16, 2008 7:15 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 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 up reply actions 1 recs
Fangraphs did a valuation of Furcal yesterday
just as a tease
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/rafael-furcals-looming-decision
Save Rajai Davis
by oakinboston on Dec 16, 2008 7:21 AM PST reply actions 0 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
So, where is the "Trade For Asdrubal Cabrera" option in the poll?
by mikev on Dec 16, 2008 7:54 AM PST reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
How about the league minimum salary and really good defense at SS?
Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting
by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 8:16 AM PST up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
His primary position is SS. He was switched due to "Jhonny."
Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting
by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 8:30 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Every reputable scouting publication disagrees with this...
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 16, 2008 12:56 PM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
You think the Indians could at least throw in, like, Brian Bullington too?
I just want it to seem like it’s an even deal.
by mikev on Dec 17, 2008 7:50 AM PST up reply 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 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 up reply 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 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe we can change around the DH rule
and have the pitcher hit for Crosby
by petitceebee on Dec 16, 2008 10:06 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Naw, Crosby should be hitting #7 or #8. I'm of the school that thinks #9 should be the better of your crappy hitters so he can get on base for the top of the lineup.
by LoneStranger on Dec 16, 2008 9:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm ok with the weakest hitter batting 8th, I guess.
Unfortunately, I don’t think Crosby will be the weakest hitter. Miley is still on the team.
by thejd44 on Dec 17, 2008 12:13 AM PST up reply 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 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 actions 0 recs
and, was his 1-year anomalous defensive blip somehow different from other players' meaningless 1-year defensive blip, defensive stats and samples being what they are?
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 8:16 AM PST up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 actions 0 recs
needs to get his batting stance and swing fixed
by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 8:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Can that be done with an excimer laser?
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
by oblique on Dec 16, 2008 9:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He needs to get his batting stance, swing, and ability to hit the ball fixed.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 8:44 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
he thought he had the machine set to Harden's "ghost pitch"
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 17, 2008 9:35 AM PST up reply 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 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
by oblique on Dec 16, 2008 9:52 AM PST up reply 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 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 up reply actions 0 recs
the current thinking is it would require more from our side
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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Just want to put this down on "paper" so in July, when Furcal is hurt,
I can say I told you so. We got lucky we didnt sign this bum.
by 33SwisherSweet on Dec 16, 2008 9:08 AM PST reply actions 1 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 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 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 up reply actions 0 recs
medium badly
c’est la vie.
Save Rajai Davis
by oakinboston on Dec 16, 2008 9:16 AM PST up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 up reply 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 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 up reply 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 up reply actions 0 recs
that very well could be it, but I can't see them trading him for anyone other then Peavy and say Greinke, and
I seriously doubt Peavy is happening, and Moore has said Greinke is unavailable.
by Erin6 on Dec 16, 2008 9:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that's according to MLB.com writer
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 up reply 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 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, Kelly Johnson to LF?
Way to kill his value. Jesus.
Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting
by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah too bad we don't need a 2b
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 9:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I know.
Just saying that it absolutely crushes Johnson’s value. He was a pretty good defensive 2b IIRC and put up solid, if unspectacular numbers. Actually I recall Fangraphs saying that he is the perfect league average player when it comes to positional value and offense.
Webmaster of Driveline Mechanics
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com - An Unconventional Look at Scouting
by Kyle Boddy on Dec 16, 2008 9:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
right, your post is a bit defensive but i wasn’t being sarcastic.
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 9:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not really.
He’s an above average offensive player at 2b, but appears to be somewhat below average defensively.
In the OF, his offensive production would be around average. His offensive production this season would have been average in either RF or LF. Defensively, he would be probably average or maybe slightly above average.
Even if you assume that his D at 2nd is pretty good, it should be better in the OF. On the whole, the difference in him playing 2b and him playing a corner OF position is not likely to be more than maybe 5 runs either way.
ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524
by rfloh on Dec 17, 2008 2:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
no reason we can't trade Ellis
If the Neyer Anecdote is true, we ought to be able to get good value for him. And if we’re dealing Holliday and conceding ‘09 (and likely ’10), we don’t really need him short-term.
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 9:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
and here’s one for Poppy
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King
by batgirl on Dec 16, 2008 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
how about trading with white sox
they have 3b fields, ss lillibridge
and how about a dye reunion?
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 16, 2008 9:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
no thanks to all three of those
"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 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
dye??
you have some of the worst ideas ever, and never even support them with actual arguments, a drive-by bad idea-ing.
it’s like trolling but without the bad intentions.
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 11:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you available for parties?
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 2:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's a registered independent
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that's because parties have some of the worst ideas ever
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 8:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Except ice cream. That's a great idea.
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 up reply actions 0 recs
McFood, on the other hand ...
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 17, 2008 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah: drinking, casual sex, loud music ...
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 17, 2008 9:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah: hooray for parties ...
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Dec 17, 2008 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe the in-house solution option...
has the most votes right now. I demand an explanation from all 139 people who have chosen that route.
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Do Crosby, Pennington, and Petit have super large extended families?
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
who all log onto AN
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
either that
or they have ACORN on their side for a serious rock-the-vote drive. 146 and counting now…we need a separate thread for “in defense of Gregorio Crosington” posts.
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Crosingtit?
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Dec 16, 2008 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i voted for in-house
you’re the one who added the word “solution”
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 9:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah that word does not fit here, there is no solution
The only way I can see going in-house is if you have no desire to see the A’s win or even be interesting. Intentional overstatement, but, seriously, the other options all are about “trying”…don’t even want to try to upgrade?
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
what other options?
I think its more reflective of how undesireable the other options are. It will take some very good prospects to trade for a SS that is significantly better than Crosby. Orlando Cabrera is expensive. Crosby won’t hurt us defensively.
by 727374 on Dec 16, 2008 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know why anyone would want Orlando Cabrera...
unless they think that he’ll step up for the most important 19 games of the year, to try to stick it to his former team. But as for the other option, well, they’re listed. And all it’s asking for is an attempt. You don’t even want to try to get one of these guys? Hardy and Escobar can’t be “undesirable”, can they?
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So, you would be willing to trade whom for Hardy/Escobar?
"RIP: UserID: 553"
by Masaryk on Dec 16, 2008 9:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
pitching prospects
whose names aren’t Trevor or Brett. Preferably ones whose names are Henry.
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
obviously not straight-up
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 10:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
cost = undesirable
I guess they wouldn’t be undesirable if they were free. Don’t forget, SS is a defensive position. Its not necessary to have an offensive monster like Hardy at that position.
by 727374 on Dec 16, 2008 9:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Since it is a defensive position...
if you can get offense there, it’s a major advantage, because of the short supply. I don’t know all that much about Hardy’s defense, though, to know whether it detracts from his value or not.
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
wouldn't it be a lot easier to add power at 1B or RF?
I’d like to think sweeny, barton, etc. will work out, but I’m not counting on it. Adding power at those corners doesn’t exclude adding it at SS, but its a lot more efficient.
by 727374 on Dec 16, 2008 9:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
if they truly have this extra money to spend
then I’d like to see an effort to address all needs. Dunn + SS + Unit. The strange thing about the majority of AN is that most people seem unwilling to want to compete. The division is there for the taking, this year, So take it.
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 10:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i'm with you on Dunn
assuming he’s willing an able to play 1B. Seems like Holiday and Dunn don’t have the arms to be full time RFs and I’m not sure they’d be willing to do that either.
by 727374 on Dec 16, 2008 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Land Dunn or Giambi for 1st base
www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.
by ChadGod on Dec 16, 2008 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Simple
The Braves aren’t trading Escobar. The Brewers aren’t trading Hardy. The only FA left is O-Cab (even Everett, Punto, and Izturis are gone), and while I don’t think that would be a bad move, he’s not exactly inspiring, yeah? If there was a trade for somebody besides Hardy and Escobar option, I’d vote that.
by AgitationStation on Dec 16, 2008 9:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
If the Braves really want to field a lineup that includes Kelly Johnson in LF, so be it. I would be surprised if they wouldn’t entertain offers for Escobar. Brewers, yeah, seems really unlikely, though rumors involving Hardy were bandied about earlier, so I think that’s the reason for that poll option. I voted for the “try trading for Escobar without giving up C/A” option, myself.
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How about a straight Betancourt/Crosby swap?!
by lailaihei on Dec 16, 2008 9:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
No.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He's about 10 runs better offensively and 10 runs worse defensively.
What could go wrong?
by lailaihei on Dec 16, 2008 9:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Betancourt is a fat slob who is under contract for several more years
Get thee behind me, Satan.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 16, 2008 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
hey, at least
rob bowen resigned!
i’m just waiting now for the mark ellis ‘ooh, i slept badly on my shoulder, but don’t worry, i’ll run it off…. in four months’ news.
BB should send scouts to watch cricket players.
by alea iacta est on Dec 16, 2008 9:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Nooooooooooo.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And the A's aren't tading Holliday
They need to sell some tickets this year.
by AgitationStation on Dec 16, 2008 9:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
thank god
watching him pile up dnps in atlanta will be far more satisfying than seeing him get a single hit for the a’s
2011: bank on it.
by exebache on Dec 16, 2008 9:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Our General Manager which art in the front office, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy trades be done in Oakland, as it is in MLB. Give us this shorstop escobar, our daily trade target. And forgive us our injured players, as we forgive our medical staff. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from bobby crosby: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the holy toledo, for ever. Amen.
Cust is the new Jaha.
by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:45 AM PST reply actions 5 recs
QOTM, Liturgical Interlude Division
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What should we call it?
“The Beane’s Prayer” or “The GM’s Prayer”?
Cust is the new Jaha.
by johnjahafanclub on Dec 16, 2008 9:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Batter Roster
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 9:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that
is rather good
BB should send scouts to watch cricket players.
by alea iacta est on Dec 16, 2008 10:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
IU'm waiting for JLaff and Leopold Bloom to weigh in ... we need a quorum
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 10:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe we'll have to go after
Joe Credo?
i’m really struggling to come up with anything here
BB should send scouts to watch cricket players.
by alea iacta est on Dec 16, 2008 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
the solution is obvious
Beane is going to invest a whole lot more money in signing Latin prospects.
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Caveat emptor...
Save Rajai Davis
by oakinboston on Dec 16, 2008 11:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
time yet for another AN confessional?
by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
where's Father DMTShooter when you need him
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
nice
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
by Cutthemullet on Dec 16, 2008 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I like it.
I recommend that you add in one portion to make it flow more like the Lord’s Prayer does.
And forgive us our injured players, as we forgive our medical staff…
Perhaps add “…who tends to keep them injured”
by LowcountryJoe on Dec 16, 2008 4:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
no loss
I just don’t get why I should be upset about losing out on a guy with a history of a bad back, who hasn’t played a full season since 2006?? See ya, have fun in Atlanta, just watch out for the road checks for DUI!
by Rickey35 on Dec 16, 2008 9:46 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Seeing as how both Atlanta's and Milwaukee's GMs have said their respective shortstops aren't available...
… about 2/3 of this poll seems exceedingly unlikely.
Times like these, I really wish I was privy to the goings-on in the A’s FO. I don’t even care if BB craps the bed and doesn’t make another move before the season starts, i just want to know what the plan is.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
by Joey C. on Dec 16, 2008 9:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
yeah let's face it
Furcal was the one we wanted. Still a good defender, strong bat, and wouldn’t of cost us picks. And on top of that there weren’t too many teams to bid with. Yeah, the injuries were scary, but noone’s perfect….except for John Jaha of course.
Going forward I think the A’s will look at Mark DeRosa (not for SS, but as a guy that will start everyday at 4 diff positions, as a way to rotate our young guys in and out), but ultimately we will have to settle for an inhouse option (my vote is for Cliff). So that’s why I voted in house, not because that’s what I wanted, but because that’s what probably will happen.
That said…I would offer the Phillies Duke and Doolittle and John Jaha’s legacy for Rollins just for F’s sake.
by sourstuff on Dec 16, 2008 10:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Furcal y'all
Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough
by andeux on Dec 16, 2008 10:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
What an idiot
Furcal just killed his career, he’ll be moving to 2B, then he’ll get injured again in 1 or 2 years, he´s gonna become a FA again and he´s gonna have to sign for a crappy contract as old 2B arent sexy at all
Clear its radiance shine...
by ATarHeel on Dec 16, 2008 10:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I hate Furcal
more than Crosby….
wierd
Clear its radiance shine...
by ATarHeel on Dec 16, 2008 10:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The Soap Opera Continues
"RIP: UserID: 553"
by Masaryk on Dec 16, 2008 10:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
If Furcal signs for 3/30, turning down a solid A's offer of 4/40,
will people at least stop insinuating that the A’s didn’t get Furcal because they didn’t make a good enough offer? Because that would be the one positive I’d get from this bleahfest.
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 10:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
its clear to me this was all furcal
and had nothing to do with the offer. a positive i guess, but barely
"My group runs some frogloks down the hall to finish them off and POP! RASTER! If there was a way to scream louder than caps in EQ I was doing it. Man I am straight panicking because I know I have NO CHANCE soloing and the party has run off. I'm in my hotel room; it's like 5am, and I am straight hollering, in EQ and in real life. Bottom line is the group comes back, heals me, and kills Raster! WOOT!" -Curt Schilling on his favorite memories in the video game "EverQuest"
by travdog6 on Dec 16, 2008 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lololololol
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Face it, A's
He’s just not that into you
"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."
-Charles Manson
by kaweahkaweah on Dec 16, 2008 10:43 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
fu rafael
im upset. but i refuse to believe bb hasnt thought about this possibility/doesnt have a some idea of what happens next
"My group runs some frogloks down the hall to finish them off and POP! RASTER! If there was a way to scream louder than caps in EQ I was doing it. Man I am straight panicking because I know I have NO CHANCE soloing and the party has run off. I'm in my hotel room; it's like 5am, and I am straight hollering, in EQ and in real life. Bottom line is the group comes back, heals me, and kills Raster! WOOT!" -Curt Schilling on his favorite memories in the video game "EverQuest"
by travdog6 on Dec 16, 2008 10:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Exactly - better to lose out on Furcal
than be stuck with him if things don’t work out. This is bad, but getting him could have been worse.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Dec 16, 2008 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
3yr/30mill
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8947764/Sources:-Furcal-spurns-A27s-$40M-for-Braves27-$30M?MSNHPHMA
In a stunning turnaround, Furcal is expected to spurn the A’s for a three-year deal with the Braves worth approximately $30 million, according to major-league sources.
The deal, which will require Furcal to pass a physical, includes a vesting option for a fourth year that likely will push the potential value to $40 million.
Furcal’s agent, Paul Kinzer, said Tuesday that the two sides have yet to reach a formal agreement, but acknowledged that the Braves are “the favorites.”
The A’s and Royals have dropped out of the bidding, Kinzer said. However, the agent added that he had not yet spoken with the Dodgers, and that Furcal had not made a final decision.
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 16, 2008 10:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I hope he fails the physical and no one signs him
Fortunately, I take rejection well.
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 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Nothing against the Braves but I hope he has an accident like I had last night when the AB Lounge I was attempting to work out on crashed and I went ass backwards (220lbs at high speed) and the small of my back landed on the edge of the treadmill and I lay prone for 5 minutes until I could get up.
Fortunate that this was at the end of my workout and I had done my weights and cardo or I would really be pissed since I now cannot hardly walk or sleep in any position due to may pulled muscles in my lower back.
by Trainman on Dec 16, 2008 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Extend Holliday!
And worry about the SS position next offseason when all of our prospects are one year closer to the MLB and thus more valuable. Holliday is the only real star type player we have a chance to get our hands on right now and he’ll be needed when our prospects turn into plus MLB players.
RIVER CATS: AAA CHAMPS!
by niallmack on Dec 16, 2008 10:47 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Beane: always (and only) taking home the drunkest girl in the bar
Has Beane ever signed a free agent against whom he didn’t have significant leverage?
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 10:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
you say that like it's a bad thing
"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 11:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
when you wake up the next morning next to the moldering corpse of Mike Piazza, it is
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not there's anything wrong with THAT....
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Dec 16, 2008 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be more than happy to take a flyer on Molder
Save Rajai Davis
by oakinboston on Dec 16, 2008 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Love this quote/thought
very succinct, very true
by dscel on Dec 16, 2008 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
what "significant leverage" did beane have over loaiza? embree? ellis?
and i also don’t see that as a bad thing.
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 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
overpaying for undervalued players/player types ... yeah, the weakest part of my argument
Also, did Ellis ever actually make it to free agency? I didn’t think he did.
At this point, I really don’t think Beane should bother at all with MLB free agents. He’s just not good at it.
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 12:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
ellis COULD have made it to free agency, he chose not to, but beane had no leverage over him.
“go ahead and become a free agent, you’ll just come crawling back when other teams offer you more years and more money.”
beane and free agents: i agree, but mostly because i think almost all free agents are a bad idea to begin with.
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 8:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
last point: I agree
Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems as if the only reasonable purchases on the FA market are at the extremes. Beane’s either never been given the budget to pursue the really expensive ones or has some quasi-principled compunction against expensive FAs; he’s obviously had relative success (or at least mixed success and failure mitigated by the low risk/expense) at the bottom end; and his misadventures in the middle leave a lot to be desired (even if that only comprises Screwfurcaladipstickexpeditethedunncust and Queen Arthur).
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 17, 2008 9:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
problem with that is
holliday probably wants to play for a contender. needless to say, teams that start bocro at short are probably not going to contend. so finding a suitable ss option probably comes before extending holliday (if thats even possible)
"My group runs some frogloks down the hall to finish them off and POP! RASTER! If there was a way to scream louder than caps in EQ I was doing it. Man I am straight panicking because I know I have NO CHANCE soloing and the party has run off. I'm in my hotel room; it's like 5am, and I am straight hollering, in EQ and in real life. Bottom line is the group comes back, heals me, and kills Raster! WOOT!" -Curt Schilling on his favorite memories in the video game "EverQuest"
by travdog6 on Dec 16, 2008 10:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
good post
"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 11:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
tejada
http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/32807
The Astros traded for star shortstop Miguel Tejada last December only a day before baseball’s Mitchell Report named Tejada as a past steroid user. Now the Astros are reportedly trying to trade Tejada. But interested teams should know there could be another surprise in Tejada’s future.
Tejada is being investigated for possible perjury after telling the US Attorney’s Office he had not used steroids or discussed them with teammates. According to the Mitchell Report, former teammate Adam Piatt provided checks signed by Tejada for what Piatt said was a steroid buy.
FBI Washington field office spokesperson Debra Weierman told SI’s Melissa Segura the investigation is ongoing.
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 16, 2008 10:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
eff Adam Piatt!
What a piece of crap that dude turned out to be.
by AgitationStation on Dec 16, 2008 11:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"Spinal Meningitis (Got Me Down)" by Ween
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Dec 16, 2008 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"Why's it hafta hurt, mommy?"
"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 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As much as we want to H8 on Furcal here
it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Beane & Co to try to figure out what, exactly, he hated about Oakland. It could have been:
1) Moving to the AL (not the A’s’ fault, nothing to be done about it)
2) The Bay Area (not the A’s’ fault, not much to do about it except relocate)
3) The stadium (trying to do something about it, but motive/effectiveness are a question)
4) The small fan base (something the A’s can absolutely do something about )
5) The way the team is run — projected losing, projected injuries/bad trainers & docs (possibly a big deal, and something they can fix).
We can afford to just say “FUrcal!”, but Beane would be foolish not to see if this is evidence of an underlying and more wide-ranging problem that he can help fix.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Dec 16, 2008 11:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well...
1) Moving to the AL (not the A’s’ fault, nothing to be done about it)
Tell that to the Brewers!
by GreenNGoldSooner on Dec 16, 2008 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The one I really fear is the small crowds
No question the atmosphere in LA, ATL, etc. is just more electric than it is in Oakland, and I think it’s a factor. Not as much as “chance to go deep into the playoffs” or “makes the highest offer,” but maybe a close third.
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 up reply actions 0 recs
Uh, Atlanta is notorious for having a pathetic fan base
They don’t even sell out playoff games. The Falcons have had games blacked out for some of their good teams.
I think the city being a dump has a lot to do with it.
by thejd44 on Dec 17, 2008 12:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've been there and their fan base is a lot more impressive than Oakland. The town too.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 17, 2008 2:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
most likely Furcal prefers the NL, places where he's got ties
(he owns homes in Atlanta and LA, and Atlants was the team he first started with), prefers a hitter’s park especially at his age, thinks he’ll be healthy enough to get the vested fourth year (which would make the Braves’ offer just as much $$ and years as the A’s offer).
Nothing the A’s could or should do differently in this case, unless you think offering him far more $$ would have been a good idea.
by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2008 11:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Who is to say that Furcal hated Oakland, though?
Didn’t IM4Oakgal say it in one of the other threads?
Maybe Furcal just WANTED to go back to Atlanta or stay in LA, and once an acceptable offer was made from either of those teams, even though Oakland’s offer was for more money, he took it? There’s nothing wrong with that.
by mikev on Dec 16, 2008 11:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
blame kinzer!!
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 16, 2008 11:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Kinzer is a wannabe Boras.
Except his antics actually screw his clients out of money.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 11:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
hunh?
Maybe. Or maybe Furcal told Kinzer exactly what he wanted—and Kinzer got it for him.
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 16, 2008 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
ya
location was clearly more important than money on this one. and originally i thought kinzer was fully retarded, but now i realize he is only half retarded
"My group runs some frogloks down the hall to finish them off and POP! RASTER! If there was a way to scream louder than caps in EQ I was doing it. Man I am straight panicking because I know I have NO CHANCE soloing and the party has run off. I'm in my hotel room; it's like 5am, and I am straight hollering, in EQ and in real life. Bottom line is the group comes back, heals me, and kills Raster! WOOT!" -Curt Schilling on his favorite memories in the video game "EverQuest"
by travdog6 on Dec 16, 2008 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or just that one of them is a liar.
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 11:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was talking K-Rod more than Furcal on the wannabe Boras comment.
I’m slightly annoyed about the fact that Furcal didn’t flatly say that he didn’t want to play with the A’s when they made the first offer though.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
if you don’t wanna play hear, tell us and don’t make us waste our time. the “mystery team” bugs me too. we should be able to tell what were up against
"My group runs some frogloks down the hall to finish them off and POP! RASTER! If there was a way to scream louder than caps in EQ I was doing it. Man I am straight panicking because I know I have NO CHANCE soloing and the party has run off. I'm in my hotel room; it's like 5am, and I am straight hollering, in EQ and in real life. Bottom line is the group comes back, heals me, and kills Raster! WOOT!" -Curt Schilling on his favorite memories in the video game "EverQuest"
by travdog6 on Dec 16, 2008 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The mystery team is vintage Scott Boras.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Dec 16, 2008 11:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Christ, what a wannabeBora**hole!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Dec 16, 2008 11:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps
this was Billy’s plan all along!
The lunch time chat with Furcal all those weeks ago goes as follows-
Billy: “Paul and Rafael, thank you for coming. I’d like to make it clear, I have no interest in signing you. Frankly, we’ve had enough injuries and I doubt your back is ready to carry the load of a 14th-in-the-AL offense. However, I think we are in a position to help each other out- I’ll make you contract offers and your value on the FA market will increase. In return you will reject those offers.”
Kinzer: “But what does that give you?”
Billy: “Well Paul. Without divulging too much- a greater enemy to Athletics Nation than Bobby Crosby or even DAN JOHNSON….Rafael Furcal. You see, AN hates Bobby. They hate him so much the only way to make him seem less awful is to make a new player even more depressing and heart-wrenching for Athletics fans. Bobby comes out of this situation looking like the good guy. How else can we make a .645 OPS player acceptable?”
Kinzer: “That’s genius! I’ll be glad to represent the two most hated players on AN! You’ve got a deal”
If the A's can build around Holiday, Furcal, Cust, and maybe call up 2nd baseman Wes Childs at some point in the year, they have a shot to take a weak AL West. -- jameersju post on ESPN.com
by youdownwithOBP on Dec 16, 2008 11:28 AM PST reply actions 3 recs
Excellent Post
Did you know that Bobby Crosby led the team in doubles last year? Booyah!
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Dec 16, 2008 11:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes!
You see, I’m already finding ways to look on the bright side as we speak. Of course, I fall into the kool-aide-drinking Beane-can-do-no-wrong-and-is-a-genius-camp; it’s the pathetic ass-kissing homer in me.
by LowcountryJoe on Dec 17, 2008 2:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
he also led the team...
in most throws in the dirt to 1B.
He really should get Barton something nice for the holidays.
The Stockton Ports pitching staff is better than the Orioles.
by gdub171 on Dec 17, 2008 8:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure its about time for someone to post
a “Sign Barry Bonds” fanpost. Like Really? Come on Billy, get it done.
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Dec 16, 2008 12:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
stupid Furcal!
I’m glad all the speculation is over.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
by micdog2001 on Dec 16, 2008 2:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Can I have
my front page check now? grover promised me
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Dec 17, 2008 2:55 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
we've applied it to your past-due AN subscription account
Can we have $10?
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 17, 2008 9:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's in the (e)mail.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Dec 17, 2008 8:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Furcal is a joke
and so is his Kinzer.
they just look inorganized and like they don’t know how to handle business.
I hope Furcal ends up playing 20 games this year and his back goes out and his season is over :-)
And IMO I think the A’s should host open tryouts for Shortstop.
and anyone can tryout.
OR
Have a promotion at a ST game:
“If your seat is called you can be the A’s shortstop for 162 games”
by supermarc589 on Dec 17, 2008 4:22 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Like I said in the DLD, Frank Wren just did an interview and said the Braves and Furcal had reached
an agreement to the point that Kinzer asked for a term sheet. The Braves signed it and sent it to Kinzer. Instead of signing it Kinzer used it as proof to show the dodgers what the Braves were offering. Furcal then went back on his word and signed with the Dodgers.
by Erin6 on Dec 17, 2008 5:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lawsuit! Lawsuit!
Make Furcal spend half his new contract in court!
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 17, 2008 7:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
