Los Angeles Angels Get Mark Teixeira from Atlanta Braves

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2008 - Mark Teixeira	102	377	63	106	25	0	20	77	65	69	0	0	.281	.389	.507

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2008 - Casey Kotchman	99	368	46	106	24	0	11	52	18	23	2	1	.288	.328	.443

I'm not

Kotchman is solid but he’s no Teixeira. Marek is a great relief prospect, but the Angels are set with KRod (who I imagine they’ll extend).

Only way I’m happy about this deal as an A’s fan is if the Angels really only use Teixeira as a 2 month rental, but I don’t see that happening. Arte will be willing to offer him an extension, IMO.

"Do you know that the guy really doesn't like baseball all that much?" - J.P. Riccardi

by black beane on Jul 29, 2008 3:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

They could have spent the same money in the offseason to bring him in then ...

unless they extend him in-season, Kotchman + Marek was the price for two months of Teixeira.

Teixeira is likely to be the very worst kind of free agent—already having likely reached his peak, but young enough that he can get a very long (5+ years) deal …

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Jul 29, 2008 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus, his numbers inflated by his home ballpark

see also Matt Holliday, whenever he hits the market.

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

by Nick on Jul 29, 2008 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Atlanta is a pitcher's park, and he hits fine there.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jul 29, 2008 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

Boars is said to be asking for an 8-year deal in the $20 million range for Teix too. We’ll see if the Angels can pony up. If not, great deal!

by Eggman on Jul 29, 2008 3:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I just doubt that Boras

would let any client of his re-sign before he can hit the open market. That’s just not Boras’ MO.

by Blez on Jul 29, 2008 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

when that client is headed to a team that has no qualms about ponying up

I don’t think it matters as much.

"Do you know that the guy really doesn't like baseball all that much?" - J.P. Riccardi

by black beane on Jul 29, 2008 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't see Boras

not letting his client hit the open market. I don’t care how big the team’s wallet is. It just isn’t his style. He loves teams bidding against each other.

by Blez on Jul 29, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand.

On the flip side though, I don’t see the Angels making a trade like this unless they have every intention of extending Teixeira.

"Do you know that the guy really doesn't like baseball all that much?" - J.P. Riccardi

by black beane on Jul 29, 2008 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

and I’m not saying they won’t keep him, but I just can’t see Boras doing it before he hits free agency and the cha-ching sounds echo in their heads.

by Blez on Jul 29, 2008 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

true true

"Do you know that the guy really doesn't like baseball all that much?" - J.P. Riccardi

by black beane on Jul 29, 2008 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could see them just taking the upgrade for the season

And plugging Kendry Morales in at 1st base next season.

by GusanoQuemador on Jul 29, 2008 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boars is a pig

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 29, 2008 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by WannaBeGM on Jul 29, 2008 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if he has a Smithers

Stomp,em, stomp the piss out of em.Then pound the budweiser after the game. Joe Schultz Seattle Piolts Mgr 1969

by billyball1981 on Jul 29, 2008 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

great

:(

"The two of them deserve each other. One's a born liar, the other's convicted."

by SwampyD on Jul 29, 2008 3:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He'll end up in Baltimore...Angelos is high on him

so the Angels 1b of the future is Kendry Morales

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 29, 2008 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Angelos had no reason to deal away any prospects for him right now. He will wait until the end of the year then throw the $$ at Tex. and bring him to his hometown.

the Angels are then without Tex and Krotchman.

by HRH on Jul 29, 2008 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that's how it goes, then cool.

Morales is the third best of the trio.

"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 29, 2008 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

by A'sfaninNC on Jul 29, 2008 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They are both potentially FA’s this offseason. WIth an owner actually dedicated to winning they shouldn’t have a problem resigning him. Even if it is for they typical Boras ransom. I kinda envy the Angels right now.

What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.

by KMoAsFan on Jul 29, 2008 3:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Vlad has an option

(Actually, so does Anderson, but there’s no way they keep Anderson.)

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats why I said potentially.

I’m not sure of the particulars, but doesn’t the team have the ability to decline that option? According to Cot’s it’s a $15mil option with a $3mil buyout. Either way, dropping Garrett clears up another $14mil.

What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.

by KMoAsFan on Jul 29, 2008 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would you be unhappy if they declined the option

and let Vlad go?

Not that it matters, ‘cause they won’t.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why would I be unhappy?

It would be great if they let Vlad go. Let him go take ManRam’s place in Boston for all I care. I was just pointing out the possibility that he may not be on the Angels next year. You never know what may cause a team to decline that option. Even when he’s playing good it seems like the guy is always in pain out there. Whether it’s his back, knee, or arm, something is always nagging him. I don’t think the Angels would really need to decline that option to sign Tex long term anyhow, but it would facilitate it nonetheless.

What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.

by KMoAsFan on Jul 29, 2008 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Far from being unhappy, I'd ask Vlad

“How much do you want to be the A’s DH for the next 4 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 29, 2008 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"And will you accept unused tickets as barter?"

They want to steal the land papers which is why they have tried to break in. But they had to give up after being bitten by Chhotu.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 29, 2008 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

post-Fremont, Crywolffisher's gonna be paying all on-field personnel in scrip, redeemable at the company store

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 29, 2008 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking of asking him if he would take AN love

in lieu of actually paper folding money.

Can Magic Sprinkles Now!!! @('.')@

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 29, 2008 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you mean FIAT MONEY?!?!

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 30, 2008 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd take Vlad or Man-Ram as a DH-LF/RF in Vlad's case

I think this move truly signifies that the Angels are going for the whole enchilada right now!

They’re looking at potential aging/declining free agents in their own right but also seeing what the A’s are doing with the youth movement/stockpiling of prospects. My guess is the Angels brass is looking at the A’s mo and saying to themselves:

“Shit, pretty soon the A’s could be dominating this division and we’re gonna be screwed if we don’t go for it now!”

I would not put money on K-Rod or Tex as fa’s to be signed in the off-season by the way…..that’s a whole lot of potatoes to doll out.

Look at all the money they have tied up in payroll already?............

by mrod on Jul 29, 2008 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

they still have plenty of youth behind vlad and ga… they still have adenhart and brandon wood

Cust is the new Jaha.

by johnjahafanclub on Jul 29, 2008 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Vlad were to hit the market would/should the A's make a deal for him?

by A'sfaninNC on Jul 29, 2008 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

re

Kotchman has regressed since last season. I’m not sure I’d say he’s coming into his own

by blee1134 on Jul 29, 2008 3:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Regression is a loaded word

other than walks, he’s really not lost a lot on his stats, and he’s way too young in his major league career (this his second full season) to judge him at all. Considering his minor league peripherals and his plate discipline and his recent hot hitting, it’s not a stretch to think he’s coming into his own at all.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jul 29, 2008 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just beat you to it with a fanshot Blez

you’d think all we do here is check the baseball blogs and rumor sites…

by OaklandSi on Jul 29, 2008 3:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought only people who lived in a cave

didn’t spend all their time doing that.

[I kid, I kid.]

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

we're addicts, admit it

by OaklandSi on Jul 29, 2008 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

by Blez on Jul 29, 2008 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

First reaction:

Wish the Braves were able to extract Wood and/or Adenhart in this deal. Kotch is underrated, but is not in Teixera’s class and this Marek guy is alright. Angels still keep their best prospects and will probably keep Tex beyond this season.

Not a good day for A’s fans.

by Taj Adib on Jul 29, 2008 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

agree with you on this one

by OaklandSi on Jul 29, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Wood and Adenhart may be the two overrated ones

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 29, 2008 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hm

What the crap happened to Kotchman’s walk rate? Last year he was average, even a little above average. This year it’s utterly horrible.

Huh. That makes me feel less happy about this deal. Not that much less though. It’s still only a marginal upgrade for a playoff-bound team anyway—and if they pay a bajillion dollars to keep Teixeira, well, it’s a bajillion they’re not spending on someone else.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed 100 percent

And that’s IF they’re going to break the bank to keep him.

by Blez on Jul 29, 2008 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd guess that walk-rate decline is Hatcher/Scioscia's doing

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 29, 2008 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marginal upgrade?

Texiera becomes their best hitter per his line this season bringing a 139 OPS+ over Vlad’s 121. Certainly is an upgrade over Kotchman’s 105.

by GusanoQuemador on Jul 29, 2008 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

See fangraphs

Teixeira’s value.

They assume he’s replacing Juan Rivera, but the difference is minimal.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Every trade

At this point in the year is going to be marginalized due to the fact that there’s only 2 months left in the season. But I’ll go ahead and bite…what potential trades are out there that would present an optimal upgrade from here on out?

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

For the Angels? There aren't any.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It really depends on what you're trying to upgrade FOR

Teixeira, over Kotchman for the rest of the REGULAR season isn’t a big deal. Even if Teixeira is worth an extra 50 runs to the Angels over Kotchman for the remainder of the regular season, it won’t matter.

I seriously doubt that the Angels are getting Teixeira for the remainder of the regular season.

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

by rfloh on Jul 30, 2008 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Long term depends on the extension...

The Angels are just doing this for some AB’s in October. He does nothing for them in August or September as they are in the playoffs. If they can get him signed, very nice for them, if not, hefty price to pay for maybe 20 games in October.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jul 29, 2008 3:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm.

Right now with Tex the Angels are the odds-on favorite to win it all and all they had to give up was a slighty above-average 1st baseman and 24 year old relief pitcher still playing in Double-A to do it? That’s not much of a “hefty price” to pay for a World Championship.

by Taj Adib on Jul 29, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's debatable whether or not Tex

makes the Angels the favorite. Then again, Vlad and Tex in the middle of an order is pretty freaking scary.

by Blez on Jul 29, 2008 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vlad anywhere

is scary.

"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline

by LongTimeFan on Jul 29, 2008 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You gotta be kidding me

They aren’t even the best team in the AL with Teixeira. I know they’ve been slapping the Red Sox around a little lately, but I can’t see how they’re the better team.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better bullpen than Red Sox, about the same starting pitching, little less punch in the lineup.

Better pitching overall than the Yankees, younger, healthier, deeper offense.

I say they’re pretty freakin’ close to being the “class of the American League” at this point.

by Taj Adib on Jul 29, 2008 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Little less punch"?

Their lineup is f*ing terrible. The Red Sox have 130 more EqR to this point in the season (on pace for about 200 more over a full season).

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slight understatment on my part.

Regardless, I think this move virtually assures that the Angels will make it to the ALCS, and it’ll definitely be a real close call between Lackey (twice), Santana and Saunders against Beckett (twice), Lester and Dice-K.

by Taj Adib on Jul 29, 2008 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Horsefeathers

5 game series? Against Tampa? I’m picking the Rays, and it’s not particularly close.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hahaha, please say "I told you so..."

once the Rays trade for Street and Jason Bay in the next few days…

by Taj Adib on Jul 29, 2008 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's hope so.

by OldhamA on Jul 29, 2008 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, I hope you're right on that.

My allegiance now lies with the boys from St Pete…

by Taj Adib on Jul 29, 2008 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me, too!

I have liked the Rays, the DRays, the Devilrays for a while now. They remind me of some our teams. I would love to see them playing in October – deep into October.

"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline

by LongTimeFan on Jul 29, 2008 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rays in October

Just got the mental image of the heckler at a W.S. game. What do they do about him?

by asfansince1989 on Jul 29, 2008 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well if they improve their attendance

he won’t be as visible or audible

by OaklandSi on Jul 29, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the odds are actually really tiny that this upgrade makes any difference in their chances in the first round

Something like:
90% chance of same result.
7% chance Tex wins it for them over Kotchmann
3% Kotchmann would have won it over Tex.

And that’s being very generous with those percentages, both to the 90% (probably low) and to the Tex>Kotchmann.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 29, 2008 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's probably no way to know for sure.

But going Vlad-Tex or Tex-Vlad 4-5 times a game will put A LOT of pressure on the opposing pitching staff…

by Taj Adib on Jul 29, 2008 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Over 25 AB in a 5-game series

Teixeira reaches base 1.5 more times and generates 1.5 more total bases.

Not earth shattering.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Worth the cost for LAAA

I think the mentality in LA is “win now” and not “glad just to be competitive”. They know they are close to winning it all, so they will over pay just to get that little extra. With a good ball club like LAAA, there is not much room to upgrade. Maybe they could have upgraded at another position, but player like Tex doesn’t become available all too often. Maybe him over Kotchman is not the best value, but I doubt that value is high on LAAA’s priority list.

by asfansince1989 on Jul 29, 2008 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not terrible at all unless the injuries return

The current group should be very easily above average.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 29, 2008 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BoSux are rolling over like little punks..

for the Halos this year. Buchholz was in full meltdown mode in the 3rd inning before Vlad grounded into a double-play with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 29, 2008 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree there...

But I like Kotchman more than you do apparently. My point is that (Unless he agrees to extend) they don’t need him to make the playoffs….so they are moving Kotch for 50 AB’s in October….Tough.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jul 29, 2008 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Especially if they don’t keep Tex. Kotchman was still relatively cheap and under control for a few more years, I think.

I would’ve liked to have seen them give up Adenhart or someone else as well, but I won’t mind not seeing Kotchman any more.

by Blez on Jul 29, 2008 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any Boras client will go for the most money

and will make a team way overpay for the value. Which means there’s a great chance Tex is a two-month rental and a small chance the Angels invest too much in him to improve elsewhere.

I like this deal for Oakland.

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 29, 2008 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ditto all that, plus ...

... since Reagins is in win-now mode, I like what it implies about his thinking re: the A’s ‘09-beyond.

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 29, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ditto all that, but...

I think the move is more indicative of Reagins & Moreno compensating for past first round playoff exits from an expensive core of rapidly aging players than anything directly having to do with Oakland. I realize their front office has been very cautious over these types of moves in the past, but this move reeks of the style of their on-the-field play – namely, Atlanta dropped their guard/asking price on a player thay have coveted for some time, and they went for the kill.

They’ve been looking beyond us to an assumed playoff showdown with Boston/NY/Detroit/... since the offseason. The time for them to strike is now, regardless of how well the A’s are set for the future.

by elhefe on Jul 29, 2008 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just mean I like any Angels move

that makes them worse later to be better now – since now is irrelevant to the A’s.

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 29, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can I get an "AMEN!"

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 29, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So be it

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

by doctorK on Jul 29, 2008 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed!

by elhefe on Jul 29, 2008 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

if that is the entirety of their thinking, then they're dolts

As PT points out elsewhere in this thread, Teixeira in a 5- (or 7-, for that matter) game series doesn’t really add a whole lot more over Kotchman.

An elite starting pitcher or a non-marginal offensive upgrade is the only kind of “difference-maker” that a team can acquire in preparation for a short playoff series.

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 29, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't entirely disagree...

It’s the type of “gut”/”heart” move that makes a sabermetrician ill, but I think your fan allegiance is coloring your perspective on the matter (specifically, a lovely combination of green and gold on a field of white :) ).

Unlike Oakland, where (for any of a host of reasons) the A’s are an afterthought, the Angels have made the best of their “little brother”/ two-team market situation, (in a manner similar to that of the Haas ownership). They are simultaneaously blessed/cursed with the task of placating the fickle mistresses of public perception and expectation – their memory of fairly recent triumph tainted only by a string of more recent near misses. Think back to 91-93, or even ‘07 ($8 million to Piazza)

But also, if it’s not obvious, my guess is their front office/on-the-field personnel/players/fan base don’t share the same world view as Oakland’s or most of the people on this blog. They are not limited by the (self-imposed or not) scarcity that Oakland readily embraces. The Angels have (until recently, perhaps) been a more “responsible” version of a typical, modern-day club in regards to player development and acquisitions than, say, NYY/NYM/SF. They’ve held on to their prospects, made some timely trades, while (attempting) to augment their roster through FA. Yet, despite this approach, they’ve basically been humiliated in the postseason as of late – their stellar pitching gets thumped, Vlad gets walked, and they fail to eke out enough runs to insure themselves against the inevitable small mistakes that the best of teams will punish them for.

The one thing that Angels fans can (and do) legitimately complain about down here is the failure to get anyone to compliment Vlad while he is in his prime. His knees are working on borrowed time right now, they know it. F-raud and GA (overvalued, I know) are walking after this year, and this is probably the last time they will have a supporting cast capable of justifying the signings of Hunter and Matthews. Their future is now. So, although Texiera may not realistically add “a whole lot more over Kotchman” – it is still MORE, NOW, and that is all they can concern themselves with right now, Kotchman’s potential be damned.

by elhefe on Jul 29, 2008 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1 Nico!

See my post a little bit up this thread…...

by mrod on Jul 29, 2008 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Tex resigns

The Halos will have nearly 60mil in four players. GMJ/Hunter/Tex/Vlad. Krod is a FA and if Im not mistaken so is Lackey.

"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 29, 2008 3:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I honestly don't think the Angels have any intention of

keeping K-Rod. They’re not going to run him out there every day if he’s in their long-term plans.

by Blez on Jul 29, 2008 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think they will resign Krod either.

And thats a good thing.

"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 29, 2008 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

good for them, bad for the a's

good thing for the a’s would be if the angels ran k-rod out there every day and then signed him for like $100m.

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 29, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is a good deal for LAA

Tex helps them this year and Long term. If they let him go they get 2 First rounder picks.

"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 29, 2008 3:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Can we please retire the phrase "2 first round picks"... permanently?

First off, it’s not accurate—at most, they get a first round and a sandwich round pick—and second off, if the team signing him has a top 15 pick (like, oh, say, Baltimore) they only get a sandwich and a second rounder.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thx Paul

by HRH on Jul 29, 2008 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We all know that.

Atleast I assume we all know that.

"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 29, 2008 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK

So, if we all know that “2 first round picks” is a misleading phrase, how ‘bout we not say it?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So what do you suggest we call it.

Cause typing out “A frist rounder, thats not top 15 and a supplemental first round pick” is kinda cumbersome.

"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 29, 2008 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about just say

“two draft picks”

by AsFanInLA on Jul 29, 2008 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I vote for

two steak and kidney pies.

Can Magic Sprinkles Now!!! @('.')@

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 29, 2008 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Come the off-season

Baltimore will unload everything they have for him. hometown boy that Angelos loves.
Angels will be looking to sign a FA 1st basemen

by HRH on Jul 29, 2008 3:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great deal for the Angels..

...Kotchman is a slightly better version of JT Snow. We’ll see how he improves, but the guy is only slugging .440 or so. On a power starved team like the Angels, Tex will be the fuel they need.

If money really is an issue, they decline the option on Vlad and figure out a way to keep Tex long term.

by Pucking Insane on Jul 29, 2008 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow....

Almost fell out of my seat. Great pickup for the Halos. As much as I can’t stand them during the regular season, I do tend to pull for them once the playoffs hit since they come from our division. This is the kind of offensive punch they needed to help them potentially get further into the postseason than they have in the past.

I just hope to hell they don’t sign him to a long-term K when the season is over.

by WannaBeGM on Jul 29, 2008 3:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You.

Out. Now.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know....

It borders on the blasphemous, but god I hate the yankees/bosox….and they did smack down the Gigantes in 2002. Look, unadulterated hatred over 162 games should count for something…..

That’s all I’m saying.

by WannaBeGM on Jul 29, 2008 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a Giants fan (and from San Francisco)

so that series firmly cemented them in my “most hated team in all of professional sports” spot.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You.

Out.Now.

by GusanoQuemador on Jul 29, 2008 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, come off it

They’re not even in the same league. Much less constantly competing for the same playoff spot.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They compete for the same dollar

Which, in turn, effects everything. How did you wind up getting involved with this site?

by GusanoQuemador on Jul 29, 2008 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Long story

Short version: I liked the color green as a small child. And, well, that left me a limited number of rooting options in baseball.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just going to pretend you never said that

You’re an A’s fan. The End.

by GusanoQuemador on Jul 29, 2008 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just competing for the same fan base

oh wait, the a’s aren’t actually competing for 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 29, 2008 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by WannaBeGM on Jul 29, 2008 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

O'rly?

"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 29, 2008 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

(apply to all pro-angels/giants comments)

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 29, 2008 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Angels > Giants

2002 was outstanding. A’s 4 World Titles, Giants 0

Enjoy the game

by DCinWC on Jul 29, 2008 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

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 29, 2008 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks...

This is classic. Made my day.

by WannaBeGM on Jul 29, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love you

by butler19 on Jul 29, 2008 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then why don't you post much on McCovey's Chronicles?

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 29, 2008 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do post there at times...

but this year’s Giants are so unbelievably bad, and unbelievably boring on top of it, that most of my posts there at this point are just repetitive complaining about Brian Sabean.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand.

But they could use a guy with your head for stats over there.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 31, 2008 1:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WHAT!

” I do tend to pull for them” ?

Please leave

by HRH on Jul 29, 2008 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pull What?

Enjoy the game

by DCinWC on Jul 29, 2008 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Backing up WannaBeGM

I’m totally with you, Bro. Once the A’s are out of contention, I always root for the AL West team, whether it’s the Mariners, Rangers, or Angels.

I don’t know why everyone here resists the idea. To me, it feels perfectly natural. Yes, they’re the rivals we focus on most during the season, but only because they’re the ones closest to us.

If you and a buddy both join a tournament with a bunch of other strangers, you’re more competitive with him than with anyone else … but then if you’re knocked out and your buddy is still in it, your allegiance goes to him.

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

by iglew on Jul 29, 2008 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's, uh, presuming that you're buddies to begin with

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 29, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What if your "buddy"

is actually a moronic, testosterone-addled jackass?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, we did all cheer for Giambi ...

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 29, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the AL West is not a college sports conference

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 29, 2008 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 29, 2008 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by rightbackin on Jul 29, 2008 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Actually Like This Trade for the Angels...

On the surface, I’d say this isn’t a bad move for the Angels. I’ve personally never thought much of Kotch, and giving him up, even for a rental, isn’t too big a deal (granted, I don’t know anything about Morales, who would take over when Teix is an O or a Skankee…). Also, the Angels are in win-now mode. They have the best record in the AL, a good starting rotation, great bullpen, and with Teix and Vlad in the middle of the lineup (especially if Hunter can keep hitting like he has been) their offense will put up more than enough runs for their pitchers.

On the signability issues, this is a phenomenal trade if they can resign him. If they can’t but win the World Series, it’s still a good trade. If they can’t resign him and don’t win the World Series, I don’t think it hurts them too much. However, I wouldn’t count the Angels out of the resigning mix yet. Teix wants to play on the East Coast. He’s said it often. Boras also likes his big free agents to test the free agent waters. That’s two strikes against the Angels’ ability to sign him. But, 8/200 would change his mind about the west coast pretty quickly, I’d assume. And the Angels have money to throw around. They always seem to have money to throw around.

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." ~Rogers Hornsby

by ZeroIndulgence on Jul 29, 2008 3:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

so for 6 baseball months of teixiera

braves traded salty/harrison/feliz/andrus/jones

then got back kotchman/marek

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 29, 2008 4:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't seem like Schuerholz's finest hour, does it

But I understand why they made the move when they did. Now—do they have the guts to go into rebuilding mode themselves?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Schuerholz isn't there anymore.

"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra

by brenarlo on Jul 29, 2008 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, but he decided to trade for Tex...

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But for those 6 months

He did produce as he normally does and they were trying for that season as well as this season. In the beginning of the year, some writers were actually predicting the reemergence of Braves this season. I doubt the Braves expected their pitching would be their weakest link (again) as they traded Devine and Yates from the bullpen before the season. They were supposed to or hoping to have a starting rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine and maybe Hampton (but who really expects him to pitch anything but rehab starts?). So to get Kotchman/Marek does not seem as bad as maybe getting him for 2 months and no possibility of next season for those initial prospects.

by rightbackin on Jul 29, 2008 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

While not on the level of Tex...

...I’m glad to see Kotchman go. Whether it was a timely hit or a key defensive play to kill a rally, he seemed like too much of an “A’s killer”.

You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all. ~Earl Weaver

by UncleLeo on Jul 29, 2008 4:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Preventative signing

Anaheim was deathly afraid that Oakland was about to snatch up Texiera and make a division run at the Angels.

They want to steal the land papers which is why they have tried to break in. But they had to give up after being bitten by Chhotu.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 29, 2008 4:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

but, now, Beane can focus on his real target...

Manny.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 29, 2008 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scary thing is, come the Winter

Oakland could afford him.

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

by Nico on Jul 29, 2008 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or Vlad

if the Angels have to overpay for Tex and can’t afford both.

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

by DMOAS on Jul 29, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not just this winter...

They could afford Manny if he’s run through waivers this August, too. I’m not saying they’d bite – obviously Manny comes with some attendant baggage – but they could definitely afford to claim him on waivers if they wanted to. Plus he hits right handed and we have somewhat of an opening in LF or DH, depending on where Cust is.

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 30, 2008 3:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would his "$20million club option" for 2009 and 2010

travel with him if the A’s claimed him on waivers?

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 30, 2008 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why does it matter?

There’s no possibility that Boston will place him on waivers, because they are trying to win a World Series—and like it or not, they need Manny to do that.

Also, even if they did, his no-trade clause would allow him to reject a waiver claim by a team he didn’t want to play for. You have to understand what Manny’s goal here is—he wants to avoid having his options exercised by making himself as obnoxious as possible, so that he can become a free agent. He’s not going to agree to anything that would result in him going to a team he doesn’t want to end up playing for—and I don’t really believe Oakland is that team.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It matters because I'm curious about the answer,

not because I expect Manny to be waived by the Red Sox.

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 30, 2008 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hold on a sec

How is the Slegna’s upgrade from Kotch-Tex not a difference-maker for making/succeeding in the playoffs, yet Boston’s downgrade from Manny-[Klown/Murton/Ethier/Kemp/whomever] would be?

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 30, 2008 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

especially given your (reasonable) low estimation of Manny's current skilz

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 30, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, first off, because their replacement for Manny (probably Coco Crisp)

is worse than the difference between Kotchman and Teixeira… so they lose more… and second, because there’s no cost. It’s one thing to buy yourself a 1-run upgrade at the cost of a major chip for the next few years. It’s something else entirely to just give away an upgrade for no gain whatsoever.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is a possibility that Boston will run him through waivers

They’ve done it before in August, and that was when he was a better player. So it’s not an impossibility.

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 30, 2008 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thing is,

assuming that Manny doesn’t behave badly to force his team not to pick up his options, his deal is pretty good. He has 2 one year options, at $20M, each after this year. So a team can go year to year with him, instead of having to commit > $100M on Teixeira or Dunn.

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

by rfloh on Jul 30, 2008 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and as long as i'm posting gifs

teixeira at the end of the season:

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 29, 2008 4:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Notice what's coming off the books for the Angels?

- Garrett Anderson has a $14M club option for 2009, with a $3M buyout
- Jon Garland is a FA after this season, currently making $12M
- KRod is a FA after this season, currently making $10M
- Chone Figgins is a FA after this season, currently making $5M
- Darren Oliver is a FA after this season, currently making $2M

That’s $40M coming off the books next season, assuming they don’t extend K-Rod. Not to mention that Vlad is a FA after 2009.

Lackey, Speier, Shields, GMJ, Escobar, and Torii Hunter will get $8M in raises combined. Say another $10M in raises for players facing arbitration, and we’re looking at at least $20M in free payroll for a team that doesn’t have a strict budget in the first place.

You don’t think the Angels made this deal with the full intention of extending Teixeira? Keep dreaming.

"Do you know that the guy really doesn't like baseball all that much?" - J.P. Riccardi

by black beane on Jul 29, 2008 4:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The intent might be there

But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.

by methodrampage on Jul 29, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly, methodrampage - if the Yankees

offer $1.00 more Tex goes to NYY. Watch the Angels and Yankees get into a bidding war, and watch Boras and Beane laugh.

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 29, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It will be interesting to see which of the decent Angels players

becoming free agents in the next few years will get snapped up by big spenders (other than the Angels).
It’ll be mighty costly for the Angels to keep them all. And at the very least, there should be some
disgusting bidding wars.

by oakinboston on Jul 30, 2008 4:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Figgins is, weirdly, not a free agent

He will not have 6 years of service time—instead, he will go to arbitration. So subtract his likely salary out from that $40 million and it’s more like $32 million.

Oh, I don’t doubt that they CAN afford to sign Teixeira—but I think they could have spent their money a lot more wisely than on upgrading one of their better position players in Kotchman.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The way I see it, Teixeira is a very good player

but he is not a great player (his career stats are pretty park inflated). Same with Torii Hunter at this stage in his career. So if the Angels are building the next few years around big investment on Tex and Hunter, I feel good about the A’s chances to compete successfully.

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 29, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

All the more reason for the A's to at least try to be mildly competitive next season.

I mean players with huge contracts that are likely to decline fast or are declining already (Little Sarg, Hunter, Tex, Vlad) can handcuff a team pretty quickly if things don’t work out right. If Beane were to build what looks like a .500 team for next season and then catch a few breaks from the aging Angels, then 2009 could turn into an interesting season.

by Taj Adib on Jul 29, 2008 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's put it this way

Over the next 2 years, the Angels can afford to buy 3 elite free agents—but, while that sounds bad, those 3 will have to replace their best hitter and their two elite starting pitchers. That’s difficult to do on the free agent market, and I won’t be crying in my coffee if Teixeira and his inflated price tag are one of the three.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not only that, Taj, but next year the Angels are due

to have average luck – if not below, due to the pact they have clearly made with the Devil this 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 29, 2008 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

If only this was actually true…

Average luck, yes. Below average luck, no. They’re as likely to keep up their Pythagoras-defying ways as they are to “even out.”

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're overlooking the untested sample

of “post pact with the Devil” data.

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 29, 2008 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which two pitchers exactly need to be replaced?

Lackey and Santana are expected to be there right?

by rightbackin on Jul 29, 2008 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lackey and Escobar are both free agents after 2009

and no, Santana is not better than Escobar. At least not if the latter is healthy, although he may never be if his shoulder is as messed up as it sounded like.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The balls to bench GM Jr. will end up being the best second half boost to the Angels.

The 2009 A's draft pick... getting higher every game.

by rebus on Jul 29, 2008 4:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Balls, I might add, that Crosby will swing at.

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 29, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goes without saying.

The 2009 A's draft pick... getting higher every game.

by rebus on Jul 29, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that already have pretty much benched him

or is that what you meant?

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

by SoCalA'sFan on Jul 29, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's what i meant

The 2009 A's draft pick... getting higher every game.

by rebus on Jul 29, 2008 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dodgers looking for SS again (ESPN front page trade blog)

Dodgers looking for SS

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 | Print Entry

Posted by Jayson Stark

The Dodgers are now unsure about the future of two shortstops - Nomar Garciaparra (who sprained a ligament in his left knee) and Rafael Furcal (back surgery) - so they’ve resumed their search for another.

But with Furcal expected to return in early September, the Dodgers don’t seem to be focused on acquiring a front-line player. Instead, they’ve been inquiring about utility players - bats off the bench - who can fill in at short for a couple of weeks. One name they apparently were shot down on this week: Toronto’s Marco Scutaro.

I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production

by Trainman on Jul 29, 2008 5:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Spending time with the Angels will not make him more likely to sign there.

Chances are if he stays with the Angels past this year, they’ll have to pay him exactly what he would have demanded had he arrived from Atlanta as a free agent. In other words, this is two months of Tex for whatever club control Marek and Kotchman are under. Thumbs down for the Angels.

OaktownPower said it best; the Angels are are making this trade for a few PAs in October. If they don’t win the WS, it will have been a horrible trade. What an awful deal for the Angels.

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

by salb918 on Jul 29, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Even if they do win the WS

the only way it’s a good trade is if he was an absolutely intricate part of the win and it was something that you could guarantee that Kotchman couldn’t have done.

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

by DMOAS on Jul 29, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two months of Tex...

Plus the two draft picks Tex will yield in two months. That has to be factored into the equation.

Plus, we could argue back and forth that Tex will or won’t be more likely to sign with the Angels after the season as a result of them acquiring now. What I would definitely say, though, is that the Angels could make a more confident decision about whether they want him over the next two months.

Does he mesh well in the clubhouse? Does he get along with Scoscscsia? How does like living in LA, and does he respond well in front of their home crowd? Etc. All can be evaluated better during the two months he’s on the team than they can projecting from afar. Having that kind of certainty might have value to an owner who’s considering ponying up $120MM plus for a guy.

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 30, 2008 3:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slingblade is throwing a no-hitter through 6 innings...

at the Red Sox. Lost the perfecto in the 6th with a walk to Pedroia. Youkilis ran up his pitch count in the last AB, though… 7 consecutive foul balls in a 10—pitch AB.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 29, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow - the Angels actually have a chance to even their record

in games they throw a no-hitter to 1-1!

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 29, 2008 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You owe me half a beer and a new screen

by green star oakland on Jul 29, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production

by Trainman on Jul 29, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hudler and Physioc have mentioned the trade

8,122 times so far.

Hudler is busy drooling over himself and may need a toilet break and or a new pack of Trojans

I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production

by Trainman on Jul 29, 2008 5:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Are they on the radio?

by drmmerchk on Jul 29, 2008 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production

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

gross. That must suck to not even have the mute option.

by drmmerchk on Jul 29, 2008 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question for PaulThoms (or anyone else for that matter)

If Tex is only 1.5 bases better in a 5 game series, how much better would Pujols be? I ask just for comparison purposes.

This is a win for the Angels. Kotchman sucks.

"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra

by brenarlo on Jul 29, 2008 5:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not that much more

About an extra 3 times on base and an extra 4.5 total bases vis a vis Kotchman. Maybe 3, 4 runs at most?

Which says a lot more about how ridonkulously luck-based a 5-game series is than about the ability of the players. It really is a frigging crapshoot. Upgrade your first baseman to Albert bloody Pujols and you probably don’t increase your chances of winning a playoff series more than 10 percent or so.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

{snerk}

“bloody Pujols”

Worse than being dead is being hot. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 29, 2008 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's a 10%

the Houston Astros would dearly love to have
oh wait, didnt the stros win that series anyways?

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

by closetasfan on Jul 29, 2008 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

10 per cent indeed!

Pujols hit the livin’ shit outta one to tie up braves – cards 2 innings ago, then doubled, stole 3rd and scored on an overthrow while that worthless bum teixeira was sitting on his ass in first class of some atl-lax flight….

"...in baseball you wear a cap." -- george carlin

by Hot Cup Joe on Jul 29, 2008 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who cares

We aren’t any good. We won’t be any good next year. By the time we are any good-two or three years from now I’m hoping, though not really expecting-the Angels will be a team in decline. As far as I’m concerned they can keep taking on players post-prime for long-term big contracts. Sure, that keeps them good for now, but it should eventually lead to some problems right when the next group of A’s-hopefully-hit their stride.

by RLangford on Jul 29, 2008 5:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

+1/2

Half of me says you’re right and the other half says they still have a good minor leagues system and didn’t empty it to get Tex… so they’ll be right there.

"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra

by brenarlo on Jul 29, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They don't have a good minor league system

Go read Sickels’ midseason review of their minor leagues. Their farm system sucks right now—it’s easily bottom 10 in baseball and the worst in the division by a huge margin.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I stand corrected.

"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra

by brenarlo on Jul 29, 2008 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

/Users/jayghazaleh/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2008/Oakland Game/IMG_2732.JPG

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

by Triple Eh's on Jul 29, 2008 6:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you need an image host...

by rightbackin on Jul 29, 2008 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well the Angels

now have a really fantastic team. I guess our playoff hopes this year are gone, unless we have another 20 win streak this year!

The Time Is Now! Win Warriors Win!

by ballin on Jul 29, 2008 6:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL they lose the No Hitter

and now the shutout.

My friend just called a few moments ago and said, “Going to be a No Hitter”

I just called him back and started laughing.

I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production

by Trainman on Jul 29, 2008 6:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I just checked in to catch the score

Was the no-no lost in the bottom of the 9th?

by SwisherThresher on Jul 29, 2008 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup - to a 5' 5" dude

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 29, 2008 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

{Who I'd love to have}

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

by Nico on Jul 29, 2008 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're into 5'5 dudes?

I thought you were a strictly 2’7 goatman?????

by mrod on Jul 29, 2008 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I also think 8'7" women are HAWT

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 29, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mike Sweeney feels knee pain

after running bases yesterday. Friday’s rehab trip to Sacto has been canceled; he’s back to Phoenix for more medical tests. So sayeth Vince.

They want to steal the land papers which is why they have tried to break in. But they had to give up after being bitten by Chhotu.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 29, 2008 6:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mike Sweeney won't play again, IMO

Thomas: 8/1/08
Chavez: DH 4/1/09
Sweeney: Never

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 29, 2008 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

by bear88 on Jul 29, 2008 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bonds from '01 to '04 was the greatest hitter in baseball history

It is fairly safe to say that never again in any of our lifetimes will there be a hitter who justifies that kind of reaction from opposing managers. Teixeira’s not even close.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 29, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs