Going into the year, the A’s decided to do something that they’ve never done before with a struggling prospect—move him up a level. “We had a lot of discussion about this,” said farm director Keith Lieppman. “We weren’t sure what we’d get by returning him to Kane County. There’s a chance that he could get into the been-there/done-that mode, and it’s a pitching-oriented league, it’s cold, and it’s not a great place to get off to a big offensive start,” he continued. “Putting him in Stockton was a good opportunity to get him into a hitter’s environment, surround him with good players so we can hit him down in the lineup, and just let it evolve.”

Evolve it has, as the 20-year-old outfielder is batting .322/.412/.506 in 26 games for the Ports, while also showing some significant improvements defensively. Lieppman insists that there have been no changes in Sulentic’s swing or grinding approach to the game, but rather a rebuilt confidence. “He just hadn’t had much success after the debut,” Lieppman explained. “He’s kind of a prototypical A’s guy with a tremendous strike zone, but he became really passive and careful and cautious. We reminded him about who he was when we drafted him, and how everyone would stop what they were doing to watch him take BP in Vancouver, and give him credit; he made a point to really work this offseason. Hit hit all winter—just really worked hard on it.”

And while batting eighth in a lineup filled with top prospects has taken the pressure off Sulentic for now, Lieppman is confident he’ll produce when placed back into the middle of a lineup. “Putting him where we have has done a lot, and he’s really learned a lot from some of the older players on this team while also getting his confidence back.” Lieppman concluded. “He used to be the main man, and now he’s someone that’s just there… he’ll get those main man opportunities again down the line.”

... and I was amused at all the negativity they lobbed toward the A’s.

The “state of the A’s bullpen” led them to say that Fernando Hernandez was going to “definitely stick.” Which has, of course, turned out to be one of the strengths of the team.

On Gio Gonzalez: He “will be the first rank of reinforcements when the Opening Day rotation starts getting smashed to flinders.” Wasn’t aware that “flinders” was a word. Or that leading the league in ERA was the mark of horribility (if they can make up words, so can I).

All told, I find BP to be pretty savvy and fairly high on Beane and what he has accomplished with the A’s, but the handbook’s section on the team was pretty dismal. I don’t subscribe to the website (just obsessively read and re-read their player evaluations in the handbook), so I was wondering—have they printed some sort of retraction? And if not, how well do the A’s have to play and for how long before they do?

“Mr. .955 OPS” Carlos Quentin out there. Instead: paying Byrnes suitcases full of money to be Byrnes.

He’s slumping right now, so he’s an easy target. But, he’ll get hot again.

You can’t have your bats matching your beard. The first person I think about when a pink bat comes to mind is Milton Bradley and it’s not easy to picture him with a beard of the same color.

but it’s better than the alternative of the bleached blond monstrosity facial hair.

and when it comes to dying, Curt draws the line at socks.

I better subscribe!

had me crying-laughing. I had to abruptly close the page to avoid creating a spectacle in the office. Holy shit, that’s good stuff.

Haven’t you seen the jerseys for teams in Minature Lasso Buying?

What did you think they meant by MLB?

Other than those two things, it has absolutely nothing in common with any uniform ever worn by the Oakland A’s, past or present. Maybe he meant to say “throwaway” instead of “throwback”.

not that he would actually sign for it, but that the offer isn’t even there for him to decline.

Why doesn’t he use his curve ball? It’s quite nice, as I recall

... when Charlie O. Finley sells them to the highest bidder?