Giants sign Renteria

The "Mystery Team"

Scares me. I could see the Red Sox offering Furcal a similar deal the A’s will offer. Lugo is Rubbish.

by Colorado Fan on Dec 3, 2008 11:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

What about Lowrie?

by thejd44 on Dec 4, 2008 1:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If the Sux get Furcal, the A's should try to pry Lowrie away from the Sox.

Jon Garland, pleasepleaseplease accept arbitration. Your mad iNNiNgZ eAtEr sKiLLz will be greater exemplified in next year's free agent class. kthxbai.

by Blicks on Dec 4, 2008 5:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Utility Guy

It’s the Red Sox we’re talking about.

by Colorado Fan on Dec 4, 2008 7:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, you nailed it. Ever since we started hearing about a "mystery team"

that was in on Furcal, the Red Sox were exactly who came to mind and I could totally see them making a strong play for him and then moving Lowrie into a utility role. I also remember a year ago when folks were discussing Lowrie around here as a SS prospect and saying he didn’t project well for remaining at SS long-term because of his defense, so unless that’s changed significantly…

by still bills kingdom on Dec 4, 2008 9:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It has

He’s good at defense.

If anything, they’d be moving him to third and kicking injury-prone Lowell to the bench.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 4, 2008 12:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Trading Lowell

I think they are trying to move Lowell and believe their will be a market for him.

by njnick on Dec 4, 2008 6:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

First base for Oakland?

Seriously, if we didn’t have to pay his entire salary it wouldn’t be the worst idea. Would it?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 4, 2008 7:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The 2nd worst idea would be to hang on to Crosby for 2009

The worst idea would be to give Crosby an extension.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 8:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Have Lowell's injuries sapped him of his defensive ability?

by thejd44 on Dec 5, 2008 12:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Mostly throwing

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 5, 2008 8:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The "Mystery Team" could very well not be a team at all.

Agents use it to drive up their clients prices, because the “Mystery Team” will usually offer just a little bit more.

by NateHST on Dec 4, 2008 7:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The Mystery team could be the Braves. Just because they are out of the Peavy deal doesn't mean

they won’t still trade Escobar for pitching

by Erin6 on Dec 4, 2008 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Khalil Greene

Traded to the Cardinals??? Dang it. I was hoping the Cards would want to rejuvinate “Bones”.

by Colorado Fan on Dec 3, 2008 11:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

This could leave an opening for the Padres to take a flier on Crosby if the A's can sign Furcal

by thejd44 on Dec 4, 2008 1:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But only if the A's pay most of his salary, right?

Actually, the first thing that occurred to me on seeing the “Greene to the Cardinals” news was wondering if this meant the Padres and Braves had quietly re-opened trade talks and were close to making a deal based around Peavy and Escobar…

But if the Pads want Crosby and will pay even half his salary and give us some sort of prospect back, then bring it on…

by still bills kingdom on Dec 4, 2008 9:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh, no, they didn't sign Renteria-- yet

“Closing in on a deal” is not “a done deal.”

This is the same stuff we’ve been hearing for days now.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 3, 2008 11:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

The Holliday deal wasn't really "done" either

even though Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez were told they were flying to Colorado. Renteria is already in San Fran taking a physical. It may still be unofficial, but it’s essentially a done deal.

"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 3, 2008 11:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And if it's not

I’ll make an additional fan post where I take pictures of myself eating nasty stuff.

"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 3, 2008 11:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i didn't know you were on fear factor

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Dec 3, 2008 11:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why would you want to eat Rich Harden's pitches?

99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod

by Scottbass on Dec 4, 2008 12:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Leave Paris Hilton alone

"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox

by Gallagher's Watermelons on Dec 4, 2008 1:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Been there... done that... posted the video

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 10:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it's not done

but doesn’t this seem like it’s been a long time brewing, now that Renteria’s arby wasn’t offered? It’s now “essentially” done.

by stranahanahan on Dec 3, 2008 11:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

As the SS pieces fall into place

It looks like the Braves are not going to go for Furcal. Why? Well, they acquired Vazquez from the White Sox (and gave up one of their two SS prospects for him) and now it appears they’re going to offer Burnett a 5-year deal. This means that they’re pulling out of the Peavy sweepstakes, which keeps Escobar in a Braves uniform. Hence, no reason to sign Furcal.

by thejd44 on Dec 4, 2008 1:11 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Peavy was a big issue, but from what I can gather

the Braves are out, and the Cubs can’t afford it. Those were the two big parties vying for Peavy, and with out anyone to sell to, the Padres are probably going to keep him a bit longer. Dealing Greene freed up some salary.

The Giants signed Renteria.

So by biggest concern is; if/when we sign Furcal, what do we do with Crosby? The Dodgers are in need of infield help it seems, can we send him to them for… anyone?

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Dec 4, 2008 1:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Who does that leave the A's competing with for Furcal?

O’s?
Jays?
Tigers?

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Dec 4, 2008 1:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Tigers don't have the cash

I’ve heard KC and the Reds have expressed interest. How much interest (or how accurate those reports) are open to interpretation.

Orioles have been leaning towards Cesar Izturis. Jay’s like Scoot, especially if their extra cash goes towards keeping Burnett.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 5:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Tigers traded for Jack Wilson today.

by The Golden One on Dec 4, 2008 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Who wants to be the Pirates are eating a ton of salary?

Jon Garland, pleasepleaseplease accept arbitration. Your mad iNNiNgZ eAtEr sKiLLz will be greater exemplified in next year's free agent class. kthxbai.

by Blicks on Dec 4, 2008 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They're signing Renteria

I think they’re signing Renteria
I really think so!

Signing Renteria
I think they’re signing Renteria
I really think so!

"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."

-Charles Manson

by kaweahkaweah on Dec 4, 2008 6:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks a lot

link

"However, at Elias, I think they keep track of the amount of sunflower seeds spit in a dugout each night." - Brad Ziegler, 8/7/08

by doctorK on Dec 4, 2008 9:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Auuuuggghhhh!!!!

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

by The Dogfather on Dec 4, 2008 9:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Couple of points to clear up

Renteria according to reports has already taken a physical and will be annonced today. Second the blue Jays and tigers do not want Furcal. Like in a tennis match the advantage is in the A’s corner. Furcal agent looks like he blew it by taking to much time when many teams were after him. Right now its only oakland, dodgers slightly, and maybe the cubs. As for redsox they like Lowrie and would rather spoend on a pitcher or a firstbaseman. I don’t see any other fit for Furcal.

by Arcman on Dec 4, 2008 7:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

sounds like furcal is getting cheaper by the day. excellent (evil beane laugh)

by MaineAthletic on Dec 4, 2008 7:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Olney sees Rafael Furcal signing with the A's.

by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 4, 2008 8:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Link please

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 8:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

look in the box news and notes

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3744094&name=olney_buster

by The Golden One on Dec 4, 2008 9:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

And the prices in the corner outfield market are collapsing. There had been talk during the summer of Adam Dunn’s getting $15 million a year this winter, but now his salary range might be little more than half of that. Pat Burrell might be looking at a situation where he could take a one-year de with a good team, like the Rays. If the Giants ever got serious about Ramirez, they might balk at the talk of the $25 million salary, because as one GM said Wednesday, “For that, the Giants could probably sign Abreu and Burrell and have money left over.”

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 4, 2008 1:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

that, combined with Neyer's odd blog item about "all teams love defense now!!!1!" ...

… plus the whole Selugworth collusion-under-cover-of-recession makes me think that free agents—and FA sluggers/1B/DHs, in particular—may be a good buy right now.

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

As awkward as it would be defensively to have Cust & Dunn (or one of the other should-be-DH free agents) in the same lineup, if a hitter that good is really available for 55 cents on the dollar, I think it would be crazy not to sign him.

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Dec 4, 2008 2:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

If you have a chance at Dunn at $10 million, you take it and damn the later consequences.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 4, 2008 2:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Also, torpedos

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Also, truth

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 3:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wait, I thought we wanted to get Furcal?

by AsFanInLA on Dec 4, 2008 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What if it's Unit vs. Dunn to stay in budget

I think the A’s would have to bump the payroll to over $80 million to land both.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 3:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Unit then extend Holliday

The 1 year thing plus greater need (I think Barton will be fine in ’09)

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 3:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dunn

3 years at a great price is better than 1.

Also, I think it’s doable— $11 mill for Furcal, 8 for Johnson, 10 for Dunn is $80 million on the nose if I’m figuring it correctly.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 4, 2008 3:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But that leaves no int'l / draft money

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 3:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not necessarily

The A’s would still have enough to pay slot in the draft, but that’s about it.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 3:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Right

I meant no money to do what they did this year.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 3:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They weren't going to drop $10.5 million this year anyways

There’s not going to be another Inoa in 2009, that puts D/I spending at $6+ million including all the overslots. Cross off another Brett Hunter to $5 million round number and you still get to sign Dixon, Leyja and Coleman.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 5:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Borrow it

OK, maybe that’s a problem with the credit crunch. But the interest rates would have to be like 30% before it wouldn’t be worth doing.

It’s literally worth it for an owner to max out his personal credit cards buying draft prospects— that’s how good an investment they are.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 4, 2008 4:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

along those lines

If Beane can convince any big bopper to sign a one-year deal for 2009 and get a do-over next December when the recession has theoretically run its course, we’re essentially buying draft picks. I have doubts it would actually happen, but it’s nice to dream about.

by jdr on Dec 4, 2008 5:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it could.

Jon Garland, pleasepleaseplease accept arbitration. Your mad iNNiNgZ eAtEr sKiLLz will be greater exemplified in next year's free agent class. kthxbai.

by Blicks on Dec 4, 2008 6:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you're short on all those annual amounts

Johnson’s though has the most play and at low end could cover the other two.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 3:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dunn might actually want a 1-year deal at this point

If he thinks the market will be better next year. Sign Dunn for a year, and if you lose him you can still get the draft picks the DBacks apparently didn’t want.

by thejd44 on Dec 5, 2008 12:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dellusional Mob Post

Furcal for 5 cents on the dollar!

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

by ChadGod on Dec 4, 2008 8:35 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

3/9 contract here we come!

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 10:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The pieces are falling into place for the A's to sign Furcal

The Giants signed Renteria. Then I got home today and found that the Tigers have traded for Jack Wilson. The Braves also acquired Vasuez and just made an offer to Burnett. Peavy not going to the Braves means they’re probably not sending Escobar anywhere.

From what I can tell, the Padres need a shortstop, the Dodgers need a shortstop, a couple of other teams would like to upgrade, but probably not in a $12-14MM dollars a year by signing Furcal. Olney says he sees Furcal going to the A’s.

What this could also mean is that with the SS market basically barren now, could a desperate team like the Dodgers actually overpay for Crosby? Maybe we could add a guy and get Hu as insurance for Furcal? I guess Petit or Pennington could serve as a passable backup. Maybe they take more of his salary than before? I’ve gone from convinced the A’s were going to land him easily, to thinking it’s probably not going to happen, back to being sure they will sign him.

by NateHST on Dec 4, 2008 9:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Price for Furcal is falling like Citibank stock.

I’d be surprised if it took as much as $10M/ to get him now.

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

by The Dogfather on Dec 4, 2008 9:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why do you say that? Do you have a link?

by NateHST on Dec 4, 2008 10:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah -- just a guess.

Based on his dwindling leverage as competitors fall away, and frankly, the state of the economy — at SOME point, teams need to recognize that their revenues will fall this season — maybe longer. I’m not sure Congress will have any money left over to bail out baseball.

Also, I wonder which franchises are most exposed to the downturn, in terms of possible need for Ownership to sell? Which Owners may be over-extended? These chickens have to roost somewhere.

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

by The Dogfather on Dec 4, 2008 10:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There's no way any team gets Furcal for less than $10MM per year

Not after Renteria signed for ~$9MM per year. That’s ludicrous.

by NateHST on Dec 4, 2008 10:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So sez you.

But they’re obviously different durations, and the market changes every time someone signs.

To quote the zen master:

“We’ll see.”

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

by The Dogfather on Dec 4, 2008 10:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno ...

I suspect that most MLB owners and franchises are relatively (note the qualifier) insulated from the downturn, what with long-term advertising/sponsorship/TV contracts and the decade-long march to successfully target a more affluent demographic. My suspicion is that “economic downturn” is Selugworth’s latest cover for collusion.

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah — I’m really wondering more about the businesses that got them the dough to become owners. Although I guess many of them chose their ancestors well.

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

by The Dogfather on Dec 4, 2008 11:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

well, Lew in particular may be feeling the pinch

… though I guess it’s Mr. Blue Jeans’ money that’s a more substantial factor.

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of feeling the pinch ...

… don’t forget Mr. Green Jeans.

Mint Chocolate Chip

by Ice Cream on Dec 4, 2008 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know about the dollar figures dropping a ton

I think the A’s can now make the 4th year optional.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nevermind regarding Jack Wilson

It was reported incorrecntly on mlbtraderumors.com

by NateHST on Dec 4, 2008 10:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Randy and Nick Johnson...yay or nay??

so holliday/rj/nj…all 1 yr deals

Rosenthal’s Latest: Johnson, Cano, Peavy
By Tim Dierkes [December 4 at 11:49am CST]

Ken Rosenthal is working overtime; here’s his latest.

* The A’s remain the frontrunners for Rafael Furcal. Also, they’re targeting starter Randy Johnson to add a veteran presence to their rotation. Rosenthal adds that the A’s may prefer Nick Johnson over Jason Giambi.

by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 4, 2008 10:04 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Sweet... Beane reads AN.

All aboard the RJ, Furcal, and my patented please god not Giambi trains!

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 10:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

can i drive?

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Dec 4, 2008 11:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NAY NAY NAY

We set a record for using the DL two years in a row, and you want to go out and sign three guys with horrible health histories the last few years. Giambi ain’t great either but he has a better health history than Nick Johnson. Do we even have the money for RJ? Can RJ even pitch in the AL? Remember what happened when he went to the yankees? He sucked. We have a ton of young arms why waste money and innings on an old guy who probably can’t hack it in the AL?

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 4, 2008 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

at relatively cheap prices, why not?

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Dec 4, 2008 12:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

if I thought RJ

could do what he did last year in the AL then sure go ahead.

instead he is probably going to put up numbers similar to braden/gio last year for 2 months and then get hurt.

if braden and gio are going to put up those numbers anyways, then why not let them start and get the learning experience and improve? signing RJ means moving braden or gio down to AAA and delaying the promotion of cahill/anderson further.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 4, 2008 2:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Based on what exactly?

He’s been healthy 3 of the last 4 seasons and his underlying numbers are better than his (very very good) results.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 2:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Based on the Fact that

he gave up 30 hr’s/year in his 2 years in the American League. Hence, even with his good peripherals (1.2ish whip etc, high k:bb ratio) he still is going to have a shitty ERA.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 4, 2008 3:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

One of those years he posted a 3.79 ERA (the one he gave up more HRs)

The other was uglier as walks went up and strikeouts went down. His FIP that year, 4.27, was the second worst of his career (4.28 in 1990).

It isn’t so much that he sucked in the AL as that he had an aberrational year in one of two AL seasons.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 3:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He had a 1.13 whip that year

You think he’s gonna have a 1.13 whip at age 45 pitching in the AL? Didn’t think so.

30 bombs uuuuugly.

last year he had 3.9 era and 1.24 whip these numbers will increase in the AL b/c he won’t have easy pitcher outs and will have face DH’s. Add 30 hr’s on top of that = 5 era and wasted roster spot that we could have used to get one of our young pitchers more experience.

Cust is the new Jaha.

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

Move to AL cavernous stadium from NL tiny stadium is not as bad as you'd think

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

by nevermoor on Dec 5, 2008 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not the size of the stadium... if anything, Arizona is probably larger

It’s the climate.

On the rare occasions when it gets to be 90+ degrees in Oakland, the Coliseum plays like a launching pad. But that’s pretty rare. It’s in one of the five coolest summer climates in baseball, which holds down offense.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 6, 2008 11:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough

I should have used pitcher-friendly and hitter-friendly respectively, but the point remains.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 6, 2008 11:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I actually don't care too much about Nick Johnson

My three trains are RJ, Furcal, and please god not Giambi

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Giambi:

to quote above, “at relatively cheap prices, why not?”

he is better than nick johnson and more reliable. plus we need any power/offense we can get right now. the only reason to choose nick is defense but he is only an average defender… ergo giambi is the better choice.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 4, 2008 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

On a 1 year 5.5M contract, sure

But on the 2 year contract at 8 or more per that he wants, no way.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 2:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Like someone else said later in the comments section,

The demand and prices for 1b/DH types is falling precipitously right now… look at the salaries that people are talking about for burrell and adam dunn.. if they are truly getting only 8 per then you can bet your house Giambi won’t get more than 1 year 5-6 mil. maybe with some performance incentives he could get more.

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Dec 4, 2008 3:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll believe it when I see it

But for the record despite my ardent anti-Giambism I would rather pay him $5.5M on a one year deal than trade for Nick Johnson.

Furthermore, if the alternative is not spending that money, I’d rather sign him than not.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 3:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

when someone else signs him, will you have an anti-Giambasm?

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 4:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Quite possibly

Or at least the opposite of this reaction

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 4:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Johnson in the 2-hole?

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 5:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

that sounds a little

by AEP2007 on Dec 5, 2008 5:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm....ok that made no sense.

What I meant to post was, “That sounds a little nasty”.

by AEP2007 on Dec 5, 2008 5:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Johnson objects to the term "little"

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Dec 5, 2008 10:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

I just don’t want more than 1 year + option for him.

Jon Garland, pleasepleaseplease accept arbitration. Your mad iNNiNgZ eAtEr sKiLLz will be greater exemplified in next year's free agent class. kthxbai.

by Blicks on Dec 4, 2008 5:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My three trains

Furcal, Giambi, RJ

or

Furcal, Dunn, RJ

by mrod on Dec 4, 2008 2:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've been on the Dunn train since day one

I got off post Holliday, but if he’s as cheap as some are speculating he shore is purty.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 2:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Gitter Dunn!

by mrod on Dec 4, 2008 7:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

amen sister, im gettin my ticket...

by stranahanahan on Dec 4, 2008 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds pretty good

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Dec 4, 2008 10:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

One flingin' Johnson,

…and one swingin’ Johnson?

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

by The Dogfather on Dec 4, 2008 11:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd buy that for a dollar

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If they get all three done ...

we’ll be looking at a mid-90 win team …

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Dec 4, 2008 11:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

is that factoring in the 250 games that Unit, Nick J., Chavez, and Furcal will miss between them?

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"...between...??!"

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

by The Dogfather on Dec 4, 2008 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I, among others, deserved that

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s what you get for making obscure “dog pound” references. ;-)

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

by The Dogfather on Dec 4, 2008 2:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes ...

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Dec 4, 2008 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wow.

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually it's somewhere between 150 and 200 ...

that I’m expecting …

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Dec 4, 2008 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I was waiting for

I thought you’d find 250 a bit high.

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd expect Nick Johnson to miss about 100 by himself...

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 4, 2008 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

At this point

We really need to ask ourselves how many baseballs there are in a proverbial bag of balls.

Those things are like $10 each.

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 3:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If they are all healthy...maybe..

But that is a huge IF and an even huger maybe. What would we have to give up in order to get Nick Johnson anyway?

by son of wes on Dec 4, 2008 12:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

this is one trade scenario where the proverbial "bucket of balls" would be nice

“A’s trade balls for Johnson”

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 12:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What's one without the other?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 4, 2008 8:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"Ken Rosenthal Working Overtime" by XTC

One, two, three, four, five rumors
Ken Rosenthal working overtime

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

by franks a lot on Dec 4, 2008 11:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that should be "Sources Working Overtime"

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll concede...

You are much better at song parodies than me. You’re AN’s version of Weird Al

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

by franks a lot on Dec 4, 2008 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

an xtc reference?

excellent work all round

BB should send scouts to watch cricket players.

by alea iacta est on Dec 4, 2008 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed

Skylarking rules the universe!

by mrod on Dec 4, 2008 2:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like it's done.

Giants sign Renteria

Ms. Jesa

by Athletica on Dec 4, 2008 10:47 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

anyone else see the $9.5 MM option?

thought that was interesting, its obviously a club option because of the buyout.
Smart deal in terms of years and money isn’t too much, but i don’t think it’s the right player for the Giants….

by stranahanahan on Dec 4, 2008 11:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Or, for that matter, anyone

I really don’t like Renteria (especially not at big money)

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Contractual dissonance

The Tigers paid Renteria a $3 million buyout rather than pick up his $11 million option – presumably believing that paying the extra $8 million for a year of his services wasn’t a good deal. The Giants then turned around and gave him $9.25 million a year.

Someone made a mistake. Actually, they probably both did – the Tigers because, at least in theory, they could have picked up the option and then gotten a little something back by trading him to the Giants or some other team (probably having to pick up part of his salary, but less than what they paid as a buyout anyway), and the Giants because they just handed Edgar Renteria a ton of money to play shortstop for them.

The same thing happened last year with Jose Guillen – the Mariners turned down a $9 million option, and the Royals signed him for $12 million per year.

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Dec 4, 2008 1:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

SIGN STOCKHAUSEN NOW!!!

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

SIGN MUNCHAUSEN NOW!!!

But do it by proxy.

"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."

-Charles Manson

by kaweahkaweah on Dec 4, 2008 2:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't Munchausen always on the DL with an upper body injury?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 4, 2008 2:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

but if we do that, then the bench will be Baron

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

by monkeyball on Dec 4, 2008 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope, it'll have at least Von player

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

by nevermoor on Dec 4, 2008 3:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if there are sometimes informal agreements between teams and players to not offer arb

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Dec 4, 2008 1:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Can we try to get Peavy?

Cahill and another prospect, plus Crosby at full salary?

by jahs34 on Dec 4, 2008 4:58 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

No

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Dec 4, 2008 5:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If Peavy would be willing to play for Oakland...

and the cost was Cahill – Crosby…. I don’t know, I might be tempted. Counting ’08’s salary, it’s the equivalent of signing Peavy for 5 yrs/60 million. That’s a very good value. Considering that Peavy is as good if not better than what we can expect from Cahill reasonably, and we get that production starting in 2009 when we have Holliday. If such a deal were possible, I’d do it (assuming the other prospect is not Anderson).

All that said, logistically it wouldn’t work. Peavy wants to play in the NL and won’t waive his NTC to play in Oakland. The Padres in all probability would want more than Cahill and one lesser prospect (that’s probably the cost of Escobar).

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Dec 4, 2008 5:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Please no.

The A’s shouldn’t commit that much money to one pitcher, especially with the pitching depth coming up down the road. Especially not a pitcher with injury knocks.

I’ll keep my Anderson and Cahill, thank you very much.

Jon Garland, pleasepleaseplease accept arbitration. Your mad iNNiNgZ eAtEr sKiLLz will be greater exemplified in next year's free agent class. kthxbai.

by Blicks on Dec 4, 2008 5:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NO to every big name pitcher

> 4 years is too risky, and the a’s have too much pitching depth throughout their system for it to be worth it.

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 4, 2008 7:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs