Nico's Rivercats Scouting Report, Small Sample Edition

by Nico on Jul 20, 2008 5:18 PM PDT Comment 224 comments

LongTimeFan and I enjoyed the Rivercats' 10-1 pounding of the Las Vegas 51s on Saturday, disappointed that our first choice, Gio Gonzalez, and our second choice, Dan Meyer, did not get the call, and that we saw quite the known quantity in Kirk Saarloos. We had terrific seats right behind the plate, just one row away from where Gio Gonzalez, fellow starting pitcher Chris Gissell, and a couple others were charting pitches and working the radar gun. I think LongTimeFan’s official scouting report would be that Gio is a very good-looking prospect.

Saarloos pitched well, throwing 7 innings of 5 hit, one run baseball, but we all know Saarloos well and there’s not much to say from a scouting perspective (other than I wouldn’t have minded having him, instead of DiNardo, on the mound in the bottom of the 11th). Ryan Wing looked sharp in the 8th inning and Bret Prinz finished up in the 9th.

Meanwhile, I have to qualify my scouting report on A’s position players by saying that the 51’s pitching really sucked. Something called a Miguel Pinango wobbled around for 3 innings and 73 pitches and then the bullpen was horrific, led by Greg Miller, a 6’6” left-hander who managed to squeeze 5 BBs, 2 wild pitches, and 5 runs into 2/3 of an inning. He threw 34 pitches, 10 strikes. Anyway, here are a few stray observations:

Positives

Danny Putnam Putnam banged doubles down each line, displaying the quick and compact swing we once saw missing a lot of pitches with Oakland. If he could make enough contact, he could probably be a decent major league hitter. However, his ability to make contact with AAA pitching doesn’t really answer whether he can make contact at the big league level and he is pretty low on the A’s OF depth chart. Still, he looked good.

Eric Patterson At least for one game, Patterson looked fine at 2B, making a couple good plays (e.g., good range and a difficult throw to lead Saarloos to first base after 1Bman Justin Knoedler dove for and missed a ground ball) and displaying no apparent weaknesses in instincts or fundamentals. He is a lot lankier than I expected, but it seems like he gets his power from a very quick swing. At the plate, he did not do much, beating out an infield squibber to third, popping up (and looking disgusted at himself for a couple seconds instead of hustling out of the batter’s box), and so on, but the bat speed was evident. He is lightning quick.

Chris Denorfia Along with poking a single through the hole to right, stealing a base, and scoring twice, Denorfia played a solid CF, positioning himself well for the throw and firing a strike to the plate to nail the runner on a would-be sacrifice fly early on, then later getting a good jump and running down a fly ball in the alley. Denorfia has been passed by Ryan Sweeney and hears Aaron Cunningham’s footsteps, but there still seems like hope that he could make it back to the big league club at some point.

Cliff Pennington He didn’t blow me away, but his bat speed was evident. He pulled a lot of balls well foul, suggesting that he needs to trust his bat speed and stay back more on pitches.

Negatives

Landon Powell He looked awful. Behind the plate, he let many pitches get by him, some for wild pitches, others coming with nobody on base. He is not naturally very mobile (is there a nice way to say “He’s really fat”?) and to make matters worse he often just stabs at the ball backhanded rather than starting to move his body as early as possible to compensate for his girth. Offensively, he looked like a .222 hitter in AAA – which, sadly, is what he currently is. I don’t know if Powell can hit well enough to play in the big leagues, but someone his weight, who has had knee operations, probably should not be catching. He certainly isn’t doing it very well - you could say that I really do take him for granite.

Travis Buck You can see why the A’s haven’t called Buck back up. Though he was 1 for 3 with a two-run single and a BB, he often looked overmatched by bad AAA pitching, chasing several bad breaking pitches and changeups and looking far from “too good for the level of competition”. His fall from grace remains one of the bigger mysteries of the 2008 season.

One final note: The Rivercats’ personnel are exceptionally friendly and responsive, and make you feel like they truly appreciate your presence at the ballpark. Get up to Raley Field sometime if you can – you won’t be disappointed.

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I still have faith in Buck..

I have more faith in him than Barton. But we need both of them back to what they were supposed to be. Which was 280/360/450

"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com

by Syphon on Jul 20, 2008 5:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he needs a shrink

Either that or the constant nagging injuries have somehow screwed up his swing in a major way.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

or maybe this is not unexpected by the FO

Remember, he really only got called up (and stayed up) last year because of injuries, not so much his outstanding ST. He was never ballyhooed as the next (previous) Carlos Gonzalez. Yes, he looked mostly good (at the plate; his defensive reads have always been poor) last year—but maybe that was just a fluke.

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

by monkeyball on Jul 20, 2008 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing in his track record suggested that it was a fluke

Certainly he progressed rapidly, but it was hardly a Ludwick-esque breakout season. I don’t think anyone could have predicted that he would suddenly and totally lose his ability to hit line drives.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He hasn't.

I saw him play a few weeks ago. What made him good is still there. The expectations placed on him by the fans/himself/the team/ may be affecting his abilities. I don’t really know. But I saw flashes of his former glory while he was playing the Grizzlies. I imagine he needs a season out of the limelight to regain his form. I don’t think anyone here would be surprised to see him return to his old form next spring.

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

by alox on Jul 21, 2008 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's odd is that he looked like a natural ballplayer -

one of those guys who instinctively knew what to do. Now he..kind of…

..doesn’t.

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 20, 2008 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

my reaction to him last year ...

... was that he looked like a natural athlete, who instinctively (and perhaps incidentally) could play baseball well.

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

by monkeyball on Jul 20, 2008 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's true - it's possible that a lot of the time

that he was stroking liners to left he was in fact trying to shoot a free throw. :-)

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 20, 2008 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

wasn't he good until he cut his hair?

does anyone have his pre-haircut and post-haircut stats? Nico, what’s his hair like now?

Hi ho.

by danh on Jul 20, 2008 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Flowing, somewhat dreamy

Or if you’re a guy: Long.

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 20, 2008 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is his girlfriend's name Delilah?

And don’t call me ho.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I made a t-shirt the other day

for a woman that said “Call Me Deliliah”—I thought it was odd. Her name was like Candy or something.

I think we should throw (Barton) head first, into a pool with no water, screaming, "You like THAT? Huh, kid, do you like THAT?" Maybe that’s just the Marine in me, though. -Nico
For the record, I’ve never had a Marine in me. -Swooney's Left Foot

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Her real name is Candy?

Maybe Delilah is her stripper name.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's an interesting question

When women with stripped names decide to become strippers, do they chose like normal names:

“Well, my name is Sindey Sinful, but my stripper name is Barbara Johnson.”

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 21, 2008 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't agree more about Raley Field

The times I’ve been have been nothing but positive. It’s a great venue and, as Nico says, everyone is super nice.

Great report, Nico—thanks!

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 5:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Seconded

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 20, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thirded

There’s one thing they can do to make it better, though. They could paint the structure behind the home plate area a darker color. When one is sitting in the outfield seating area, it’s hard to follow the ball out of that off-white background.

Root for the Giants? Not even if they're playing al-Qaeda!

by Monday Fan on Jul 21, 2008 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you're on the right field lawn, the first hour

is looking right into the sun, also a big problem. Buck actually misplayed a double in the first couple innings because he lost the ball initially in RF.

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 21, 2008 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm surprised by the apparent crappiness of Powell defensively

Prior reports on BA and others have said nice things about his defense.

Do you see Patterson as a viable option as A’s 2B in 2009?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 20, 2008 5:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Powell

if i remember correctly, he was heavy and not very good (2006), and then he lost weight and was good again (2007).
maybe he gained weight again after his most recent knee injury?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jul 20, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His weight has been up and down quite a bit—which isn’t very promising. When I saw him in the AFL, he was huge. At the beginning of this season, he was much slimmer. It appears he put a lot of the weight back on. If he’s going to have a major league career, he’ll have to get that problem under control.

Root for the Giants? Not even if they're playing al-Qaeda!

by Monday Fan on Jul 21, 2008 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to say, I don't think you can know

watching one game, unless the guy is really bad and you can say “No one should look this bad on any day.” My take is that Patterson is:

1. gifted and athletic
2. immature

which is why he reminded me of Cano – someone whose physical skills would lead you to think he should be a plus defensive player, but who does not bring the same skills to his defense as he brings to his offense. All of which is to say that when you have someone who is sufficiently talented but “raw,” he probably can get there but not right away. That’s where being 25 is a problem, and where the quality of your infield coaching is of paramount importance.

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 20, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Cano was good at defense

Error-prone, perhaps, but gets to a lot of balls.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When he first came up, he made a lot of errors

on routine plays. Lately, he has improved to better match the incredibly irritating smug look on his face as he goes 8/13 against my favorite team.

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 20, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Hate Cano.

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Powell knows how to be a good catcher.

His defense in college was second to none. He was acres better than Suzuki defensively when they were both at the same level.

But that was before he blew out his knee twice.

Why is he backhanding pitches rather than getting across to them? Because he doesn’t have the knees to get across anymore.

Nico is right. He shouldn’t be catching. Problem is, if he switches to 1B, he’ll have the range of Prince Fielder, and if he switches to DH, he’ll never see the majors.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The report on Powell is kind of depressing

I’m hoping this is just sort of a lost season and he can start fresh and fully healthy next year. They’ve got to get him on Sean Gallagher’s diet plan or something.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 5:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If he's fat,

in theory he should be a better catcher, no? Occupying more space and all that? Isn’t that why they always made the fat kid the catcher in little league?

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He doesn't move laterally, and this is a problem

If nothing was ever thrown beyond his girth, I suppose it wouldn’t be a problem but he’s not THAT fat.

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 20, 2008 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The "sumo wrestler for NHL goalie" theory?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

EXACTLY!

Maybe we could have an extra speedy third or first baseman that sprinted down there everytime to get anything that he misses….

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I knew Rajai was still around for a good reason

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that were true, wouldn't every hockey team just get a 600 pound sumo wrestler to play goalie?

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which PT already said, but I'm dumb and comment before reading responses

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone analyzed that

You’d have to find someone in the 1500 pound range to actually cover a hockey goal.

by nevermoor on Jul 21, 2008 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus

the uniform costs, the extra weight for travel, twelve pizzas a day…it wasn’t cost-effective.

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 21, 2008 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But accurate

Thanks for the eyewitness report, Nico. The numbers and history are misleading in Powell’s case. He’s only moderately faster than Benjie Molina, and has been thrown out at second numerous times on hits that should have been stand-up doubles. And he’s way too heavy for having two reconstructed knees – you can see it in how awkwardly he lumbers the basepaths. He has a great arm (much better than most ‘Cats catchers of recent years), but not much else to offer. I wouldn’t plan on him being able to play catcher or beat out in-the-park hits at the major league level for any length of time, even if he did make it up there..

by catfan on Jul 21, 2008 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, Bret Prinz is a RiverCat?

He had a really live arm when he was a D-Back, but blew it out if I remember correctly.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 20, 2008 5:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"Like a candle in the wind..."

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 20, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's also a D-bag

Last year with the White Sox he just…refused to warm up to go into a game. He wasn’t hurt or not feeling well or anything. He got the call and said he just didnt feel like it.

He was not with the team the next day.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So he's that guy from that "time out" beer commercial?

by mikev on Jul 20, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

glad you got to watch a team we like win

after watching the A’s lose to the Yankees today, I later turned on the ESPN Sunday night game – to see my two least favorite teams, the Sux and the LAAof A. Such a dilemma, who to root for, since I wanted to root against both? So I rooted mainly against the Angels, who unfortunately won (Including K-Rod’s gyrations upon saving his 40th game of the season).

Don’t look now—but the Rangers are only half a game behind the A’s.

by OaklandSi on Jul 20, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey, think of it this way

At least they won’t Smoak us again.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, that's one way to look at it

by OaklandSi on Jul 20, 2008 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Root for an outfield collision.

Each.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Powell caught on Friday, and I don't remember any balls get behind them, although

most of the game he was just picking the ball up off the ground. Rivercat pitchers hit 6 or 7 batters.

by theblackpearl on Jul 20, 2008 6:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hm

I’m amazed that didn’t provoke a fight, intentional or not. Their opponents were either remarkably Christlike or remarkably spineless.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or couldn't make it out to the mound

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 20, 2008 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Concussion will slow a guy down.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the report.

I’ve chatted with Blez and stationing you in Sacramento, given the nature of big team, is the place for you till the end of the season.

Hah, just tuned in the history channel with a Wild Alaska program, that I don’t normally watch, and they were on my street on a feature of garbage raiding bears. Tell me about it.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 20, 2008 6:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

damn bears

always knocking over the garbage cans….we get that in Florida too.

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

at end of august, i am out of here to Denver area.

probably have a mountain lion jump on my back while jogging.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 20, 2008 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

{marks pet mountain lion's calendar

for September 1st}

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 20, 2008 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

note: when staying over at

Nico’s for A’s game weekends, have him move the litter box out to the patio.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 20, 2008 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

we get that in San Francisco, too

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

by monkeyball on Jul 20, 2008 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Which should lead to my story

about how my ex-wife made me go to the Guerneville Safeway with her once while there was a Bear Convention in town and she refused to walk with me to see if anyone would try to pick me up…

The divorce wasn’t ALL my fault, you know.

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 21, 2008 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Godless Killing Machines

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The bears in Yosemite

have apparently learned to break into cars where they see food inside—by jumping up and down on the roof of the car until the doors pop open.

Needless to say it is recommended that you use the bearproof food storage lockers instead.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That never works when I try it

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

by Nico on Jul 20, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jumping up on down on the top of the car, that is

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 20, 2008 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you need to gain about half a ton before you try that strategy

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll get right on that

{opens quart of Haagen Daas "Quadruple Bypass-nilla"}

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 20, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

or just invite Landon Powell over

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

by monkeyball on Jul 20, 2008 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Put a bear in an NHL goal.

Nothing scores!

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Picnic baskets are not sufficient

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which will prove itself rather unfortunate....

when the bears realize there’s nothing to eat, other than the straggly, skinny, hiker who locked up all the food.

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

by alox on Jul 21, 2008 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw the Kane County Cougars this weekend

Not much to remark upon, except that Jemile Weeks does not look like a 1st round draft pick. He needs a lot of work on defense; he made an error on a ball that he just did not make an effort to get into position, only to have the ball bounce over his glove. He had one base hit, but otherwise struggled to make solid contact.

by MrIncognito on Jul 20, 2008 6:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well he was 3-6 today with 2 doubles. People here are so quick to judge, althugh he did

make another error

by theblackpearl on Jul 20, 2008 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not being "quick to judge" IMO

to say “based on the one game I saw, he looked _” What else does he have to go on? And it’s not like you can attend very many games if you want to stay Incognito.

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 20, 2008 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Are you expecting to be mobbed by the press?

Are you Batman?

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry Nico

I don’t mean to be a smart ass, but why is anonymity important in this instance.

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The poster I was responding to was Mr.Incognito

by theblackpearl on Jul 20, 2008 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah

I am…thick-headed. Again. My ex-wife continues to be proved right in her assessment. Damn.

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And assetts no doubt too.

Damn the bad luck.

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

by alox on Jul 21, 2008 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Snarkiness will only get you so far in this world,

you know.

(Of course, I myself, plan on seeing how far that is, so….neveryoumind)

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 21, 2008 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Wing

From what I can tell this guy is having a great season, but I haven’t really heard too much about him. What’s his deal and is there any chance he gets called up?

His peripherals sure look better than than DiNardo.

by GeorgiaBoy on Jul 20, 2008 7:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

DiNardo has a 900K major league contract

That is why he is up instead of Wing or someone else.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't do a "scouting report" on Wing because

when he came into the game it was already a blowout, so I didn’t feel you could learn a whole lot from one inning in a 10-1 game. But he looked solid, efficient – not sure if he’s considered a prospect or a filler-guy who’s having a nice season.

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

by Nico on Jul 20, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wrong

DiNardo is up because he’s the long reliever and Wing is a short reliever.

If the A’s trade Embree, they might call up Wing to be the #2 lefty in their bullpen. Or they might call up Meyer. It would probably depend on whether a 40-man roster space was available or not.

He’s fine—pretty much Ron Flores under a different name.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Long reliever? Like Gaudin?

Meaning Geren uses him to pitch the 8th or 9th in a blowout?

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see Lenny as being more of a

“walk off hit by pitch specialist”.

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 20, 2008 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn, he knows his role.

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If they trade Embree, they should call up Jay Marshall

Because he’s been lights out against lefties this season. Of course, that would require Geren to learn how to use a situational reliever and he can’t even use the regular bullpen guys the right way.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel like Wing is a better pitcher...

Really, though, they can’t go that wrong whoever they call up. That’s why I think they should shop Embree aggressively. Sacramento has so many southpaws that if you put a compass on home plate, it’d point to the other team’s dugout.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 21, 2008 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately

Embree, like Street, is another guy we’ve waited a bit too long to shop. The 4.34 ERA and 1.37 WHIP (and the HR every nine innings) isn’t as attractive as it was earlier in the season. Hopefully, deadline desperation will make up the difference.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, there's always the Yankees.

They’ll take anyone’s old shit.

Hey, Richie?

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Persistence of memory issue with the Yanks.

Once you’ve gone gascan for the Yanks, as Embree has already done once, you don’t often get a second chance.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two words.

Billy Martin.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The exception that proves the rule.

You’re only afforded this courtesy if you refer to Reggie as a “born liar” and George as “convicted.”

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And a regular

booze hound partner of Mickey’s.

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 21, 2008 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meyer is pitching tonight

So far, 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K, 78 pitches

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 7:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow - on the heels of his last start, which was

8 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K. Is it possible that he has finally re-figured it out?

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 20, 2008 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No. He hasn't.

Don’t do that to yourself man. That one is just going to break your heart.

by mikedaviswhereareyou on Jul 20, 2008 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weren't we saying that last year

immediately prior to him getting called up and shelled like a peanut?

Well, regardless, I think you have to give him another shot this year. He’s about to run out of options (I think). Even if he’s just a serviceable swingman, it would be a big help to next year’s team.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 20, 2008 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Next year, he will definitely be out of options

I’d rather see him in the rotation for the next 2 months than Braden.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he was pitching well last year

when he was called up, but still walking too many and running very high pitch counts. This is the first time he has combined low hits and high Ks with low BBs. That means he’s in the strike zone and not getting hit – by guys like Jason Repko and Terry Tiffee!

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 20, 2008 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand he's in AAA

and not pitching all that well overall anyway. But with the team going nowhere and him being out of options next year, I’d like to at least get a few innings out of him before removing him from the 40 man. And who knows, if he pitches well, they might be able to trade him.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't remove him from the 40 man next year anyway

I think he’s worth hanging onto at least two more seasons before giving up on him. He has a better chance than DiNardo, Saarloos, or (IMO) Braden of becoming an effective major league starter.

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 20, 2008 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That means he has to be on the 25 man major league roster

Doesn’t it?

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see how he could be a liability

if (in the event he struggles) he were in the DiNardo/Braden long reliever role. And if he doesn’t struggle, we could always use an effective starter – perhaps he could move Eveland to the bullpen where his ability to get lefties out could be better utilized (a la Joe Kennedy, circa 2006).

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 20, 2008 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess

But even after 2 straight great starts, his ERA is almost 5. Maybe instead of Kennedy, he could be the left handed Blanton.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but the beauty of the minors is that

it only really matters how good you have become right now, going forward. If he figured it out for keeps on July 8th, 2008, more power to him. He’s still about 4 years ahead of Jamie Moyer.

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 20, 2008 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meyer's final line tonight, BTW -

7 IP, 5 hits, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 102 pitches, 68 strikes.

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 20, 2008 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.

And Eric Byrnes is really a .315 hitter.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I try to catch at last on Rivercat game every summer

It’s a great way to get a sense for what the future beholds, even if many of our best prospects are in low A. But, look out for them foul balls!

by Jeremy Belvins on Jul 20, 2008 7:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What you have against the poor letter "e" I'll never know

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 20, 2008 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Emen

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 20, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And what do you have against the letter S?

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish Cust had something against E's.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He seems to whiff with ease

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 20, 2008 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Should it be called whiffing

when you don’t swing?

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The whiff is the sound made

when I throw a towel at the TV trying to flog Cust for taking strike three.

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 20, 2008 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

PT pointed out that those takes prove he has a good eye...

by skutch on Jul 20, 2008 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cust that is, not PT...

by skutch on Jul 20, 2008 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I too have a good eye

(less power, though).

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

by Nico on Jul 20, 2008 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only one?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 20, 2008 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only one good eye

The other two suck.

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 20, 2008 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

(Second and) Third Eye Blind?

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He prefers the HGHs.

Come on, you know it’s true.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks so much for this writeup, Nico

Great to read eyewitness accounts like this.

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

by monkeyball on Jul 20, 2008 7:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You're welcome and thanks for the thanks

It was frustrating not to get to see Gio or Meyer. I had been watching the box scores for about a week trying to predict the starter and was hopeful, when Gio pitched Monday, that he might go Saturday. No luck.

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 20, 2008 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris Carter

Sorry Nico that this isn’t about the rivercats but has anyone else noticed that for the last three games Chris Carter has been playing 3rd base? Does anyone know if this is going to be a long time experiment or just something temporary?

The Ports actually have Matthew Spencer, the 3rd player we got for Blanton, in as the 1B.

by Coffee13eans on Jul 20, 2008 8:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Petit played 3B for Sac tonight

They would love to fill the hole at third internally and are experimenting with a few different guys since they don’t have a legitimate 3B prospect.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doolittle played RF today, so they are trying these mulitple parts players at different positions

by theblackpearl on Jul 20, 2008 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Suddenly, we seem to have a lot of players whose names

are very descriptive: Outman, Doolittle…

OK, two.

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 20, 2008 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The last 287,483 times Jack has taken a 3 strike

I have Cust.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dan has been mired in a slump for quite some time

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 20, 2008 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The wife thinks Travis is quite the buck.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Longer than that

21 games at 3B so far. They’re definitely trying to see if he can play there, but I doubt he can.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 20, 2008 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the Rivercats report

Nico. It is a pleasure to have a seasoned observer write about the Sacto stuff.

On the animal front, young raccoons tipped over the trash last night. First time in a long time. No more candy wrappers outside, as the chocolate odor seems to be the major attractant (empty wrappers chewed).

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

by One won lost won on Jul 20, 2008 8:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Raccoons on caffeine - should be a fun evening.

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 20, 2008 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ditto to Nico's account

I drove up from Alameda to see the game, and was a few seats away from you behind the plate in row 3. I hoped to add some photos to the account, but I forgot my dang camera!

Second the greatness of Raley field. Always a good time—my kid got on DiamondVision, so his night was made. The best comment of the night came from my seven year-old who said: “Do these fireworks guys work their way up to the majors?”

by Technotofu on Jul 20, 2008 8:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Other notables from tonight's 5-2 win,

besides Dan Meyer’s 7 shutout innings…

Patterson went 2 for 4 with a double and a triple (he really is lightning fast)...Buck was 1 for 3 with two BBs and two RBI…Powell 0 for 4 (down to .217).

Also, Brooks Conrad was not in the lineup and I believe he has been called up to the big league team and is on his way to Tampa – but I haven’t seen that officially so I haven’t posted anything. No idea, if it’s true, whom he replaces on the major league roster and why. Let the irresponsible speculation begin…

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 20, 2008 9:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wha?

That’s very surprising if true. I guess Patterson doesn’t really have a position on the big team at this second, but he’s the kind of offensive help we could use.

I guess there could also be yet another trade afoot.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 20, 2008 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't really think Patterson and "offensive help" should be in the same sentence

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why respond to every comment about

Patterson negatively? Especially if there’s no new analysis? He’s hot in AAA, has good career numbers throughout the minors, and was handled questionably by the Cubs. It’s at least debateable that he might be useful. So why not make arguments about it instead of just repeating yourself?

I like your analysis on other topics a lot, and even what you said earlier on this topic.

by ohmangoAs on Jul 20, 2008 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I sure as hell don't think it should be in the same sentence as Brooks Conrad

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 21, 2008 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it just me?

Or does Brooks Conrad sound likes someone who played “Crafty Bill” or “Three-Fingered Jed” in an episode of Gunsmoke?

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think a career minor league OPS of .844

is awfully useful for a second baseman; the 127 SB (with a 79% success rate) don’t suck, either. Mark Ellis was nowhere near that successful as a minor leaguer.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Conrad is not on the 40 man either

So, if true, either someone is moved to 60 day DL (Chavez), traded (Ellis) or DFA’d (Majors: Murphy, Davis, DFA Minors: Gray).

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 20, 2008 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

brooks conrad on the major league roster

if true, that move makes no sense to me.
if it’s for a 2b, why not call up patterson or petit?

i will also be confused if dinardo ever starts over braden or meyer.
it should be all about the future at this point, and conrad at 2b and dinardo in the rotation are not it.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jul 20, 2008 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well the Sac Bee, thinks he is on his way to Tampa.

RIVER CATS REPORT
Next game: Today, 7:05 p.m. at Raley Field. Las Vegas RHP Heath Totten (2-2, 5.12 ERA) at River Cats RHP Chris Gissell (3-2, 4.14).
Note: Infielder Brooks Conrad and his 21 homers were not in the lineup – or at Raley Field, for that matter – Sunday night. That likely means Conrad was en route to meet the A’s in Tampa, Fla., to face the Rays in a series beginning tonight.

Conrad’s power and versatility likely caught the eyes of the A’s brass. That’s especially likely considering one player (Jack Cust, 18) on their roster has more than nine homers.

Conrad hit 23, 24 and 22 homers, respectively, during his previous three minor-league seasons, so his portfolio includes power.

– Martin McNeal

http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1096809.html

by theblackpearl on Jul 21, 2008 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure it's true

Last night, Blez forwarded me an email correspondence he was having with someone (he forgot to tell me who, but from the correspondence it looked like maybe Brooks’ dad – certainly someone who knew Conrad personally) telling Blez that Brooks was on his way to Tampa to the join the team. Blez was about to get on a plane so I couldn’t ask him for clarification, and I never heard anything further about it privately so I didn’t want to say anything on the site. But I think it’s true, and it’s interesting to ponder who might be leaving the active roster.

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 21, 2008 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was it from the Gaslamp Ball guy?

Blez probably knows him and he seemed to have some connection with Conrad.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 21, 2008 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could be - I don't know because

Blez didn’t say. He just cc’d me on the correspondence he was having because he knew he was going to be inaccessible.

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 21, 2008 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

my guess is Brown or Murphy get DFA

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 21, 2008 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"inaccessible"?

Oh, shit—Beane’s gonna DFA Blez to make room for Conrad!

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

by monkeyball on Jul 21, 2008 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, my inside sources

(which happen to be Gary Coleman) say it’s a complex series of moves whereby Brooks Conrad and Conrad Bain will be added, Todd Bridges DFA and Dana Plato moved from the 15 da DL to the 60 day DL with “death”.

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 21, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

QOTM!

Unabashed awesomeness category.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm kinda uncomfortable with dead jokes for people

who suffered from depression and my have committed suicide.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 21, 2008 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Gaslamp Ball guy

is Brooks Conrad’s brother-in-law.

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

by andeux on Jul 21, 2008 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's here to play 1B, 2B, or 3B,

so it could be Murphy, Hannahan, Bankston (my guess), Ellis, or dfa (if Bankston will miss some time, but not on the DL). Or Murton if he’s being traded. Could also be Cust who might be injured since he didn’t play yesterday. Really, anyone except Bowen and Embree.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 21, 2008 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you know if any of those guys have options (other than Bankston)?

Murphy has certainly earned a trip to go “find his swing.” I didn’t think he had options, though. I’m pretty sure Hannahan doesn’t. I am hoping Hannahan, but suspecting Bankston as well. Maybe the cramping cause a muscle pull or tear.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Hannahan does, and Murphy doesn't

I would also guess it’s an injury to Bankston.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 21, 2008 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I looked it up.

This is Hannahan’s last option year, so he could indeed be sent down.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Has Conrad played much 3rd base? They might be done with the Hannahan experiment at

3rd.

by theblackpearl on Jul 21, 2008 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My guess is Conrad will come up and ride the bench, much like Petit did.

‘Ol Bobby G. hasn’t exactly been one to, how to say, “play the new guys” very much.

by mikev on Jul 21, 2008 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not really true. Bankston played immediately, and so did Murton. Actually

Petit played as soon as he arrived, they must not have liked what they saw.

by theblackpearl on Jul 21, 2008 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was talking about playing (nearly) every day.

Petit hardly played at all, Bankston played 9 games and was sent back down, and Murton didn’t even come straight to Oakland—even so, now that he’s here Emil Brown is still playing for some unknown reason.

by mikev on Jul 21, 2008 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Petit came up when Murphy and Crosby went on DL

There is no reason to fly Conrad 3000 miles and add him to the 40 man if Ellis, Crosby and Murphy are all healthy and on the team. I think it has to be either a trade of Ellis or Crosby, one of the 3 going on the DL or Murphy being DFA’d.

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 21, 2008 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One can wish for a trade or to a lesser degree, hope for a deserving DFA. But being the A’s, it will likely be someone placed on the DL. : (

So, in the end, we will be forced to watch more of Hannahan, Murphy, and Brown…our three-headed hydra of suckitude

I am Ray Fosse's man crushes for Clay Wood and Jason Kendall.

by franks a lot on Jul 21, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Bankston's injured and someone needs to be called up

who else would it be? Powell? Rogowski? I’d think Conrad’s the most likely candidate in that situation. I’d think Hannahan would move to 1B. This lineup won’t actually bother to come to the plate of course.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 21, 2008 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only thing I have to add to this discussion is

by drmmerchk on Jul 20, 2008 10:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Geren

Bob! Why would you send a left hander up to bat for Bowen! You are replacing him with Suzuki anyway, send him up. You send Jack Cust up against a lefty, he right now couldn’t hit me. And as a matter of fact it is time to cut him! Cut everybody and let’s write off the season and go youth. The youth that the Oakland A’s brag about!

by aerobicsman on Jul 21, 2008 3:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I wondered about that too

by OaklandSi on Jul 21, 2008 6:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes! Cut the only HR threat on the team! PERFECT!

by mikev on Jul 21, 2008 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

walking and trotting after a homer are not aerobic exercises

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

by monkeyball on Jul 21, 2008 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was a typo.

He meant ‘Cust everybody’, as in ‘play Cust in place of everybody else on the field.

I like the cut of his jibber jabber.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone from the SFgate Drumbeat, has finally solved the A's offensive woes.

Like I mentioned last week…
TRADE Street, Crosby and maybe a prospect to the NY Mets for Jose Reyes.

Posted By: greenNgoldRings | July 21 2008 at 09:10 AM

by theblackpearl on Jul 21, 2008 9:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes! They don't have a closer

(unless you count Billy Wagner, and I choose not to), and they don’t have a SS because we made them trade Reyes! Now…should the prospect be Trevor Cahill or Justin Knoedler? I say flip a coin.

Now who’s gonna tell Omar?

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 21, 2008 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rogers Hornsby, still available.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 21, 2008 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't he on the 60-day DL with "death" too?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 21, 2008 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He won't say no.

At least.

Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com

by Ozzz on Jul 23, 2008 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

According to Ken Rosenthal...

Link

The Mets, White Sox, Dodgers and Brewers have all expressed varying degrees of interest in A’s reliever Huston Street. The Mets and White Sox probably do not match up with the A’s, and the Dodgers are more focused on their pursuit of a shortstop. The Brewers, who remain in the market for a reliever, already have traded six prospects of varying quality for Sabathia and Durham …

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 21, 2008 9:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

and

A’s second baseman Mark Ellis would be perfect for the Cardinals, but the A’s are unlikely to move him even after making second baseman Jemile Weeks their first-round draft pick and acquiring second basemen Adrian Cardenas and Eric Patterson in trades. Ellis is one of general manager Billy Beane’s favorite players, and the A’s still want to sign him long-term …

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 21, 2008 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure why Ellis would want to stay in Oakland...

and go through rebuilding for the next 2-3 yrs…his prime years. Don’t get me wrong, I would love nothing more for him to sign an extension, but it doesn’t make a whloe lot of sense

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 21, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's comfortable here, he likes it here,

he has seen that Billy’s “3 years out rebuilding” can in fact be a “1 year and back to the playoffs” rebuild. If he goes to a contender in 2009, that team is likely to be mediocre in 2011 and 2012 because most teams go through ebbs and flows that have longer ebbs than the A’s do. With Oakland, it’s pretty clear that from 2010-2013 the team will be very, very good. So by staying, Ellis would be risking at most one non-contending season whereas elsewhere there is no guarantee he’ll do any better.

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 21, 2008 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

points well taken....but his numbers will continue to suffer in this current lineup and....

his value could be nill in another year or so…..he’s like 6 for his last 50.

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 21, 2008 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do fear that in the next 4 years,

Ellis’ offensive production will probably drop gradually but steadily. However I think his defense will remain top-notch because he relies heavily on fundamentals, good jumps, and smarts. So if the A’s keep him, they will have to look at him as a “defense guy” – which is absolutely fine if they develop/acquire a couple “heavy hitters” over the next couple years.

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 21, 2008 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is a "defense guy" worth 3 years, 24 million?

by mikev on Jul 21, 2008 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only when you factor in

the following:

1. It’s a critical defensive position
2. $8million/year isn’t that much by 2009-2011 prices
3. It comes with “Unicorn Magic” at no extra cost

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 21, 2008 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know that $8M is worth a sub .750 OPS with stellar, but probably declining, defense.

I dunno. The Unicorn Magic may be enough to sway me, though.

by mikev on Jul 21, 2008 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you sure on that?

I thought we paid a “Rainbow Super Fun Tax” for the Unicorn Magic….

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 21, 2008 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We do, but Unicorn Magic

turns it into a “Super Groovy Tax Break”.

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 21, 2008 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd think a guy who relies on "fundamentals, good jumps and smarts"

would decline faster than a better athlete.

Like a high ball pitcher, let’s call him Barry, would decline faster if he relied on finesse rather than a blazing fastball. Obviously Zito was a better pitcher than Embree in his prime, but Embree’s sheer velocity has allowed him to stay around a long time without changing his approach.

Most older pitchers were fireballers in their younger years, other than Jamie Moyer and Tom Glavine of course. Some weren’t even any good when they were young, see Rudy Seanez and Jay Witasick.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 21, 2008 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did somebody say "shear"?

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 21, 2008 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, the infinitive of shart.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 21, 2008 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes,

unless his offense declines a lot, which it might.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 21, 2008 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm more worried about the defense declining quickly.

The legs, they tend to go first.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would agree with Nico above

barring an actual injury, he’s not particularly fleet of foot as it is, and relies on fundamentals, jumps, instincts, etc., which aren’t going anywhere.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 21, 2008 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

As risks go, there are a lot worse ones out there.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ordinarily, no

However, Ellis’s defense is not ordinary. Pedro Feliz is the only person in baseball with similar abilities, and Ellis is a substantially better hitter than Feliz.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 21, 2008 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

2010 team is looking not bad

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 21, 2008 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shoot

I think you could make a strong argument for 2009 looking really good.

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 21, 2008 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it's looking too good

Starting pitching: average
Hitting: below average
Bullpen: ?, but should be excellent
Defense: excellent

Good run prevention, bad offense, average team.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 21, 2008 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LaRoche for Street anyone?

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 21, 2008 9:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Street and Crosby for Laroche and... um... well, anything. Meloan?

by mikev on Jul 21, 2008 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laroche and DeJesus

for Street, Crosby, and…?

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 21, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

sign me up for that one...not likely though.....

do tot he fact that Crosby has no real value

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 21, 2008 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Street for LaRoche, Hu, and $4000 to get LASIK for Hu

I’d do that.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 21, 2008 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and Crosby for Nomar to even up the salaries

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 21, 2008 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd take Nomar's salary if it meant getting Laroche and Hu

and LASIK.

by mikev on Jul 21, 2008 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fernando Martinez for Street....

Minaya may be dumb enough…remember this is the guy who traded Kazmir for V. Zambrano

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 21, 2008 9:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

One bad trade does not an idiot make

Although that one was a doozy.

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 21, 2008 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

wasn't that trade partly Rick Peterson's fault....

he had a man-crush on Zambrano and thought he could turn him into CY candidate

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 21, 2008 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They probably just got their Zambranos mixed up

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 21, 2008 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know it's only 10 a.m., but I have a pitcher of Zambranos mixed up -- anyone want one?

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

by monkeyball on Jul 21, 2008 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's noon somewhere!

by mikev on Jul 21, 2008 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

here.

and yes, please.

by oakinboston on Jul 21, 2008 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was Duquette not Minaya

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 21, 2008 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the Conrad move, by the way.

He undeniably has home run power, and maybe we’ll get lucky and have him go all Shane Spencer on us for a few weeks. Can’t hurt to try.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 11:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I should add

I’d prefer Patterson, but either beats the hell out of Hannahan and Murphy, especially Hannahan.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 21, 2008 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Word is it's Murphy that Conrad is replacing -

but that’s from “sources,” not Beane or Forst.

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

by Nico on Jul 21, 2008 12:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Does KC accept returns?

If so, maybe we can convince them to take back Emil…?

I am Ray Fosse's man crushes for Clay Wood and Jason Kendall.

by franks a lot on Jul 21, 2008 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DL for the elbow again, or Sacramento?

by theblackpearl on Jul 21, 2008 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was noticing that we have the one of the youngest rosters in MLB

As it stands we are at 27.5 yrs

Florida and Texas are fractionally better.

A few more rookies and we are there.

Can’t wait for the future. I wish it would get here tomorrow but then I don’t want to age any quicker than I am now (LOL)

by Trainman on Jul 21, 2008 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

no team is like 24 years old

but the DL is 37 year old.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jul 21, 2008 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's getting up there

of course I am older than that.

by Trainman on Jul 21, 2008 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It will be worth the wait.

by Syphon on Jul 21, 2008 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So Long Donnie Murphy

DFA’ed as you can see on Rotoworld.

Someone probably already posted this but just in case.

by Trainman on Jul 21, 2008 2:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And according to Drumbeat

Brooks Conrad is in the lineup and playing 3rd tonight.

Hope Bankston is back playing 1st.

by Trainman on Jul 21, 2008 3:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Also from Susan Slusser on Drumbeat re Frank Thomas

Oh, and an addendum: Frank Thomas hit on the field today for the first time since he went on the DL with a severe quadriceps strain and he hit several balls out. He said he’ll try running on Friday and then there will be a decision on when and where he’ll go for a rehab assignment and for how long (probably not long – the A’s need that big right-handed bat.)

by Trainman on Jul 21, 2008 3:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bankston is also back in

No Hannahan there.

Big improvement on yesterday’s lineup, on paper at least.

Go A’s.

by Trainman on Jul 21, 2008 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Miller Sounds Like Urban

Your description of Greg Miller reminds me of Mychal Urban’s description of himself… a very tall lefty with dreadful stats… in Mychal’s case, to the point where he wasn’t even drafted out of USF.

by muscatel on Jul 21, 2008 5:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs