Random Thoughts on (the American soil) Opening Night Eve

by Tyler Bleszinski on Mar 31, 2008 1:23 PM PDT Comment 79 comments

I've settled in to watch my own personal baseball marathon today. I've watched the Tigers and Royals battle to a 4-4 tie in the eighth inning. I look at the Detroit lineup and it's just absolutely frightening. Ordonez, Sheffield, Pudge, Cabrera, Guillen AND then you add A's killer Placido Polanco in that mix? Holy mackerel, is there any wonder I picked them for my World Series champs 2008?

I'm also flipping back and forth between that game and the Cubs/Brewers game on ESPN2 and Fukudome wound up with a long double on the very first pitch he saw from Ben Sheets. Cubs fans have completely and totally embraced the idea of Fukudome as many of them have Japanese headbands on in the outfield.

I love opening day. Especially when their is a ton of rain and cold for the East Coat games. As a matter of fact, the Cubs and Brewers just went to a second rain delay. It just reminds me why I love the West Coast so very much. There's no wonder why it costs so damn much to live here.

I also just saw Chris Young take former Athletic Aaron "Big Show" Harang into the upper deck in Cincinnati right now. And former Athletic Eric Byrnes just followed up with a monster home run of his own.

Any way, I did want to mention one thing. Rob Neyer recently released a book called "Rob Neyer's Big Book of Baseball Legends". It basically deals with all kinds of myths and legends surrounding baseball. The biggest and most famous one is the Babe Ruth "called shot" in the 1932 World Series against the Cubs. But Neyer actually has collected a ton more myths and legends that I'd never even heard of. One of my favorites from the book is when Tommy Lasorda was pitching and supposedly asked God for help when he was in the minors pitching for the Montreal Royals (and subsequently supposedly got a triple play). I guess I mostly enjoyed it because I think Lasorda is totally full of hot air and I like someone showing people that the emperor has no clothes. Yes, Lasorda got a triple play induced, but it wasn't late in game like Lasorda claimed and the bases weren't loaded. And who knows if he really paused to "talk to God"?

Any way, it also debunks a myth that Rube Waddell hit a foul ball against Boston that supposedly caused a bean factory to basically explode and rain beans down on the Boston crowd in the bleachers. It turns out that the person who wrote that piece was actually a humorist, but somehow the story got told throughout the years as though it really happened. I figure people just really love a great yarn that they'll carry on something even if it's completely fiction. As for the Babe Ruth called shot, well, you'll just have to pick up the book. But it isn't really conclusive what really happened. This is one of those instances where it's basically you can believe what you want to believe.

And lastly, one thing that I wanted to remind AN is that we've purposely created FanShots so that you can write something short and sweet, or put up a poll or a photo or video or something that doesn't take a lot of work. FanPosts are reserved for people who want to write something lengthy and in depth. So try and keep that in mind when posting something. Thanks.

Only about 29 hours or so until the A's make their 2008 debut at the Coliseum. I can't wait.

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Question for you Blez

I noticed poor Buck18 was read the riot act for posting a one paragrapth fanpost. I for one don't totally understand that as I have not seen where one can just ask questions.
I was wondering if you might consider a new section for simple questions like his. After all, we all aren't professional writers and many just want to know one or two small things but don't want to write about the cost of eggs in China just to get their questions asked.

About this post. I like it, it is funny how rumors can become legends and after years be totally believed.

Also, Why does the "Contra Costa Times' Link on the left only bring up the San Jose Mercury News? I don't know if they are related but I do know that the sport's sections for the two are different on any given day.

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

by Eastbayjim on Mar 31, 2008 1:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Honestly the best place

for someone to ask a quick question or whatnot is in an open game thread or an open thread. People often do that and they quickly and easily get their questions answered. I've seen that thousands of times.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Mar 31, 2008 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i saw eastbayjim do that once, in this thread

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 Mar 31, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barry Zito

has already given up three runs and is all over the place.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Mar 31, 2008 1:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My god what happened to

Zito's fastball? I haven't seen him throw harder than 84. I mean his fastball wasn't great when he was here, but he would occasionally hit 90 and work mostly around 88-99.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Mar 31, 2008 2:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

err 88-89

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Mar 31, 2008 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His mechanics are friggin horrible

Is my guess.

by mikev on Mar 31, 2008 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vin Scully just said

That Zito threw 87 pitches today and only three times did a Dodger take a swing and not make contact. I loved Zito when he was with Oakland, but thank GOD someone else decided to pay him ridiculous money.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Mar 31, 2008 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahmen!

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Mar 31, 2008 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

here's an interesting analysis of Zito's 2007

just published a couple of months ago on Baycityball

by OaklandSi on Mar 31, 2008 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is this what you meant? Or is "Error 404 - page not found" what you meant? LOL

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Mar 31, 2008 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

AN 3.0 forces me to type in the entire URL link

instead of copying and pasting (which worked perfectly under AN 2.0). While I believed I did it correctly there's always a chance that I missed something. It's actually quite annoying.

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2008 6:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bleh... :\

It lets me copy & paste... maybe it's a browser thing.

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm using the latest version of Firefox

so it shouldn't be a problem

I hope Clockwerks can fix this

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2008 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hey

who ya callin' "lengthy"? :)

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Mar 31, 2008 2:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

absolutely a great day. 3 games at a time.

2 tv's 2 games giants loss on radio. leyland overmanaged into a loss. game 1 of cubbies/brewers and we already know kerry wood and gagne are gone gone gone. awesome start for fukudome. cubs a's world series.

owner of a lonely tarp

by oakath on Mar 31, 2008 4:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Im New How Do You Add Pictures To Your Comments?

by Triple Eh's on Mar 31, 2008 5:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

/Users/jayghazaleh/Desktop/IMG_2619.JPG

by Triple Eh's on Mar 31, 2008 5:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Like this:

[<]img src=" "[>] and put the URL of your pic between the quotation marks. Leave out these symbols [ ] [ ] that I had to use or it wouldn't have printed the code.

You'll earn extra credit if you test it out in preview and reduce the size of the photo by putting height=xxx between the second quotation marks and the second arrow. Xxx usually doesn't need to be more than about 200 to get your point across; width adjust automatically.

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

by The Dogfather on Mar 31, 2008 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can You Give Me AN Example. I Took The Picture. How Do I Find The URL For The Image?

Buy Who Billy Drafts Then Sell Them When They Get Traded!

by Triple Eh's on Mar 31, 2008 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you need to upload it somewhere

like to photobucket or flickr. Now you're just trying to link straight to your PC's desktop (per the path you copied above), which presumably ain't an internet site, so it won't work. Try photobucket, easy to use.

There is an A in Whimsy.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Mar 31, 2008 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

photobucket...

also, has an option for picture-sizing for blogs/message boards. Quite handy.

Go A's!

by FoolshGame22 on Mar 31, 2008 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get an image host

Here is a site with some examples. This list has not been updated in some time, so you will need to experiment some.

"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07

by doctorK on Mar 31, 2008 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh. New to computers. I thought you meant new around here.

FSU, FshG and Doctor KL all speaketh the truthiness.

[<]img src="http://home.houston.rr.com/epasveer/TypingMonkeyLarge.jpg" height=150[>]

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

by The Dogfather on Apr 1, 2008 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

"Ordonez, Sheffield, Pudge, Cabrera, Guillen AND then you add A's killer Placido Polanco in that mix? Holy mackerel, is there any wonder I picked them for my World Series champs 2008?"

Pudge? Seriously? I wish everybody would realize how much this guy sucks now. He's an all-time great and a future HOF catcher, but he's terrible now. He manged just NINE walks last year. He shouldn't scare anybody at the plate.

As for baseball myths, I wonder if Neyer brought up Joe Morgan's little gaffe from last year where he claimed to have done all these things and people looked it up and, sure enough, he "misremembered" it all.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Mar 31, 2008 5:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

pudge is garbage now

some people are getting a bit overexcited because he had a nice spring.

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 Mar 31, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So did Todd Linden.

by mikev on Mar 31, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like hot springs.

by WaddellCanseco on Mar 31, 2008 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Pudge fell off a cliff 3 years ago. Could be age, could be lack of steroids. Eitherway, he is bad now.

The guy walked 9 times last year. NINE!

Juan Pierre: 44 Million Dollars, Juan Pierre's 3.2 WARP3: Priceless

by Travis Buck Nuckin on Mar 31, 2008 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WATCH FSN NOW!!

or comcast sports net or whatever it is called!

"A's in Japan" show!

by gotgreen on Mar 31, 2008 7:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

OMG

i LOVE THIS TEAM. they are too cute!

by gotgreen on Mar 31, 2008 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Missed it. :(

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Mar 31, 2008 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

2008 commercials

anyone know when the A's 2008 commercials become available online? Just looking forward to seeing and laughing as usual.

"Just looking at Lackey's face, you just want to beat him" -Ray Fosse

by marco magic on Mar 31, 2008 8:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Tomorrow

onehundredpercentbaseball.com takes you to the Official A's media page.

witty remark

by dtownmbrown on Mar 31, 2008 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

I also don't post much on this Forum except on open threads, and recently "fanposted" a link a couple short comments.

I now know to either do it in open threads or in the fanshots section.

I thought fanshots was for media fiels, etc. so thanks for clearing that up.

Wouldn't want the wrath of PT, et al. on me for a simple MISTAKE.

witty remark

by dtownmbrown on Mar 31, 2008 8:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"Fan Shots"

seems like a failed experiment to me...I don't get what it's supposed to add that isn't already easily available here (DLD, open threads, friendly helpful users, etc).

There is an A in Whimsy.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Mar 31, 2008 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

FHUs seem to be getting fewer and farther between.

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Mar 31, 2008 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Part of that I think is to do with the loss of access to history and reference

that the demise/delay of the search function has brought about. Helping has become harder.

I agree about fanshots.

I'm also glad that things like wide finally came about, although that seemed a pretty definite "no" to AN before LL's killer pony reared its ugly head.

by green star oakland on Mar 31, 2008 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Go look at how some other communities have immediately

embraced them. Like Bleed Cubbie Blue. And Halos Heaven.

I put up one of my own tonight. It's just a way to put up something quickly that doesn't have a lot of text and can include graphics, videos and whatnot.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 1, 2008 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And we're different communities -

many nations under blog.

As FSU says, we've come to use the DLD and occasional open threads.

by green star oakland on Apr 1, 2008 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I was kind of hoping they'd be the kind of place where jlaff could post all the awesome photos he takes during the season and stuff like that.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 1, 2008 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Give it more time...

The regs are used to posting that stuff in the DLD...but I do think it's a nice addition to the site...and will catch on with time .

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 1, 2008 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two things

One, I was hardly the first person to complain about the epidemic of small fanposts-- people have been getting increasingly irked by them for quite some time. I'm not some kind of Drill Sergeant Hardass keeping everyone in line, or something. As always, my opinion is my opinion, and if it sways the mods to adopting a clearer policy towards small fanposts, great.

Two, there's a good reason for the dictum-- small fanposts generate less discussion while pushing other fanposts off of the display, thus cutting down on discussion there as well. I have mine set to show 15, and at one point earlier today there were 6 out of 15 fanposts with either zero or one comment. Most of those were of the one-liner variety.

My thought: let them stay up for a period of time, maybe 4-6 hours, and see if they hit a comment quota (10? 20?). If so, let 'em stay up (it's probably on a relevant topic, or an open thread, or something). If not, take 'em down.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Mar 31, 2008 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You have to admit....

You are by far the most critical AN'er. Often times you present well thought out, standoffish and informational backed posts of multiple paragraphs consisting of information that could usually be summed up in one to two lines. I would argue that multiple paragraphs in standard posts and DLD's is slightly more irritating to me. Isn't the noteworthy post part of the recommended posts section?

The first rule of Oakland is - you do not talk about injuries. The second rule of Oakland is - you DO NOT talk about trainers." - Larry Davis

by norcalfan on Mar 31, 2008 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, we definitely need less data and information in arguments

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Mar 31, 2008 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

registers athleticsheaven.com

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 Apr 1, 2008 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

can we call you Rev A'sGoFan?

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Posts hit "recommended posts"

because they're recommended by other users. There appears to be a cap on the number that can show up at once-- and posts can be recommended for any reason or no reason. Posts also seem to drop off of that list after a period of time.

As for posting overly detailed analyses, well, I guess I'm sorry I wasted my time amassing that information on behalf of someone who doesn't appreciate it.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds like a perfect idea.

I was just making a point that there are quite a few people on here who are new to this site, or don't know all the policies/prefences of prevalent posters (beautiful alliteration) such as yourself, who are learning the ropes, and haven't read all those posts with previous complaints regarding the short, unnecessary, mostly irrelevant fanposts.

I am a perfect example, and I suppose I will go back and read the first post of the new AN to familiarize myself with some of those basic guidelines.

I agree that there are many other posts that deserve more attention due to the extent of effort put into them, and the level knowledge and analysis that is enveloped in them, that may be getting pushed off of the front page.

I appreciate 99% of your opinion on your posts regarding BASEBALL analysis, which is why we are all on here anyways, so--your opinion being your opinion--I felt I should express my 2% of the dollar, as well.

witty remark

by dtownmbrown on Mar 31, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not to mention...

it's pretty easy to set your fanpost display to the maximum of 25. On AN 2.0, I had mine set to 50, but 3.0 doesn't allow it. That way, entertaining or "relevant" fanposts don't get pushed off the front page.

But, that's just me... I'm easygoing.

Go A's!

by FoolshGame22 on Mar 31, 2008 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

in AN 2.0 my diaries used to be rejected

until I had posted enough actual content. That was a useful feature. Of course, some people just put garbage lines to get to the minimum; however, I still think that an enforceable minimum helps fanposters to know whether they have written enough.

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2008 6:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just here to fight with PaulThomas.

Just throwing it out there.

by mikev on Apr 1, 2008 7:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Open comment for clockwerks or anyone else in the SBN development team

I had this (probably goofy) idea about the user profiles. Right now, each user can create an account on any other SBN site with just a single click. Now, I like this because it is very easy to jump onto another site without having to get an e-mail from the site admin, etc. My suggestion is this.
1. Give users an option of designating one SBN site as their "home" site (for example, AN for me).
2. If a user designates a home site, he/she can then create a sig line for the home site, and a sig line for those not the home site. For example, my sig line is wonderfully relevant (IMO) for AN, but not so much for any other SBN site (except maybe HH, which I will not join under any circumstances). It would be nice to keep my sig line for AN, and have a sig line such as "Visiting A's fan from AN" for the others.

"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07

by doctorK on Mar 31, 2008 9:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ditto that re: siglines

I never or almost never post on LL or MCC, but I used to have "VAF" siglines there, just in case.

Another item for clockwerks & crew (I think I also saw this mentioned on LL after they changed over, so maybe it's already being worked on): I miss having an obvious "alert" to when a fanpost is new to me -- such as the red exclamation mark we used to have.

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Mar 31, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

also

i signed up for a bunch of other blogs, but i mainly only visit LL and MCC. now MCC is no longer visible under "my blogs" because it got pushed down.
let people organize their blogs, with their home blog at the top.

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 Apr 1, 2008 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is tomorrow Christmas?

I want to open a present tonight. Giants down 3 zip by the 4th batter. Thanks Giants that will do!
Plaza infield 3rd base side I'll be there!
Let's go Oakland, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

by fansince1980 on Mar 31, 2008 9:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

so...and April 1st opening day?!

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2008 8:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Crap! They changed it to a day game, too! Friggin' Red Sox!

Link.

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Comcast Cable has a free preview

of MLB extra ininings. It starts today and ends April 6th. I think the channel numbers are around the 450's.

I watch a little bit of every game yesterday as well. lots of cool stuff.

lots of former A's out there too.

A's all the way in 08 . . . oh never mind!

by micdog2001 on Apr 1, 2008 11:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure if it's the same for everyone

but my mlb extra innings runs from channel 537 to 550, with some NHL center ice scattered in.

"Put some ice on it. After that, there's nothing a few beers won't take care of. " -Pink

by OrlandoAsFan on Apr 1, 2008 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Detroit

...is in desperate need ot a quality relief guy. The A's, right now, have three who might be very valuable to other teams: Huston Street, Alan Embree & Keith Foulke. The A's could use a top infield prospect, preferably a shortstop, or a quality centerfielder. Do the Tigers have anyone who fits the bill? Just curious.

by richwol1 on Apr 1, 2008 11:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No.

The Tigers. Have. Absolutely. Nothing. At. All. In their farm system.

Every scrap of semi-usable talent (with the exception of Rick Porcello, who's not eligible to be traded yet) was shipped out for Cabrera. Detroit is in a real bind right now. They have basically no trade chips at all.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not simply the Cabrera trade

the Cabrera and the Renteria trade.

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

by rfloh on Apr 1, 2008 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

nope

Tigers system is pretty much empty after the trade. Maybe some kind of 3 team deal could be worked out though, because Detroit will need to do something about that bullpen. Watching the game yesterday, it was amazing how bad their (presumably best) relievers are.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2008 11:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

they should rightfully get utterly hosed in any 3-way trade

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the Info

Billy must be salivating. Hosing Dombrowski should be fun.

by richwol1 on Apr 1, 2008 12:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The thing is, his hands are tied

He can't be hosed, at least not more than he already is, because there's nothing he can do. I mean, who's he going to trade, Granderson? Verlander?

Short of a strip-down, rebuilding type trade (which makes no sense for the Tigers in their current situation anyway), he has no viable assets. His only option is to run through a bunch of waiver-bait players and hope he finds a gold guinea in the outhouse.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he'll have to give up MLB players

Here's the only way I see it possibly happening (and you're right, it's unlikely that it will): near the trading deadline, a third party gets involved that (a) has high-ceiling prospects Beane likes, (b) is "in contention" and/but feels pressure to fill in a perceived lineup hole with an established/veteran MLB'er, (c) is dumb/desperate enough to trade (a) for (b). Colletti fits the bill.

The Tigers get one or two of our relievers, we get, say, LaRoche and Hu from LAD and some cash from Detroit, and the Dodgers get a couple of overvalued veterans from Detroit (Inge + Granderson) plus perhaps some cash to cover their salaries and maybe one of our second-/third-tier young pitchers.

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Inge + Granderson

makes no sense for the Dodgers, with Andruw there for the next 2 years.

And it makes even less sense for the Tigers. Even if he regresses to his 2006 levels, Granderson would be a slight bargain.

If Dombrowski really does trade Granderson for a couple of relievers, he would indeed be hosed. He would deserve to be sacked on the spot.

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

by rfloh on Apr 1, 2008 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying it would be a good deal for them ...

Look: if Detroit's bullpen blows 2 games/week for the first third of the season, their offense is in the top quartile of the AL, and they're languishing in third place, Dombrowski may figure that (a) he has no choice but to bolster the bullpen, and (b) that he has offense to spare.

In any event, the franchise is clearly in win-now mode, which beyond having emptied out their minor-league system means that if they have a glaring weakness (and all indications are that the 'pen will be glaring), they must address it immediately.

And Colletti, despite his (and Torre's) admirable benching of Pierre, still doesn't seem sold on his young OFs.

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no way they give up granderson for any relievers

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 Apr 1, 2008 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's no way Detroit deals Granderson

Here's the problem for Detroit: they have no depth at all. Every trade opens up a hole at the same time as it fills another one. So unless it's an obvious Fucking A trade, it's not likely to benefit them much.

They would have to somehow finagle a situation in which they themselves get a replacement for the guy they're trading AND bullpen arms as part of a deal, all while trying to offload guys who, being veterans, have tricky and expensive contracts. My spider sense says "not bloody likely."

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it all depends

I don't disagree with you (or xbx or rfloh) in your analysis; but I do think that since Dombrowski has mortgaged the team's future to build a talented but shallow roster with some obvious holes, and since the Tigers play in a challenging division and still have NYY/BOS/TOR to contend with for the WC, he just might panic (in response to both self-imposed and public/media pressure) and do something stupid out of perceived necessity.

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

but, what if some tigers minor leaguers get hot, they could maybe develop some trade value...

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 Apr 1, 2008 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts on fanshots, insufficient fanposts

I don't know how wonderful or horrible fanshots are, because I've never clicked on one. Partly that's because I have no idea what they are or what they're for. My suggestion: If fanshots aren't just photos people want to share, they should be renamed, because that's what they sound like - a place for fans to post shots they want to share with the community. There's nothing in the name that suggests they are "shorter diaries".

Regarding fanposts, I think they should have some substance, i.e., analysis beyond just a single point, which usually translates to 300+ words (the old minimum standard), but it's hard to enforce a guideline that doesn't exist and currently the Community Guidelines - which include rules about fanposts and tips about writing good ones - are nowhere to be found.

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 Apr 1, 2008 5:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs