A's Go Over Slot (3 new draftees sign)
by Threepwood XX on Jul 30, 2008 9:42 AM PDT
134 comments
There were three new draft signings I haven't seen talked about here. For reference, and a complete list of the 2008 draft, here is Baseball America's draft list.
The big one is Dusty Coleman. He is a Shortstop from Whichita State and the people on the Scout.com boards have been comparing him to Bobby Crosby (without the detachable arm and leg action-figure battle damage). The college sophomore was the A's 28th round pick in the 2008 draft, and here's the kicker: the A's finally flipped the bird to Selig and promised him a $700,000 dollar signing bonus. That's comparable to a second round draft pick. He is currently heading to Arizona for a physical and if everything goes right will sign soon.
The second big signee, according to an insider story on Scout.com, is the A's 2008 11th round pick Chris Berroa. He can do a 6.4 in the 60, hit .500 in 2006, and plays centerfield. No word yet on what he signed for, but when we find out I'll post it.
The final new player to sign was the A's 2008 29th round pick, right handed pitcher Justin Murray from Kansas State.
3 recs |
134 comments
Email
Print
Comments
Does Coleman compare to Crosby now or what people thought Crosby could be?
Because I’m not really excited about a new BoCro.
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 10:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What he should have been.
If he hadn’t been on the DL for 3 years straight.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Jul 30, 2008 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they mean skill-wise
I don’t think anyone’s ever questioned Crosby’s tools—he has simply been totally unable to translate those tools into reasonable baseball performance.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is sad
because he probably will someday, just not for the A’s.
In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!
by DMOAS on Jul 30, 2008 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really, really doubt that
I think his problem is that he’s just not very smart, and no one in baseball is going to fix that.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've never been a Crosby fan, even before the injuries
I always just saw a guy with moderate power and not much ability to work counts or hit for average. I think his ROY year (which wasn’t that great, and he probably shouldn’t have been ROY) created some hype about him that was never really supported by his actual performance.
Aside from the home run power (which could have disappeared in a variety of ways) he’s not really much worse now than in that rookie year. I’m not sure the injuries are the reason for him sucking.
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm sorry
you can’t hit .239 and win rookie of the year. i still refuse to believe that happened
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a hard .239
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
and GRITTY
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somebody had to win it ...
Shingo Takatsu was 35 and getting by on smoke and mirrors … he was out of baseball a year later.
Daniel Cabrera had an era of 5 and walked more batters than he struck out.
I’m surprised Zack Greinke never really got any traction in the race but he had the bad luck troika of 1.) being called up 1/3 of the way through the season; 2.) being a pitcher; and 3.) playing for the Royals …
Alexis Rios posted a lower OPS than Crosby, over a shorter period, while playing corner outfield.
It was a really, really bad year for rookies in the AL. Crosby was the preseason favorite and while he didn’t blow anyone away, he didn’t really disappoint, either and no one else really stepped up to take it.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ross Gload deserved it, but he wasn't an everyday player
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He played great ... but only got 234 ABs ...
there’s no way he was going to win it … and as his career since has suggested, he probably benefited a lot from that small sample size.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was in his prime then
He was hurt the following year, very good the next, and is now a first baseman in his 30s. I think what we’re seeing is natural decline.
And it took him so long to get a chance because of guys like Mark Grace/Hee Seop Choi, Todd Helton, and Paul Konerko.
Gload is a guy who was never in the right organization, and he never had enough power to be a true big-time prospect. But there’s not really a good reason why he didn’t have a career at least as good as Doug Mientkiewicz (because he’s just as good defensively).
Anyway, I agree that he didn’t get enough at bats to win ROY. You have to be an absolute monster to win with 260 PA.
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take your word for it ...
I haven’t followed Ross Gload’s career particularly closely.
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a little bit sad that I have, at least since 2004 or so.
He’s just one of those guys I like for no legitimate reason.
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Reboulet, represent!
Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com
by Ozzz on Jul 31, 2008 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i thought
greinke deserved it. and so does my royals fan friend who won’t let me forget how bad crosby was and is.
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Huddy deserved it over Beltran ...
but the writers prefer hitters and the writers prefer players who play a full season or close to it … the second point is not necessarily unreasonable … it’s like the MVP voting, where being on a contender is a prerequisite—it’s not necessarily fair, but if you don’t play a full season, you have to lap the field to be a serious contender …
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coleman another South Dakota guy
Went to school in Sioux Falls, SD. Work with several guys here that played against him in high school.
by HuskerFan on Jul 31, 2008 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
re
Really ought to be satisfied now, but if they could sign Elgie, that would just be the cherry on top of a beautiful draft.
by 31Boots on Jul 30, 2008 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, apart from the "all of the top 3 picks are already injured" part
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
re
Well that was gonna happen whoever they took. We’re talking about the A’s here. I’m talking about mass infusion of talent here.
Dixon is hurt too btw.
by 31Boots on Jul 30, 2008 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesus
This is like the Somme offensive. They’ll have 50% casualties before the year is out.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
sort of
at least the french had a “cult of the offensive”...we have no offense to form said cult around.
by guy incognito on Jul 30, 2008 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somme offensive was the British
unfortunately for your joke.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The French took part in the offensive
They just didn’t screw up like the Brits did.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Jul 30, 2008 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fortunately a much lower proportion of our casualties
are actually dead.
by Faust on Jul 30, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That might not be a bad thing, given the performance
Then again, the performance might indicate they actually ARE dead
it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you
by eastcoasta'sfan on Jul 31, 2008 3:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Hunter rhp from Pepperdine as well...
However, do not believe he is going to get anywhere near $2MM that he wants. Possibly a little past $1MM is a reasonable figure if he shows he is worth it. Time to work on getting them signed as just past 2 weeks left to the signing period.
They are comparing Coleman to what Crosby was expected to be with reasonable coaching…
Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN
by Charlie Brown on Jul 30, 2008 10:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
if he doesn't get close to $2
he isn’t signing…
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he's only throwing low 90s, how is he worth $2MM?
It means he hasn’t recovered from his injury.
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The question isn't really "is he worth it" in draft pick terms
because he pretty clearly isn’t. But draft picks are absurdly rigged investments—it’s near impossible not to reap a positive return on them. The question is, is he worth it by comparison to other marginal uses of the money. If he has a 10% chance of producing $30 million in free agent value, he’s a better use of money than a free agent.
I’d be inclined to pay him anyway, but on this one I’ll go with whatever the A’s end up deciding.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that doesn't really answer the question at all
although i agree with your general sentiment. my point is this: regardless of what he his hitting on the radar gun, he wants $2 million to sign. he has another year to come back and will probably be a first-rounder next year, provided he cuts into his walk rate a little bit. why would he sign for less than $2 mil when he can more than likely get it next season?
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True. If he signs for $1MM he's not completely sure about his health.
If he insists on $2MM he thinks he’s completely healthy and is willing to prove it next year. So if he capitulates we should withdraw the offer. If he sticks to it all the way to the deadline, we should capitulate.
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
great post
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because he might not cut into that walk rate ...
because he is a reliever and a single bad game could ruin his season’s stats …
because injuries happen …
because he could think of a lot of awesome things to do with a mil and a half over the next year …
because it likely puts him one year closer to free agency …
because it would put him in an organization that makes relievers look good and isn’t afraid to promote quickly …
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, but what are the reasons?
The 2009 A's draft pick... getting higher every game.
by rebus on Jul 30, 2008 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
one thing that i don't quite agree with
and i’m sure you would agree…”season stats” are not nearly as important as the process, makeup, etc. especially in college, facing aluminum bats. if a guy is throwing 97 and getting hit, it’s not like teams aren’t gonna take a chance on him.
i’m sure there are plenty of examples, but when i was out in indiana this fall playing, one of my teammates, tyler tufts (now a hated ranger ;), showed an average fastball with plus offspeed pitches, including a splitter. he got somewhat lit up to the tune of a mid-5’s era. he got picked up in the draft this year as a junior, got the bonus he wanted, and immediately shoved in rookie ball to the tune of a low 1’s era. he just got promoted to bakersfield and is having some success so far.
the equipment the batters are using makes a world of difference. not that i disagree with points 2, 4, and 5 though. those are legitimate.
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you disagreeing with what you say you're disagreeing with ...
a team will definitely take a chance on him —but maybe with the 40th pick instead of the 20th … which would cost him somewhere in the neighborhood of $750k … remember, next time around he’ll be a senior and won’t have any leverage …
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and i disagree with that ;)
just kidding. but didn’t matt laporta gamble and win like that? i know it wasn’t an injury though
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a gamble ...
sometimes you win, others you lose …
Would you trade $1m today for a 50-50 chance at between $500k and $1m extra next year? Me, personally? I’d take the mil and buy a house …
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's not a reliever
Maybe he’s been playing as one for the summer team, but he’s not a reliever.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right ... I was thrown off by the fact that he's only thrown 161 innings through three seasons ...
He averaged less than 5 innings per start this year and not much more than 5 per start last year … but change that to ‘as a starter who only manages to throw 80 innings’ and you’re left with the same basic concept …
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Woo!
Justin Murray, K-Stater!
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
by sprtsnwyn on Jul 30, 2008 10:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
On Justin Murray
Is there a link that says he has signed?
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
by sprtsnwyn on Jul 30, 2008 10:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes
It’s the same story that says Berroa signed.
You have to pay to see the story though.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Jul 30, 2008 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah
I see
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
by sprtsnwyn on Jul 30, 2008 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a free article from the College Baseball Blog on Murray's signing
http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2008/07/28/justin-murray-becomes-the-first-pump-jack-to-go-pro/
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
PlumpJack= pretty good winery
by Mark Borgschulte on Jul 30, 2008 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
New Jack = queued for an hour and some guy shot me.
Let’s hear it for 80’s pop culture.
Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com
by Ozzz on Jul 31, 2008 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uncle Jack = reliable intoxication
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Aug 1, 2008 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Captain Jack = underrated early-period Billy Joel song
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Aug 1, 2008 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Billy Jack = overrated activist kung fu nightmare
Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com
by Ozzz on Aug 11, 2008 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brent Warren
I’m surprised everybody’s ignoring him – another elite talent that slipped b/c of signability issues. The heart condition appears to be a non-issue at this point.
by jdr on Jul 30, 2008 10:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Isn't he pretty much firmly committed to college?
I suppose the A’s could just nakedly bribe him to sign but it would probably require a huge overpay.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
College question
As some sort of incentive, if a player really wants to go to college (for the education and not for college baseball), can a team work out some sort of deal where they’ll pay his tuition to go to college in the offseason? I can’t really believe a player would rather play college ball than pro ball, so if a guy is committed to college it’s either because he wants the education or he thinks it’ll improve his draft position in the future. If you give him a big enough bonus and ensure he’ll still be able to attend school, you could probably change his mind.
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He would only have time to go to school for 1 semester a year ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That seems OK. He'd graduate in 8 years, with six years of pro baseball on his resume if
baseball doesn’t work out. If he’s out of baseball in less than six years, he’d finish school faster. Boy I wish I’d had that option.
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would take a hell of a lot of commitment ...
he’d get an education - but it would take a long time and he wouldn’t really get the college experience. If all the player cares about is the degree - and doesn’t mind not really having any time off, at all for 8 years … well, more power to him … I doubt that’s generally what’s going on, though …
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's instead of having a summer job and going to school.
No time off that way either. If he wants to take off a semester he can.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most summer jobs are far less time consuming and tiring than playing professional baseball ...
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But, regardless, yes it can be done ...
but how many kids would really have the kind of commitment to do it? Not very many …
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jul 30, 2008 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't the commitment for baseball pretty year round?
I think a better way would be to have the team pay for the rest of college if the prospect doesn’t make the major leagues.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Aug 1, 2008 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most quasi-credible universities
really frown on the notion of someone taking 8 years to graduate…
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn those quasi-credible universities!
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
but coming back after a sports career happens. I know someone who took time off for the Olympics, and the school was not only tolerant but supportive. I’m sure if any school sees a benefit they’ll go for it.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Aug 1, 2008 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
in terms of Warren
BA’s thinking was that he would go to Oregon State and then come out in three years as a first-round pick – hence his demand now for top-round money.
by jdr on Jul 30, 2008 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is a guy doing this
at Stanford… but not only does he miss a bunch of the pro season, he is basically on his own for workouts, etc for 8 months out of the year. And he’s trying to cram in as many classes as he can to graduate faster.
I suppose it might work for some people, but that’s a pretty rough go.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he's doing it at Stanford, he probably can handle the crunch
I’m just wondering if this sort of thing ever happens. I agree it’s not going to always, or even usually work. But it seems like there are situations where this sort of thing could be worked into a contract to get a guy to sign.
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jake Mcgeary is the guy you're thinking of
The Nationals allow him to attend Stanford because his parents were not going to let him sign otherwise.
by BlameChannel53 on Jul 30, 2008 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
very often for these guys
Part of the signing agreement is that the team will pay for college if/when the kid decides to go to college (by which I mean for the guys who actually do want to get a college education and aren’t just trying to improve their draft position in three years OR their signing bonus this year). I have no idea how often the clause is actually invoked.
by jdr on Jul 30, 2008 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely
my good friend rob waite (cal high-san ramon, chabot college, uc riverside, now a detroit tiger rookie ball reliever) had this happen. he signed for $25,000 (17th round pick), plus $30,000 for his last 4 semesters at riverside. he is going to be taking classes there in the fall semesters for the next 4 years to finish up.
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
They do it all the time, especially with kids signed out of high school.
The A’s are paying for the tuition of a few guys right now that were cut a couple of years after signing, if my intelligence network is correct.
Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com
by Ozzz on Jul 31, 2008 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naked bribing should definitely work. Now whom to send.......hmmmm?
When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jaymee Sire
Or if we DON’T want the guy to sign, send Jack Cust.
"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox
by Gallagher's Watermelons on Jul 30, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+2
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
isn't that pretty much what all high school overslot signings are?
I saw something somewhere saying they had already made him a big offer – don’t know if/what/anything happened after that.
by jdr on Jul 30, 2008 11:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I really want Warren signed
He was being called one of the top HSers since Delmon Young. Give him the money. I’d rather we give 1 mil + to him than Emil Brown. Past that, Hunter would be nice but I want Warren more.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jul 30, 2008 12:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agree
Hunter I’m somewhat blah on – already been injured, his mechanics are apparently shaky, his numbers weren’t that great anyway (esp. the BB rate … not a good sign for a college pitcher) – his markup is because of his stuff rather than because he’s a phenomenal pitcher. Those guys are always question marks above and beyond the normal pitching-prospect question mark. Warren on the other hand was a consensus first-rounder as a HS outfielder prior to the health issue which now appears to have been resolved. The A’s badly need hitting in the system so if they’re going to spend more money this year, this is the guy to go for.
by jdr on Jul 30, 2008 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
specifically
People are high on Hunter b/c he’s a SP who throws hard. You need a bit more than that. Don’t get me wrong, it would be great if they signed him. But I think he’s a lower priority.
by jdr on Jul 30, 2008 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's cause
he reminds people of rich harden
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jul 30, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So sign him, develop him, then trade him before he can annoy everybody with his glass parts
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someday, you will break how I break
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Warren = Doll Parts
Do we already have a nickname? (I assume you were playing off that song, even though that’s not the exact line)
by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
*like I break*
Ugh. My mind is going.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You said he had he had glass parts.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
whoops I did it again.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They called me Mr. Glass
or Mr. Harden
by AthleticsReign on Jul 30, 2008 4:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Berroa
looks like some kind of fast, dang!
by Emmett89 on Jul 30, 2008 5:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Speed
Beane REALLY seemed to emphasize speed and athleticism in this draft. With Weeks, Berroa, Dixon, and House.
by Emmett89 on Jul 30, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And last year, Rocket Richard.
Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com
by Ozzz on Jul 31, 2008 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No prospect maven I
So I’ve no idea whether the over-slots are “worth it” for these particular guys. But it’s worth noting the obvious—between these moves, the recent Venezuela signings, and of course Inoa, the A’s are clearly matching their system building rhetoric with some of the cash they’ve made available through the ‘08 payroll slashes. Not all or even most of that bounty, mind you, but a serious enough amount as to be quite encouraging.
I wonder though whether the slot concept might be about to collapse anyway. It’s one thing when big bucks teams like Detroit ignore the voluntary collusion…if the A’s can do it, pretty soon everyone else probably will too.
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 30, 2008 6:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm convinced the slot system will be a dead letter within 3 years
Unfortunately, once it is it will become virtually impossible for the A’s (and indeed most of baseball) to acquire talent through the amateur draft. We’d better enjoy the “next great A’s team,” because it might be the last great A’s team until MLB actually implements a functional draft and payroll restrictions, which at baseball’s problem-solving rate I expect in about 2030 or so—or whenever the public finally gets sick of the 10th straight year with the same 6 teams in the playoffs.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Functional draft? Please elaborate.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure he means a mandatory slotting system
like the NBA, and (i think?) the NHL.
Each pick has a fixed pay…like the slot recommendations, except you can’t go over slot.
And I have to think a salary cap will eventually happen, but it will be combined with things like earlier FA, etc. Negotiations will be really really messy, I think. Baseballs structure is so messed up unique that changing to salary cap will involve so many changes to bicker about negotiate.
by ohmangoAs on Jul 30, 2008 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One that doesn't suck?
One where the teams picking first in the order actually get the best players?
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quick Fix
I think we might see a quick fix at the next renegotiation.
We almost saw it this time around when the MLB almost did away with the draft comp system which would have paved the way for guaranteed slot bonuses and pick trading. Unfortunately Selig chickened out at the last moment…
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the comp system finally done away with and some sort of soft penalty to teams that go over-slot (that will further keep small market teams away from the good talent).
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Jul 30, 2008 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the current system is a prisoner's dilemma
It’s more or less inevitable that the system will break b/c it’s all being held together on an unwritten agreement, and because $700,000 really is chump change compared to the potential payoff. Why should anyone play nice if all the other teams aren’t? In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the last year that teams pay any real attention to the slot “rules” – once small market teams like the A’s/Royals start busting it for 1/10 the price of today’s average bum starting pitcher, why shouldn’t everybody? This is the house of cards that Selig is trying to hold up – we’re just not talking about very much money. $1.5 million to grab a guy (or five guys or ten guys) who might turn out to be worth $60 million pre-arb is a roll you take every time. The pitfall for A’s fans comes when one of two things happens: when more of these guys starting getting market value (see this year’s #1 getting $6.5 million – we’re on our way) or when the system totally collapses and it all turns into a flat out bidding war. We should be rooting for two things – that this stupid system stays in place for as long as possible (i.e. most of the teams keep following the rules) and that when it eventually does collapse, a strict, reasonable slotting system replaces it. I don’t have high hopes for either.
by jdr on Jul 31, 2008 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and to follow up
Because I think, like Paul, that the system is on its last legs, they should sign every one of their overslot guys this year. They have maybe another draft, maybe another two when they have a chance to compete with the Yankees/Red Sox/Mets etc. for high-level talent at pay levels they can afford. A guy wants $1.5 and you think he’s only “worth” $1.3? So what. Give it to him. It makes absolutely zero difference. And soon you won’t have a chance to even make the choice at all.
by jdr on Jul 31, 2008 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree completely
This looks like a classic price-fixing cartel, and as such it’s inherently unstable. The advantage always goes to the member willing to cheat on the agreed rules first, because someone inevitably will.
by Glorious Mundy on Jul 31, 2008 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone think Beane will sign Preston Guilmet ?
The guys a college pitcher with 4 above average pitches. Scouting reports have him as a future big leaguer, but not a future star. Just seems like if he’d be a good signing that could move through the system quickly.
by Gaffletic on Jul 30, 2008 10:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
4 above-average pitches?
Whoa there, cowboy. He was throwing mid-80s in the CWS. Now, maybe that’s just the result of gross abuse during the season, but that raises its own attendant red flags. The guy was flogged like a draft horse (no pun intended) in college.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Windsor, represent!
Notes From The Nat has a new home: http://www.natnotes.com
by Ozzz on Jul 31, 2008 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be honest, Jason Windsor wouldn't look bad as a 23rd round pick
but, that said, Guilmet is not going to be paid like a 23rd round pick (at least not this year).
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
can someone explain to me
what possible reason could there be for the a’s to not sign ALL their draft picks?
i can understand hunter if they don’t think he’s recovered and therefore isn’t worth the $2 million or whatever, but for the rest of the draft picks?
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 30, 2008 10:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Most of the guys drafted in the last third of the draft
are high school players who only project to be organization players in the future, i.e. even after college they’re not likely to be first-day selections. So there isn’t that great a need to sign them unless you’re short some guys for your low-level farm teams.
There are a few exceptions (eg Nick Maronde, who I think was a straight-up hate-draft) but basically that’s the lot.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thus why you hear
all the prospect pundits on this site repeating their hope that Beane will sign same 5 names over and over again.
(Hunter, Elgie, Berroa, Warren, and Maronde)
They are the five major non-filler players.
BTW PT, what do you mean by “hate drafted?”
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Jul 30, 2008 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a term I've borrowed from a different kind of draft
(specifically, Magic: The Gathering), but it applies equally well here. Basically, taking a player who you know you have absolutely no intention of signing at his demanded price, for the sole purpose of making sure no one else can sign him either.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
draft tourneys are the best!
The 2009 A's draft pick... getting higher every game.
by rebus on Jul 31, 2008 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok for silly references, does that make billy beane into jon finkel? ;)
I rather enjoy seeing hate drafting as long as it doesn’t hurt us. Toss those useless picks about!
by tomoyo on Jul 31, 2008 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i meant of the picks who matter
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 30, 2008 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only reason not to
is if you think the guy is acting in bad faith (eg, every time you try to meet his price he raises it again). If someone’s doing that then you have to walk away to avoid getting a reputation as a pushover.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
or b/c you're penny-wise pound-foolish
Which is how MLB is hoping teams think. Because $1.3 seems like a lot more than $1 million at these low levels. But the reality is at absolute levels were talking about money that really doesn’t matter to any team, which is how the A’s should be thinking.
And because of some level of desire to follow the rules, which people generally have. Even if the rules are dumb we still feel some inclination to follow them.
by jdr on Jul 31, 2008 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No better place than here, I guess
Rashun Dixon hasn’t played since the 27th down in Arizona. What’s the story?
by Emmett89 on Jul 31, 2008 8:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Apparently he's hurt
like every other player in the system, seemingly.
No idea with what though.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leyja
I don’t know much about the guy, but he sure is knocking the ball around the park. Was 3-3 in tonight’s game last I checked.
by Emmett89 on Jul 31, 2008 9:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I believe you're mistaken...
milb.com shows 0 for 2 (but with 2 walks and 2 runs scored).
Still, his numbers are fantastic for a 17 year old middle infielder. A 1:1 K:BB ratio? 12 XBH in 24 games? 7 of 8 steals? The guy looks like the steal of the draft to date.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there was a double header
In the second game Leyja pulled off a sweet 4-4
by DiegoAsFan on Jul 31, 2008 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
guilmet/rusin were solid polished college pitchers
hopefully they are signed since they were projected top 5 rd picks
not too optimistic on any of the hs picks, other than maybe elgie
but A’s have money to spend annd they all have their price…no excuse to sign at least 2-3 more players in the next 2 weeks
by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 31, 2008 10:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They need to sign Elgie
The low minors are really short on solid 1B prospects and I’ve heard nothing of any power threats among their recent Latin acquisitions (the weakness of what have otherwise been solid international classes).
On second thoughts, just do what xbx advocates and sign everyone… it’s chump change in the long run.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
definitely
in for a penny, in for a pound. If you’re going to bust slot why get fancy over a couple million dollars? It’s still just 1/3498237th of a year of Esteban Loazia.
by jdr on Jul 31, 2008 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A's all of a sudden have a lot of very young Middle Infield prospects now.
at 2B we got Cardenas, Weeks and Patterson.
at SS we got Coleman, Christian and Leyja.
The 2B prospects are much better though, and have a much better track record. But I hope that the SS Prospects turn out good in the future, hopefully better than the 2B’ers.
Still no 3B though, unless you say that Cardenas could be a 3B, or that Carter can stay there.
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jul 31, 2008 10:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know about Leyja
I can’t say I really have any insight into Leyja other than box scores but so far this year he has been shuffled around a bit between 2b, SS, 3B and DH. I’m not really sure what position he is set for long term but he seems to rarely play SS in Arizona.
by DiegoAsFan on Jul 31, 2008 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hit like that, you can play any **** position you want
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a big fan of seeing pictures of players, so here's some dope...
trying to sell a picture of him online. For a buck fifty. 
by Emmett89 on Aug 1, 2008 9:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I should say, some dope's picture of Leyja.
oops.
by Emmett89 on Aug 1, 2008 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thinking about this-
I wonder if there are deals in place with a few of the overslot guys. The Coleman signing was only leaked through an interview he did with a local paper – there hasn’t been any official announcement via MLB or the A’s (at least none that I have seen). I’m thinking this was information that was going to be held until August 15 so as to not upset MLB with the slot guidelines but just got out early – if Coleman hadn’t said anything we still wouldn’t know. Which makes me wonder if there are similar deals out there with other guys that just aren’t going to be announced for another week or two. Which hopefully at least are Elgie and Warren.
by jdr on Aug 1, 2008 12:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
