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Blanton Traded To Phillies

Tip from Zonis, who was watching SportsCenter.

http://www.athleticsnation.com/2008/7/17/573771/breaking-news-sportsenter

More details to come!

From SF Gate:

(07-17) 15:56 PDT -- The A's are trading Joe Blanton to Philadelphia, according to ESPN. Blanton, dealt to the Phillies in exchange for three minor-leaguers, is 5-12 with a 4.96 ERA and has been better at home (4.63 ERA) than away (5.74).

Blanton's record has been a disappointment this season. Last year, he was 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA. On June 29 against the Giants in Oakland, he was tagged for seven runs and eight hits over four-plus innings in the Giants' 11-1 victory. In losing that game, he became the first pitcher in the AL to lose 11 games. At the time, he had given up 16 runs in his last 14 innings and lost five of six starts.

 The Athletics get second baseman Adrian Cardenas, pitcher Josh Outman and outfielder Matthew Spencer, all minor leaguers.

0 recs  |  Comment 654 comments

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Where will the details come through first?

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 17, 2008 3:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

LET THE SPECULATION BEGIN!!!

Carrasco, Donald, and Brett Myers because they soured on him! :D

by mikev on Jul 17, 2008 3:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Brett Myers...

Yay! Our pitching staff’s Worthless POS Quotient has really declined since Loaiza left!

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 17, 2008 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

OMG!!

AHHHH! I left the stove on!!!
********OaKlAnDaThLeTiCs********

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 17, 2008 4:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I was just gonna post this.

Im too slow.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 17, 2008 4:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I just put it in the Blanton to Philly rumor posts

I didn’t want to make a new fanpost and write filler 86 times.

by mikev on Jul 17, 2008 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha yeah.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 17, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Too bad his numbers weren't so terrible looking....

Could have gotten more for him…..its probably too early to say what they got….earlier in the day Jason Werth was mentioned, obviously not a minor leaguer…..

In Billy we trust right?

by Cochran86 on Jul 17, 2008 4:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Easiest nickname conversion ever

Phillie fans love

Those were the reasons and that was New York, we were running for the money and the flesh.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 17, 2008 4:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yumm.

Now im hungry.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How long until Blanton and Ryan Howard

have an eating contest (to see who can eat the other)?

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

QOTM

"All managers are losers, they are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the Earth."- Ted Williams

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 17, 2008 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Joe is more of a Jelly Krimpet, mysefl

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

CArdenas is one of them

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3494315

The Athletics get second baseman Adrian Cardenas, pitcher Josh Outman and outfielder Matthew Spencer, all minor leaguers.

by theblackpearl on Jul 17, 2008 4:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Um.

I don’t like all this sudden stocking-up on 2nd basemen. I think I’m done reading again.

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 17, 2008 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cardenas has played short

Not that I think we are re-signing Ellis, given these last two trades. But it’s not a sure thing, yet.

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sickels' 2008 writeup says he lacked range at SS,

but didn’t fare much better at 2B and that scouts believe he’ll be moved to the OF. So kind of another Patterson in that regard.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I heard

his arm is also a problem, so 3B is largely out of the question.

Looks like a LF/CF kind of guy (not that it matters, since the bat will play everywhere)

by FirebatM3 on Jul 17, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Baseball Prospectus 2008 says basically the same thing.

by Philip Christy on Jul 17, 2008 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yuck

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 17, 2008 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Beane's gonna field 8 Figginseseses

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They would out-steal 8 Hattebergs

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Paul DePodesta did some simulations

and determined that a lineup of 8 Chone Figgenses would run really really fast.

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chone runs!

The end result of too many nacho runs.

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 17, 2008 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I heard the simulation had him thrown out stealing

eight times by Octopusman.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

QOTM (convoluted premise division)

"All managers are losers, they are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the Earth."- Ted Williams

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 17, 2008 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doc Ock?

Who knew Spiderman villains could field so well?

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thief! Thief Figenseseses! We hates them! We hates them forever!!!

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But they's gritty!

Youse has to respect dat even if youse wants to be hating ‘em.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In Philly, the word is pronounced "yiz"

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In Boston, though, it's "yaz"

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about "yins"?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pittsburgh?

in Bal’more it’s Y’uns

"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagines such events unfolding!" Bill King

by Buck Turgidson on Jul 17, 2008 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously.

It’s like….......

finish your goddamn question.

"If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something."

by RIPHalsey on Jul 17, 2008 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Come with", too

I generally bemoan the profusion of Mr Sabermetric Sporks in the Scrabble ranks who don't know the meaning or usage of 50% of the words they use. -monkeyball

by JediLeroy on Jul 17, 2008 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Ellis leaves, Beane's gonna go to a 6-infielders alignment

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know about that,

but they should at least move Suzuki out there too.

Let the umpire block the damn balls!

"All managers are losers, they are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the Earth."- Ted Williams

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 17, 2008 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Apparently that was legal in the old days

Until MLB made a rule preventing it, the catcher would play in the infield when there was less than two strikes and no one on base.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder how many fans know

that if any fielder other than the catcher sets up in foul territory before the pitch, it’s a “balk” on the fielder. Nick and I learned this when Ricky Peters, playing LF, was chatting with teammates in the A’s bullpen during a pitching change and almost didn’t get back into fair territory in time to avoid being called for a balk.

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 Jul 17, 2008 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

according to Crywolffisher ...

... any players setting up in Oakland are in foul territory.

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

re

Very happy to get Cardenas. Outman has good scouting reports. Spencer, I have no idea why they would want, even as a throw in. I’m really disappointed they didn’t get Donald.

Cardenas is now the best hitting prospect in the system. On first thought, I don’t love this, but it’s definitely not terrible.

by 31Boots on Jul 17, 2008 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Spencer's an ASU guy

Beane loves that program. So does Theo Epstein (Travis Buck and Dustin Pedroia are both ex-Sun Devils, as are recent draftees Brett Wallace, Ike Davis and Petey Paramore).

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm a Sun Devil!

yeah!

OZZIE GUILLEN IS A CHILD MOLESTING CARCINOGEN

by gimpy989 on Jul 18, 2008 1:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think I love it - on a first glance

of Sickels’ book, we got (according to his ratings, which are just one guy’s view obviously) two “B” prospects and one C+ for Blanton. Outman looks interesting, a LHP with a 90-94 MPH fastball who pitched great in A+ and A and then stumbled a bit in AA. Man are we stocked for AA-AAA pitching.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh dear.

Trainman is going to be devastated.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

OMG

This first 2 minutes is so much better than the Harden trade! I haven’t even looked at who we got in return.

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:10 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I know - it's like

“I love this trade!!!!!! Who’d we get?”

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

by Nico on Jul 17, 2008 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Brian Sabean is now on the phone

We have a 12 loss pitcher too!!!!!

by theblackpearl on Jul 17, 2008 4:14 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

LOL

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 17, 2008 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jul 17, 2008 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Too many threads!!!

Where do I get my news!

by pam5981 on Jul 17, 2008 4:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oops

Are we talking about threads or beer?

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

if you want to destroy my sweater...

pull this thread as I walk away…

"All managers are losers, they are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the Earth."- Ted Williams

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 17, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I WILL UNRAVEL IT

AND YOU WILL BE NAKED!!! HAHAHA!!!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lying on the floor

(lying on the floor)

Blogadilla.com: The Tijuana of the Internet

by rungood on Jul 17, 2008 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The three minor league players we got aren't MLB ready.

Adrian Cardenas – Class A Advanced

Josh Outman – AA

Matthew Spencer – Class A Advanced

Now we have to figure out who is going to take Blanton’s spot tomorrow!!!

by Coffee13eans on Jul 17, 2008 4:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

hey, now...

Blanton was about a thousand sit-ups away from being major league ready, himself.

I see this as addition by subtraction and a chance to see if Gio Gonzalez is ready for the bigs. I’m excited. He’s been pitching his ass off this last month in Sacramento, and I think he just might do a fine job in Oakland.

"All managers are losers, they are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the Earth."- Ted Williams

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 17, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Braden time?

pleaase give the ball to Braden.

Carlos Quentin's time has arrived.

by Team Moneyball on Jul 17, 2008 4:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Stats

Adrian Cardenas

Josh Outman

Matthew Spencer

After checking out their stats, I have now figured out the reason behind these deals:

Billy Beane is insane.

by Philip Christy on Jul 17, 2008 4:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Crazy like a fox?

Or just crazy like my Aunt Bertha?

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

This is a total give-up on this year. I wonder if this would have happened if we were 4 out…

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Because we traded Blanton?

I can’t feel anyway other than great about getting him out of here before he hits 20 losses.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 17, 2008 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure how this makes the A's worse

They were losing almost all of Blanton’s starts, and now can choose the “readiest of all options” to replace him. Maybe Gio is deemed ready, maybe Meyer has finally figured it out (his last start was one of his best in 3 years). It’s not a huge loss, at least figuratively.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

I don’t think the A’s are worse today than they were yesterday.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 17, 2008 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Disagree

I have no problem with the trade (from what I know of it thus far), but for 2008 alone, and Joe’s struggles notwithstanding, this makes the A’s worse this year. Better next year, maybe, but worse this year. Not that they were gonna make the postseason anyway.

Those were the reasons and that was New York, we were running for the money and the flesh.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 17, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

That pretty much sums it up for me too.

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unless someone like Gio, unseen yet by the league,

could replicate Blanton’s performance going forward – which probably means a 4.00-4.50 ERA and 6+ IP/start.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

better than

his no-hitter?

In May for you ingrates – 6 innings.

still Swish Fan #1.

by ChrisCEIT on Jul 17, 2008 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You could possibly claim

a variance vs expected value trade-off in the Harden deal, with the possibility Murton close to equaling on offense what Gallagher gives away (in expected value, given Harden’s injury woes) as a pitcher. If Harden got injured, that trade COULD actually have made us better this year. No chance any of these guys add anything this year.

I guess this is based on the idea that I don’t think Gio is ready yet and Blanton is better than Braden. IPs are an important, under-valued stat. You could argue those players readiness, and I do hope I’ll be proven wrong.

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Any pitcher we call up will prob be as good if not better

than Blanton. Man dont you people get it yet? Trading one players isnt a white flag.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 17, 2008 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about trading three?

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't you get it yet?

It’s like trading one, only three times.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

in the case of blanton

it is really like trading three…. :X

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

in-n-out

at least Cardenas is a top 100 prospect and the Phils top. Aside from that I hope we can get by or get a lot for Street, who undoubtably is next.

It's just more exciting with Billy Beane running the team.

by ru155 on Jul 17, 2008 4:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Where do you guys place

Cardenas in term of A’s hitting prospects? Below or above Weeks?

by FirebatM3 on Jul 17, 2008 4:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Above, for sure

He has a track record in pro ball (and a good one at that). And Weeks isn’t a guy with knockout scouting reports either.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm a little nervous about Weeks

I hope he turns out to be worth the #1 pick, and doesn’t turn out to be more…Penningtonny.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

so is he the best

position prospect in the A’s organization right now?

by FirebatM3 on Jul 17, 2008 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the video of Cardenas is not encouraging

he runs kind of funny : – }


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's really helpful, though, to see video

of him taking two pitches.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ron Cey lives!

"the A's need more quality preembreetive pitching" ~monkeyball

by OptimistPrime on Jul 17, 2008 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Initial reaction is favoring the A's on this trade

Sickels lists the Phillies top 20 here. This trade is awesome for the A’s even if we just get Cardenas straight up. The fact that we get their #3 prospect as well is amazing. Seems like Spencer is just a throw in, maybe a 5th outfielder at best

by GusanoQuemador on Jul 17, 2008 4:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

TBD?!

That guy sucks.

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jul 17, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hear he's better than PTBNL

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or, if it stands for

“To Be Devoured,” roughly the same.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soon

“To be Dealt” for prospects

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gio pitched Monday for the Rivercats,

so if he were the callup they could start either Smith or Gallagher Friday and Gio Saturday. I know DiNardo, Meyer, and Saarloos would all be available to pitch tomorrow because Sacramento hasn’t played since Monday.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Saarloos

My prediction. Braden is a reliever at heart. Meyer hasn’t put together enough good starts. Gio isn’t ready yet. Saarloos is a veteran who pitched adequately for the A’s a couple years back, and did well in his short call-up earlier this year. He can probably match what Blanton would have done for the rest of the year. And if he sucks for a handful of starts, there’s always DiNardo. You can do the ordering the other way as well, but I think Saarloos has the higher upside (which isn’t much). The only way it matters is if somehow the A’s continue to compete for the rest of the year.

Just watch: Frank Thomas comes back, swinging well; Eric Chavez recovers and doesn’t need surgery; and then Mike Sweeney finds he can actually still play.

Okay, whatever.

by richwol1 on Jul 17, 2008 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You lost me at

“He might not be worse than DiNardo!”

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pure off- topic speculation: I think Thomas

will come back and be productive. He’s sandbagging right now, reserving himself for the latter half of the season, and no one in mgt really cares because the A’s aren’t really paying him anything. Chavez = Mark Mulder. Mike Sweeney? I haven’t seen enough to have an opinion.

Okay, whatever, +1.

by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Money Ball guys

So this should pretty much do it for the main guys from the Money Ball draft.

Jeremy S Brown – Retired
John C Mccurdy – M.I.A.
Joseph M Blanton – Traded
Nicholas T Swisher – Traded
Stephen H Obenchain – M.I.A.
Benjamin J Fritz – Detroit Minor Leagues
Mark Teahen – Starting in K.C

"This was no boating accident"

by crd04us on Jul 17, 2008 4:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wonder if this completely kills

Michael Lewis’ plans for Underdogs.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 17, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

it was not the most well thought out idea for a book

he should have just done it on the farm system, or on the trades of top players for prospects (starting with hudson-mulder).

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 Jul 18, 2008 2:15 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

he should have remora'ed himself to an old-school GM, like Gillick

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 18, 2008 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Outman is a ridiculously awesome name

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 17, 2008 4:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

True that.

The opposite of “Walker”.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jul 17, 2008 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want to see Outman marry Striker's sister

and then their kids would be named Striker-Outman. That would be awesome.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 18, 2008 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Stiker?

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 18, 2008 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ohhhh!

There’s a sale at Penny’s!!!

by TempletonPeck on Jul 18, 2008 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I get started down this road

I will be here all night replying to myself, but can’t pass up at least one…

“And Leon’s getting LARRRRGERR!”

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 18, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

C'mon-

This is a sell-high on Blanton, whose numbers this year are terrible.

Getting the Phils #2 and #3 prospects is great for re-stocking the farm system. It also gives BB more flexibility on the Ellis deal, and more chips to trade next year when the A’s are definite buyers.

by Cochran86 on Jul 17, 2008 4:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

We didn't sell high on Blanton,

but the Phillies were very likely high when they elected to trade value for him.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is Street next?

Move Ziggy to closer, pick up 3 young studs?

by Cochran86 on Jul 17, 2008 4:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I hope so.

If we can get 3 young studs for Street I’d wet my pants.

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

People around here sure wet their pants a lot

Whoops, excuse me a moment…

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

aaaah watch it

clearly 98 ft of space is not enough

by oakinboston on Jul 17, 2008 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've about had it up to here with shart discrimination

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jul 17, 2008 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Liberate the shart

don’t hold back!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

A shart on the mound

would certainly be grounds for a pitching/ underwear change.

by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have an awesome custom Huston St. street sign.

It will have a dusty retirement by the end of the month, I guess.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Ziggy is too valuable

coming in with guys on base and inducing ground balls to close…..I think Embree for now and Devine when he returns. I like Zig in the role he has…..

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jul 17, 2008 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Embree...That should be popular with AN

Maybe Foulke, when he comes back!

Is Big Bill Taylor real busy these days?

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm thinking Foulke may not stir up quite the interest

we’re looking for in a deal.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

12 maple bats?

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Foulke cracks more often

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But Foulke has actually been one of the A's better pitchers this year

When he’s healthy.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 2:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That is nonsense

Foulke has been terrible by every measure except ERA, and his ERA is not even that great. He hasn’t been good since 2004 and he hasn’t been good this year!!! Why on earth would anyone think this clown is a good reliever? And have you watched him pitch? I would take Embree 7 days a week over Foulke. I would also take Blevins and whoever else might replace Foulke in his notional return.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 18, 2008 2:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

wait, I'm a little confused...

Sooo, you DO think he’s good? Or you don’t? I couldn’t quite tell from your vague post.

by TempletonPeck on Jul 18, 2008 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about Big Bill Haywood?

At least he would ease concerns that Beane keeps trading players because he has disdain for the working class.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I dunno -- Haywood's looked a little wobbly this season

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs



I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Awesome

command of US labor history

by branch rickey on Jul 17, 2008 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed. Ziggy's awesome in his role and is needed there.

I’d be very curious to see Devine get a chance when (if?) he is among the moving again.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Im really Scared now.......

that Ellis is gone. This kid was ranked the 2nd best 2nd base prospect in baseball. Hopefully we will get good return for the best fielding 2nd basemen in the league and my fav in Ellis.

OakFoSho

S&BP > Mile High Mules ............ Like Sharks? http://mvn.com/nhl-sharks/

by 0akFoSho on Jul 17, 2008 4:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Good Bye Mark Ellis

You can’t replace his defense but at least Billly is addressing the offensive problems. Hopefully Ellis can get the Gold Glove with a team that gets more air time on SportsCenter. I root for most ex-A’s to get the recognition they deserve on a more popular team.

"Some people have asked me whether or not Rickey Henderson belonged in the Hall of Fame. I've replied "if you could somehow split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers"" - Author Bill James in The Bill James Handbook (2008)

by rollie_fingers_moustache on Jul 17, 2008 4:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

aw crap

I just realized that we don’t play today. I’ve been waiting all afternoon for the game to start….

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 17, 2008 4:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

I wrote about Zebulon to pass the time, but you knew that already.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Before crediting Beane..

..I’d hedge a bet that Forst is the one creating all these deals, with Billy Boy giving him the final O K.

by Pucking Insane on Jul 17, 2008 4:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This line is really getting tiresome

1. Who the f**k cares? If it was Farhan frigging Zaidi, would it make a difference? I’m sure 50 people in the org had a hand in creating this.

2. Believe it or not, most people who favor Beane’s approach do not do so out of an idolatric (is that a word?) worship of the guy. They do it because he creates teams that win frigging baseball games.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No he doesn't - he just creates Forst.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, and I forgot #3

3. You have no actual clue whether you’re right, so, eh, howzabout losing the smug tone, hm?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You serious?

One could say the same on pretty much anything you write.

I am right, by the way. I’m sorry you are unable to understand why.

by Pucking Insane on Jul 17, 2008 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Couldn't just get by with two demeaning quotes

just had to drop the third. I’m shocked.

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

by norcalfan on Jul 17, 2008 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

2 consecutive comments criticizing me?

Might I suggest you… I don’t know… find some better way to spend your life?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have nothing informative to add about trades & prospects,

but I can suggest that you might have wanted “idolatrous?”

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 17, 2008 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you

I love this website.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're welcome.

Now I’m off to find unicorn butt pictures.

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 17, 2008 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll refrain from comment

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unicorn and butt juxtaposed make me uncomfortable

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You don't want to know how

unicorn and butt make me uncomfortable.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

still ranks beneath

straight razor and male genitalia. C’mon, every man shudders involutarily just with the words, and then….the image? !!!!!!!!!!! Bejeeebusss!

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

apparently, Candice Cabbil never got a chance to say ...

Idolatrell

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You do know how a trade is completed, right?

If you do, you would not have wasted your time typing exhibit numero uno.

As for the second bullet, the operative word ‘DUH’ comes to mind.

by Pucking Insane on Jul 17, 2008 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alright

How about you tell us what the point of your original comment was then. Since as far as I can tell, it was just “Hey, let me make stuff up so that I sound better informed than everyone else!”

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My intent

was to credit Forst, not disparage Beane. The A’s front office is in good hands, and I like that.

by Pucking Insane on Jul 17, 2008 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it's true that Forst is heavily involved in trade deals.

However, several reports have documented that it was Billy who was on the phone with Hendry working out the details of the Harden-Gallagher trade.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jul 17, 2008 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and we all know

that reports are always entirely accurate.

by TempletonPeck on Jul 18, 2008 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Miss something

Did Ellis get traded to or is everyone assuming he is gone.

"This was no boating accident"

by crd04us on Jul 17, 2008 4:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

assuming cause one of these kids .....

was the #2 ranked 2nd basemen in baseball, for prospects that is.

S&BP > Mile High Mules ............ Like Sharks? http://mvn.com/nhl-sharks/

by 0akFoSho on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Assumption

based on drafting a 2B and trading for 2 more in the past 2 weeks.

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

he hasn't signed an extension

and speculation is that it would be too expensive to keep him.

HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!

by SoCalA'sFan on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe Beane wants to put pressure on Ellis

to sign cheaper by saying, “We’re prepared to move forward without you.” If Ellis signs, these guys are excellent trade chips anyway.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Think Foulke

I don’t think Billy intends to make the same mistake twice. He probably expects to sign Ellis but wants to be ready just in case. There was no back up plan for Foulke hence Arthur Rhodes.

by Donner on Jul 17, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good point - Billy was turned down

by Foulke and then Guardado and then Hawkins, and was looking at fearing Mecir in the 9th before settling for Rhodes out of desperation. That won’t happen with Ellis if they talk contract after the season.

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 Jul 17, 2008 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We were gonna

have Every Day Eddie instead of TARE? I did not know that. Weird, wild stuff.

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 17, 2008 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think EDE was first choice post-Foulke,

and the A’s thought he would sign, if offered a contract, since he’s from Stockton. Went for the rain in Seattle – rained money too, I hear.

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 Jul 17, 2008 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought we missed out on Hawkins because we were waiting on Foulke?`

During the two+ weeks of “oh, I’ll sign… maybe I won’t…”

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 18, 2008 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed

That is a good point. That was not a fun situation for any of us.

by TempletonPeck on Jul 18, 2008 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's a pet theory of mine

In order of second base priority:

1. Sign Ellis to a 2 (or max 3) year deal to see which of our very young 2B is the future
2. Let Ellis go (type-A free agent), trade for a year of Brian Roberts (which shouldn’t cost too much considering the haul from losing Ellis). BR is signed for $8M next year.
3. Let Ellis go and patch with Patterson and hope all the ground balls go right at him.

by nevermoor on Jul 17, 2008 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait, speculation by whom?

Speculation by me is that it wouldn’t be anything of the sort.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ellis

I would still try and sign him. Those guys are 2-3 years away!

"This was no boating accident"

by crd04us on Jul 17, 2008 4:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Don't think so....

The A’s are rebuilding and despite the suprising start the A’s have commited to 2009 or 2010. I am glad they are not settling for a first round exit but instead looking to win it all in a couple of years. Ah the life of an A’s fan, always reaching for the future.

"Some people have asked me whether or not Rickey Henderson belonged in the Hall of Fame. I've replied "if you could somehow split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers"" - Author Bill James in The Bill James Handbook (2008)

by rollie_fingers_moustache on Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Petit

Maybe he will fill in for a year.

"This was no boating accident"

by crd04us on Jul 17, 2008 4:40 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

so, does this make Duke more, or less, likely to be traded?

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 4:40 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

hopefully less

HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!

by SoCalA'sFan on Jul 17, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would think it makes it less likely

I would never say never with this team. But I think it would put too much of a strain on the current rotation to movre Duke during the season.

Even if Beane doesn’t expect to contend this season, I’m not sure he would want to stretch the rotation that thin.

by DiegoAsFan on Jul 17, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully

This gives them a little more room to extend Duke for a few more years, he is the real deal and would be important in those ‘09 or ‘10 plans.

"Some people have asked me whether or not Rickey Henderson belonged in the Hall of Fame. I've replied "if you could somehow split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers"" - Author Bill James in The Bill James Handbook (2008)

by rollie_fingers_moustache on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unlikely.

Realistically, Billy’s not going to keep Duke.

There’s no evidence other than hope that Duke will be any different than any other pitcher with the A’s—AKA, gone.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only thing I can come up with

is he won’t command a deal like Zito’s on the open market because he’s still sort of an unknown.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 17, 2008 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only other thing I could say

is that it seems like we usually have at least one guy in the rotation with a bit of experience. Now while next year most everyone will have at least a year, Billy may think that Duke’s additional bullpen time gives him that extra experience that justifies an extra year.

I’ll be the first to admit that’s pretty thin reasoning, but I am clinging to it with both hands.

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 17, 2008 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gallagher, Smith, Eveland, Gio, Simmons (or whatever)

won’t win in 2009. Duke stays.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dont count out a Sabathia

Bay Area reunion. Droops.

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Jul 18, 2008 1:58 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and then drools

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Jul 18, 2008 1:59 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

since Duke is an unknow maybe we can resign now on the cheap(er).


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unknown as a starter,

but not as a pitcher. He’s got enough seasoning that I think it’s optimistic to see him as cheap.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He won't get a deal like Zito's, but still--

He’s good pitching, especially with the ERA he has. And he’s proven himself as a versatile reliever, if nothing else, making him less of an unknown. He’s in a good position to be overpaid.

I wish we’d be the ones to do it, but I doubt it. :( :(

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

a slight knock against Duke would be he isn't a flame thrower.

a trait that has more perceived value. I think the A’s should re-sign him now before he has a great 2nd half that really shoots his value up.


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

His chronic back issues may also be a knock

but honestly, with the way he’s pitching this season, I would be incredibly surprised if there wasn’t a GM willing to go Sabean on him.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But he's a great junk-baller...

...which is why he’s effective and fun to watch. Hope they keep him around.

by Technotofu on Jul 17, 2008 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Would love it!

if that were to happen but Beane is probably gonna wait till the season is over. Either way, Duke absolutely deserves at least a three year deal. And…...........who will be the starter tomorrow? I think it will be G-Unit , then Gallagher, then Duke on Sunday. Boy, i would love to see Gio come up and get a shot at the the rotation now…......would be very cool.

by mrod on Jul 17, 2008 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Debut at Yankee Stadium?

For an inconsistent 22-year old, I’m not sure that’s the wisest debut. Let him open at the Coliseum, where the conditions are more forgiving and A-Rod rarely bats.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trouble is, he might -

when Suzuki sets up on the outside corner. I suppose, though, that they could just set up the rotation:

Smith
Gallagher
Duchscherer
Eveland/Gio
Gio/Eveland

and he’d pitch in Tampa Bay against Sonnanstine or E. Jackson.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

plus then he could make his debut in his home-state of Florida

might be a little more comfy
(then again could be more nervous)

witty remark

by dtownmbrown on Jul 17, 2008 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Depends if he can change his last name to 'Chavez'.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it makes him more likely

Beane is finishing what he started in terms of rebuilding. Street will be gone too. Maybe Duke AND Street in one deal.

The A’s clearly are building for a dynasty-type team by stocking up on some of the best prospects in baseball.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 17, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't see him NOT trading Street

Duke, I just don’t know.

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In Beane's tenure, he's never done something this drastic

over such a short period of time that I can remember. I could be wrong, but he’s built the A’s minor league system into the top three if not the top one in baseball.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 17, 2008 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's easy to imagine Duke, Ellis, Crosby and Street gone by August

Beane would have to get back an innings eating kind of pitcher though….you think Blanton is available?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

An innings-eater won't do any good

if we can’t protect a 9th inning lead – we should think about getting Street.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was going to trade him for Blanton

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Duke AND Street are traded,

the Oakland pitcher with the longest tenure on the team will be …. damn, I don’t even know. Embree??

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jul 17, 2008 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Foulke, by a technicality?

Eh, by next week it will probably be Gallagher.

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 Jul 17, 2008 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Billy hates unicorns.

His desire to get rid of Ellis saddens me. Especially since none of his pile o’ 2B guys project to have Super Awesome Defense of Sparklyness. Which I feel is a fucking requirement to wear his white shoes.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 4:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Damn

Tell us how you really feel :}

"This was no boating accident"

by crd04us on Jul 17, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's blood keeps him alive

but only with a shell of a life…

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's only cause he split his

soul seven times. Horcruxes! As if…whata maroon…

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 17, 2008 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is he going to trade a veteran player and a horcrux

for a handful of Hogwarts prospects?

I heard talent coming out of Hufflepuff is underrated.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They're all spoiled by Quidditch

The worst-conceived sport in fantasy book history (which, by the way, is saying a LOT)

by nevermoor on Jul 17, 2008 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

It’s easier to believe in flying brooms than it is to believe such an absurd set of rules would ever persist for a spectator sport.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jul 17, 2008 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like this deal but . . .

I can barey recgonize thise team anymore. Watching the All-Star game made me realize that rooting for the A’s means rooting for a team and not individual players. I knew that before but it stuck out to me a lot more than before.

someone asked me the other day who my favorite Oakland A was and I couldn’t for the life of me think of who it would be. Cust? Ellis? Duke?


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 4:49 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Correct answer: Trevor Cahill

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Youe would have accepted Gio Gonzalez

as well. LoL.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 17, 2008 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

would Rickey also be acceptable?

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 17, 2008 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Clearly Ellis for the moment. I guess Chavez if he ever comes back.

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cahill's value is peaking

Maybe Beane should trade him for prospects.

by richwol1 on Jul 17, 2008 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trade Fremont for Gilroy!

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trade Fremont for Las Vegas

Oh, wait. That’s during the off-season.

by richwol1 on Jul 17, 2008 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Concord ( as in "conquered")

changed the name of the city to “Conquerer” then the “Conquerer Athletics” might aachieve “sick” status.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's not impossible for a player's value to peak in the minors...

You could make a decent argument that Vince Mazzaro’s value is peaking right now.

Cahill? Uh, nope.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Seriously

A guy like Mazzaro would be so much more valuable if the A’s were buying instead of selling. Guys like him (by that I mean the guys who have the highest value in the minors, only an assumption for the purpose of making a point with Mazzaro) are the guys you want to use to acquire major league-ready talent. The A’s aren’t really in that mode, and by the time they are, Mazzaro may have shown himself to be a fluke.

You never see AA Prospect for AA Prospect type deals. I actually sorta wonder why this is.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In other words...

... rooting for laundry? Heh.

MJB

by MJB on Jul 17, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was rooting for laundry just a little while ago

Seriously, I was like, “Spin! Spin! ... YES!!!! Way to go!!!! Woo hoo!!!!”

It’s slow around here when the A’s aren’t playing.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is my problem:

we can’t root for the players, because they’re being traded. We can’t root for laundry, because of the whole Fremont issue—the ‘Oakland’ on the road greys isn’t something we can rely on.

We’re rooting for some sort of abstract, undefined ‘thing’.

So that is why I drink.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I root for whoever's wearing the laundry

Barry Bonds would not be among them, however.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I continue to root for players when they are naked.

I especially continue to root for players when they are naked.

Keith Foulke, as always, excepted.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fuck.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 17, 2008 4:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

But a great action

if done right

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sometimes even when done wrong

In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!

by DMOAS on Jul 17, 2008 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why? Looks like a good deal to me, from what I can tell so far

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

by Nico on Jul 17, 2008 4:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

+1

The fact we got something two legit prospects for Blanton is great.

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

I think we kind of robbed Philly.


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

FUCK!

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That's a bad word in all caps

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

methinks

salb918 doesn’t like this deal : -(


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

methinks

Salb918 really likes Mark Ellis

by GusanoQuemador on Jul 17, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Look, I'm not trying to disobey your orders,

but really think I should wait until my husband gets home.

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 17, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He wants

to f##k salb918? Hmm.

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 Jul 17, 2008 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or you could meet him at work.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jul 17, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So....

...is there any chance that we still add an impact bat and make a run at it this year? I mean, if that chance still existed after the Harden trade, this trade shouldn’t impact that way of thinking. If they go on a run and win 7 of 10 or something, make up a few games on the Angels, who knows, right?

Keep hope alive!

by jefeboy on Jul 17, 2008 4:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

oh an optimist I see :-)


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Best chance this year

hinges on whoever gets the call-up for Blanton being dominant. I could see Gio suddenly finding himself, given his last month in Sacto.

However, we are getting a little short on chips to trade for that bat. Can anyone think of an expendable prospect in our system? (PT, please don’t nominate the newly acquired 2Bs.)

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think we have only gotten "longer" on chips

We keep swapping major leaguers for multiple prospects. With Outman, we now have him AND Gio, Simmons, Cahill, Anderson, H. Rodriguez, and so on. We now have TWO good hitting 2B-OF prospects in Patterson and Cardenas. We can get a bat if we want one – we just have to give up prospects you’d rather not give up – like Cahill, or Anderson…No matter what we have, the bat you want will always cost the A’s the prospect you want to keep.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thinking

of all the trades we’ve made lately there seems to be the logjam factor (on the other side) in deciding to give up prospects. I just don’t see the A’s having that “problem” anywhere. The only place that maybe is happening is with these 2Bs, but if Ellis goes, we need all of these guys to try out for the spot next year. Plus, they all seem to have secondary positions, (Petit SS/3B, Guzman 3B, Patterson OF, etc)

We could always trade young starting pitching for older vets, but if we were going to do that, I don’t think it would be accompanied by dismantling our starting rotation this season. That being said, these last two trades made pretty good sense. 2010 appears to be the goal.

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love this deal

BB has his eyes on the prize. Forget 2008—2010 is going to be awesome.

Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.

by CarGon's Jock on Jul 17, 2008 4:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

2010:

1) Texas
2) Oakland
3) Fullerton
4) Seattle

by oc on Jul 17, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i'm confident that despite their strong farm system, texas will still find some way to suck

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh please

That is such a foolish comment. yes, I suppose Barry Bonds is nothing without the steriods either.

Then again, why am I bothering to respond to an obvious troll.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jul 18, 2008 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nick Swisher and Mark Ellis come to mind

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How much time did Ellis spend in KC's system?

The A’s also developed Crosby (FWIW), Zook, and Teahan and Ethier (if we don’t get credit for Ellis, I think we deserve credit for them).

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chavez was pretty good in the early '00's

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He came up at the same time as Tejada

though, and the question was whom the A’s have developed since Tejada.

If we go back that far, we could mention Ramon Hernandez, too.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chavez was pretty good until last year

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 2:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure you can classify Mark Teahen

as a good position player. He’s really not even average. He hits like a CF, while playing corner OF.

Ethier is an average player or thereabouts, debatable whether that is “good”.

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

by rfloh on Jul 18, 2008 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They'll just trade it away

ie Danks, Duke, Volquez, etc.

by methodrampage on Jul 17, 2008 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chris Young

They’ve traded away a rotation that could match or exceed that of Oakland or LAA. And kept all the crap.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

bye, Cupcakes :(

And until I’m proven otherwise, I’m going to think that this whole stocking-up-on-2B-prospects thing is just in preparation for some sort of middle infield holocaust, in which every team except the A’s loses its second basemen and therefore Beane can trade away all these newly acquired inferior ones while still signing Ellis to an extension.

If that’s not the case, then Beane should start wearing a bulletproof vest, because I hear unicorn gores are pretty painful.

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 17, 2008 5:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

"middle infield holocaust" would be an awesome username

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or the name of a band playing at Gilman St circa 1989

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

uhh, see below.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

...for a Brooklyn Cyclones fan

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

QOTM

multiple thread division

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 17, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Said Byrnes...Said Tejada...

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

why cupcakes...WHY!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Why must you leave when we just got around to knowing you…

by dathirdeck on Jul 17, 2008 5:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

CheeseSteaks.

All you can eat.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jul 17, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ellis next to go?

i don’t know much about these new guys yet, but i really wish we had traded blanton to the reds for cueto and votto in the spring, perhaps added another player to make it happen.

so with both patterson and cardenas, and after drafting weeks, ellis is going to be traded in the next few weeks, right? that would make more sense than trading duke or street. maybe ellis and emil brown or embree. does any contending team need a 2b and middle relief?

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I think Ellis walks after this year.

I think the 2 picks are prob worth more than we can get for him in a trade. Patterson plays 2nd will Weeks or Cardenas is ready.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 17, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wish they had made that deal too

Too bad it was never on the table.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

how do you know? there were rumors of such a deal.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He knows because

the deal would’ve been done

by throttle mathius on Jul 17, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

There are "rumours"

of fanboy wishcast deals everyday all over the country.

Just before the Cupcakes deal, there were “rumours” of a Matt Cain deal for the package of players that the Phillies gave up for Cupcakes.

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

by rfloh on Jul 18, 2008 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

St Louis does or whatabout the Mets

Ellis and Embree for Bryan Anderson and Peter Kozma (or add Duke and go for Rasmus)? Or go to the Mets and offer Ellis and Embree for Wilmer Flores and Jon Niese and hope Flores sticks at short (or throw in Duke and go for Fernando Martinez)?

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

by vignette17 on Jul 17, 2008 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

BAH!!

I never got my Joe Blanton Bobblehead! Although, I guess it is good cause I would just have to be going though the agony of moving him to the Ex-A’s Shelf!

I am really going to miss Blanton! It seemed like I was at every one of his home games this year. My jersey got a lot of work this year… Which I am now very thankful I was able to go to so many of his starts!

This is one trade I am going to have a hard time getting over…

"He's day-to-day," Geren said. "But aren't we all?" - 5/29/08

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jul 17, 2008 5:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Since you bestowed "Cupcakes" upon him

I think you should get to choose the nicknames for all of the guys we get in exchange.

by Englishmajor on Jul 17, 2008 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was GreenNGoldGirl

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jul 17, 2008 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, you're right!

Well, BCG can make a deal with GNGG….if she ever stops by here again.

by Englishmajor on Jul 17, 2008 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm going to really miss Joe, too.................

I went to a bunch of games last year and they were mostly his starts. Especially memorable were the fireworks nights, complete games, I think, and really exciting. Good Luck, Joe!

by luvsmrZ on Jul 17, 2008 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Blanton's games have had plenty of fireworks this year

Oddly, however, A’s fans haven’t enjoyed the show very much.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Beane could trade Blanton with his crappy stats and get decent prospects

imagine what he could get for Duke? Not that I want him traded but . . .


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 5:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

well...

blanton’s track record made a difference here, too. it’s not all about the 1st half of 2008.

by jefeboy on Jul 17, 2008 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Duke is a 2 time all-star

how many times has Cupcakes been elected? althought it was slim pickins in the eyes of the people that elect players.


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+ Duke has a great track record of starting in the minors

I just realized I destroying my argument for signing him on the cheap(er). I’m an idiot, I’ll be getting back to work now slinks away from keyboard


You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Duke

would fetch considerably more than Blanton, and this was not a small haul.

I would actually trust Duke to start in the playoffs, while Blanton seems more like a guy to get you there with the bullpen there in slightly better shape.

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would not only trust Duke to start in the playoffs,

I’d fully expect him to carve the skins from his opponents with his curve and wear them as a gooey cloak in order to demonstrate his utter starty awesomeness.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

when you say gooey i think of something else

HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!

by SoCalA'sFan on Jul 17, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great now I am picturing a wild eyed Duke

“It puts the lotion on its skin, or else it gets the hose again!!!”

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 17, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hank or Hal?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just really, really like Joe Blanton.

Coming into the year, Joe was easily one of the top 30 pitchers in the MLB. I told this to everybody who would listen. And I still have faith in the fat bastard.

Also, all these second baseman make me not very optimistic for Mark Ellis’s return. I try to mostly be dispassionate about the identity of the players, but I get really protective of Ellis and Chavez.

Fuck.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 17, 2008 5:10 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

ellis is as good as gone

everyone says ellis is underrated, but he’s not. espn may not even know who he is, but smart GMs throughout the league certainly do, and one of them will certainly outbid the a’s and give ellis the money he’s earned.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Ellis will take a "hometown discount"

if a fair offer is made – I don’t know if Beane wishes to make one, though.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

didn't they open for brian jonestown massacre?

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No

That was Middle Infield Holocaust

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 17, 2008 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

f'ing new AN...

that’s where that comment was supposed to go!

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought it was very punk of you to put it where you did.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

misplaced comments on AN = The Wire of possible punk behaviors

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I laughed and I don't even get it

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Terr'rist hand gesture!

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jul 17, 2008 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In Oklahoma, at any rate

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

That shit’ll get you killed in OKC

by nevermoor on Jul 17, 2008 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I had a high school teacher

who claimed to have stood up and signalled his waiter at a restaurant in Italy with that gesture. He wanted “two” not “one”.

Boy, he said, he got educated very very fast. And loudly.

It means “cuckolded” in Italy, and worse than “the finger”.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

nice cans

Carlos Quentin's time has arrived.

by Team Moneyball on Jul 17, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know if you could say that...

Doesn’t he live in Phoenix like Chavvy and the rest of the over 19 crowd?

by Technotofu on Jul 17, 2008 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed on Ellis and Chavvy.

...although I don’t really try to be dispassionate about the identity of the players, but that’s beside the point.

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 17, 2008 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

... and Blanton has looked *really* terrible at times this year

I agree/d with your preseason valuation of Joe, but whatever’s bugging him this year (physical/mental/cosmic-ray-induced), he hasn’t been able to fix it, and it’s been getting worse.

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, but probably not by as much as most people think

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think so.

Going into the season, name the 30 pitchers you’d want above Blanton (contract and age aside)

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 17, 2008 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

OK

J. Santana, Webb, Oswalt, Lackey, Smoltz, Zambrano, Halladay, Peavy, Sabathia, Kazmir, Bedard, Verlander, Haren, Harang, Penny, Beckett, Chris Young, Hudson.
That’s my top 18 based on performance over the last 3 years (excluding Carpenter, Schilling, and Escobar who had existing injuries). I can’t imagine you would have taken Blanton over any of them.

Next group, based on combination of prior performance and how much the scouts liked them: Felix, Carmona, Liriano, Cain, Lincecum, Marcum, Sheets, Hamels, Matsuzaka, Jered Weaver, Vazquez, Shields, Gallardo, Lowe, Wang, Garland, Buehrle, Wainwright, Maine.
We’re up to 37.
Which 8 from that group would you rank behind Blanton?

And then possibly Lilly, Lester, Ervin Santana, Bonderman, Maddux, Hughes, Chamberlain, and probably a couple I’ve forgotten. Blanton is (IMO) somewhere in that group.
And of course I’m excluding pitchers who have broken out this year like Duchscherer, Dempster, Volquez, Saunders.

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jul 17, 2008 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

kick out

Liriano (TJ is still TJ)
Marcum (marginal here)
Garland (kinda sucks)
Maine (its close but I’d take Blanton over him)

I could be convinced to kick out Carmona and Wainwright.
You forgot Escobar and Burnett, both of whom were close.

Blanton was above all of that last 3rd group you listed.

by iamawesomer on Jul 17, 2008 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Plus Buehrle, Vasquez and Weaver

Nope nope and nope

"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagines such events unfolding!" Bill King

by Buck Turgidson on Jul 17, 2008 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Previous 3 years(2005-2007) ERA+

Blanton: 106, 92, 123 (625 IP)
Garland: 112, 105, 128 (640 IP)
Buehrle: 131, 95, 144 (641 IP)

Those two were both better than Blanton in each of the 3 years, and pitched more innings. I don’t see the case for Blanton at all (since the conditions excluded age and contract).

I can see why someone might prefer him to Liriano, Marcum, Maine, or Vazquez (or Harden, who I forgot to mention) because they all had either concerns about durability or limited track records. But even if you value that very highly, it’s still a tight squeeze for big Joe into the top 30.

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jul 17, 2008 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You'd take Cupcakes over Buehrle?

Seriously? Resultswise, Buehrle is what Cupcakes could become, he’s the (max) upside for Cupcakes.

Buehrle has a career ERA+ of 122. For the duration of Cupcakes’ MLB career, Buehrle’s year by year ERA+: 122, 144, 95, 131, 117. Buehrle has had an ERA+ above 100, except for that one year in 2006, in his entire MLB career. And he’s just as durable, even more so than Cupcakes. A 200 IP season is routine for him.

Cupcakes, and Billy Beane, dream of Cupcakes being as good as Mark Buehrle. And it isn’t as if Buehrle is all that much older than Cupcakes. Buehrle was born in March of 1979, Cupcakes December of 1980

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

by rfloh on Jul 18, 2008 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait, iamawesomer - you'd take Blanton

over Lester and Ervin Santana? And count me in as one who would (per below) take Buehrle, Vasquez, and Jered Weaver over Blanton (in that order of preference, Weaver being close but I’d take him).

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 Jul 17, 2008 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dustin McGowan

No love?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think he needs anybody else wanking that hype machine

"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagines such events unfolding!" Bill King

by Buck Turgidson on Jul 17, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of course I used intangibles to come to my conclusion.

"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagines such events unfolding!" Bill King

by Buck Turgidson on Jul 17, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

obvious.com confirms your intuition

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 Jul 18, 2008 8:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Liriano is DEALING in AAA

No earned runs in the last 3 starts

He’s filed a grievance about not being called up, and I kind of agree with him.

by nevermoor on Jul 17, 2008 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the rare andeux-salb918 spat FTW!

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd add Billingsley and Garza to the middle group

Cook to the last group.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 17, 2008 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So maybe it was a stretch.

But not much of one.

The other thing to consider is that Blanton is as much of a lock to pitch 200 innings as any of those guys listed, which – from a certainty point of view – is quite valuable. Going into the year, would you count on Blanton or (Hamels Sheets Lincecum Liriano Gallardo Maine Wainwright Lester Bonderman Hughes Chamberlain) to pitch 200 above average innings?

Now, I was wrong, Blanton probably isn’t a top-30 MLB pitcher today. Oh well.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 18, 2008 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's toad, sir

not “bastard.”

His parents were happily coupled as of the time his father released his semenal fluid over his mother’s egg pile.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

sal's secret passion

“I’m a dead sexy innings eater.”

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jul 17, 2008 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+7658545648 on the Blanton comment

Joe hasn’t pitched like it so far this season, and I don’t think he would have ever had trade value like one, but he was a top 30 starter.

by rebus on Jul 17, 2008 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If they really wanted to deal Ellis...

seems the Cubs would have been interested.

by jefeboy on Jul 17, 2008 5:10 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

how about the mets too

damian easley?

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on Jul 17, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Luis Castillo and his inexplicable four year contract"

Another Gilman Street band.

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aren't all middle IF's latin?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're suggesting he was Johjima'd?

[BTW: I hereby propose that “to Johjima” become the verb form of saying “to inexplicably overpay a player out of racial chauvinism.”]

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You leave my Portuguese hooker out of this

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does Cindi know about her...or is it him?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It

(Portuguese goat)

by nevermoor on Jul 17, 2008 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So is it her or him?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Someone make sure that the Phillies fans are aware of the

requirement in the trade that he retain the moniker ‘Cupcakes’.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

No, as FSU illustrates upthread, and as I mentioned

back in December of 2006, his new nickname has to be Tastykakes.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But that's MY nickname for YOU

:-(

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's why Duke needs to stay

You don’t win without a #1 or #2 starter, and arguably none of Smith, Eveland, Cahill, or Anderson can be either by 2010. Gio is a pretty big question mark, Simmons doesn’t project that high, and Gallagher MAY be #2 material, may not – we don’t know yet. It’s not a dominant rotation next year OR the year after; with Duke, it could be.

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

by Nico on Jul 17, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

duke

while i agree beane should try to lock him up for a few years, signing a pitcher while he has a 1.82 era seems like an unwise move, it’s pretty much buying as high as possible as no pitcher can really sustain that era long term.
but if he stays healthy all year, maybe it’s not so bad to spend some money on a 30 year old pitcher considering his innings have been limited over his recent career (and because he was a reliever instead of due to frequent injuries like harden).

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

IMHO...

you keep Duch and decide whether or not to long-term him in the offseason, after you have a full season’s performance to look at.

by jefeboy on Jul 17, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree, and I think that's why Beane gave the

diplomatic and non-committal answer “Let’s see how he does the second half” – sign him based on his numbers for a full season rather than after undoubtedly the best half-season he’ll ever have.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess the question is, does Billy think he can get another Haren?

If there’s another low-cost guy out there he thinks he can get, why not drop Duke, who arguably is due for some cash based on his performance this season?

Other than the whole ‘my cats destroying his sandal collection’ threat.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Since we aren't going to the playoffs this year anyways

I almost hope Duke has an injury-free, terrible-performing second half.

HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!

by SoCalA'sFan on Jul 17, 2008 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

-1

Be a fan. Root for your team to win and for your players to do well.

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

by Nico on Jul 17, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I left off the part where

His poor second half lowers his values and we can resign him.

HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!

by SoCalA'sFan on Jul 17, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

-1 still

"There's m'fn sprinklers on the m'fn infield!'" - Ice Cream (AN), 6/13/08

by doctorK on Jul 17, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The comments here make me think Duke is a peak trade value

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The comments here remind me of Duke's ERA:

-1.

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

by vignette17 on Jul 17, 2008 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thing is, Mulder was something like

the winningest lefty in baseball over a 3-4 year period.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's the thing

some pitchers get hot, others have cold spells. I’m perfectly ok with a rotation of 5 solid #2-3 types. Come playoff time, play the hot hand- you’re almost sure to find a pitcher on top of his game.

Also, prospects are no sure thing. Of our current set of 4 #2-3 types, 2 might never make it, one might be more like Joe Blanton than Dan Haren, and for all we know, one might be Dan Haren. I think the simplistic "we need a #1 pitcher" may not be the way to go with prospects.

by ohmangoAs on Jul 17, 2008 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Grr...

Also, prospects are no sure thing. Of our current set of 4 #2-3 types, 2 might never make it, one might be more like Blanton than Haren, and for all we know the last one might be the next Haren/#1.

The “We need a #1 starter” mentality might not apply to prospects.

by ohmangoAs on Jul 17, 2008 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Count me in Nico

Keep Duke in Oakland Billy!!!!!!!!!!!

Or I’m gonna kidnap your f*$%#g dog!!!!!!

:}

by mrod on Jul 17, 2008 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

The Blanton trade doesn’t bother me, but this hypothetical Duke trade … I’m already getting prematurely pissed and it hasn’t happened yet.

Brainless Automaton #439

by rubin sierra on Jul 17, 2008 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's actually Chavy's dog, but yeah

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dude......

I was proud of that joke

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

by vignette17 on Jul 17, 2008 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

...and it's busy taking a dump on Joe Morgan's lawn.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"We're #2! We're #2!"

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But be careful

If Billy’s walking a dog, it could very well be Chavvy’s.

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

by vignette17 on Jul 17, 2008 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess if we have to get a pitcher, a dude named "outman" is as good as any.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 17, 2008 5:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Better than Walker or Balfour

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or Homer Bailey

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or Walkoff McBalk

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

No, no

It’s spelled “A-R-M-A-N-D-O B-E-N-I-T-E-Z.”

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions   2 recs

I recommend this comment.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wasn't that Duchscherer's name?

in the clubhouse, when he balked in the winning run in Seattle???

LOL on that name.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

IT NEVER HAPPENED.

Why do you hurt the repressing?

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just want to get one player back...

with the offensive potential and character to become my new favorite player. Used to be Chavez, though his sparkle is long gone. Swisher came pretty close. But dammit I want a slugger.

by jefeboy on Jul 17, 2008 5:18 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Get on the Swooney bandwagon now and hope for the best.

He’s now my favorite player who isn’t on the DL.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jul 17, 2008 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

CarGon's no slouch, either.

We still have a young, exciting team.

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 17, 2008 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

call it hyperbole, but Ryan Sweeney and Gonzales could be Duke Snider and Clemente equivalents, eventually.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rob Neyer mentions the possibility of Duke going next

pure speculation on his part, but since Duke’s trade value is at an all time high, it seems to make sense. My guess is he goes to the Dodgers for some of their left side of the infield prospects, and Street goes to Tampa for some more prospects

And the A’s still challenge for the playoffs

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on Jul 17, 2008 5:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

No on the last part

Given that trade, the A’s don’t contend in 2008, 2009, and likely 2010. Just not enough at the top of the rotation.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

define "don't contend"

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do not have a strong enough team

to push for a playoff spot.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doesn't it depend on who they get back?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not if it pushes guys like

Smith and Cahill to the front of the major league rotation in 2009-10, is my point.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You mean like Hudson and Zito in 2000?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love Duke,

but I just don’t totally believe that he is the Sole Thing that can make us contend.

To be honest, I’m not sure if Billy gives a fuck about 2009, or whether Duke’s impact is so much that a nice little ‘10, ‘11 prospect package wouldn’t be something he’d choose instead.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

repunctuated

a nice little 10-, 11-prospect package

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd be shocked if Billy didn't care about 2009, or 2008 for that matter

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

True, but I'd also be shocked if Billy

thought the A’s were at all likely to go to the playoffs in 2008 with or without Blanton.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Me too, but I still believe the division is within reach

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Six out,

only 60+ left, with LAAA only getting healthier…I think it might be time to start rooting for the wild card, at very least….

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 17, 2008 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not till mathematical elimation!

Of the Angels, Rangers and Mariners

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Me too

But I just don’t think the Angels are that good. The A’s have had the injuries and they’re trading guys away and they’re still 6 games out and, really, they should be closer if not for the luck factor.

But I’m ok with a mediocre Angels team going to the playoffs in 2008. Their better players are mostly all past their prime. The A’s are young and getting better. The next half-decade or more is gonna be really, really nice.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 2:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

not only the rotation

the offense is too inconsistent this year

by OaklandSi on Jul 17, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

if the a's don't contend in 2008, 2009, and likely 2010

beane should trade not only ellis and embree, but duke and street, ASAP.

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My point is that dealing Duke would CAUSE

a non-contention that doesn’t have to exist. You need some “front end of the rotation” starters to contend. Duke is one, as were Haren and Harden. You don’t need all three but you need at least one.

Otherwise you’re looking at asking Gallagher and Smith to head your rotation, or for guys like Cahill and Anderson to rush and be #1-#2 guys at the age of 22. With Duke, others can slot in and you can have a good enough rotation to compete.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We won a division with Gil Heredia and Kevin Appier heading the rotation

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

AHEM.

That’s DOCTOR Gil Heredia.

by mikev on Jul 17, 2008 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Until that awful playoff game

Then it became NURSE Gil Heredia

by nevermoor on Jul 17, 2008 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We also had healthy Chavez, Tejada, Ja. Giambi -

Which is three more legitimate in-their-prime mashers than we currently have. If Duke got us back Burrell and Utley, then yes, maybe we could contend. But this offense – even come 2009 and probably 2010, will need superior pitching, not just good pitching.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know - I would never make that trade

What kind of a last name starts with a vowel, anyway? And Chase isn’t even a name, it’s an action.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

AND a noun.

Which almost makes it cool. Except his last name is an adverb.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ha ha! You sure is Utley!

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Now it'sgetting Uggla.

"If you lived in the now, you'd be home by now."

by McFood on Jul 18, 2008 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe...

if we got billingsley back. Ha.

Street for Kemp, I say.

by jefeboy on Jul 17, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want LaRoche

HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!

by SoCalA'sFan on Jul 17, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the dodgers

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t want Matt Kemp on the A’s unless he can learn how to play defense and run the bases. It’s bad enough watching him suck on the Dodgers.

by drmmerchk on Jul 17, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also your definition of suck must be much different than mine

While a .276 EQA is not great, its far from suck, especially from a 23 year old.

by iamawesomer on Jul 17, 2008 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Good Phight

doesnt like the fact (er, the possibility… I’m still not educated on these new guys yet) that the A’s got more from Philly than from Chicago.

I agree with their front page author: if they consider themselves a playoff team, I don’t really know how much value they get in this trade. Harden, on the other hand, is a huge playoff asset (all health caveats aside)

by oakinboston on Jul 17, 2008 5:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

First, they're Phillies fans, so they're predisposed to assume the worst

Phillies fans are the most pessimistic of Philadelphia sports fans, and that’s saying a lot.

I assume the team is counting on Myers to figure his stuff out, in which case Hamels and Myers will make a legit 1-2 in the postseason, with Moyer and Kendrick the 3-4, or Blanton if he outpitches Kendrick in the 2nd half.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cubs/Phillies prospects

At first glance it looks to me like we got the player with the highest upside (Cardenas) from the Phillies but players that were significantly more major-league ready (Gallagher, Murton, and Patterson) from the Cubs. No one from this trade is likely to contribute at the major league level in the next year and a half, and there’s always a significant level of risk associated with players that far away.

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jul 17, 2008 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

The guys Blanton brought back have similar talent ceilings on average, but are all further away than the Harden haul (excepting catcher guy), and are one less. Cardenas may have the most upside, but we are talking about a 20-year old with an 800 OPS in high A. Compare him to Patterson, who posted a 925 OPS in A ball his first year out of school, age 22. And Patterson was not the best player we got back in the Harden deal.

I think the trades both reflect accurate value. The good thing about this one is we got someone to pay us for Blanton, despite his lousy season to date. I think he is worth what we got back, especially if we were in the offseason, and you were looking at his career, not just the last few months. I’m just a little surprised a team would make the move mid-season, considering he doesn’t look like a guy you’d want starting in the playoffs. Then again, with Philly’s line-up, they can win with almost any major leaguer out there.

by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Patterson's 925 OPS in A

is better than Cardenas’ is better than Cardenas’ OPS in A+, but Patterson was a 22 year old college player beating up on kids.

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

by rfloh on Jul 18, 2008 1:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh

22 is the average age of a player in low-A ball.

I know this because I actually looked it up a few weeks ago.

It’s not the average age of a PROSPECT in low-A, but prospects make up a very small minority of all farm system players.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My guess on Outman -- could in part be related to Cahill and Anderson heading out to Beijing for a few weeks

Despite the abundance of pitching prospects in the A’s’ system, Cahill and Anderson playing in the Olympics does create a hole that needs to be filled.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 5:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Isn't that what Kirk Saarloos and Colby Lewis are for?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Colby Lewis is for something,

then I’m against it.

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

by Nico on Jul 17, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

zzzzzzowwie

"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagines such events unfolding!" Bill King

by Buck Turgidson on Jul 17, 2008 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

came home from work,

napped, fired up AN before a jog and I am greeted with this! surprised but not shocked.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 17, 2008 5:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the good games, Blanton.

I like this trade. Got what seems like good prospects. I hope everything works out and we are unstoppable in the coming years! :)
I’m going to be sad if/when Ellis is traded. I assume Huston is the next to go so I’m working through that slowly so I’m not as devastated. I hope Duke stays w/Ellis but I guess we’ll see. You never know with this team…

by drmmerchk on Jul 17, 2008 5:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Can you Photoshop a picture of Billy mutilating a unicorn?

(See Kyli’s comment, above…)

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've gotten spam with that subject header

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

haha maybe but it would take some work.

by drmmerchk on Jul 17, 2008 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Phillies bloggers

Feel they got hosed by Billy. I am lovin’ this.. bye bye Cupcakes

by HRH on Jul 17, 2008 5:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

BA thought his problem at SS and 2B was range and didn't mention a weak arm

“Cardenas moved off shortstop because his range was just adequate and figured to diminish as he filled out and grew older. He doesn’t cover a lot of ground at second base and his footwork needs improvement. A fringe-average runner, he lacks first-step quickness and his lateral movement also leaves something to be desired.”

The lack of lateral movement isn’t a good sign for a 3B though

Subscription Required

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/features/265169.html

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Say what?

Most balls at third base are hit too hard for lateral movement to be much of a factor. That’s why Jack Hannahan is a solid 3B but a terrible 2B, whereas Donnie Murphy is just average at both positions. Hannahan has good hands but poor lateral range.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm...I may be conflating first step quickness and lateral movement

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cutting in front of SS for a slowly-hit grounder

demands lateral quickness.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hmmmm

Isn’t it running straight at the spot where the ball and you intersect? Lateral is more to the third base line from a set position.

All-Star game…unbelievable lateral move by one of the 3rd basemen on a juuuuust foul ball.
Very quick.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it was Guzman - I was impressed too

It was a Len Bias like first step

"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagines such events unfolding!" Bill King

by Buck Turgidson on Jul 17, 2008 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, he WAS playing the line

Those were the reasons and that was New York, we were running for the money and the flesh.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 17, 2008 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Considering Blanton is as worthless as tits on a bull

Billy just raped Philly no matter how these three turn out.

Drafting and then trading for 3 2B’s means Ellis is a goner. Hope not, we need that defense and maybe the other two may end up in different positions.

Whoever starts tomorrow, please do not let it be Braden. That would confirm 100 percent that we have given up because IMO Braden is a left handed Joe Blanton.

Anyway, it will be exciting to see Gio pitch even though he may not be totally ready for the ML’s. (walks wise)

I guess the farm is smoking with talent.

Go A’s

by Trainman on Jul 17, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

can you not to use "raped" as a positive term?

oh it’s trainman…
can you just go back to the espn boards already?

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I apologize

We will replace that with taken to the cleaners.

Like you have never used anything like that before. Put the word in the context I was using it. It’s is and was not meant to offend anyone.

But since you are just looking for an excuse to get a dig in, I will ignore it.

by Trainman on Jul 17, 2008 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can agree

with Xb here. It’s no big deal, but plenty of people are uncomfortable w/ that usage, and don’t use it. Granted, XB did take a shot, so your response is somewhat justified.

by ohmangoAs on Jul 17, 2008 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just fyi, several other users,

besides those who have commented publicly, flagged your comment as being offensive and inappropriate. So it appears xbhaskarx was just saying what many feel.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I apologized for that comment

It was not meant to offend and I will not use it again.

I take exception to his comment at the end.

by Trainman on Jul 17, 2008 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, that wasn't nice

It was his “pillage” to your…well, anyway…

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Now we have 7 of the top 100 2008 Prospect

According to Baseball America we have 7 of the top 100 2008 Prospects

by What Would Rickey Do on Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

link?

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 Jul 17, 2008 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Your hopes have apparently been dashed.

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 17, 2008 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

his hopes can't play 2B ... but maybe the outfield

I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 17, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here is the rankings.

No. 22 – CARLOS GONZALEZ OF
No. 26 – GIO GONZALEZ LHP
No. 36 – BRETT ANDERSON LHP
No. 48 – DARIC BARTON 1B
No. 60 – FAUTINO DE LOS SANTOS RHP
No. 76 – ADRIAN CARDENAS 2B
No. 82 – SEAN GALLAGHER RHP

by What Would Rickey Do on Jul 17, 2008 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Plus they describe Doolittle as a "strong contender" for the Top 100

in the midseason update

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

no. 48

wow, that Daric Barton guy will rake it in the majors…

hmm.

by rollierollieOxenfree on Jul 17, 2008 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still believe!

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gio

I suppose if they call him up, he doesn’t see a start at Yankee Stadium. That could be a disaster.

by Emmett89 on Jul 17, 2008 5:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs



"There's m'fn sprinklers on the m'fn infield!'" - Ice Cream (AN), 6/13/08

by doctorK on Jul 17, 2008 5:41 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hole (???) Cow

I’m guessing the middle picture has something to do with an E

"To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other." - Jack Handey

by JJ on Jul 17, 2008 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Lee"

as in “Majors”.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

nice!

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on Jul 17, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Loved Blanton's occasional grittiness

Not everyone would shove Ichiro out of the way for a pop fly and stare down practically the entire Mariners bench afterwards. My favorite Blanton moment ever.

by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 5:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That was tight, for sure

I’m gonna miss ‘im.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jul 17, 2008 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like this trade

Especially because Baseball Prospectus tells me that Cardenas is likely moving to third at some point and has middle-of-the-order power as his “calling card.” At least there’s a little insurance in case it turns out that the king’s men will struggle to re-assemble Chavvy. Outman seems like a nice darkhorse candidate to matter sometime during the coming dynasty. And that Spencer kid supposedly has monstrous power. Maybe the A’s can hammer some strike zone discipline into him. I ain’t holding my breath, but who knows…

On the other hand, it does seem as if the total blow-up is just around the corner. I’m still holding out hope for Duke to stay, but he could very well be gone along with Street and Ellis. Hmmm. Maybe I should wait a few more years to buy a jersey.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jul 17, 2008 5:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Kurt Suzuki jersey?

That would be my best guess.

Of course I’m the person who recommended a Swisher jersey to someone a year ago…

http://athleticsforlife.net

by Kelly on Jul 17, 2008 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Smart advice on Suzuki.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 17, 2008 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Vida Blue giveaway jersey -

Can’t possibly go wrong there.

by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t know- middle-of-the-order power? I’d think .800 OPS for two straight years makes middle-of-the-order power a lot less likely a development.

by athletics02115 on Jul 17, 2008 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What? You feign to disagree with Baseball Prospectus?

Does. Not. Compute.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jul 17, 2008 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

.800 in the FSL is pretty good. Maybe like 2.000 in the Cal League

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Buy a Beane Jersey

"the A's need more quality preembreetive pitching" ~monkeyball

by OptimistPrime on Jul 17, 2008 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ryan Langerhans home jersey.

I’m tellin ya, it’s the one to have.

by mikev on Jul 17, 2008 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Clean as a whistle too

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Man that Stockton lineup is gonna be scary

Can you imagine trying to get through Brown, Carter, Cardenas, Donaldson?

by AthleticsReign on Jul 17, 2008 5:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Imagine if Doolittle was still there

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Doolittle was there....

Man thats straight up a Muderers Row right there. If Cahill and Anderson were still there that very well could be the most stacked minor league lineup ever for one organization.

by AthleticsReign on Jul 17, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cardenas

Seeing as how A’s management has seemed to make a habit of taking chances with certain prospects by pushing them up to the next level of competition, they might send him straight to midland

by webgem101 on Jul 17, 2008 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Forst said Stockton on the radio Q&A

see MLB.com story, with link to “A’s discuss”.

SuSlu and her dulcet voice! Bonus!

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guess I'm late to the party

Moving Blanton seems a logical move for the future…hope the A’s received a decent prospect or two…off to read and see what everyone thinks….

by cvdoug on Jul 17, 2008 5:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Urban has Gonzales coming up from Sacto

I guess we’re gonna have 3 1/3 rookies in our starting rotation. I guess we’re throwing in the towel but I didn’t want to believe it since we were actually within striking distance of the playoffs

by petitceebee on Jul 17, 2008 6:10 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

not too mention 3 lefties

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a rotation like that before

by petitceebee on Jul 17, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The A's rotation in 2004, IIRC

was:

Hudson
Mulder
Zito
Redman
Harden/Saarloos

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow

Hudson-good
Mulder-dead
Zito-sucks
Redman-who?
Harden-day to day
Saarloos-?

"the A's need more quality preembreetive pitching" ~monkeyball

by OptimistPrime on Jul 17, 2008 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bring back Halama!

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're confused Nico

He said “Halama” not “a llama.”

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Never mind

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about A's 2003 rotation? - 4 lefties

Hudson – R
Zito – L
Mulder – L
Lilly – L
Halama – L

by daveman on Jul 17, 2008 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Again, I think Ellen DeGeneres' talents

are being wasted as a talk show host.

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 Jul 17, 2008 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like Big Bill Haywood?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The starting rotation for the low-A Braves club this year

was all lefthanded.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um nope...

read the whole article..

“Gio’s definitely pitched well enough to put himself in the conversation,” Forst said. “I don’t know if he’s going to be the guy.”

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Jul 17, 2008 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah that's what i read, urban:
it’s possible that Gio Gonzalez will be promoted from Triple-A Sacramento, giving the A’s three southpaw starters.

by oakinboston on Jul 17, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

anything is possible...

so at this point, it’s all speculation…..my bet is braden (again…sigh)....

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Jul 17, 2008 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

still, as noted earlier

Blanton performance is more than replaceable. I don’t agree with petitceebee when he says we are throwing in the towel.
not yet anyways.

by oakinboston on Jul 17, 2008 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This team can't compete with its current offense

The pitching was good enough to stay within spitting distance, but how many people really thought that the A’s were going to make the playoffs in the end? So I don’t see it as throwing in the towel, but simply recognizing the reality of the situation.

by boilerdan on Jul 17, 2008 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

to be clear (i think we agree):

i don’t know if i consider us contenders or not, but my opinion is not at all affected by this trade.

by oakinboston on Jul 17, 2008 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still believe the A's are going to make the playoffs...as the division champ

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Optimism!!

I like it! Compares well to other attitudes.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The A's 40-man roster

has 33 1/3 rookies on it.

Or close to that, anyway.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

33 1/3 Rookies

Respect for a man who still rocks the vinyl.

Those were the reasons and that was New York, we were running for the money and the flesh.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 17, 2008 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another Gilman St band

who had just released their very first LP on vinyl.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

For what's it's worth

They are pretty pissed on Phillies boards about giving up Cardenas for a 5-12 pitcher.

Forgive the petulance, but giving up on the season so entirely to stock up on prospects for an unknown future year seems so uncertain as to be not worth it. Look at the Indians- supposed to contend in 2006 & 2008- were a disaster- never assume there is proper timing to when you will contend.

Billy himself says you spend the first two months of the year figuring out what you have- never assume you will contend next year just because your team is built to do so- take advantage of surprise contention by augmenting the team!

Selling Harden high made sense, especially if the next move is to package this sudden plethora of decent prospects for an established talent like the Dye/Damon trades of 2000. But selling Blanton and giving up on a year- there is a lot banking on next year and what if a ton of injuries blows it in May?

by athletics02115 on Jul 17, 2008 6:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The A's were going to have to be lucky as shit to make the playoffs this year

OK. So they’re still going to have to be lucky as shit. Maybe a little luckier.

So what?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think the A's did figure out what they have:

A bad offense and lots of injured people.

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

by Nico on Jul 17, 2008 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know,

Giving up a guy who was stinking up the place helps us this year. Giving up Harden who could not be relied upon was a good thing. Haren trade brought us three big league contributors and some minor leaguers who show serious promise. One, I don’t think this trade does anything but get ready of dead weight and we immediately get better in that spot no matter who we move up. Two, when this team is AMAZING over the next few years this will all be forgotten. And we are going to be amazing!!!!

"the A's need more quality preembreetive pitching" ~monkeyball

by OptimistPrime on Jul 17, 2008 6:19 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Hahaha. From a Phillys Blog

” Billy Beane bent pat gillick over and after announcing his prostate was the size of a watermelon, violated him some more, with gillicks permission”

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 17, 2008 6:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I was just about to post that!!!

You’re too fast!

Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.

by Threepwood XX on Jul 17, 2008 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow.

Over-the-top Philadelphia fans much?

by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

To be fair

They can’t love trading the rest of their farm system for a 5.00 ERA guy (which is how they’ll see Blanton)

by nevermoor on Jul 17, 2008 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would have retorted

“Personal observation, or mentally recreating from a personal episode?”

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bring back Los Kirk!

Looking at the stats of the AAA affiliate, I say it’s time to bring back Los Kirk. Anyone else?

by daveman on Jul 17, 2008 6:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

He will have to take time off

from working at the Smothsonian Museum.

by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess that's why they demoted Bankston instead of him

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bankston's working at the Federal Reserve

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 17, 2008 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Fire Bankston Now!

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Poor Phillies

Good luck winning the East with “Cheese-Steaks.”

All Games and Comments are Subject to Blackout

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 17, 2008 6:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe they'll give Blanton

Jon Kruk’s old number.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

For the price of just one testicle?

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 Jul 17, 2008 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

YES

BYE BYE CUPCAKES… the Phillies’ clubhouse is gonna need to set aside a few million for Blanton’s food

by C-Gon on Jul 17, 2008 6:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Is Crosby too much to hope for?

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good luck Joe, I agree

I hope he goes 8-0, with a 4.50 ERA, and an average of 5 runs per game support.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was hoping we could get

someone like Homer Bailey from the Reds, but I guess we missed our chance last off season. No way the reds were gonna trade a top prospect for a fat innings eater with terrible stats when they’re doing this poorly. Cardenas is pretty good though, so it should be alright.

Street to the Rays sounds about right, we can probably pick up Brignac + Niemann and plug in Devine as the closer when he comes back. If only Casilla didn’t have Carlos Marmol syndrome at the moment.

by hibachi7_7_7 on Jul 17, 2008 6:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Casilla

Should change his name back to Jairo, he had much better upside.

by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Payroll just dropped again!

More $$$ to sign draft choices or Inoa II.

by calas on Jul 17, 2008 7:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Inoa has a kid already?

Man, that was quick!

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 17, 2008 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

I agree

Beane, get me Bret Hunter, Zac Elgie, and Brent Warren!

Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.

by Threepwood XX on Jul 17, 2008 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs