Beane Waiting Until the All Star Break to Make a Major Move?
by Taj Adib on Dec 28, 2008 10:00 AM PST
224 comments
I'd be lying if I said I was completely satisfied with the A's lack of activity since the Holliday trade. Although I wrote last week about how I was content just looking forward to seeing Holliday playing for the A's, I'd be a lot happier if the A's justified the trade by improving their roster even more over the next month or two. There's simply no way that this team will be competitive next season as currently constructed. It will certainly be better than last year's team (or at least the team that took the field in August & September of '08) just by virtue of the presence of Matt Holliday and presumed better health for Ellis, Chavez, Buck and Duke (hence my prior euphoria). Yet, even perfect health from those four, plus 2008-like performances from Suzuki and Sweeney, would leave this team at least two pieces away from serious 2009 contention. Those two pieces, in my opinion, are a dependable 2/3 starting pitcher and a 1st baseman that can reach or exceed league-average production with the bat (I'm just gonna assume that the A's will have to live with Crosby at short for at least the 1st half of the season.)
Now, back a few weeks ago when it seemed like Beane had unlimited resources to address those (and other) needs, I felt confident that the A's would be able to spend some coin to address at least two areas of concern via free agency. I felt like Beane would be able to, say, nab Giambi with a 2-year deal and get Randy Johnson for 1-year and still come in under budget. Since that time, however, it's become apparent that Beane's previously-thought-of payroll flexibility has been significantly tightened in light of the financial crisis. We'll never know exactly how much of a hit Beane has taken, but what we can infer from the recent hot stove chatter out there is that Beane is now back trolling the waters for the bargains in free agency (Giambi/Dunn/Burrell) rather than going after the (relatively) big fish he had been linked with earlier in the Winter (Furcal).
With that in mind, he's possibly all-but-ruled out going after BOTH a starting pitcher and a 1st base bat. He simply doesn't have the resources he thought he did to delve into a two front negotiating war with the dwindling market for free agents. So, if Beane can't squeeze a starter and a 1st baseman into the budget, and has to choose one or the other, why is he focusing on 1st base when clearly the starting rotation needs as much veteran help as the offense?
Well, in my optimistic interpretation of the situation, I think Beane is playing the markets to his greatest advantage. At this point, there are more impact bats on the market than there teams that can pay them what they want. Abundant supply plus minimal demand means that at least one of these guys will come at a discount relative to his value. On the other hand, now that the Big Unit has signed with the Giants, there are very few free agent starters out there that will a) be a major impact pitcher next season, b) only be looking for a 1 or 2 year deal and c) be available for a workable (less than $12 million) per-year salary. In fact, the only two remaining arms in the free agent class that come even close to that bill would be Ben Sheets and/or Randy Wolff, both of whom come with injury histories and favorable numbers from spending their entire careers in the National League...and even then they still might be out of the price range, seeing as how every other pitching-starved team will be courting them. As much as I'd like to see the A's pick up Sheets, I just don't see it happening. The guy rejected arbitration after earning $12 million last season so he's obviously confident that he can get at least that much, if not more plus multiple guaranteed years, from a team on the open market. I don't think Beane wants to go over $10-12 million or more than two years for any pitcher, let alone an injury-risk.
That leaves Beane with all of his cash to spend on a bat. He's not jumping all over Giambi or Abreu or Burrell with that cash, but rather he's going to wait the market out and see which one falls into his lap at HIS price (say, $16 million for 2 years). At that point, I think Beane sits on the team for the time being. He'd have improved the offense overall and got two sluggers at major slugging-oriented positions (left field, 1st base) and would presumably still have some cash left over.
Say Chavez and Duke are 100-percent healthy for the 1st half of '09, Giambi/ Burrell/Cust do their things (walks/homers), the young players make a little progress and Holliday puts in another-MVP like half-season...then at that point Beane can re-assess the market (at a time when teams will have a much better read on their chances) and make a major move for another starter or even JJ Hardy or Tejada, who will be 1/2 year cheaper to acquire in July rather than right now.
Basically, what I'm seeing here with Beane, is that he realizes that a lot of things have to go right in order for this team to be truly competitive next season. Chavez, Duke and Ellis have to be 100-percent healthy, and then on top of that one of the young starters (Gallagher, Gio, Eveland) has to quickly emerge as a consistent, better-than-mid-rotation pitcher. That's a lot to ask for but not entirely implausible. Being a gambler, I could see Beane betting that those things happen (improved health and a breakout from a young pitcher) and then could see him elect to improve the offense around the edges (with Giambi/Abreu/Burrell) and then enter the season with both prospects and cash to spare for the trade deadline when the market for both shortstops and starting pitchers may improve when a more clear buyer/seller dynamic can be established.
Overall, I'm just trying to rationalize why we haven't seen much more activity out of the A's front office. Perhaps the plan is to improve the offense on a budget (the cheapest of Giambi/Abreu/Burrell), enter the season with payroll flexibility , see how the young pitchers perform in the 1st half and then make a play for the missing piece(s) at mid-season?
Then again, i really could just be totally mis-reading Beane altogether and we'll all see him go out and sign Garret Anderson as a combination starting pitcher/DH, thereby killing all his birds with one big, irrational and highly unexpected stone.
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My take
A’s will make at least one more move before Spring Training. For weeks we have been pondering the values of various 1B options – Dunn, Giambi, etc – which is to indicate that there are several options available, neither of which is clearly superior in terms of cost/value. Thus we are in the perfect position to wait and see who gets left out so we can lowball THE SHIT out of them.
On the pitching side, there aren’t a ton of options, but the A’s have to wait anyway because we will only get Sheets if we can lowball THE SHIT out of him too.
I have no patience for this, but its the right call.
www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.
by ChadGod on Dec 28, 2008 10:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
All I want to say is that I am sick to
Damn death Of the A’s being a small payroll team and of seeing the Yankees sign so many players.
by IM4Oakgal on Dec 28, 2008 11:11 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have our situation...
it’s more rewarding in my opinion, to have a clever front office that finds ways to stay competitive, than to be the yanks, who seriously attempt to buy championships, making it a lose-lose situation. If they win, then they were supposed cause they have the highest payroll in the universe. If they lose, then they become typical innefficient yankee failures. I am seriously amazed that the yanks havnt actually started purchasing victories from opposing teams.
that's gold jerry, gold!!!
by 9Custs on Dec 28, 2008 11:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How about Red Sox?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 4:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It is interesting and often rewarding ...
to watch the A’s wheel and deal and make something out of a little money…but it would be plenty interesting to watch a higher caliber of play then we saw last year. I do agree with your view sometimes (depending on my mood).
by IM4Oakgal on Dec 29, 2008 1:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was pretty happy...
from 1987 – 1993 when the A’s had one of the highest payrolls in baseball.
by Colorado Fan on Dec 29, 2008 9:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
All I want is a league average payroll.
"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com
by Syphon on Dec 28, 2008 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You mean like the Giants, Indians, Reds, and Padres?
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Dec 28, 2008 12:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Something in the 70mil range.
"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com
by Syphon on Dec 28, 2008 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Four teams had total payroll between $70m and $80m
The four I just listed. Of those, the one that did best was the Indians, who finished 81-81.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Dec 29, 2008 7:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Indians..
Lost Victor Mart and Pronk did 100% nothing. That didnt help them. Along with Carmona doing nothing as well.
"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com
by Syphon on Dec 29, 2008 8:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I am sick to death, too...
of pointless, token cute puppies. Awwwwww….they’re so cute….nonsense.
by halflink123 on Dec 28, 2008 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry that you feel that way Hal.
But my icon is supposed to reflect my likes not yours.
by IM4Oakgal on Dec 29, 2008 1:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No need for shallow apologies, save them
I know they reflect your likes- I am saying that your likes are fake.
by halflink123 on Dec 29, 2008 9:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, IM4Oakgal, please stop
claiming to know the “realness” of your likes better than halflink123 does!
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 29, 2008 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta stand up
for someone who posts icons showing her “fake” like of puppies.
"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."
-Charles Manson
by kaweahkaweah on Dec 29, 2008 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry IM4Oakgal
I take it back. You are biologically programmed to like cute things like puppies and babies. If one gender has to like that kind of stuff, it obviously makes more sense for it be the females. I take it back. Those are great puppies and I hope that you have a great time with them, I really do. It’s no more fake for you to like them than for me to be more indifferent about them. My fault.
Go A’s!!
by halflink123 on Dec 29, 2008 4:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations on finding one of the few ways to make things worse.
by green star oakland on Dec 29, 2008 5:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
how is that making things worse...girls also love pointless puppy-like dogs like chihuahas.
You must have never been in new york, where girls where these huge oval sunglasses any time of the day or night, summer or winter, and walk around on leashes with these mini dogs that if you’re not careful you’ll step on. Besides I apologized and that means everything in the good ol’ US of A. Wow am I bored or what.
Come on BB, trade Holliday for this great young outfielder, he will hit 20 homers a year, he will be cheap, he will steal bases, last name: Gonzalez, first name: Carlos.
by halflink123 on Dec 29, 2008 5:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
halfwit123:
1. Puppies are awesome.
2. You’re not nearly as incisive or amusing as you think.
3. The Internet is brimming with blogs. More than 100 million of them! You could comment on a new site (hell, a thousand new sites) every day for the rest of your life without ever returning to AN. Doesn’t that sound like an thrilling adventure? Like cliff diving! Or driving in the Philippines! Or blasting into space! I dare you to do it. Double dare you. Seize the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner explorer.
by 74mk on Dec 29, 2008 5:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup, yup, and yup
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 29, 2008 5:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked you better as a puppy hater...
than as a woman hater.
by IM4Oakgal on Dec 30, 2008 3:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A little bit of a downer so far
But then having to rely on free agency to improve your team is usually not a good situation to be in (unless your the Yankees). At least at this point the A’s are still in good position to add a decent bat because with Dunn, Burrel, Abreu, Giambi, and Bradley all on the market without many suitors out there one of them is going to have to settle for less than they wanted. Obviously Bradley is not an option for the A’s but any of the other 4 would be acceptable if the price is right.
Although I am disappointed that more hasn’t been done, I am glad that the A’s haven’t done anything too drastic to try and justify the Holliday trade. It will look like a bad move if the A’s can’t compete this year, but I’d rather have to accept one bad move than three.
by DiegoAsFan on Dec 28, 2008 11:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
That last point is really important.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 4:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
2 points
1 the A’s will sign a player of the Abreu/Giambi/Burell/Dunn combo.
2. After reading the Anderson thing it sounds more like Beane asked about Anderson but not any type of bid or offer. Only way Anderson comes to the A’s is on a 1 year low ball offer if their other needs are not filled. If Bradley signs with Tampa then it looks like Giambi will be back.
by Arcman on Dec 28, 2008 11:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Beane is just keeping open the possibility that Anderson is so unwanted
that he comes cheap enough to be signed as a 4th OFer who could step in if Sweeney, Buck/Cunningham is hurt without missing a huge beat. Kind of like signing Branyan or Wiggington would have accomplished at 3B, and kind of like Payton (except Payton could play CF defense well and Anderson can’t even play LF 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 28, 2008 11:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Except Branyan and Wigginton can hit and play third base, and Garret Anderson can't
Minor difference, I know, but I’m contractually obligated to bring these things up.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 28, 2008 1:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Right - my point being that maybe the A's are more concerned
about OF insurance than we are (or than they should be) and less about 3B insurance than we are (or than they should be).
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Dec 28, 2008 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
9 OFs isn't insurance enough?
I mean, would you really rather have Anderson than, say, Rajai Davis, Aaron Cunningham, Matt Murton, Eric Patterson, or Ben Copeland?
I’m not sure I would at this point. Any of them.
by mikev on Dec 28, 2008 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 28, 2008 9:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think merely 3x the quota at any position
is sufficient for the A’s. We need depth that is faster than Larry Davis’ ability to hunt them down.
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 28, 2008 9:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anderson rakes in the Coliseum
He’s like a career .323 hitter there. For the right price he might be alright.
by methodrampage on Dec 29, 2008 10:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He hit .208 there last year, if we're going to cite batting average.
But, where would he play? He doesn’t belong in the outfield anymore and he’s not a good enough hitter to DH.
by mikev on Dec 29, 2008 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Where would he play? The Coliseum. Duh.
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 29, 2008 4:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd trust Beane's opinion over yours
Who knows what Beane has in the works, maybe he’s poised to trade an outfielder or two maybe Anderson comes cheap enough that he’ll be a 4th OF. All I said was that in the past he’s hit well in the Coliseum. Plus I really don’t care what Beane does with Wolffe’s money, if he decides to overpay for a 4th OF, fine. I doubt that signing is going to handcuff the A’s from making a seperate impact signing.
by methodrampage on Dec 30, 2008 8:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Trust what you want. That doesn't bother me.
Who would you remove from the OF depth chart to make room for Anderson?
Obviously not Holliday, Sweeney, or Buck. Davis? He’s worlds better than Anderson defensively. Cunningham? I guess, if you think Cunningham needs more AAA time. Copeland? Hell, who knows — I didn’t even know the guy existed until he was taken in the Rule 5.
by mikev on Dec 30, 2008 8:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If Buck were traded for a decent SS, it would make more sense, no?
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 30, 2008 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Who would trade a decent SS for Buck?
It would have to be a blocked prospect in the Hu, Lillibridge, Brignac mold.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2008 11:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I meant as part of a package
For example, something like Mazzaro, Simmons, Buck, Carignan might get you Hardy without parting with Cahill/Anderson.
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 30, 2008 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not getting why the Brewers trade their MVP for an injury guy at a
position they don’t have a hole and three B-/C+ prospects. Hardy’s a 2008 5.5 WAR guy, one of the top 20 position players in baseball. I wouldn’t trade him for Cahill and Anderson.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2008 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Because:
1. He has only two years left on his contract
2. Buck’s upside is substantial
3. Mazzaro is better than a B-/C+ prospect now
Maybe they wouldn’t go for that; it’s just an example of why an OF might be part of a package for a SS. Maybe it’s actually Mazzaro, Cunningham, and Jemile Weeks or Cardenas that would get a deal going.
I don’t really know the specific players, but I could it happening, i.e. an A’s young OFer being part of a SS package.
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 30, 2008 1:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Brewers system has a lot of high potential OFs at the lower levels. They’ve got a potential CF in AAA this year plus other possibles in the near future. If the majority voice is correct and Gamel can’t defend well enough for 3rd, he would be a potential OF.
I confess I know the NL much better, so all I can do is look at places like Sickels or the team site bio page or their stats at B-R to supplement my meager knowledge or complete ignorance. Any correction is always welcome.
Mazzaro – mystery with pretty good potential but one good season so far
Simmons – possible fourth starter but not one yet
Carignan – possible righty reliever. I doubt this would have value to Melvin (but I could be wrong).
Buck – not needed and would have to have hellacious potential to be valuable
If that was the best return he could get, I’d hope they’d let him play out his days and either resign or take the draft picks.
by Lovejoy on Dec 30, 2008 2:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't realize the high minors was so full
of good Brewer OF candidates. In that case, my scenario makes more sense for another team, be it Atlanta (Escobar), Cleveland (Peralta, Asdrubal), or the famous Mystery Team
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 30, 2008 2:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Milwaukee does that.
Like stated before, they’ve got way better corner OFs than Buck in the form of Hart and Braun.
IF there was the potential of the Brewers trading Prince Fielder (zomg for Matt cain1one!11), I could see throwing Barton into the deal instead of Buck — however that leaves the A’s in a bit of a pickle, unless of course we go sign Adam Dunn!
Barton, Mazzaro, Simmons, Carignan for Hardy
Sign Dunn for 4/52
Win the West.
by mikev on Dec 30, 2008 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Does that work if Dunn is actually Giambi?
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 30, 2008 2:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It sure doesn't work if Giambi is actually done
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 30, 2008 2:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
M'ais how are Dunn's jambes?
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 30, 2008 2:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You really shouldn't serve
half-cooked pork…
Oh, I’m’ sorry….I thought you said jambon…
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 2:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My thinking is that if the A's are talking with so many OFers/DHs
maybe they have started talks with a team that has a SS and wants Buck or Cunningham in a package. In that scenario, the A’s might be saying, “Let us sign a replacement first, and when we do then let’s complete this deal.”
Unlikely, but it’s one of the few scenarios where I can see why the A’s would be talking with Garret Anderson. Winding up with a DH/OF of Cust, Anderson, Sweeney, Holliday and a SS like Hardy, Asdrubal, etc. makes some sense to me as opposed to no sense.
Of course, why not just trade one of Buck/Cunningham and play the other? I haven’t gotten that far.
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 28, 2008 11:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Cust
I don’t think Beane is sold on Cust. If you look at Cust’s stats for 2008, they’re lousy for June-July-August, good walk rate for April, very good stats for May, and decent ones for September. Nearly half of his RBIs and nearly half of his homers came in May (when Big Hurt was hitting the ball solidly) and September (when pitching staffs were either new or tired, and the A’s fate was determined).
So we’re looking not at a 1B or OF, but at a DH, and Cust becomes the fourth outfielder/back-up DH. In that context, any of these three (Giambi, Abreu, Anderson) is an improvement over Cust.
I know it’s considered bad form to mention RBIs, but given that Cust was generally in the middle of a line-up that had a fair number of men on base when he came to bat, his RBI totals for 2008 were putrid. He’s not fast enough to be a table-setter, and he’s not consistent enough to drive in runs on a regular basis. In a team of great hitters, Cust would score a lot of runs because of his patience. But on the A’s, he’s fairly useless.
I really think none of these guys will play the field that much - unless the A’s sign Giambi and Barton tanks again.
by richwol1 on Dec 28, 2008 3:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm. I think the A's are sold on Cust.
They need to upgrade Cust-Holliday-Chavez to add one more hitter. Just replacing Cust, and his .850 OPS, with another hitter isn’t enough.
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 28, 2008 4:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but....
You’re still looking at Cust’s full season OPS. Once you remove May and September as anomalous, the remainder is eighty points lower (which is pretty substantial), and that could well be the Jack Cust you’ll see in 2009.
by richwol1 on Dec 28, 2008 4:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Schmidt looked pretty bad without his two best months most years too
Maybe the answer is to get someone behind him to do what Frank did for him in May….you know, like Matt Holliday. Now we need to do the same for Holliday.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 5:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cust looks a lot worse if you remove his two best months,
and looks shiny-terrific if you remove his two worst months. If you don’t remove any months, you get a sense of how he performed, which was more hot-and-cold than the average player and overall very good.
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 28, 2008 5:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What if you removed the so-so months?
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 29, 2008 6:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Then overall he looks about the same, but
even more hot-and-cold.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Dec 29, 2008 8:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
When analyzing Cust's 08 stats
I like to remove all the ABs in which he didn’t homer. All of a sudden he becomes a pretty historic player.
by scromulus on Dec 29, 2008 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't the whole problem that we have too many Ofers?
After all, if the whole team is at least a 1fer, we probably win the game, right?
it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you
by eastcoasta'sfan on Dec 29, 2008 8:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A's will sign manny
1 yr, 60 mill, with 100 mill player option for 2010
that's gold jerry, gold!!!
by 9Custs on Dec 28, 2008 12:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Is he going to pitch or play SS or 1B for us ?
Manny at SS would be great.. kind of like having a linebacker protecting 2B
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Dec 28, 2008 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just install a porta potty
he’ll play any position you ask.
until he gets bored.
it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you
by eastcoasta'sfan on Dec 29, 2008 9:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If we can land LaPorta (potty),
the offense will really be clicking!
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 29, 2008 9:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but won't it stink, too?
it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you
by eastcoasta'sfan on Dec 29, 2008 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This would be awesome!
With Manny in RF I don’t care who’s at SS.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OT, I love Scott Boras' comment in the RotoWorld blurb
about Garret Anderson and the A’s as a fit. saying, “I think he’s very comfortable in the AL West.” The AL West is not a fricking chair, Scott.
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 28, 2008 12:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not just a chair...an Osim!
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i'm not sure
if i see Beane as a gambler? in fact, i thought that was contrary to his whole modus operandi; take good, quantifiable risks that others are miscalculating, rather than going all in on a high risk/reward gamble?
or maybe i’m misunderstanding what you mean by ‘gambler’.
i’ve been of the opinion it wouldn’t be a disaster not replacing crosby before the season (not that it wouldn’t be desireable so to do). Not because i think his production will miraculously impove, but because the season could bring more options; SS that are not available now may become suddenly tradeable as teams realise they’re much worse than they think / start building for next season etc etc. note that i’m not actually offering examples of this; i’ll leave that to others…
I have no solutions, just rejoindres
by alea iacta est on Dec 28, 2008 12:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Do we know how much Andy Pettite wants?
I think I read the Yankees wouldn’t be bringing him back.
by LoneStranger on Dec 28, 2008 12:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
we dont want him
enough said
that's gold jerry, gold!!!
by 9Custs on Dec 28, 2008 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's probably not true, 9Custs
It’s more that Pettitte appears to plan retirement if the Yankees don’t bring him back and/or that he would cost more than the A’s could afford to allocate for a “good but not exceptional” starter.
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 28, 2008 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
if this whole idea of assessing the market is true
then it would seem that BB the boy wonder grossly miscalculated in giving up so much talent to acquire Holliday. i’m a firm believer that Billy generally knows what he’s doing and has a plan but with so many OF bats around and a (slight) surplus in the $$$ department it seems that he overplayed his hand in the trade for big Matt.
by mr. pickles on Dec 28, 2008 1:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
What's interesting to me is that Billy made the trade for Holliday
at a time when Teixeira’s status was very much up in the air, so it wasn’t clear how strong or weak the Angels would look for 2009. Now it looks a little better for the A’s chances to bridge the Win Exp gap for 2009, but back then it was entirely possible the Angels would be able to put together a team that looked stronger than the A’s could hope to build with even 2-3 moves.
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 28, 2008 1:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I continue to be confounded by the evident fact
that people who are much more bearish on the team’s chances for contention next season than I am are not fucking furious about the Holliday trade. I should be the one who is talking people down from the ledge, saying the playoffs are a crapshoot and it’s worth giving up something to get there, maybe he overpaid but it’s not the end of the world, etc etc etc.
Instead, a whole bunch of people, Taj included as far as I can tell, appear to be in favor of a short-term rental which they themselves do not believe will do a damn thing for the franchise. Is it just a desperate desire for relevance? Was a couple of days of A’s related headlines on the ESPN front page worth Carlos Gonzalez?
Somehow I find myself in the position of being something like a 90th percentile optimist as to the team’s actual chances here, and also a 90th percentile bear on the Holliday trade. Let me say, if you believe this is true:
There’s simply no way that this team will be competitive next season as currently constructed.
then the Holliday trade was probably the single worst move in the history of Beane’s tenure as A’s GM, with the questionable exception of the Lilly/Kielty swap.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 28, 2008 1:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Except the season doesn't start tomorrow
The roster, as currently constructed, is not an especially relevant factor in all this. If this is the team Oakland goes to battle with in April, that’s different from if Oakland signs Ben Sheets and surprises us with a good trade for a decent SS (not that I can quite figure out what that would look like) or adds Dunn or Burrell, or even Giambi or Abreu, on the surprisingly cheap.
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 28, 2008 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Holliday tarde still confuses me.
"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com
by Syphon on Dec 28, 2008 1:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, but it's still not nice to call him a tarde.
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 28, 2008 1:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha...
I type to fast and dont proofread. A great combo.
All I know is Beane better get a a damn good trade for Holliday or it doesnt make sense to trade Gonzalez and Street.
"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com
by Syphon on Dec 28, 2008 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I am sure there will be a couple more trades
As it stands now, this team has about a 1 percent chance of winning the division.
Give us another reliable starter, a decent hitter and Crosby gone and I think we have a great chance.
Beane will git ’er done
by Trainman on Dec 28, 2008 2:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Two Theories
1. Beane feels confident that Gallagher and Eveland will make huge jumps in their progress, and that a decent hitting team could make the A’s contenders.
2. A’s season ticket sales are really crappy, and while the A’s won’t be contenders with Holliday and Giambi/Abreu/Anderson in the line-up, at least they might convince people to sign up for season tickets. And the A’s might, just might, be competitive enough during the first part of the season, to bring in larger crowds.
by richwol1 on Dec 28, 2008 3:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think to think #1 is true
I don’t see Abreu or Anderson affecting attendance; Giambi maybe … but which way? :-)
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 28, 2008 4:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The 2008 A's were BORING
You add any of these guys and the team will be more interesting to watch, and by virtue of that, would put more butts in the seats. The additions also mean, to the casual fan as well as the Chron writers, that the A’s are trying to win. This boosts ticket sales.
The decision to sell off the team and wait for 2012 may have been smart, baseball-wise, but it really hurt attendance at the end of the year. I know it sounds cynical to suggest that the A’s are picking up Holiday and Giambi/Abreu/Anderson in order to drive up ticket sales, but it really the moves do seem to fly in the face of previous statements by Beane, as well as the evidence suggested by people like PT here on AN. (i.e. that Anderson, Cahill, Simmons, Maz won’t be ready til 2010, so what’s the point of pretending to compete in 2009?).
by richwol1 on Dec 28, 2008 4:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well frankly, they ought to do SOMETHING
to put more fans in seats, be it acquiring interesting players, getting good now, or actually marketing with some savvy. It’s not good for ANYONE to have 12,000 fans at games.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Dec 28, 2008 4:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I still think the prospective CSN CA and radio contracts had an effect on not going
Full Marlin.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 5:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
really?
None of the players involved in the trade have played an inning for their new teams. I understand being curious/frustrated, but not furious, let the season play out, worst case scenario: We traded 3 players for probably 1 year of matt holliday and the first 7-10 years of the 2 high draft picks we get if we do lose him.
that's gold jerry, gold!!!
by 9Custs on Dec 28, 2008 2:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Btw, that ^ was directed at PaulT.
that's gold jerry, gold!!!
by 9Custs on Dec 28, 2008 2:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i concur with PT. if the A's do nothing to further enhance the team, they stand no chance.
we gave up a protential stud OFer, a good closer, and a decent back of the rotation starter for one half to a whole season of Holliday. if BB does nothing more, this trade will be looked at as buffoonery. also remember that a bargain for the A’s is something that the Angels can EASILY match or surpass.
by mr. pickles on Dec 28, 2008 3:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is not what I'm saying
As of right now, I think the 2009 A’s have an excellent chance. They’re probably the favorites to win the division. Which is why it’s pissing me off so much to see the sizable, probably irreparable, and excessive investment in one season of Holliday squandered with this dicking around with Furcal, with Johnson, with pretty much every player who actually represents a legitimate upgrade to the team next season. It’s like the team just forgot to add Holliday to the depth chart.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 28, 2008 5:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You really think that right now the A's are the favorites to win the division?
I don’t, but I like the thought.
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 28, 2008 5:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It seems subjectively weird, but the numbers add up
The Angels have a really weak group of position players at this point. It’s not a contender’s lineup. They basically have three good position players, of whom one is injury prone and has zero defensive value, one is an injury-prone catcher who, while valuable because he’s a catcher, isn’t very good at defense, and one is a slightly-above-league-average bat in center with declining defense. As the core of a contender’s roster, it’s a pretty sad group.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 28, 2008 6:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Who is then?
PT has done his projections for all the teams, I’ve done my WAR calcs (some were a bit optimistic) but still came out with like 87 wins.
Can't get enough of the Oakland A's? Visit Oaktown Awesomer's
by iamawesomer on Dec 28, 2008 6:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say the Angels, on the strength of:
1. A very, very good starting rotation.
2. Rivera, Kendrick, and Morales combining to hit decently
3. Process of elimination
Let me ask you this, PT – how much confidence do you have in Duke making 25+ starts and if he doesn’t, how does the A’s rotation look? How much confidence do you have in Chavez playing 120 games and if he doesn’t, how does the A’s lineup look? If you feel confident about 25/120, I can see it better than I can if you think one or the other of those #s won’t be reached.
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 28, 2008 6:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Groups of mediocre players don't typically combine to hit decently
They usually combine to hit poorly, as they get switched in and out based on hunches, nonexistent “hot streaks,” and injuries.
Kendrick is injury-prone and not a very good hitter anyway, thanks to his zombie-like approach at the plate. Rivera hasn’t been even decent in two years. Morales really hasn’t ever been very good and is playing a premium offensive position.
In my earlier predictions, I wrote in Duke for 2/3 of the season (22 starts) and Chavez for 100 games, each of which is somewhat more conservative than the figures you’ve quoted above.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 28, 2008 8:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
PT address point 2 already
I’ll address 1 briefly
Lackey – very very good, nothing else to say about that
Santana – one very very good season does not a very very good pitcher make, we’ll see what happens this year but I expect some dropoff
Weaver – solid pitcher
Saunders – one very very lucky season, he’s basically Dallas Braden I feel
Escobar – season ending shoulder surgery is rarely a good thing, we’ll see what happens
So while I think the Angels rotation is good, and definitely better than the A’s, calling them very, very good seems like quite a stretch to me. And if Escobar can’t pitch and they have to replace him with Adenhart/Moseley, then they’re going to be in big trouble.
Can't get enough of the Oakland A's? Visit Oaktown Awesomer's
by iamawesomer on Dec 28, 2008 8:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Santana has ace stuff; I wouldn't expect much dropoff
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Dec 28, 2008 8:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously I hope you're both right
I think more highly of Kendrick than you do and more highly of Santana/Saunders, though I do expect Saunders to regress. Calling him “lucky” last year, though, seems dismissive.
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 28, 2008 9:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It IS dismissive...
He got far too much credit for being a very lucky #3 starter. He’s no better than Joe Blanton.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 28, 2008 10:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's Slugger Joe Blanton
Count the Ring!
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 29, 2008 8:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As an early Holliday trade critic...
I will weigh in.
The Angels lost their two free agents and have added nobody yet. That’s the best case scenerio for the A’s contending next year.
The A’s have added nobody since the Holliday trade. The starting rotation still looks pretty bad to me, and is nowhere close to the Angels’ counterparts. Third base is a prayer for Eric Chavez’s health and ability to play the position. Shortstop is, well, Bobby Crosby. First base is Barton.
I’ve said this before. I don’t see this team as a contender, barring a lot of progress and great health by a lot of different players.
Now, I try to be optimistic in December, so I’ll wait to see how things look by spring. I also found last year’s team to be hopelessly dull, to the point that I stopped paying attention to the games. [I’m paying more attention now, in the offseason, than I did in August and September.] So I’m willing to let things play out.
I don’t agree with Taj about waiting until July because I have trouble seeing the team being a legitimate contender as currently constituted.
I am also skeptical that Holliday will be worth more in July than he is now, but could be wrong.
I have never liked the Holliday trade, especially because there has been no followup that would justify it. But as Nico says, the season doesn’t start tomorrow.
by bear88 on Dec 28, 2008 3:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You REALLY need to post more often
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 28, 2008 9:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know! I've just been really, really busy
Sorry! :-))))))
-Cindi
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Dec 28, 2008 9:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone is saying what Beane should have done. What has been done, that he COULD
have done, no matter what, Furcal wasn’t coming here, and I can’t think of any free agent who signed for less than 100 Million, who would have made the A’s any better at this point. Hell, who has signed ANY free agents other than the Yankees, this is a strange free agent season.
by theblackpearl on Dec 30, 2008 2:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Adam Dunn
He’ll help and he won’t cost 100M.
by mikev on Dec 30, 2008 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
but he hasn't signed yet, meaning we don't know if Billy is talking to him. My point is everyone
is so disappointed right now, but the free agent market is about as slow as the housing market, no use in doing anything with the fringe players yet,until the market has beeen set.
by theblackpearl on Dec 30, 2008 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've tried to explain this to you, Paul.
A lot of fans feel that even if we don’t make the playoffs it’s still a lot more fun to be a mildly sucky team than a really sucky team.
If you don’t feel that way, that’s fine, but if you’re trying to understand the community’s reaction, it helps to know ways in which others don’t think like you do.
(And the Lilly-Kielty trade will always be worth it for the sole reason that it inspired the best-ever A’s limerick.)
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Dec 29, 2008 8:11 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
And that explanation still makes no sense
because being a mildly sucky team for 6 years is a lot better than being a mildly sucky team for one year.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 29, 2008 9:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If most Americans preferred
to defer gratification this year in exchange for the promise of gratification in multiple future years, our economy would be in a lot better shape than it is.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Dec 29, 2008 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This statement is wrong in many, many ways ...
… the most significant of which being it’s inappropriate for AN because it will spur other people to argue about it.
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 30, 2008 9:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t your affinity for PT/LCJ blood feuds render this AN-impropriety kvetching rather hypocritical?
by 74mk on Dec 30, 2008 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 30, 2008 1:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t this spasm of monosyllabic directness render your oeuvre rather less dense with semicolon-sprinkled, reference-riddled double entendres, thereby effecting a irrevocable diminishment in aesthetic consistency?
by 74mk on Dec 30, 2008 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No.
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 30, 2008 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t my desire to employ similar “render-rather” phrasing to compel you to respond to this third query with “Maybe” render my facade of psychological normalcy rather transparent?
by 74mk on Dec 30, 2008 2:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Those big words are hurting my brain.
Say something funny.
by muffinpryde on Dec 31, 2008 7:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
halfway thru reading, then decided to finish the james minchener
paperback instead….but I came back to read the rest. For sure, Holliday needs to be augmented before the season starts.
alaska A residing in colorado.
by ak_A on Dec 28, 2008 3:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
That's your analysis of the James Minchener paperback?
I am NEVER inviting you to my Book Club. Assuming, of course, that I ever read a book, and then decide to start a club.
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 28, 2008 3:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The first rule of Book Club ...
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 29, 2008 4:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't that make it more
of a Book-Silent-Stare-At-Each-Other?
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 29, 2008 6:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You're allowed to talk AT Book Club, just not ABOUT it
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 29, 2008 9:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
our book group
is reading the latest naomi klein potboiler this month.
part of me wants to make a trip out to wallmart just so i can buy it from there. do they sell books? anyway, amazon will have to suffice
I have no solutions, just rejoindres
by alea iacta est on Dec 29, 2008 10:54 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, Walmart does indeed sell books.
It comes with free beef jerky.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bookmarks!
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 30, 2008 2:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So how would we get new members?
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ask a urologist
Or Lorena Bobbitt.
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 30, 2008 2:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The first rule of penis slicing.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 2:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There's multiple rules?
Next you’ll be telling me that there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
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 30, 2008 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Did she ever re-marry?
Bobbit being such an appropriate name…..
"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 30, 2008 4:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the idea of one of the possibilities
If the A’s are in the race in July we maybe add someone.
If the A’s are not in the race in July then trade Holiday for some good minor league talent at SS or 3B.
We to remember, when Beane traded for Holliday he had a lot of money to spend and lots of possibilites but with the market so bad everything changed on him. So if he can add a good bat cheaply then ok if now.. all is not lost.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Dec 28, 2008 3:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
One problem I see, though, is that if the A's stand pat
from now to the July trading deadline, it is very likely the team will be 7-8 games back – almost a self-fulfilling “trade Holliday at the deadline” prophecy. Whereas if they upgrade sufficiently now, contention come July is way more foreseeable.
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 28, 2008 3:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If they are contending in July, Holliday is a good trade.
If they aren’t, no matter what else they do now, then Holliday could provide the way to trade Street, Smith and Cargon for left side of the IF upgrade for the near future.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Dec 28, 2008 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They don't have to wait till July. They can trade Holliday any time they get a good offer.
That offer’s not likely to come till all the FA guys have been signed though.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 5:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
don't know if the A's can stand Pat
otherwise would’t they have already signed Burrell?
Seriously, though, if Beane decided he couldn’t try contending in 2008 with the 2007 team because that would have been counting on too many injury-prone or untested players to enjoy good fortune, I don’t see how the plan would see the A’s contending in 2009, again counting on too many injury-prone players to be largely injury free and effective on the one hand, plus enough of the rookies being productive.
The Angels (on paper at the moment) look weaker for 2009 than they were in 2008, so when the A’s traded for Holliday I figured that it was the first of several moves to take a shot at the 2009 division. But that trade alone is not enough, not only offensively (and no, I’m not assuming that Chavvy will be healthy and productive at 3B, that Barton and Buck will be healthy and productive, etc.) but also in terms of the starting rotation (one injury prone veteran and a bunch of very young pitchers). I’m hoping they can get at least one more good bat (and yes, I’d love to see a trade for Hardy or Escobar but I realize it would be pricey) and a good starter with some more experience.
by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2008 6:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I am okay with Pat...like
that bit on SNLive. Though I got a kick when the barber at the barber shop was trying to figure out Pat and asked “what magazine do you want, Mens this or Glamour that….” and Pat said, “do you have People magazine?”
alaska A residing in colorado.
by ak_A on Dec 28, 2008 7:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Come on, ak_A
Everyone knows Pat Burrell is female. It’s kinda obvious if you look closely.
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 28, 2008 7:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Great. Now I'll never be able to look at him the same way again.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 8:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
In the past, Beane has said that the 1st two months of the season are about evaluating the roster to see what is needed. The holes are obvious! Beane doesn’t need two months to know that the A’s scored fewer runs in 2008 then any other team in the AL and adding Holliday ain’t going to solve the problem, more needs to be done.
Beane also knows that in acquiring Holliday he lost the SP who threw more IP in 2008 then anyone left on the roster and he needs to replace those innings.
To his credit, Beane has seriously pursued players (Furcal and Johnson) in an attempt to address team weaknesses. He failed to land those players and we’ve debated what went wrong. He hasn’t spent any of the money he dedicated to Furcal and Johnson, so he still has the potential to make a move now that will hopefully benefit the team the whole season.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 28, 2008 9:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
grover, if you could have any one of the FAs still out there,
at the price they will indeed command, who would it be?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Dec 28, 2008 9:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Nico is asking for a realisitic response
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 28, 2008 11:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh. Um... Brad Penny 100% healthy please.
Shit, wait.
I got nothin.
by mikev on Dec 29, 2008 8:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Need a price check
What’s the word on Lowe’s demands?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 28, 2008 11:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lowe would be an interesting target.
And I think that he would log a whole lot more innings than would Sheets and he’d keep the Athletics in most games that he starts. But, the rumors have it that Lowe wants years (at the very least, three) and around 15-18 million for each of them.
by LowcountryJoe on Dec 29, 2008 6:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't say I'm that excited about any of them, but
I’d have to say Derek Lowe #1, and Orlando Cabrera #2.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Dec 29, 2008 8:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just don't think Lowe will be affordable to the A's
His contract will probably get into the range of “the A’s would never sign a pitcher to that” – maybe 4/60 or 3/51 or something.
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 29, 2008 9:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I really don't see Lowe getting anywhere near 15 mil per
I think 10-12 max.
I’m just guessing but I say he gets 3 years and 35 mil (absolute max)
by Trainman on Dec 29, 2008 10:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Duly noted
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 30, 2008 2:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
For 3/35 I think Beane would have already signed him.
No way he takes less than 4 years.
by mikev on Dec 30, 2008 8:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Like Furcal, he may have to
but a 3 year, or 3+1 deal, will come at a high annual salary.
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 30, 2008 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lowe's decent.
He’s not great, but he’ll do better at the Coliseum than at Fenway or even Chavez Ravine, right?
I’ll take him. Can we get him for 3/35? Nico, get on the phone.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 2:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, I'm on the phone
I’m chatting with Cindi’s uncle (it’s his “one phone call”). What should I ask?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Dec 30, 2008 2:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ask him
if they really give free massages there.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 2:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
At Santa Rita?
I think they’re mandatory and not at all pleasant.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Dec 30, 2008 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Depends upon your personal preferences, I'd think.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 2:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't know, as reportedly
my preferences aren’t people.
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 30, 2008 2:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
true
but surely there must be a goat prison somewhere.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 3:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
santa cabra?
I have no solutions, just rejoindres
by alea iacta est on Dec 30, 2008 3:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
nah
Solabaaaaaahd.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 30, 2008 4:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My baaaaaaackyaaaaaaard
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 30, 2008 4:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mets offer 3 years and 36 Million
That’s what I thought and still think. If he gets a 4 year offer it will be for no more than 50 million.
by Trainman on Dec 30, 2008 10:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I still say we stand a decent chance even doing nothing more.
Our Position players project to have ~+2 WAR on the Angels’ position players. Link
Obviously, they crush us in pitching by some undetermined greater projected WAR value (?), but I think the projections on our position players are quite pessimistic compared to the Angel projections. Or, more precisely our lineup has a lot more upside than the Angels’ does and looking at the projections the concerns for downside in each like seem about equitable (Vlad and Chavez mostly). Even so, as currently projected, our position players are a notch better, and that is with the assumptions that none of our young guys break out and that Murphy is actually our best option at SS.
If we were to make one large upgrade we would be at least neck and neck with the Angels. Until the Angels sign Fuentes Id say the bullpens are close enough to call it a wash.
The Starting rotations are not THAT far apart, in fact if we add sheets I think it becomes quite close.
(1/3 Sheets + 1/3 Duke + 1/3 A’s 6th SP innings (injury factor) ~= Lackey + Santana + (minor chance of injury backup innings)
IMO, completely healthy Sheets and Duke are better than Lackey and Santana. Healthy Sheets is a slightly better pitcher than healthy Lackey in my estimation, and same goes for Duke versus Santana. Obviously, we can’t assume such health, but if we assume that 1/3 of our front-end innings come from our 6th slot, whereas say 1/8th of the Angels front-end innings come from their 6th slot, which is also likely weaker than ours, then I think its fairly reasonable to assume this would be a wash.
The back-end of the rotation is advantage Angels, but not immensely so.
Gallagher Escobar
Eveland < Saunders
(n00b) Weaver
Escobar is always an injury concern, while Weaver is, well a Weaver. I dont see the difference as being more than a few WAR, approximately our positional player advantage.
Therefore, in my usual lackluster optimistic style:
If we sign Sheets we are at least as strong as the Angels. Right now, we are not that far off at all.
I only suggest Sheets because he is a clear upgrade whereas the 1B/OF options dont guarantee that. Sheets + any positional upgrade = playoffs. Go A’s!
www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.
by ChadGod on Dec 28, 2008 5:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I don't entirely agree, much as I'd like to
I think the Angels’ rotation is pretty substantially better than Oakland’s unless the A’s sign Sheets (which they’ve given no indication of doing) AND there is substantial regression from Saunders/Santana. Lackey is better than, and healthier than, Duke, Saunders/Santana ahead of Gallagher and Eveland at this point. Signing Sheets would help, but would still give the A’s health questions at #1 AND #2, so the edge has to go to LAA IMO.
As for position players, again so much depends on Buck and Barton – if they are reasonably solid, then I agree with you, but if not I’d judge the lineups as being about equal with LAA having maybe a slight edge on scoring runs (I’m factoring in the Chavez health question, which I think is more than Vlad’s b/c Vlad will DH and Chavy won’t), but the A’s having an edge on defense. And the Angels still may pursue Dunn, Burrell, etc., which could give the run scoring edge right back to LAA.
But yeah, Sheets would help a whole lot, probably more than any of the hitters Beane is currently talking to.
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 28, 2008 5:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I dont disagree with any of this
I wouldnt claim the rotations were close unless we sign Sheets. If Duke pitched an entire season he would be just as good as Lackey IMO, Lackey can be dominant but he has yet to provide the consistency of a true Ace. I am a huge fan of Lackey’s unlike most here, but last year he really sucked wind for two different stretches.
I think a lot of A’s fans over-rate Lackey and Santana because they both have a) immense potential and b) dominate our terrible lineup.
Also, according to the WAR, A’s project to have slight advantage both on defense and in scoring potential. My comparison of downside with Chavez and Vlad was not to say they are equally likely to break-down, obviously Chavez wins that battle. But Vlad is projected extremely favorably hitting-wise (3.0 compared to Holliday at 2.1), whereas Chavez is quite modest, so higher-risk/lesser-concern, and add to that that Vlad refuses to solely DH.
If the Angels sign a 1B then the A’s absolutely need to sign Sheets to just stay in striking distance.
www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.
by ChadGod on Dec 28, 2008 5:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As many holes as there are in this (A's signing Sheets being the big one), I like that you're trying to
find ways for the A’s to win, rather than whining about all the reasons why they can’t compete.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 5:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
An interesting querie to ponder, if one assumes Sheets is not an option,
is to what degree it would help the A’s rotation to sign Randy Wolf – a good pitcher but not a very good one, who would be a veteran benefiting from pitching in the Coliseum. I think he would be a slight upgrade, but not enough of one to be worth FA money. I wonder what kind of deal he’s going to get.
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 28, 2008 6:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd do it if he falls into our laps Lohse 2008 style, but I've a feeling the Astros or somebody
would pay more for him. I’m strangely OK with going with the kids in the rotation. ZiPS sees three average to above average starters in Duchscherer, Eveland. Sure they could use an averagish 4th starter, but I’m sort of OK with seeing how Outman, Gio, and Braden do to start the year, and Mazzaro, Simmons, Cahill or Anderson (sorry Paul) do later if/when one or more of those guys flounder.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 8:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That should be *Duchscherer, Eveland and Gallagher*
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 28, 2008 8:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tip of the cap.
Thanks.
Honestly, all I care about is that there is a chance for greatness.
www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.
by ChadGod on Dec 28, 2008 9:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
sheets
Toward the end of Ben Sheet’s delivery, he does something funny with his hand and short-arms the ball or something. I wonder what scouts or Kyle Boddy would say after some video analysis…
by greenpaddedgloves on Dec 28, 2008 6:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
PAGING KYLE BODDY
KYLE BODDY, PLEASE REPORT TO AN, “STAT”!
(Did you see what I did there with “stat”? It was like a double-entendre, only with multiple meanings.)
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 28, 2008 6:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Red Sox sign Penny
by Trainman on Dec 28, 2008 11:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Good move for them
Might have been good for the A’s too, but there’s no way to tell without seeing (and, for that matter, understanding) his medical records.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 28, 2008 11:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How about Freddy Garcia to a similar deal?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 29, 2008 7:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Penny is better than Garcia
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 29, 2008 11:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Garcia is healthy
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 29, 2008 11:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He sucked when he was hurt
When he was not hurt he was at least an average and often times better SP.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 29, 2008 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty big downgrade from Schilling.
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
by oblique on Dec 28, 2008 11:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
for a 5th starter...not bad
no long term commitment, buys time for bucholz, bowden, masterson, etc
on A’s penny would be slotted after duke or even ahead of him
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 29, 2008 4:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
One of those three could be traded for a catcher.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 29, 2008 8:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jon Lester = schilling
penny = buchholz / masterson / bowden / whoever
And the proper symbol in both cases is >.
This move solidifies one of the best rotations in baseball and, in txfring Masterson to the pen, where he belongs, improves their biggest weakness. If Mike Lowell is healthy and they get any production from the catcher position, I see this team winning the AL East and probably the World Series. And I expect they will still try to make a significant move at catcher or shortstop to further upgrade, with one of the young pitchers above as the bait. And don’t be surprised to see Abreu as the 4th OF / PH.
Love ‘em or hate ’em you’ve got to respect the Red Sox, IMO the smartest big money organization in baseball.
it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you
by eastcoasta'sfan on Dec 29, 2008 8:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with all of this. We should try to emulate them...from revenue generation to roster
decisions.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 29, 2008 4:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Penny is going to get torched this year.
Mark my words
www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.
by ChadGod on Dec 29, 2008 11:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
i'll mark them, but why?
The question is really his health. Career ERA of 4.06 including last year’s debacle is respectable, even in the NL. If he’s healthy, he should be a good #5. The Sox are taking the risk of his health; it’s a risk they can afford, though the A’s probably can’t / shouldn’t.
it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you
by eastcoasta'sfan on Dec 29, 2008 12:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He is one of the players Im confident in scouting thanks to my long fantasy baseball addiction
The decay Ive seen from him, even before he got injured doesn’t look temporary. Add on the injuries concerns and the move to the AL East and I think he is really going to get lit up. Penny will not be able to rely on his fastball against the Yanks and Rays. Its going to be ugly, and sorry to say for Penny but I cant wait!
www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.
by ChadGod on Dec 29, 2008 8:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If the A's had kept Scutaro
We could be putting Chavez at first half the time while Scutaro took his place at 3rd. The rest of the time Scutaro could be starting a shortstop in place of Crosby. Granted, that would have put a lot on Marco’s shoulders but we’d certainly be in a stronger position with him on our roster in place of Hanahan. Certainly would make our free agent needs easier to solve.
by worldblee on Dec 29, 2008 11:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Scutaro really sucked at 3B
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 29, 2008 11:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But not at SS. A's won the division when he replaced Crosby. He was a lot better than Crosby last year.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 29, 2008 4:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you saying we need a guy that can play both 3B and SS?
Petit? Pennington?
"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox
by Gallagher's Watermelons on Dec 29, 2008 1:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What I don't understand about Giambi is...
unless dude was a major idiot with his money from the Yanks, I would think he’d be in a position in the “twilight” of his career to say, I’ll take a little less to play where I want to be. By all accounts, he really enjoyed his time with the A’s and in the Bay Area. So why would a “lowball” offer like the proposed (in this thread, not that he’s gotten it formally) 2yrs/16mil seem like such a stretch?
by princemilo on Dec 29, 2008 1:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think Giambi knows that if he takes a two-year deal,
he likely won’t be offered anything after that, not even a one-year deal, when he’s 40. So holding out for a three-year deal is about playing another year (most baseball players haven’t exactly planned what to do with the rest of their life), as well as getting the most total dollars out of your last contract.
So it makes some sense that he might hesitate to sign for 2/16 yet might even sign for 3/19.
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 29, 2008 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Then we should sign him for 3/$19M. He should still be able to hit at 40.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 29, 2008 4:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
u must not watch sports..ITS ALL ABOUT THE $$$
gilbert arenas is the only person signing ( or re-signing) for a significant discount (and the Wizards would take that back in an instant if they could) that i can remember.
that's gold jerry, gold!!!
by 9Custs on Dec 29, 2008 4:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
By all accounts, he really enjoyed his time with the A’s and in the Bay Area.
Ergo:
(a) He would like to be in Oakland again; or
(b) He would like to be in his 20s again.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Dec 29, 2008 8:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Given the choice, personally, I'd have to opt for b.
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 29, 2008 9:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
well, isn't that what performance enhancing drugs are for?
or so i understand
I have no solutions, just rejoindres
by alea iacta est on Dec 29, 2008 10:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mychael Urban
has been really inconsistent with his mondy mailbag’s, it’s really pissing me off
that's gold jerry, gold!!!
by 9Custs on Dec 29, 2008 4:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
i disagree
his failbags have been consistently shitty
"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 29, 2008 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i meant in number of appearences
He’s had like 1 in the last month.
that's gold jerry, gold!!!
by 9Custs on Dec 29, 2008 5:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I thought you were referring to his shift from
“The A’s will never re-sign Giambi” to “The A’s re-signing Giambi is inevitable.”
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 29, 2008 9:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No thanks.
I’m stuffed after the Holliday.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Dec 29, 2008 7:02 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
No, I think Griffey is totally washed up
Great player just that his production has gone down the shitter with age.
by Trainman on Dec 29, 2008 10:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
and is an outfielder/dh
i think we have that covered
"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 30, 2008 1:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to wonder....
is GA came to the A’s…would that rip the hearts out of some Angel fans? Cause that has to be worth something….
"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 30, 2008 9:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
HH is not happy about the prospect
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Dec 30, 2008 9:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well then....
my December just warmed up a bit.
"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 30, 2008 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
sad optimism.
"The two of them deserve each other. One's a born liar, the other's convicted."
by SwampyD on Dec 30, 2008 10:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Off Topic
Sorry, kinda new here and don’t know where else to post, but…
I’m planning on going to my first spring training, 3/11 – 3/16, and was wondering if anyone has any tips, things to do besides watching the games over in Phoenix.
Also do ST games typically sellout? Don’t want to head over there and have no seats.
-Dan
by ironliver on Dec 30, 2008 10:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The weekend games can sell out; remember Phoenix has
only a one-month season so each game is at more of a premium. I would definitely order tix ahead of time. As for other things to do, just generally remember that all the cities are close by, with Tucson the farthest at only 90 minutes south, so when looking/considering don’t limit your search to “Phoenix” – look at the whole surrounding area.
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 30, 2008 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
going back to Wigginton
Ty Wigginton is available as far as I can tell (please correct me if I’m wrong), since the Astros didn’t want him.
Here’s a guy the A’s should seriously consider. He’s got a great bat (hit 23 HRs last year in a season he didn’t get to play everyday), he’s a gamer, plays hard, and best of all he’s versatile around the infield.
Ty could be the answer to our 3B fears, since it’s unlikely Chavez will play all season, and furthermore Wiggy’s got experience at 2B, 1B and OF.
by charm3x on Dec 30, 2008 12:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
But wouldn't he go somewhere he could get a starting gig?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2008 1:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd love to see Wiggington added, just as I'd love to see
DeRosa added (and his name was actually rumored with the A’s about six weeks ago). A good RH bat who can play 3B would be a smart addition, IMO.
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 30, 2008 1:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dan. Uggla.
Ok so maybe he can’t play 3B, but it’s nice to think about.
by mikev on Dec 30, 2008 2:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
give Wigginton starting job at 1B...
…then fill in at 3B or 2B if need be. The article I read earlier in 2008 said that Eric Chavez would never be fully healthy again. I love the guy, but I’ll no longer expect to see him play a full season again, and I’m not sure why the A’s think differently.
The great thing about put Wiggy at 1B is that he’s younger than Giambi, has equal or better defense, more versatile, more speed, and he may even come cheaper. Though I’m not sure what kind of $ Ty is expecting.
DeRosa is also a great option – a little less power than Wigginton perhaps, but a good all-round hitter who can backup many positions, including the ones A’s are weakest (3B, 1B).
Get em both! Or get somebody other than Jack Hannahan. All this talk about Dunn and Burrell is interesting, they’re good players, but maybe not what we need. Let’s not forget how weak we were at 3B and 1B in 2008…
by charm3x on Dec 30, 2008 2:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree with all of this
i like the idea of signing a 3B better than the idea of signing a 1B. signing a 3B would give us the freedom to play chavez at 1B to help him stay healthy.
"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 30, 2008 6:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Joe Crede-- 1 year, $4 million?
He’s basically Hannahan with more power and less health, but at least he helps the depth at the position.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 31, 2008 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
definitely an option
there are a few options in the 2010 FA class that are attractive as well. unfortunately that wouldnt help the a’s this year.
"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 31, 2008 2:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
if Crede passed a physical w/ flying colors,
obviously it would be nuts to have two excellent 3B on the DL. DL… how I despise those two capital letters now…
by charm3x on Jan 1, 2009 1:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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