Blanton Traded To Phillies
by baseballgirl on Jul 17, 2008 3:55 PM PDT
Email
PrintTip 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.
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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
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.
OMG!!
AHHHH! I left the stove on!!!
********OaKlAnDaThLeTiCs********
by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 17, 2008 4:00 PM PDT reply actions
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.
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?
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
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
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
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.
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.
Billy is hoping he can play them all at the same time to duplicate Mark's stellar
defense
by theblackpearl on Jul 17, 2008 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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
Baseball Prospectus 2008 says basically the same thing.
by Philip Christy on Jul 17, 2008 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions
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. @('.')@
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
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.
Chone runs!
The end result of too many nacho runs.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
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
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
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
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
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
In Philly, the word is pronounced "yiz"
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
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
How about "yins"?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
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
I have always hated the phrase. going with, without a
word like me, or us.
Would you like to go with?
by theblackpearl on Jul 17, 2008 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Seriously.
It’s like….......
finish your goddamn question.
"If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something."
"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
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. @('.')@
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
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.
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
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. @('.')@
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.
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.
I'm a Sun Devil!
yeah!
OZZIE GUILLEN IS A CHILD MOLESTING CARCINOGEN
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
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
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
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
BBG! THE JINX WORKED!!!!!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
There's no crying in baseball!
I put Harden in my avatar picture for a week before he was traded, totally unintentionally
Now I will use my avatar for evil HA HA HA HA
There's no crying in baseball!
Your new avatar should be DFA
"There's m'fn sprinklers on the m'fn infield!'" - Ice Cream (AN), 6/13/08
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
Oops
Are we talking about threads or beer?
by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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
Lying on the floor
(lying on the floor)
Blogadilla.com: The Tijuana of the Internet
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!!!
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
Stats
After checking out their stats, I have now figured out the reason behind these deals:
Billy Beane is insane.
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
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
You are blaming this trade on Huston Street?
Not that that’s all that bad an idea…
by Philip Christy on Jul 17, 2008 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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
Agreed
I don’t think the A’s are worse today than they were yesterday.
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
Some good info on the players, courtesy of Athletics Clubhouse links:
http://phuturephillies.com/category/players/spencer-matt/profile-spencer-matt-players/
http://phuturephillies.com/category/players/outman-josh/profile-outman-josh-players/
http://phuturephillies.com/category/players/cardenas-adrian/profile-cardenas-adrian-players/
and a VERY interesting piece on Outman vs Carrasco:
http://phuturephillies.com/2008/04/17/outman-v-carrasco/
Credit to Athletic Domination from Athletics Clubhouse for the links.
the video of Cardenas is not encouraging
he runs kind of funny : – }
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
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
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
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
TBD is still better than Blanton this season.
by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
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
Soon
“To be Dealt” for prospects
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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.
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
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
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"
Wonder if this completely kills
Michael Lewis’ plans for Underdogs.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 17, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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. @('.')@
I'd like to see a pitcher named Striker
by asfansince1989 on Jul 17, 2008 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions
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!
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
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.
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
Is Street next?
Move Ziggy to closer, pick up 3 young studs?
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
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
As long as you don't shart
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I've about had it up to here with shart discrimination
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
Liberate the shart
don’t hold back!
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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."
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
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
Can we please please
trade Embree and Foulke?
by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 17, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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."
Nate at Baseball Prospectus said a Street for LaPorta deal seemed fair
how about Gamel? Brewers need a closer.
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/
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Thank you
I love this website.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
You're welcome.
Now I’m off to find unicorn butt pictures.
There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.
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
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
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
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
apparently, Candice Cabbil never got a chance to say ...
I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@
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
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.
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
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
and we all know
that reports are always entirely accurate.
by TempletonPeck on Jul 18, 2008 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Miss something
Did Ellis get traded to or is everyone assuming he is gone.
"This was no boating accident"
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/
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
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!
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
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.
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
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
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
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."
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
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.
Wait, speculation by whom?
Speculation by me is that it wouldn’t be anything of the sort.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Ellis
I would still try and sign him. Those guys are 2-3 years away!
"This was no boating accident"
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
Petit
Maybe he will fill in for a year.
"This was no boating accident"
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. @('.')@
hopefully less
HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!
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.
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
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."
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
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
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
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
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
since Duke is an unknow maybe we can resign now on the cheap(er).
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
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."
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."
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 : -> : -] : -}
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."
But he's a great junk-baller...
...which is why he’s effective and fun to watch. Hope they keep him around.
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.
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
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
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
Depends if he can change his last name to 'Chavez'.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
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
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. @('.')@
That last sentence feels like it could have been used so many times with this team...
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
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
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
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
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
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
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."
Damn
Tell us how you really feel :}
"This was no boating accident"
If I had photoshop, you'd be seeing an image of Billy carving up a unicorn. XD
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
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
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
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
They're all spoiled by Quidditch
The worst-conceived sport in fantasy book history (which, by the way, is saying a LOT)
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 : -> : -] : -}
Correct answer: Trevor Cahill
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
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
Cahill's value is peaking
Maybe Beane should trade him for prospects.
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
Trade Fremont for Las Vegas
Oh, wait. That’s during the off-season.
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
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.
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
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
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."
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
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."
Fuck.
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
But a great action
if done right
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2008 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Sometimes even when done wrong
In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!
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
+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
Yeah
I think we kind of robbed Philly.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
FUCK!
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
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
methinks
salb918 doesn’t like this deal : -(
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
methinks
Salb918 really likes Mark Ellis
by GusanoQuemador on Jul 17, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions
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.
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!
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
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
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
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.
2010:
1) Texas
2) Oakland
3) Fullerton
4) Seattle
by oc on Jul 17, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
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
Nick Swisher and Mark Ellis come to mind
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
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
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
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
And I think those were all Grady Fuson guys except Swisher
Storage is for business, or for family.
by bloodsweatndonuts on Jul 17, 2008 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Chavez was pretty good until last year
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 2:23 AM PDT up reply actions
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
They'll just trade it away
ie Danks, Duke, Volquez, etc.
by methodrampage on Jul 17, 2008 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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.
"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. @('.')@
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
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
...for a Brooklyn Cyclones fan
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
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. @('.')@
You only got that in ahead of me because I wasn't home
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
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
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
Forget cheesesteaks, we all know Country Joe is an innings eater
Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.
by CarGon's Jock on Jul 17, 2008 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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.
I wish they had made that deal too
Too bad it was never on the table.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
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
He knows because
the deal would’ve been done
by throttle mathius on Jul 17, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
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
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
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
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
That was GreenNGoldGirl
"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.
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
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!
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.
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 : -> : -] : -}
well...
blanton’s track record made a difference here, too. it’s not all about the 1st half of 2008.
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 : -> : -] : -}
+ 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 : -> : -] : -}
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
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."
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!
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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. @('.')@
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
Terr'rist hand gesture!
"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.
In Oklahoma, at any rate
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
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
nice cans
Carlos Quentin's time has arrived.
by Team Moneyball on Jul 17, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions
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?
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
... 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. @('.')@
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Dustin McGowan
No love?
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
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
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
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
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.
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. @('.')@
I'd add Billingsley and Garza to the middle group
Cook to the last group.
The A's colors are green and gold.
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.
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.
sal's secret passion
“I’m a dead sexy innings eater.”
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
+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.
Luis Castillo and his inexplicable four year contract say hi
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
"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. @('.')@
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
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.
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
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
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
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."
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
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
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
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
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
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."
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!
-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
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!
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
The comments here remind me of Duke's ERA:
-1.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
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
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.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.
+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
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
Dude......
I was proud of that joke
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
...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
"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
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
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.
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
Or Homer Bailey
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
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
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
IT NEVER HAPPENED.
Why do you hurt the repressing?
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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. @('.')@
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
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
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
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
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."
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. @('.')@
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I want LaRoche
HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!
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
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.
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.
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)
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
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.
+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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
came home from work,
napped, fired up AN before a jog and I am greeted with this! surprised but not shocked.
alaska A
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…
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.
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. @('.')@
Yep
http://phuturephillies.com/2008/07/17/phillies-acquire-blanton-for-3-prospects/#comment-24164
Any chance Cardenas can play 3B?
by Colorado Fan on Jul 17, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
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
I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed that Crede dives sideways for balls that are, like, at his feet
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 2:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Beane should trade for him and make him a keeper for the Quakes
I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Now we have 7 of the top 100 2008 Prospect
by What Would Rickey Do on Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM PDT reply actions
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
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. @('.')@
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
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
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
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
Gio
I suppose if they call him up, he doesn’t see a start at Yankee Stadium. That could be a disaster.
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
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.
That was tight, for sure
I’m gonna miss ‘im.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
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.
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
Vida Blue giveaway jersey -
Can’t possibly go wrong there.
by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
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
What? You feign to disagree with Baseball Prospectus?
Does. Not. Compute.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
.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
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
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
Man that Stockton lineup is gonna be scary
Can you imagine trying to get through Brown, Carter, Cardenas, Donaldson?
Imagine if Doolittle was still there
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
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
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
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
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….
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
not too mention 3 lefties
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a rotation like that before
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
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
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
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
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
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
Like Big Bill Haywood?
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
The starting rotation for the low-A Braves club this year
was all lefthanded.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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?
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.
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
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.
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
Wow.
Over-the-top Philadelphia fans much?
by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions
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)
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
Bring back Los Kirk!
Looking at the stats of the AAA affiliate, I say it’s time to bring back Los Kirk. Anyone else?
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
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
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
Poor Phillies
Good luck winning the East with “Cheese-Steaks.”
All Games and Comments are Subject to Blackout
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
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
YES
BYE BYE CUPCAKES… the Phillies’ clubhouse is gonna need to set aside a few million for Blanton’s food
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
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
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.
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
Changing his age would give him a lot more upside than changing his name
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
LOL
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Payroll just dropped again!
More $$$ to sign draft choices or Inoa II.
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
Bring me the head of Nick Maronde
Hopefully still attached to the rest of him.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
I'm thinking we've cut more than enough payroll already.
they can sign any of their draft picks or latin guys they want. At this point, any payroll cut is probably just being saved. Considering the revenue issues they’re probably having due to attendance, they’ll probably keep the savings. We’re really starting to look like the Marlins.
TRADE JOE BLANTON
er
HUSTON STREET
"The two of them deserve each other. One's a born liar, the other's convicted."
If there's another Inoa and it's not his kid.....
it’s his brother?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
You know you're an A's fan when ....
6 players (Gaudin, Harden, Haren, Blanton, Robertson, Swisher) turn into 16 (Gonzalez, Gonzalez, Cunningham, Smith, Eveland, Carter, Anderson, DLS, Swooney, Patterson, Murton, Donaldson, Gallagher, Outman, Cardenas, and Spencer) in 7 months. I tried doing that from memory and forgot Spencer. My brain now hurts.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
So...Eveland for prospects?
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Laughing out loud!
Too much idle time….no game…clever brains working OT.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions
It mentioned in the article that the A’s traded 4 of their top players for 13 prospects. I forgot who was the other player besides Haren, Kotsay, and Swisher? I can’t even keep things straight anymore.
Scutaro?
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
That’s what I though originally but didn’t we only get 2 players in that deal? That would add up to 12 by my count. Haren (6), Kotsay (1), Swisher (3), and Scutaro (2). Did we get somebody else in the Scutaro trade that I’m missing?
Wait
I didn’t think Avogadro’s number was 79…
I feel deceived.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Most importantly, we lost Jamie Kotsay
So Kotsay trade = fail …
Just Keeping Score, But ...
Would the many on AN who insisted after the Harden trade that Billy was not giving up on this season please now concede that they were dead wrong and Billy is giving up on the season? That’s not to say this wasn’t a good trade, or that the Harden trade wasn’t a good trade (most ANers, like me, certainly think the latter trade sucked, but we might well be wrong…), but there is now no denying that Billy has waved the white flag. So just for the purposes of intellectual honesty, admit it!
Getting rid of a 5-12 pitcher
for some decent prospects is not waving the white flag, at least not just yet. It seemed to me that Blanton was never the same after Kendall was gone. I still like him and hope he does well in th NL but he was not working out for us. However, if Duke is traded, I will be more inclined to agree with you. We shall see…
by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions
just checking...
but were you the one who said basically the exact same thing after the harden trade? no offense but i really don’t think you’re changing the minds of those (like me) who think there’s not really a white flag being raised especially when you trade someone like blanton. also, stating that “most ANers…certainly think the (Harden) trade sucked” is probably overstating how the current perception of that trade looks…its a little too early to determine, in other words
For the record I liked the Harden trade. And I love Harden...
I’ll be rooting for him and the Cubs
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I was on the ledge ready to jump
when I first learned of the Harden deal, but most people on AN made great arguments in support of the trade. Harden was my fave when healthy, but now I, like most others here (seemingly) see the immediate and long-term benefeits.
by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I cautiously stepped back
from the ledge and put down my gun after seeing his performance.
by somebodyelse on Jul 17, 2008 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't believe Billy is giving up on this season.
It’s easy to imagine Gallagher matching Harden’s value, given durability issues. It’s also easy to imagine Gio matching Blanton’s value going forward. Neither is a sure thing, but neither is that improbable either. That’s not even mentioning Patterson and Murton. And July’s not over yet.
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I would deny Beane is "waving the white flag"
I don’t pretend to outthink the professionals in the front office of the Oakland baseball club. Whatever AN scribes comes up with in analyzing these trades, I am confident the real dudes have much more detail, many more professional assessments, and a far stronger track record in coming out on top with these transactions. Not a “white flag” when you trade someone who was “5 innings and out” too many times in May, June and July. You have players available, and the judgment is, “How do we insert those ready players, into a non-performing slot?” When a club like the Phillies (“aggressive”..they called the A’s) is willing to create “addition by subtraction”, it’s called progress, not “surrender”.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Quite so
And the merits of the trades are irrelevant to that discussion. Even if you think the Harden and Blanton deals are both staggering coups for the A’s, you can’t possibly still believe they represent the best chance of winning in 2008.
Those were the reasons and that was New York, we were running for the money and the flesh.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 17, 2008 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Apparently monkeyball does
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
I do too, since I believe it unlikely that Harden pitches 80+ innings the rest of the year
Also this slew of prospects makes further moves easier to make—think pitching prospect for hitting prospect, e.g. they could add Outman/Mazzaro/Rodriguez/Italiano in a deal to acquire LaRoche or some such thing. Murton could be traded…Patterson or Ellis….etc.
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
why can't someone still believe that?
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
not if the a's think harden will get injured eventually
what if gallagher/braden/gio can somehow manage to approximate harden/gaudin/blanton close enough that adding murton/patterson makes up any difference?
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
They're behind enough that the only reasonable playoff scenario
was “Harden staying healthy for the rest of the year.” Gallagher may well be better than Harden for the rest of the year, but he won’t get us into the playoffs, which Harden could have. Murton is a marginal piece, and Patterson is not even on the team.
The A’s playoff odds were not so good prior to the trade, and a star-performance from Harden the rest of the way was really the only way to make up that ground. Gallagher + Murton is simply not going to get us to the playoffs. Not even close. And while it may wind up being better than second-half-Harden, it is nowhere close to “Healthy Harden pitching out the rest of the season” which was the only reasonable chance to make the playoffs this year.
The A's colors are green and gold.
to clarify my position ...
Yes, I think that the Harden and Blanton trades both improved the A’s for this year, in the sense that I think the roster after the moves is likely to produce a better record than the pre-moves roster.
However, I also agree with your assessment that “a star-performance from Harden the rest of the way was really the only way to make up that ground” in order to make the playoffs. I don’t think Harden was likely to deliver that—and apparently neither did Beane.
The trades will likely result in a better record, but not a playoff appearance, for the A’s (I also don’t think Beane is done yet, though).
I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@
Do you work for KNBR or something?
Who is this? Is that you Damon Bruce?
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagines such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jul 17, 2008 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions
This particular trade is not giving up on the season
This actually makes the rotation better because say whoever gets plugged in there can go even 7-6 then that is a drastic improvement on 5-12 or the equivalent starts thereof.
I am sure Billy and his staff privately at least, are busy celebrating the fact that they just made this franchise that much better.
Busting out the Krystall are they?
Nice….............but now I don’t get to make any fat boy jokes anymore…...wahh!!!!!
;)’
well
on the phillies blog alot of the people are ambivalent to pissed about the trade. Mostly though they are mad about a guy named Adam Eaton. He must suck really bad. Because every other post on the Blanton trade is how much they hate Adam Eaton.
Adam Eaton
was a Phils’ 1st round pick in the mid-90’s, whom they packaged in a trade to SD for Andy Ashby (who sucked in Philly), and who was then featured in a trade to TX for Adrien Gonzalez and Chris Young (way to go Rangers!), and who then sucked in TX…and was finally signed by the Phils as a FA and has continued to suck in a Phillies uniform.
Philadelphia fans, and Phillie fans in particular, need little prompting to start ripping on their teams. But Adam Eaton really does suck, and the team is paying him somewhere upward of $7m this year for his crappy pitching, and they’re worried that Blanton will be a similar type of pitcher.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Phils fans also have long memories
And if they hated you once, more hate lurks just a few failures away. Previous failures are foremost in mind when preparing for the next one. They’d be horrible closers.
Those were the reasons and that was New York, we were running for the money and the flesh.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 17, 2008 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions
The reason Eaton is hated
isn’t simply that he sucks, or that he isn’t cheap. Right when he was acquired, many Philly fans hated the acquisition, pointing to his record of crappiness. The organisation claimed that now that he was “healthy”, he would be a decent pitcher.
ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524
Scouting Reports on the three from phuturephillies.com
Adrian Cardenas (2B)
—-—-—-—-—-——-
Strengths: Thick and strong, Cardenas has an easy, compact stroke from the left side that produces consistent line drives with good loft power. He squares up breaking balls and fastballs equally well, and he makes hard contact to all fields. He exhibits above-average arm strength at his new position.
Weaknesses: 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.
Ranking: 2007: Phillies #2 (Baseball America)
Josh Outman (LHP)
—-—-—-—-—-——
Strengths: Despite his revamped delivery, deception remains Outman’s biggest strength on the mound. Hitters can’t get good reads on his 90-94 mph fastball, his late-biting, 83-84 mph slider or his changeup. He scrapped his curveball in 2007, and his arm speed and his location with his changeup improved dramatically as he concentrated on a three-pitch mix. He’s a good athlete and fields his position well.
Weaknesses: The patience of Double-A hitters was a wakeup call for Outman, who walked six in his Reading debut. He fell behind in counts after often overthrowing his fastball and elevating it in the strike zone. While he repeats his mechanics well, he throws with some effort and has a slight head jerk, especially when he throws his slider.
Ranking: 2007: Phillies #4 (Baseball America)
Matt Spencer (RF, P, ?)
—-—-—-—-—-——
In terms of tools, Spencer is the same player who was part of a banner 2004 draft class in his home state of Tennessee. He went to North Carolina for his first two college seasons and helped the Tar Heels reach the College World Series last season, often playing center field despite his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame and finishing second on the team with 15 stolen bases. Spencer returned to UNC for his junior year after a poor performance in the Cape Cod League (.197, one extra-base hit) and lost his job, so he transferred between semesters to Arizona State. He burst back on the prospect scene with a pair of homers at an early-season tournament in Houston with most of the industry’s scouting directors in attendance, but his season was plagued by as much inconsistency as his Tar Heels career. Spencer has above-average raw power and profiles as a right fielder if he can make consistent contact. After pitching just five innings for North Carolina, Spencer had worked into a set-up role with Arizona State. Though he lacked command (16 walks in 10 innings), he has hit 94 mph, and some scouts who doubt his hitting savvy like him better on the mound. Either way, he’s still far from a finished product, just as was the case out of high school.
We just traded away Blanton
for a guy whose biggest attribute is apparently being “thick”?
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 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions
But his second and third biggest attributes are that he's strong and easy
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Apparently Blanton is starting for the A's, but in a Phillie's uni
MLB guys updated the sombrero, but not the probable pitchers
Um....
The magic Beane has now traded Haren,Swisher,Harden,Gaudin and Blanton and hasn’t gotten anyone who can knock 30 balls out of the park. I admit I find life confusing but I’m totally confused as to what the plan is. I’m going to go feed my dog some snausages now.
Wait till tomorrow
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Blanton probably asked for this trade
He hates his cupcakes nickname so is going to get slimming pinstripes w/o joining an evil empire. Plus Philly has better cheese steaks and pretzels….
but they don’t have the whistles that go woo woo http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kcg5biQGVNI
He probably asked earlier in the year
so he wouldn’t have to pitch to his bar-hoppin’ buddy, Swisher.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 17, 2008 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Chris Donaldson
The catcher they got in the Harden deal is smoking the ball since joining Stockton:
With his 3-3 performance today (still in the 7th inning) he’s currently sitting at:
.423/.464/.923 in 26 at bats. He hit his 4th home run today.
Good thing they didn't get that Josh Donaldson guy who sucked for the Cubs in A ball
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 17, 2008 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
6 man
Even if Braden gets the extra spot in the rotation- who is the spot starter? I think Gio is coming up.
by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 18, 2008 4:00 AM PDT reply actions
I like Outman
Especially if the A’s put him back in the rotation.
Cardenas is a good prospect.
Spencer has power potential but is a “meh” for now.
The monster at the end of this blog.
I'm trying to figure out why Outman hasn't been starting much this year
Does anybody know why Philly made that decision?
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions
i believe they were trying to get him up to their mlb bullpen
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
"Joe, what have I told you and rest of the team about chewing gum?"
I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@
Nice.
Joe developed an attitude after the Kendall trade. He just wasn’t good enough to justify it this season. Good luck to him.
by somebodyelse on Jul 18, 2008 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I just realized that I baked cupcakes for Youth Night last night
WEIRD. “Cupcakes” is traded and then I make cupcakes for the first time. ooooo spooky . . . maybe not.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
I just realized that the night before Beane traded Rich I got a ...
Well. At least it wasn’t for Youth Night.
I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@
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