DLD Feb 20: Meyer has option remaining
by salb918 on Feb 20, 2008 7:55 AM PST
234 comments
As it turns out, they don't. Meyer said he found out earlier this week that he's one of those handful of players who winds up with four option years, rather than three, and that means he could be sent down again this season. The A's have optioned Meyer three times, in 2005, 2006 and 2007, but in 2006, Meyer didn't play enough at Triple-A Sacramento for that season to qualify - 90 days is needed, and a shoulder injury forced Meyer out of action in late May. He had surgery in July, ending his year, and the timing of that procedure robbed him of an option year, according to Meyer.But you have to be rooting for a guy who says this:
"I can help this team. I've got a lot of wins (waiting) in these white shoes."
Other links, mostly from BTF:
Aaron Rowand wants the Giants to acquire Joe Crede:
Rowand also said Crede would fit with Manager Bruce Bochy's "Warrior Spirit" brigade "because of the way he plays the game and his personality. He plays hard and he's also very lighthearted. He likes to have a good time and keep things light in the clubhouse."
Warrior Spirit brigade? Sounds like a high school pep squad.
The manager in Toronto seems to get it:
That’s a very astute observation about the "inability to manufacture runs." In an interview early this spring, Aaron Hill said very much the same thing, but when I asked Gibbons about it, he claimed that it wasn’t a big deal and didn’t cost the Jays many games.That reminds me of good ol' our AGM Forst, keepin' real in face of some lame stat-spewing reporter at the Emil Brown presser:
Hitting with runners in scoring position has been a problem for the A's in recent years, and Brown could help in that area, as well. He batted .316 (37-for-117) in such situations in 2007. "That's obviously a plus," Forst said, "but I wouldn't say that was a factor in our decision to sign him."
...Forst said as he rolled his eyes.
Impacto Deportivo reports that Colon is back on the South Side:
Según supo este martes Impactodeportivo.com.do, Colón ha llegado a un acuerdo preliminar con los Medias Blancas. En este momento está en el proceso del exámen físico.He just might push the Medias Blancas over the hump into third place!
7 recs |
234 comments
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No real comment.
50.
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 8:37 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Crap.
I forgot I replied to Poppy last night. 49.
48.
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 8:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't get lazy and start coasting
Nico and his galloping goat are making a late charge coming down the stretch.
by Soaker on Feb 20, 2008 9:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Shit!
47
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 9:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
gee, this is kind of exciting!
"The Athletics at Fremont" is lame
by ArakSOT on Feb 20, 2008 11:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
46
I was just about to let you know it was working for me.
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what comes next.
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Feb 20, 2008 11:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
44
I'm scared.
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's a safe bet
this will be a first
"The Athletics at Fremont" is lame
by ArakSOT on Feb 20, 2008 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm actually suspecting that that email
in the Toronto piece about manufacturing runs may have been a joke.
Any reference to "clogging up the bases" in conjunction with some element of baseball traditionalism like manufacturing runs instantly gets my "FJM alert" radar whirling and whistling.
Of course, it could be that "Kevin Cooke" is just a pseudonym for "John Brattain."
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 9:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm also not sure that Meyer having an option left
is necessarily a bad thing for him, as was implied in the Chron article.
Sure, it makes it less likely that he'll make the team out of spring training-- but it also makes it a lot less likely that he'll be released or outrighted if he has a bad run.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 9:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
financially ...
it almost definitely is. Being in the Majors would pay him 5 times what he'd make in the minors. It would also leave him that much closer to arbitration and free agency, if he gets that far.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 9:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, no question that if he "makes it"
he's better off with no options.
But he might be a bit more likely to "make it" if he does have an option left, and that's worth something too. If only in a probabilistic sense.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 10:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I figure at this point ...
he's got beaten up on in AAA all that he needs to. He's been at the level for 3-1/2 years ... more experience there won't really do a lot for him. If he's healthy, he should be able to pitch well enough to hang on ... if he's not, he'll be lucky to get the payday ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You're probably right
It's just that we've seen a parade of guys lately (Cust, Emil and Dee Brown, Fiorentino) who were arguably hurt by their teams' needless burning of their option years in seasons when they clearly weren't ready.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 11:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know that this is true ...
with Cust, it wasn't that he wasn't ready, it's that teams weren't ready to give him a real chance. He'd have been burning options, anyway, though, in order to protect him from Rule-V
Emil Brown was tearing up AAA -- what else were they going to do?
Dee Brown had already had a successful stint in AAA -- it was time for him to get the call. I think it's pretty clear that he was just never going to make it in the bigs.
As I understand it, Fiorentino wasn't out of options -- the Reds were out of room on the 40-man roster. He probably shouldn't have been on the 40 man roster to begin with, but that's a separate issue.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So this is what you do when your license gets suspended
http://www.nationalsenquirer.com/2008/02/there-are-no-wo.html
You're gonna have to copy and paste that. F*** trying to figure out this new posting system.
Looks like GOB Bluth.
"He says lots of stupid things on the television set. He seems lazy and foolish to me." -Michael Lewis, on Joe Morgan
by BWH on Feb 20, 2008 9:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
But where did the lighter fluid come from?
It's Rhodes Scholar Night at the Coliseum tonight.
by Scottbass on Feb 20, 2008 3:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Meyer has another option...
so the smart money for the 5th starter position has to be on Eveland, right? DiNardo being the only other real option to start the season, and I can't see them restricting Eveland's playing time in favor of known mediocrity.
Harden
Blanton
Gaudin
Duke
Eveland
"He says lots of stupid things on the television set. He seems lazy and foolish to me." -Michael Lewis, on Joe Morgan
by BWH on Feb 20, 2008 9:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
My money's on Eveland for the FOURTH starter position...
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 10:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Eveland has an option too ...
though, come to think of it, I think Dinardo does too.
I don't think it's fair to call Dinardo a "known mediocrity". He was better than mediocre last year and he had a solid minor league track record in Boston's farm system.
Minor League career #s:
Player A:
395-1/3 IP, 3.35 ERA, 8.84 k/9, 3.17 bb/9, 1.29 WHIP
Started 79% of his games
Player B:
413-2/3 IP, 2.61 ERA, 8.84 k/9, 2.77 bb/9, 1.17 WHIP
Started 70% of his games
Now which player's numbers are better? Probably Player B ...
But what if I told you that Player A typically pitched in less pitching friendly environments? Yeah ... it's pretty close ...
Now don't let me mislead you, Player B is the better long term property. Why? because he's four years younger.
But Player A, you've probably guessed, is Lenny Dinardo. He's pitched well at every level and has established himself as a solid back of the rotation option at the big league level.
Player B, Dana Eveland has put up comparably good Minor League numbers at a younger age -- but he has never pitched well in the Majors and he may be a part of the team's future plans so it might behoove the team not to bring him a year closer to arbitration/free agency.
That said, I expect both players to make the team. They'll probably start Dinardo in the 'pen (Assuming two out of Harden, Duke and Gaudin are ready to start the season and the third is ready two weeks later, the first time the fifth starter is needed) because he is used to the role of swing man.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Options
Okay, with Meyer still having options, and Dinardo having options, does anyone know which players on the bubble do not have options left?
by richwol1 on Feb 20, 2008 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, there's some misconceptions here
Neither Meyer nor DiNardo can be optioned to the minors-- even if they have options remaining, which AFAIK DiNardo doesn't-- without clearing waivers. They're each more than 3 calendar years removed from their first appearance on an MLB roster.
They would still have to be waived to get sent down. The only practical difference is that they could be "pulled back" if someone claimed them.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 11:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dana Eveland has put up comparably good Minor League numbers at a younger age -- but he has never pitched well in the Majors and he may be a part of the team's future plans so it might behoove the team not to bring him a year closer to arbitration/free agency.
Eveland's already 24, and has 64 innings of MLB experience. I think it's time he gets a shot at being a full time starter, like Haren did when he he came over.
When Haren came over, he was entering his age 24 season, and had limited MLB experience (119 innings, to Eveland's 64). Eveland's WHIP in the minors was 1.17, Haren's was 1.13. Eveland's ERA in the minors is 2.61 in 413 innings, Haren's was 3.15 in 475 innings. Although Eveland pitched in pitcher-friendly parks for the most part.
Haren had 8.75 K/9 in the minors, whereas Eveland is at 8.83. The difference between them is really only in the BB numbers, as Eveland is at 2.76 BB/9 innings, and Haren sat at 1.63. Haren's first 120 innings in the majors weren't great either, although he did mow through the Red Sox in the 2004 WS.
The 24 year-old Haren and Eveland are pretty similar, statistically (except for the BB rate, but Haren has one of the lowest BB rates in baseball.) Haren was also reputed to have some of the best stuff in the minors when he came up.
Haren turned into one of the better pitchers in baseball by the time he turned 27. Eveland probably won't do that, but he does deserve a more than fair shot in 2008. Dana did pitch 32 innings at the MLB level at age 21. He was clearly doing something right.
Eveland's career high in innings pitched is around 140 (in 2005.) He could be good for around 175 this year, say 27-28 starts. In 2008, I'd say you go the Blanton route with him, give him a regular starting job and see what he can do. Like Blanton, the A's should stick with him even if he struggles mightily in the beginning.
"He says lots of stupid things on the television set. He seems lazy and foolish to me." -Michael Lewis, on Joe Morgan
by BWH on Feb 20, 2008 11:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They're pretty similar except for what makes Haren speciall ...
the bb rate and the nasty splitter.
Don't get me wrong -- Eveland is a solid young player. Like I said, I expect him to start the season in the rotation. I just wonder if it wouldn't be a better idea to hold him back a month or two in order to get an extra year of service from him later. He should be better than Dinardo long term -- but I wouldn't expect him to be in 2007.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 12:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Eveland has enough service time already
that he is, in practice, a 6-year player. He's already going to be a Super Two in two seasons. (Same with Joey Devine, incidentally.) There's nothing to be gained by sticking him in the minors.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 12:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You're right ... NM ...
I'll stop having Lenny Dinardo's back ... Eveland can have the job ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 2:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
rotoworld
General manager J.P. Ricciardi indicated Tuesday that the Blue Jays' contract offer to Shannon Stewart was pulled off the table earlier this offseason.Ricciardi admitted that the Blue Jays made Stewart an offer at one point, but seemingly disagreed with Stewart's recent proclamation that he has a current offer to play in Toronto.
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 Feb 20, 2008 10:21 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
if Stewart has to really lower his sights ...
... and starts negotiating to work for this guy, and Stewart again makes a too-early announcement of it to the press, would the announcement of its scuttling be the Emanski Pay Shunned Proclamation?
It has been considered a blunder for decades and will probably continue to be so. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 10:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Man, you had to really work to set that one up.
"I'm going to take a camera crew and march into Billy Beane's office and demand to know why instituting his newfangled cost-saving measures means that the run manufacturing plant had to get shut down." FJM
by Elvez on Feb 20, 2008 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's spring training
I'm working hard to get into game shape.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wes Bankston
Haven't seen it written anywhere, but can anyone confirm that "he's still ours"?
(He was taken off the 40-man to add Foulke, and over 10 days have passed since, so we know he wasn't added to another team's 40-man roster off waivers).
I haven't see the typical "Bankston assigned to AAA" article on the A's team page that I'd expect to see when a guy passes through waivers.
Bankston
...is young enough (and has had just enough minor league success) that he could still become a MLB asset some day. I sure don't want to lose him for nothing.
"I still say put Jack Cust on some roller skates, arm him with a squeeze tube of epoxy, and let him loose in CF...righteous!" -MRod
by notsellingjeans on Feb 20, 2008 10:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Can't find him on the AAA roster
On the other hand, I did find out that the A's have a toddler as the AAA pitching coach.
This might explain a lot.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's awesome.
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Feb 20, 2008 11:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Although he's pushing "toddler,"
soon he'll be pre-schooler.
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Feb 20, 2008 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It makes even mores sense, since he
is actually the hitting coach. Rodriguez is the pitching coach.
by theblackpearl on Feb 20, 2008 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that is one tall three year old!
Keep an eye on him. I think his future is in basketball, not baseball.
by colin on Feb 20, 2008 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Too many words
Needs some pictures for color.
[Report: salb hates linkdumps of color!]
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 11:15 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
45
moar humorous pics
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 11:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ewe will be assimilated.
Tequila Lime
by Ice Cream on Feb 20, 2008 11:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or puppets
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Feb 20, 2008 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why do there have to be puppets like Frank?
It's Rhodes Scholar Night at the Coliseum tonight.
by Scottbass on Feb 20, 2008 3:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It looks like Cisco field mated with the Concorde
and this was the offspring.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
good call ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 12:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
more photos
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 Feb 20, 2008 12:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
More evidence for my theory
that we should take a big saw to Florida.
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Feb 20, 2008 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
hey
althought i totally agree with sawing off florida, i would like to request that you atleast wait until i'm able to get out of this hell hole.
"Didja ever look at a dollar bill, man? There's some spooky shit goin' on there. And it's green too." -Slater
by OrlandoAsFan on Feb 20, 2008 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
FRR watch
Today's Ray: not bad at all. Aside from relying on the tired and irresponsible "some people say X" trope (so he can avoid the trackback of actually claiming himself that he thinks the A's will lose 95) and the deployment of a bizarre, inapposite "Titanic" metaphor to at the end (though I will give him props for the structural circling back to the ice-imagery lede), there's nothing objectionable in there.
It has been considered a blunder for decades and will probably continue to be so. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 12:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Serious Question:
Has AN jumped the shark with it's most recent upgrade? It seems to me that less people are participating ever since all the new bells and whistles came along.
One thing I don't like is the fact that many of the familiar user names are no longer posting. I know I lost mine and had to come up with a new one.
PS: this is not Oaktoon reincarnate.
by 33SwisherSweet on Feb 20, 2008 12:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not Oaktoon ...
it's such a monumental name change, I could never figure out who it is ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 12:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah,
monumental to put it mildly.
On a serious note, what's going on with the lack of postings? It can't be attributed to the off-season lull as ST has just started and the site had much more activity prior to the release of the new version. Here's to hoping AN hasn't jumped the shark.
by 33SwisherSweet on Feb 20, 2008 12:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I noticed this last week too
Not sure....I'm sure it will pick up some when games are back (because really, how do we get through the day without criticizing Buancasting), but I think a handful of folks have stepped back until all the bugs are worked out.....
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Feb 20, 2008 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
probably
I think people need to just get use to how the site works now. Personally, i liked it better before this change, but it's really not a big deal. I don't think the changes are drastic enough to actually keep people away from this site. If you notice, there is no shortage of 'views' per topic. It's just that people don't seem to be as comfortable posting. I'm sure that will change in time though.
"Didja ever look at a dollar bill, man? There's some spooky shit goin' on there. And it's green too." -Slater
by OrlandoAsFan on Feb 20, 2008 1:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My guess ...
the site has been so flooded with diaries/stories about the site that people have gotten bored ... when talk returns to baseball, the fans will return.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 2:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
it was a big mistake to not have the old accounts carry 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 Feb 20, 2008 12:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yup: you never want to set up obstacles like that
I think it functioned as a sort of penalty for long-time users.
It has been considered a blunder for decades and will probably continue to be so. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 12:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
42
I had a problem claiming mine... what ever it was, it said I couldn't have my name. I freaked out and called Poppy. Then I breathed a little and figured out I couldn't have Jennifer because I already owned it.
It was a little weird, but it eventually worked out. I think the same problem happened with a few others.
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 12:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Couldn't agree more.
Getting used to the new names is tough to do and bugs the hell out of me. I liked knowing what to expect when I read the comments of a particular poster.
by 33SwisherSweet on Feb 20, 2008 12:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Shark jumped? Hopefully not
Less participation? Probably so.
Two things spur comments: front pages stories, and diaries. Front page posts will presumably be just as frequent as ever, and will generate a bunch of comments. Diaries, though, have been made more difficult to post...by a lot, unless all you want to write is a colorless block of text. Diaries generate a huge portion of the comments on AN; fewer of them, with a lower engagement quotient (pix, links, etc) equals fewer comments.
What's more, there's a certain critical mass effect...if there are 3-4 stories every day I want to comment on, I'm going to log on several times to keep the conversation going. If there's one or two, I might just log on twice. And if any of the users with whom I enjoy dialoging also scale down, that in turn makes my post numbers decline even more. I'm concerned such a spiral could be underway...it happened to some extent last spring, with a much smaller site upgrade. This change is much bigger...
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
front-page posts will likely be more numerous, but less regular
If that makes any sense.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
hmm...
I think it depends on the topic of the post/diary, FSU, and to what crowd that post is reaching out to.
Also, do you think the posts should be categorized somewhat? No, not the DLD's. I know that was suggested once before and it was decided that it would take away the appeal of the DLD's, which I agree. But some posts are well thought-out and have some time put into them, and then others are like "anyone know where I can find an A's salt and pepper shaker?" Granted some of those topics might initiate more comments than, um, "certain" posts, but again, it goes back to the crowd that it reaches.
"Oakland has now increased its payroll to the point that it now ranks third in the Bay Area among all McDonald's franchises.”
-Sandy Alderson, former A’s general manager.
by 67MARQUEZ on Feb 20, 2008 2:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still here
But yeah, it does feel like there's less participation. I'll admit that I haven't been a fan of AN 3.0, but the recent changes to commenting, etc. have been nice. I'm scared to post a link or photo though.
http://www.jlaff.com/
by JLaff on Feb 20, 2008 12:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I almost had to change my name to LongLiveLangerhans879,
but then I settled on xbhaskarx48. And then I changed it back to the original, so that my continued absence from the site would be all the more notable when I make my heroic return...in time for AN 4.0 (hint: it will take place totally inside your mind).
"wither fair monkeyball?" ~fsu
by LAXile on Feb 20, 2008 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You can have LongLiveLangerhans879
Sadly, I've retired the name (LLL) as it was no longer funny. Plus I needed something that I could use across all SB Nation blogs. So I'm going with my Guitar Hero name for now.
Hi this is Ken Griffey Jr. Let's play major league baseball.
by Rocktopus on Feb 20, 2008 4:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh man, I saw Rocktopus...
And I thought, no way someone else is using that! And than I saw it was you LLL. That explains a lot.
by SuperBean on Feb 20, 2008 8:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I still chuckle at the LLL name from time to time.
But I very well may be the only one.
"wither fair monkeyball?" ~fsu
by LAXile on Feb 21, 2008 10:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Shark jump? Nah. More like shot in foot.
Having to log in every single time I some to the site keeps me from posting as often as I did in the past. I've had a lot of issues with staying logged on even when I've clicked "Remember Me".
Plus I don't like that all the links to other SB Nation sites have been removed from AN's homepage. I used to always jump back and forth, now I don't go visit other sites like I once did. I understand we're in the midst of a major transition but until things get settled again the annoyance factor out-weighs the happiness.
I care.
by grover on Feb 20, 2008 2:00 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
+1
I'd use the "rec" feature but I don't know how to, and I'm afraid if I hit action that you'll get a CGV, CVG, whatever violation.
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King
by batgirl on Feb 20, 2008 2:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
don't worry
flags do not equal CGVs. those have to be emailed to the committee directly.
by rebus on Feb 20, 2008 2:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's easy ... go for it ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 2:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
major transition
it's only natural in a period of transition for the more timid element to run for cover.
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 Feb 20, 2008 7:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yellow? I'll show you yellow, boy!
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It was AN3 which caused shark jumpage
Last 12 months
12 months before that
AIM: SouthSideCheat
by The Cheat on Feb 20, 2008 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome, thanks for the info ...
looks like the Haren/Swisher/Kotsay trades just drove traffic abnormally high in the early winter so now as that excitement has dwindled, the return to normal traffic seems like AN 3.0's fault when really we just need to employ some Latin ...
post hoc ergo procter hoc
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 2:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Looks like the drop from Jan to Feb this year is much more precipitous than Jan to Feb last year...if The Cheat adjusted for being only 20 days into the month.
And that's WITH the enormous spike in comments about the site change itself. Absent that catalyst, the traffic might be really bottoming out.
Or maybe it's all about A's fans hating black history month.
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 2:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
no adjustment was made
the month's only 2/3rds over... 29 days this year!
AIM: SouthSideCheat
by The Cheat on Feb 20, 2008 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK
So if I take Feb '08 YTD, and add a generous 50% to account for the rest of the month, it still amounts to a 22% drop versus Jan '08. By contrast, in 2007 the drop from Jan to Feb was 12%. And again, this is all including the current spike in traffic about the 3.0 upgrade, including all us angst-ridden AN users as well as sbn interlopers like yourself (who of course we all welcome and hope returns often).
As I said above, I ain't saying shark jumping, but I am saying traffic declining, and I worry this is the start of a bad trend, given additional possible effects of fewer "colorful" diaries as jump-off points, a less competitive team, and (my actual biggest concern) a site-wide ebb in the creative side of the AN community, posters and diarists, which predates any of this 3.0 stuff.
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You seem to have missed Devo's point
that traffic in January was abnormally high because of the various trades.
The Swisher thread got 600 comments. Game threads don't get 600 comments. And that was only one of probably 10-15 threads related to that trade.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 3:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And you could also factor in
a bit more anticipation last February as we were coming off being in the ALCS, vs coming off trading almost every face of the franchise.
Overall, seems like too much noise to try and blame any one thing.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Feb 20, 2008 3:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And you seem to have missed mine
OK, forget January. Feb '08 is on pace to have 50,000 fewer page views and 15,000 fewer visits than Feb '07...INCLUDING a massive influx of posts about the 3.0 upgrade. I agree with 5Aces below, there's too much noise to isolate any one factor, but that's certainly not a ringing endorsement of 3.0 in pure traffic terms. My larger concern, unanswered by anyone yet, including tech or site management folks, is that the more difficult it is to post entertaining diaries, the more a certain segment of AN is going to go into (or continue) its decline. As it happens, that's the segment which means the most to me. Other users experiences will surely vary.
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 3:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mar 07- Feb 08 had saw far less traffic
than Mar 06- Feb 07.
Whether that is due to the team not being competetive, changing dynamics on AN, people needing to work harder to keep their jumps in a rough economy or something else I dunno -- but that was clearly a trend that started well before the advent of AN 3.0 and certainly cannot be blamed on it.
Now, on to your concerns -- I'm optimistic that it won't be a long term problem, because the more worthwhile posters tend to be smart people (the two kind of go hand in hand). As smart people, folks like you and I will probably be able to figure out AN 3.0 and will be back to postastic brilliance in no time.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 4:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you buried the lede
In my experience, you can almost track fan excitement via the sitemeter stats. And I'd say more than anything, the quality of the team has effected user output. (Over at my site, I know I stopped writing recaps in June last year. There didn't seem like much point.)
And you can't really compare month to month without asking yourself what drove traffic that month i.e. was there a big trade (Swisher), a heavily linked post (Beane interview).
October '07 was less than 1/3 of October '06, but even that huge gap can pretty much be explained away by fan excitement over a playoff run versus the A's being out of it in June last year.
AIM: SouthSideCheat
by The Cheat on Feb 20, 2008 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
One of the
things that happened is that sitemeter actually made a switch so that it isn't being nearly as generous with page views as it once was. According to our google analytics numbers, it's about the same if not a little more than last year at the same time.
As for participation, the site is always really slow right around this time because the offseason moves have happened and now we're just waiting for the games to actually start. April is almost always the tell-tale month.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 20, 2008 6:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that you make a good point, Blez.
Most baseball boards are slow right now...not just this one. I am sure it will pick up quite soon. I don't believe that the fanpost difficulties will keep the clever lot around here down for long. I sure hope not, anyway.
by IM4Oakgal on Feb 20, 2008 10:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, based on his clarifications ...
traffic is still fairly high ... perhaps it's just posting that is down ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
seems to me
that page views fell off the map. the graphs are also misleading in comparison, as the Y values don't align.
by rebus on Feb 20, 2008 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My reason
I haven't been posting much since the switch mainly because for some reason I have to login every single time I come to AN whereas in the past I remained logged in for weeks on end. I keep checking the "remember" box but it doesn't seem to do anything so if anyone can tell me why this is and tell me how to fix it I'd owe you one. Put me in the camp that misses the old version because this one is much more frustrating than rewarding.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Feb 20, 2008 7:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
today we deployed a potential fix to this
not sure what browser you're in (I assume IE6 or IE7), but if you try clearing your cookies and restarting your browser, we think we've found a solution to this problem
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by Trei Brundrett on Feb 20, 2008 7:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll check the IE/XP status from work tomorrow
But as of around 6:00 PM tonight on Firefox from OSX it was the same old re-login problem, and as of 7:00 on Firefox from XP, the same thing. I remain confident you'll solve this problem (the difficult new FanPost protocols, not so much).
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 8:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
dang
We haven't been able to recreate this problem in Firefox on either of those operating systems. Is that Firefox 2? Are you logging in via the network bar up top?
What are the FanPost protocols? Do you mean the editor?
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by Trei Brundrett on Feb 20, 2008 8:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
36
I'm not able to use the R shortcut. The others work, though.
PS - You are awesome.
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 8:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
using IE7?
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by Trei Brundrett on Feb 20, 2008 8:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
35
Sadly, yes.
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 8:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
ok, cool
we have a bug for that 'r' shortcut problem for ie7 and are working on it
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by Trei Brundrett on Feb 20, 2008 8:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The R
shortcut doesn't work for me either. Who does it work for?
by IM4Oakgal on Feb 20, 2008 10:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's definitely broken in IE right now
Expect a fix soon.
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by lovitt on Feb 20, 2008 10:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, cool
The AOL Browser uses Internet Explorer technology; the two browsers behave similarly, so you're likely to have the same experience as Internet Explorer users (i.e., stuff that works/breaks for them will probably work/break for you).
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by lovitt on Feb 20, 2008 10:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh I didn't know that.
Good info...I will pay close attention to the info given for IE then. Thanks.
by IM4Oakgal on Feb 20, 2008 10:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
works for me on Safari
formerly known as mdl
by iglew on Feb 21, 2008 12:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Firefox 2.0.0.12 on both OSX and XP
And yes, I generally access AN from the toolbar list at the top (is that the "network bar") and not from my faves list. I stay logged in for a couple hours, including when the browser is quit and restarted, but I have to re login at least once a day, and often 2-3 times. I do not get the redirect to sbnnation from Firefox ever.
By FanPost protocols I mean what I wrote about in my weekend DLD: difficulty posting links, super-onerous difficulty posting pictures, the seeming need to upload pics as sbnnation assets rather than simple img src codes, the need to exit the FanPost preview screen to make changes, the loss of automatic bullet-point and list numbering functionality, inability to hand-code simple HTML in Word and copy/paste it into a diary, the loss and gain of some functions but not others when switching from WISIWYG to HTML or visa versa...I'm sure there's more, that's top of the head after just trying one FanPost under the 3.0 regime. Basically FanPosts now take lots more work than they used to (on top of the prep work a dedicated diarist has already done), and it all seems unnecessary...from the perspective of a FanPoster/Diarist, I honestly don't see anything that's better, and I see tons that are worse/harder.
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 8:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm also on Firefox 2.0.0.12 on XP
and I'm also having the login issues. :( I wasn't sure if it was because I alternate between home and work (which never caused a problem before), but alas, I logged in at home at 5 tonight, and just came back now and had to log in again.
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Feb 20, 2008 9:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The login feature works well
on my comp...I think I am out of sync with most users.
by IM4Oakgal on Feb 20, 2008 10:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, I think the problem is that you're hopping from computer to computer
If you've asked to be remembered on one computer, and then do the same thing on another computer, you'll be forgotten on the first computer. The system is set up this way for security reasons, but it's clearly a problem, since many of you use this site from more than one computer (e.g., home and work). I've logged a bug about this; we'll get a fix in place ASAP.
Also, we hear you on the FanPost editor problems. We're listening to everyone's feedback and will be revisiting and iterating on the FanPost editor in the same way that we did on the commenting interface. Many improvements to come.
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by lovitt on Feb 20, 2008 9:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I bet that's it
The need to re-login is actually not a major burden to me, but yeah, that fix would help. And I'm looking forward to the fAnPOsT editor improvements. Like others have said, you guys' responsiveness is really impressive.
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 9:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, this fix is now in place
You should now be able to log in and be remembered on many computers at once. Let us know if you continue to experience problems.
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by lovitt on Feb 20, 2008 10:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So far so good
Remembering me on both the Mac and PC on the home network (both Firefox). I'll try the work PC tomorrow for the trifecta.
It'll be interesting to see if the multiple computers issue was the source of most of the login problems reported lately.
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 10:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Also
We made a change last night that will probably force everyone to log in one more time on each computer they use. After that, everyone should be remembered properly.
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by lovitt on Feb 21, 2008 7:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've had no problems logging in or staying logged in
...until this morning. Firefox (2.0.0.12 on XP) won't allow me to log in at all. I type my username and password and I just get thrown back to the main screen, not logged in, with the login button at the upper right.
I rarely use Internet Exploder (7), but it has allowed me to log in to type this message.
After logging in with IE, I went back and tried to log in on Firefox; still no luck. I double-checked my cookie settings in Firefox and cookies from AN are allowed without restriction.
by Soaker on Feb 21, 2008 8:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
try deleting your cookies in Firefox
Tools -> Clear Private Data -> Only check 'cookies' -> click 'Clear Private Data now'
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by Trei Brundrett on Feb 21, 2008 8:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I deleted the cookies
from AthleticsNation.com and SBNation.com in Firefox. I'm still not able to log in at all in FF. No problem at all logging in or staying logged in with IE.
by Soaker on Feb 21, 2008 8:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
anyone else having problems logging in with Firefox on XP?
we haven't been able to reproduce this behavior....
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by Trei Brundrett on Feb 21, 2008 9:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
worked for me ...
like you said, I had to login for the first time since I signed up ... but now I'm posting away ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 21, 2008 9:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Would you try clearing your cache?
Tools >> Clear Private Data >> Only check 'Cache' >> click 'Clear Private Data Now'
Then restart your browser and see if you're able to log in.
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by lovitt on Feb 21, 2008 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, I'm up and running with Firefox
I knew it had to be a cookie problem and I'm pretty aggressive about blocking unwanted cookies. I cleared my entire block list, and in the process of logging on I accepted cookies from AthleticsNation and SBNation (which I had already specifically made sure were allowed) and also two cookies from Sitemeter (which I had not specifically checked for allow/block). I don't know why blocking cookies from Sitemeter would prevent me from logging in, and I'm not absolutely sure that correlation equals causation in this case, but no matter, things seem to be working again.
The situation was odd, because I've been mystified the last 10 days about these login problems other users have reported. I had not had a single problem with it until today.
by Soaker on Feb 21, 2008 9:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
by the way
this is almost exactly how my browser reacted back on the first day of AN 3.0 when I first tried to log in. I tried to log in as "rubin sierra", I clicked log in, the computer thought for a while, and eventually ... nothing happened. I don't remember exactly which screen I got "thrown back to", but eventually I gave up trying to log in.
When I eventually succeeded in logging in, a couple hours later, that was when it started telling me that the name "rubin sierra" was taken.
Clockwerks--I hope that this comment serves as a reminder that I'm hoping to be reunited with my old username ... I know that you have a lot on your plate, but until this is addressed, I remain ...
Brainless Automaton #439
by rubin sierra on Feb 21, 2008 11:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
haven't forgotten about you
I'm one of the guys that built the new SB Nation
by Trei Brundrett on Feb 22, 2008 6:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
HTML coding
inability to hand-code simple HTML in Word and copy/paste it into a diary
What problems are you having with this, FSU? I always handcode all my HTML and I haven't had any trouble at all. I know I put links in my fanposts, and they worked fine typing A HREF.
I didn't put any pictures in the fanposts, but I've posted pictures as comments with no problem using IMG SRC.
Also, I'm curious why you would switch back and forth from HTML to WYSIWYG.
formerly known as mdl
by iglew on Feb 21, 2008 12:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Chavez healthy; needs nametag
(link)
"I saw him a couple times this winter and we worked out together," second baseman Mark Ellis said. "I'm excited for him. It's nice to see him healthy and will be good having him back to doing what he can do. He has a body that recovers quickly. He's kind of a freak that way."If MaEl says he's okay, he's okay.
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Feb 20, 2008 12:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Is powdered unicorn horn
a controlled substance ?
by green star oakland on Feb 20, 2008 2:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He has a body that recovers quickly?
Wow ... imagine if he didn't ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 2:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
most A's under Larry's care do
Cover it with a tarp ... uncover it for games ... then recover it quickly with the tarp.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 3:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A's Gear
Seems like such a good deal that I must be missing something.
I received an email from mlb.com that I can get 50% of a clearance item if I buy a piece of outerwear.
So I can buy a $20 sweatshirt and then get a wool Phil A's jacket for $180 (reg price $450, clearance price $360).
Does not seem right does it? I may have to try it out.
by easyraider on Feb 20, 2008 12:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
lost my nick as well
I was "swishersweet" (the original), but with the trading of Swish it was time for a new name anyway, though I see some have disagreed.
Anyway, Meyer is still my boy, last season in AAA he was just getting his shit back together, this year I'm confident that either him or Eveland will pan out.
by ChadGod on Feb 20, 2008 12:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
i believe i was the original...
I just happened to go with swishersweet33 instead of yours swishersweet, but that is beside the point.
by 33SwisherSweet on Feb 20, 2008 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Nico's pollyanna act isn't entirely unjustified
Angels: not really all that good, and likely to mismanage themselves into multiple problems/performance shortfalls.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 1:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
wow
those last two paragraphs of Rev's work were particularly horrible.
i'm excited for GMJr. at DH though.
by rebus on Feb 20, 2008 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I object to your comment re: Rev
It implies that he ever says anything worthwhile.
I care.
by grover on Feb 20, 2008 4:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cracked up with that line about Reggie Willits
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 1:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
anyone hear Slusser on KNBR this morning?
I can't download the KNBR mp3 file from work, but apparently she had a detailed conversation with Cust last year (pre-Mitchell Report) about the PED allegations -- and her editors killed the story.
(Anyone who does listen, please clarify/correct if I get the summary wrong -- I'm working off of a second-hand accounting of it.)
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 1:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
From what I remember, she said, if she had told
her editors she had second hand uncorroborated stories like the Bigbie story, her editor wouldn't let her run it, so she was surprised that the Mitchell report ran it.
by theblackpearl on Feb 20, 2008 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think she meant Sweeney
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Feb 20, 2008 2:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
... whose daughter is in Hawai'i
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 2:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's right
Just to clarify: I said that I couldn't run something based on sheer hearsay like Bigbie's conversation with Cust.
Also, with regards to the option discussion above, a player with a fourth option year does not need to clear waivers to be sent down. Options mean that a player does not need to clear waivers, period. So DiNardo also can be sent down without clearing waivers.
by slusser on Feb 20, 2008 2:24 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
Yay, you came to AN 3.0!
SFGate's web site redesign is much less user-traumatic, but I wish they hadn't happened so close together.
by Englishmajor on Feb 20, 2008 2:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
thanks for clarifying
And let me echo the welcome on your jump to 3.0.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 2:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
[abandons plans to swipe sslusser userID]
[searches for status of MychaelUrban userID]
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Apologies
but you're mistaken here.
The operative section:
Optional waivers. Optional major league waivers are required when optioning a player who has options remaining but who is more than three calendar years removed from his first appearance on a Major League roster. Because optional waivers are revocable, players usually clear in this scenario.
Unless this was changed in the new CBA and Cot's didn't update to reflect that, players like DiNardo and Meyer will need to clear waivers.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 3:06 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Side note
It wouldn't actually surprise me all that much if this DID get pulled from the CBA. It's kind of a weird rule (almost everything in MLB is based on service time, not "calendar years") and very much off the radar screen. Seems like it hardly ever comes up.
Then again, a lot of transaction rules don't make much sense to me, so this one is kind of par for the course.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 3:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
(rubs eyes)
I swear that said the DLD would get pulled from the CBA.....
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Feb 20, 2008 3:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It was a concession that the Poster's Union had to make
in the latest round of talks. Blez took a hard line.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 4:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, but we held the line against peeing in a cup
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 4:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But not pooping in my pants.
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Feb 20, 2008 5:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
now *that's* what I call "collective bargaining"!
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 6:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Blame it on Helvetica!
Message to AN 3.0: Stop dictating our typeface choice! Let me have my Verdana back!
formerly known as mdl
by iglew on Feb 21, 2008 12:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, I ran this by someone in the front office
....because "optional waivers'' are news to me and sound pretty nonsensical. I mean, what good is the option then? And this is the response I got:
Optional waivers are a mere formality and players do not get claimed off of them; when a player is out of options, you have to get them through outright waivers, where players do get claimed.
I am told that teams typically would have run any players this would apply to through waivers at this point and that they all have gone unclaimed. So it all seems a little pointless. Anyway, you're right, such a thing exists, but it appears not to have any real implications. You can safely assume that Meyer, DiNardo, etc., can be sent down if need be.
Also, something interesting I learned today: Dana Eveland will have either a third or fourth option next year; if he's not optioned out, he'd have a third one remaining next year. If he is optioned out, he'd have a fourth.
Options are tricky. The A's didn't know Meyer had a fourth option until a couple of months ago and he only learned this week.
by slusser on Feb 20, 2008 3:39 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Thanks Susan!
Great info!
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 4:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, that was some nice sucking-up by devo
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 4:32 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Weird
Kind of begs the question: why is it in the CBA at all?
Eveland must have the 4th year potentially available for the same reason as Meyer-- b/c of spending most of last season on the DL.
It would be nice if the league made this info public-- it's kind of semi-public right now, but it's hard to assemble coherently. Oh well.
Anyway, thanks for nosing around on our behalf. You're a hero to confused transaction-philes everywhere.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 4:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The players union wouldn't want it taken out ...
it could protect a player in a particularly egregious case of a team taking advantage of a player ... say there's a player with two and a half years of service time who's on his way to a significant arbitration award playing for a team that's out of contention. Needing to make room for a veteran returning from injury (and not minding save a couple million dollars the next year), the team sends the young player down for the balance of the year.
That'd be an extreme situation, but it's something of value to the players. MLB has a workable situation ... why rock the boat?
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 5:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess
but that's only an issue for a guy who's already bounced up and down a few times. There's nothing to stop a team from doing the same thing to a player who hasn't reached that "3 calendar year cutoff" yet (to take an example people will understand, say Travis Buck in July of 2009), which is equally unethical.
Also, if no one ever gets claimed anyway, how is it a protection? It sounds like it's purely a legal fiction at this point.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 5:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that it sounds like it's almost purely a legal fiction ...
that doesn't mean anyone has any incentive to change it ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 5:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm as confused by it as anyone
I think I've had about 15 conversations about options in the past two days and I still don't totally get all the rules. When a player signs (and thus when he starts playing) is a factor. How long they're injured is a factor. If they're brought up and kept up and not optioned out is a factor. And so on.
If I ever report anything that sounds off, by the way, please e-mail me at sslusser@sfchronicle.com. I'd rather know when I'm wrong than to keep writing anything erroneous, or if I've explained something poorly, I'd like to know that, too.
by slusser on Feb 20, 2008 5:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for answering
that for us, Susan.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Feb 20, 2008 7:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
welcome to AN 3.0!
slusser's here, the party can start now! :)
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Feb 20, 2008 3:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I bet you didn't have any problem getting your account back!
:P
I care.
by grover on Feb 20, 2008 4:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Now THIS is jumping the shark!
If the nail weren't driven into the coffin of the Segway already, this will surely kill it off: Jim Bowden Segways across the Nats spring fields.
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 2:50 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
SPRING BREAK!! WHOOOO!!
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 3:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hi this is Ken Griffey Jr. Let's play major league baseball.
by Rocktopus on Feb 20, 2008 8:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm scared to ask
but what's he doing with that other hand when he hits the dirt?
Especially with that big ol' grin on his face.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Feb 20, 2008 3:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
alternate caption
Dave Mustaine: the Sunset Years
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 3:53 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow, you're right.
(OT: Why isn't there a blog called Megadeth of a Salesman?)
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Feb 20, 2008 6:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
or Megadeth Comes for the Archbishop
Megadeth on the Installment Plan
Megadeth and the Maiden (that really would be a great classic '80s metal blog -- but it's not)
Megadeth Becomes Her
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 6:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The music world!
Megadeth Don't Have No Mercy
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 9:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
team-branded Segways?
Please tell me we won't be seeing relievers ride Segways in from the bullpen.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 3:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Only until Foulke
accidentally runs over Crosby on opening night and they're both out for the season. Come to think of it, Segways!!!! Yay!!!
In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!
by DMOAS on Feb 20, 2008 8:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's interesting
Old diaries are retro-converted into AN 3.0. Alas, I don't look any better.
by Englishmajor on Feb 20, 2008 4:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
irrelevant OT random number generation for the day
19%
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 3:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
---- defeats truman?
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 Feb 20, 2008 7:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
by 3
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 10:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ho ho ho!
My is that a lovely number. Random and irrelevant though...
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Feb 20, 2008 4:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I actually mean
a different, equally lovely 19%....
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Feb 20, 2008 4:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
did you think I meant 17%?
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 4:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That is great
I particularly liked the exquisite pronounciation of "papier-mache" in the first voiceover.
by Englishmajor on Feb 20, 2008 4:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I missed something here
Damn this oppressive workload! Can you clue me in on the post countdown thing?
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 4:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
click on her username
Observe a certain large number nearing an impressive round number.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 4:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
She's pulling away, too
Since Nico has been MIA today.
As best as I can tell, the standings are:
1. Jennifer
2. Nico
3. monkeyball
4. Poppy
5. salb918
But that's just from checking some of the "likely suspects". Perhaps, monkeyball, you have access to an admin section that can confirm those standings and add any missing names?
BTW, as part of an end-of-year post which never occurred, I looked up Randy Bell. His total was a so-so 5557 but, spectacularly, it was accomplished in a period of approximately 4 months. These other totals go back to September 2004.
by Soaker on Feb 20, 2008 6:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
my admin tools are limited
Though I have yet to fully explore them. Those were my guesses, too.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 6:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sharon tallied quite a few in her day
though perhaps not enough to be top 5 anymore.
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 20, 2008 7:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
38
I tried to find her total... but she didn't make the move to 3.0. She also had commented for a few months on Old New AN.
Totals I've found:
grover 10309
poppy 16824
baseballgirl 13962
monkeyball 19110
salb918 15215
nico 19804
jennifer 1996(2)
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 7:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
my new goal: to beat baseballgirl
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 Feb 20, 2008 7:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
37
13558.
I forgot you. I'm sorry.
"Glitter is the herpes of craft supplies."
by Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 7:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
59
Which makes me 10,022 behind Jennifer ... and I (and my employers) thought I spent too much time on AN ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 7:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I looked up mine the other day
and I was like, "holy shit, I've put up 15 posts a day for 8 months." (It took me about 2 years to reach 600 or so on the last board on which I posted semi-regularly.)
Now I see I'm not even close to the "leaders"...
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 9:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
58
I've been here more or less as long as Jennifer, et al ... I was around a bit on AN 1.0 ... then disappeared for a while so I missed the first couple of months of 2.0 ... but my account has been active since Nov 2004, 3+ year ... that's only about 8.5 per day, though ... so if we keep up our current paces, you should catch me in 3 years or so ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Feb 20, 2008 10:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't worry
I think law school will interfere with that. I think Jennifer's mark, like Barry's home run count, is safe for the time being.
Of course, that does raise the question: was it achieved using illicit substances? (We have to ask the question of everyone these days, right?)
Incidentally, if anyone cares, I got into at least one law school (George Washington)... so apparently all the Warcraft III in college didn't permanently stunt my future. One envelope down, nine to go!
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 10:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
6646 and counting
all during law school....
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Feb 20, 2008 10:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Berkeley?
Ok then, yes, you may marry one of my daughters.
by IM4Oakgal on Feb 20, 2008 11:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
One for me
and one for A's fANatic mArshAwn Lynch.
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Feb 20, 2008 11:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
My youngest daughter did wear some ugly dreds when she was in college at UC Santa Cruz.
by IM4Oakgal on Feb 20, 2008 11:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey!
It's Rhodes Scholar Night at the Coliseum tonight.
by Scottbass on Feb 21, 2008 2:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Didn't mean to insult you Scott. Each to his own I guess... but we were delighted when she was able to find a place to take them out and also happy when she quit wearing her eyebrow piercing.
by IM4Oakgal on Feb 21, 2008 6:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Much like Bobby Crosby...
absolutely no offense taken. After all, you said "ugly" dreads, and I have nice ones. Plus, I've never had a piercing or tattoo, so that's got to count for something.
It's Rhodes Scholar Night at the Coliseum tonight.
by Scottbass on Feb 22, 2008 12:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, they did say during my orientation
that it was pretty much impossible to flunk out of Boalt...
OK, so if I get in there (seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened) perhaps my posting pace will continue on apace.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 21, 2008 9:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats Paul.
You must be very excited. You seem like you'd make a good lawyer. ( maybe I mean that as a compliment and maybe I don't ). ;-)
by IM4Oakgal on Feb 20, 2008 10:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I know
I have all the personality characteristics.
Obsession with logical consistency? Check.
Disregard for responsibilities that aren't spelled out, explicitly? Check.
General disdain for my fellow man? Check.
Snobby preference for high cuisine? Check.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 21, 2008 9:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
don't do it!!
j/k
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 Feb 20, 2008 11:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
bad data
First of all, you have to count "posts" too, and they ought to be worth at least 10x.
So my count of 111/4745 would put me... well, still really far away from the leaders.
Second, you should count post words, so posting WEER GONNA DIE twenty times on a game thread shouldn't count more than one longer post.
Third, you should give extra bonus points if you mention Bobby Crosby's ass. It is very upsetting to me that one of my posts no longer is a top google hit for "Bobby Crosby's ass". I don't know if Google reset the cache with AN3 or what...
but I did discover that Crosby got married last month. Did I miss the AN discussion of this?
http://www.talk-sports.net/mlb/girlfriend.aspx/Bobby_Crosby
with pictures at http://wwwtonyflorez.blogspot.com/2007/12/rome-wedding-bobby-crosby-oakland.html
hmm... picture not embedding darnit.
by Apricot on Feb 20, 2008 11:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jeez.
I made all those comments with only minimal appearance in game threads. It's almost like I had nothing else I was interested in doing all day long...
"There's no real reason why a flight in which one flies naked should be more expensive than any other."
by Poppy on Feb 21, 2008 8:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you know
This should probably get posted in the "AN 3.0 has killed the number of posts" conversations above. Randy threw a monkey wrench into the totals from early last year.
I know someone checked on him a while ago, but does anyone know if he's still ok. Although I bit worried about offending and sensetive, he seemed like an ok person.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Feb 21, 2008 9:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
File under "Eew"
Alex Rodriguez on Andy Pettite:
“I have two daughters—well, I have one and one on the way. If I had a daughter, I would want ‘em to marry Andy Pettitte. The age difference might be a little awkward, but in today’s day and age anything is possible.”
by green star oakland on Feb 20, 2008 5:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
That sounds like something Chavez would say...
well, except that Chavez has a son, not a daughter.
Then again, "in today’s day and age anything is possible."
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Feb 20, 2008 5:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Archives now have frozen-in-time sigs
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Feb 20, 2008 7:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
She's not my special lady, she's my f%$#ing lady friend.
Someone is wrong on the Internet. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 20, 2008 9:23 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Every bonobo friend is a f%$#ing lady friend.
formerly known as mdl
by iglew on Feb 21, 2008 12:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rotoworld informs us
that Foulke has a calf strain. He's day-to-day.
Formerly known as hward86.
by BWH on Feb 20, 2008 9:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
That didn't take long.
"There's no real reason why a flight in which one flies naked should be more expensive than any other."
by Poppy on Feb 21, 2008 8:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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