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Open Thread: Trade Deadline (1:00 PM PST Thursday)

Depaulbluedemons_tiny by Zonis on Comment 537 comments

Trade deadline approaching, and we've already seen some deals go down-just not A's ones.

The Astros, in Ed Wade's genius, acquried LaTroy Hawkins from the Yankees.

The Angels FINALLY made a trade, perhaps their first trade in like 15 years, and acquired Mark Teixiera for Kasey Cotchman and a minor league reliever. The only bright side of the deal for A's fans is that as with any trade with the Braves, Mark Teixiera will be found dead in his bathroom in approximately 5 weeks.

And the RedSox are apparently about to deal Manny Ramirez to the Marlins for 3 of their top prospects (paying all of Manny's salary), while possibly having a three way deal in the works with the Bucs to acquire Jason Bay.

We still have Duke, who's scheduled to pitch Friday. We still have Street, who blew a game today (why did Geren leave him in to pitch a 2nd inning?) an we still have Mark Ellis, Bobby Crosby and Alan Embree.

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interesting that the Yankees traded away two relievers

I didn’t think that was an area of strength for them

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2008 6:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They will promote from within.

"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 30, 2008 6:35 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They will us Marte in the 8th

And maybe Veras/Ramierez at times.

"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 30, 2008 7:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Use*

"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 30, 2008 7:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wasn't Hawkins designated for assignment a few days ago?

I think the “trade” was just a formality for them.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Casey Kotchman

But I kinda like it the Zonis way.

Also, Pudge to the Yankees for Farnsworth.

I really can’t even imagine that nobody wants Embree. At this point, every pitch he throws takes away from some younger player, and that makes him worthless for this team. Not getting rid of him is a sign that they’re going to pick up his 2009 option, and that thought sorta makes me throw up.

by thejd44 on Jul 30, 2008 7:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think the Yankees would take Embree, even for free.

They’re intimately familiar with his stylings.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 30, 2008 7:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A's scouting brewers AAA team

nice timimg, they are getting beatdown by cubs and are back in market for relievers

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 30, 2008 7:49 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

who do they have

that we want? didn’t they trade a few of their best pieces for cc?

by guy incognito on Jul 30, 2008 7:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But the two guys we want most are untouchable.

And the question is if they want Duke or Street (or hell, both!).

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2008 7:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Red rover send Luis Pena right over

Thats about all that would really help the A’s at AAA from the brew crew

by Bud Light on Jul 30, 2008 8:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When a AAA prospect from a team that I've looked at

makes me go “who?”, that’s probably not a good sign.

Try their AA roster.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Scouts at AAA

so it doesnt make sense to talk about the AA roster where the best Brewers prospects are.

Luis Pena is the closer with decent stuff(although a high walk rate) and if we are sending Embree over to them I wouldn’t expect a top prospect in return.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Luis%20Pena&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=434524

by Bud Light on Jul 30, 2008 9:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good Point

Bye Embree!

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2008 9:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I could actually see us going for Brad Nelson

25 year old 1B with a decent enough line at AAA-a stopgap till Barton remembers how to hit?

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2008 9:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was under the (wrong) impression somehow

that he had already been traded.

In any event, the A’s really don’t need more AAAA players getting in the way of the actual guys with upside. Particularly not at first base.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Street deal?

Olney right now on ESPNews says that the White Sox and A’s are talking about Street with the Sox offering Orlando Cabrera. Mentioned the Dodgers in need of a shortstop.

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 30, 2008 8:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why would we want a soon to be FA in Cabrera?

"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 30, 2008 8:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cabrera wouldn't be for the A's

I believe it’s Ménage à trois.

Can't get enough of the Oakland A's? Visit Oaktown Awesomer's

by iamawesomer on Jul 30, 2008 8:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Far too much

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 9:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How about...

Street to Chicago, Cabrera + Buck to L.A., Kemp to Oakland.

by AthleticsReign on Jul 30, 2008 9:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is Kemp really that much better than Buck?

So much better as to justify expending the team’s best (sorry, Duke) trade chip to fill the gap?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd do that trade.

Kemp is younger, appears to be better defensively, and has more power.

Oh, and Buck apparently forgot how to hit this year.

by mikev on Jul 30, 2008 10:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kemp

Is also a righty which we are sorely lacking.

by AthleticsReign on Jul 30, 2008 10:14 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't shake the feeling

that Matt Kemp has been spectacularly lucky to hit as well as he has so far in his career, and that he is riding for a massive (one might say Buck-esque) fall.

His career BABIP is over .390! No way that lasts. I could see .330 but subtract that out of his batting totals from this year and he’s damn near a replacement level hitter at corner outfield.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Frankly, I'd rather focus on Laroche/DeJesus anyway

Just saying that I’d deal for Kemp if that was the option as well.

by mikev on Jul 30, 2008 10:27 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How is DeJesus better than Petit?

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 31, 2008 10:57 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm no expert on these new-fangled stats...

but, wouldn’t a career .330 BABIP make him damn near an elite hitter? I mean, Albert Pujols has a lower career BABIP.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 10:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

also, the guy absolutely destroys lefties...

how many current A’s hitters can we say that about?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 10:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I look at BABIP a little different than a lot of people

BABIP – Batting Average on Balls In Play. Basically, I look at it like “is this guy getting a lot of fluke hits or getting robbed”

“Normal” is around .290-.300 if I remember. Above that generally means that he’s getting lucky fairly often… balls find their way through holes, etc. Below means he’s getting robbed a lot, or hitting balls right at people, or just really sucks. Also, you can usually make a fairly safe assumption that any given hitter’s BABIP will eventually regress back to around that “normal” number (or go up to it, in the case of guys with low BABIP)

I think players CAN influence their BABIP, mostly by spraying line drives all over the field, but not like Kemp’s would suggest.

by mikev on Jul 30, 2008 10:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

but, you do have to concede..

do you not (maybe you don’t), that the elite hitters in baseball consistently have career BABIP’s well above the .290-.300 level. They’re not lucky… they’re good.

Maybe Kemp is one of those. Not .390 good… but, good, nevertheless.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 10:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sure, but only to a point.

ARod = .327 career BABIP
Pujols = .322

Freakishly high guys: Jeter (.359), Ichiro! (.355), Manny (.342)

by mikev on Jul 30, 2008 11:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so, Kemp's .390 campares favorably..

to the best hitters in baseball. Not favorably, really, but he tops them all by a ton. Fuck it… I’d say it’s worth the risk he might regress to .330 lifetime, if we can pry him loose. LOL

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it doesn't reflect on how good he is

his numbers wouldn’t be very goood if his babip dropped 60 points

by mikev on Jul 30, 2008 11:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kemp would be the best hitting OF...

on the A’s this year (and, probably years to come). Billy won’t trade for hitters, though, so I give up.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweeney has like a

.350 Babip, and STILL can’t OPS .800

by ohmangoAs on Jul 30, 2008 11:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Swooney's power will come...

he’ll OPS over .850 next year, which the way we’re going, will slightly edge out Jack Cust.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

at AN Day VI?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:51 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Would have to be AN day VII

unless he turns into A-Rod for the next 2 months…

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 11:51 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

never say die, Ryan...

.850 or bust, this year!!!

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha

I’m with PT on this one.

by ohmangoAs on Jul 30, 2008 11:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

traitor

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

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

by brenarlo on Jul 31, 2008 7:40 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not if he's striking out in 30% of his at-bats...

which he currently is.

Pujols walks more than he strikes out. Kemp has struck out about 4 times as often as he’s walked.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 11:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he's 23 for christ sake...

you don’t think plate discipline can be learned? I do. I think we’re seeing it happen with Carlos Gonzalez as we watch.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll have to look up Tejada's early years...

and, compare them to Kemp’s. As I recall, Miggy struck out a lot and didn’t walk a whole lot. But, the fuckin’ kid could hit. I’m tired of watching guys like Cust walk and strike out. I’m TIRED of it!

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So, you'd prefer guys who simply struck out?

Yeah, that makes sense.

Tejada’s career high K rate is 23%. His career high in a full season is 16%.

No offense to the Patrol Craft, but he wouldn’t know plate discipline if you dropped 16 tons of it on his head.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 11:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not yet...

he’s young. He can actually hit. That’s what gives me a glimmer of hope. We actually need more guys who can hit.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well...
you don’t think plate discipline can be learned?

If I remember Moneyball correctly, Billy doesn’t.

by rageon on Jul 31, 2008 4:40 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

um...

I know we’re just speculating here, but this deal isn’t even lose to realistic. No way L.A. would give up Kemp for Cabrera and Buck. Cabrera would just be a rental unless they can ink him long term… and if you wanna talk about guys who will be F.A.’s, I’ve heard things like Kemp straight up for the likes of Manny. He’s has a ton of raw power, and a ton of speed. He’s also said he learned a lot about basestealing from Pierre/Furcal this year, and his added skill in this area could push him to be a 30/50 guy. None of our hitting prospects are really even on the same level as Kemp. Not even our beloved C-Gon. Always fun to dream though I guess.

by C-Gon on Jul 31, 2008 12:35 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would require the Dodgers to add about $4 million in salary.

Which they don’t want to do.

Though I’d be happy to see the A’s part with $4m if it meant LaRoche. If Devine was worth $5m…

by BWH on Jul 30, 2008 9:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wouldn't Chicago be the ones ponying up?

If not, they would certainly be the ones to give up the prospect—because landing Street for only the cost of half a season of Cabrera would be ridiculous.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 10:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, that too.

Cabrera’s clearly the least valuable commodity in this hypothetical deal.

by BWH on Jul 30, 2008 10:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Or the White Sox could cover the cost.

As they’d be saving around $3m by taking Street and dumping Cabrera. Send that $3m to LA, and it’s just about salary neutral, with the Dodgers out around $1m, and the A’s saving $1m.

by BWH on Jul 30, 2008 10:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone the Dodgers have thats crappy + getting paid roughly $4M?

Not exactly… but there is someone making double that and always rides the bench… Juan ‘330 OBP’ Pierre @ $8M and have the Dodgers pay most of the his salary after this yr. Heck, BB could even swindle 2 top prospects from the LAD with this deal. (LaRoche + SS or Kemp)

The Stockton Ports pitching staff is better than the Orioles.

by gdub171 on Jul 30, 2008 11:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

manny to FLA, bay to BOS

looks like a 3-way deal, on mlb trade rumors:
Marlins get: Manny Ramirez, cash, prospect from Red Sox
Red Sox get: Jason Bay, John Grabow
Pirates get: Ryan Tucker, Jeremy Hermida, one prospect from Red Sox
damn, this is pretty big

by guy incognito on Jul 30, 2008 8:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

red sox

The Sox have a lot of feelers out there including for lefties Ron Mahay, Will Ohman and Scott Eyre and likely others. There’s some talk by scouts and executives they may be in on Oakland’s Huston Street or Seattle’s J.J. Putz and have certainly discussed those players with Oakland and Seattle respectively

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/07/sox_tryingbut.html

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 30, 2008 10:23 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

white sox

According to a source outside the organization, Williams was talking to a handful of teams Wednesday afternoon in hopes of acquiring a back-end reliever in a three-way deal. Indications as of late Wednesday were that his target was Oakland Athletics right-hander Huston Street.

Street, the A’s closer, would move into the Sox’ setup role while veteran Scott Linebrink works his way back from the 15-day disabled list.

But one-on-one talks with the A’s apparently broke down over a lack of depth in the Sox’ farm system. No one knows that system like A’s GM Billy Beane, who traded Nick Swisher to the Sox in January for three prospects. That’s why Williams was trying to get at least one other team involved - and possibly a fourth - to try to meet Beane’s prospect demands for Street.

Unless there’s a change of heart this morning, Williams might walk away empty-handed for the stretch run.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/1083551,CST-SPT-ssep31.article

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 30, 2008 10:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sigh.

It feels like this deadline is going to be as disappointing as last year.

by mikev on Jul 30, 2008 10:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

please, please, please...

Kenny…. find another team or four to meet Billy’s demands. I don’t want to see Street blow another save for the A’s this year.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jason Bay

According to Ken Rosenthal the best formal offer the Pirates have received was from the Braves. It included AAA OF Brandon Jones, AAA SS Brent Lillibridge and two pitchers in the low minors.

Now, you can click on the links for Jones and Lillibridge or for the sake of expediency you can trust me when I say they’ve been struggling.

(Sigh)

I’ll wait for you to finish the links.

Anyways, that’s a package the A’s should be able to better.

I’d start with Ryan Sweeney, Cliff Pennington, Vincent Mazzaro and a 4th player TBD. The quality of the mystery 4th would be in large part determined by how much the Pirates like the first 3 on the list.

Why do this?

Well, 2008 is shot but Bay would anchor the 2009 line-up and no one can deny that the A’s could use a dependable bat next year. Losing Sweeney for Bay is a gain for Oakland, and neither Pennington or Mazzaro are instrumental in the future for the A’s.

Also, make this deal and keep Duke. Have Duke anchor the rotation as Bay stabilizes the line-up and if you really, really like ‘em you can talk extension. Or you’ve got a good shot at seeing both become Type A FA’s so you can let them go after 2009, which is when the next wave of talent should be good and ready for Oakland.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 30, 2008 11:08 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Florida package is much, much, much better

Jeremy Hermida plus.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 30, 2008 11:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Plus what is the question

Sure, Hermida over Sweeney but the prospects that are supposed to be involved could be the hang-up. Now if Boston is willing to include Lowrie and the prospect coming over from Florida is a “B” then that package would be superior.

But look at the Tex deal. Kotchman and Hermida are a push performance wise, both have sketchy health records and both are arby eligible next year. Maerk is a AA bullpen arm.

Manny is not going to fetch any more then Tex did. So the chance of the prospect coming from Boston being a “B” guy is slim. That means the Red Sox would have to part with one of their top prospects to land Bay vs. my proposal. Could they do it? Sure. Will they?

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 30, 2008 11:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ummm... my guess would be that they would...

cuz they’re on a fuckin’ 21st centruy roll in winning World Series. They want to stick it to Manny and the Yanks this season.

We’re not so much on a 21st century World Series roll…

Besides, Swooney is one of the very, very few players on this A’s team I actually like.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Swoon over someone else

You wouldn’t trade Sweeney for Jason Bay?

I don’t even want to know why.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 31, 2008 1:57 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, there are arguments to be made for sure

Sweeney is superior defensively. Sweeney is 7 years younger, cost-controlled and contract-controlled. Sweeney is putting up his in the AL; Bay is doing his thing in the NL.

All things considered, I’m not sure Bay is significantly more valuable, especially to a team in the A’s position. He’s certainly not worth Sweeney and 3 very good prospects.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 7:44 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How about this...

Bay is a far better hitter and the A’s have the 2nd worst offense in the AL.

Defense is nice, but it’s a secondary issue in a Corner OF spot. The A’s need someone who can hit the ball, get on base and hit for power. Sweeney’s OBP is tied almost entirely to his batting average and when that drops (which it will) he’ll quickly become a low-OBP, middling power corner OFer. Oh joy.

Ryan Sweeney does not keep Bay from coming to Oakland.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 31, 2008 7:55 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A lot of silly and/or unsupported statements here

1) Bay is a far better hitter, for now, when the A’s aren’t ready to contend. Oh, and next year, when they might not be ready either. Then Bay is a high-priced free agent the A’s won’t keep (and probably shouldn’t because he’ll be on the wrong side of 30).

2) Defense is undervalued. Ken Griffey, who is a decent offensive player still, is so bad defensively he’s actually replacement-level or below. I bring that up because you’re acting as if corner OF defense is completely irrelevant. Great defense makes good pitchers a lot better, and it makes up for a lacking offense. An outfield of Cust, Gonzalez, and Bay would be pretty awful.

3) Sweeney is showing improved plate discipline and walk rate.

4) What makes you so absolutely sure his batting average is going to drop? And why don’t you think that any luck involved in his current average will be more than offset by a 23-year-old improving and living up to his potential?

I didn’t say Sweeney is preferred over Bay anyway. I just said there are arguments for why this A’s team shouldn’t do a deal where it’s Sweeney and a few prospects for the guy.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:28 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pretty much agreed.

I don’t know if he can sustain a .346 BABIP, but his 23.3% line drive rate is very good.

I think there’s no doubt that Sweeney, as an everyday player, gives a team more value over the length of his contract. 2009 Bay can’t equal all those cost controlled seasons.

Contention in 2009, even if the A’s were to add Bay, means extending Ellis and Duke, as well as finding a third baseman of the future (probably by trading Street). That’s definitely a possibility, though a tall order, and I’d like the A’s to do something like that.

Why?

Because I think there’s a good chance, unlike the A’s (I think), that Ryan Sweeney is a 4th OF with the future A’s. I wonder if he’s enough of an improvement over the weakest of Buck/Cunningham/Patrol Craft to make it worthwhile in the future to keep over a sure upgrade like Bay.

Granted, I’d rather trade Buck + a pitching prospect not named Cahill or Anderson instead of Sweeney.

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

by rebus on Jul 31, 2008 9:32 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree, no reason to go for Bay

The A’s can finish third this year with or without him. And by the time the prospects are ready he’s too expensive and gone. They shouldn’t be making any trades for established players/stars right now – they should be dumping everybody who has any value and planning ahead for the future. Attendance can’t get much worse and the TV contract is worthless anyway.

by jdr on Jul 31, 2008 11:50 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You only make that deal to extend him beyond 2009

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 31, 2008 11:51 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, but for how long?

He’ll be 31 by the end of 2009. I’m not big on giving 32 year old OFs big extensions in the post-PED world.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 12:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn it, I need to fire my editor
So the chance of the prospect coming from Boston being a "B" guy is slim.

Yeah, that should be Florida, not Boston.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 31, 2008 1:55 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The prospects who're rumoured to be involved

include Michael Stanton, 275 .351 .569 .920 as an 18 year old OF in the Sally this year.

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

by rfloh on Jul 31, 2008 3:03 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Stanton was specifically mentioned as NOT being in the deal

So sayeth Rosenthal

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 31, 2008 6:55 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmm, other guys had him in the deal.

I guess I’ll trust Rosenthal.

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

by rfloh on Jul 31, 2008 7:20 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Should be both

Pittsburgh is asking for (and apparently willing to hold Bay if they don’t get) 4 guys. Hermida, 2 prospects from Florida, 1 from Boston.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

rockies and duke

Right-handed pitcher Josh Fogg of Cincinnati may be the addition the Rockies settle for in their search for an addition to the rotation. They have continued to look into other alternatives, but when they made inquiries for higher-profile starting pitchers they have been left cold by what other teams want, including Oakland asking for a package that “starts with” center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Ian Stewart for right-hander Justin Duscherer; Seattle wanting Fowler and right-handed reliever Casey Weathers for lefty Jarrod Washburn and declining to pick up any of the salary that includes $10.35 million for next year, and Washington putting a price tag of outfielder Brad Hawpe for right-handed starter Tim Redding.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/30/rockies-report-fuentes-likely-be-dealt-if-price-ri/

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 30, 2008 11:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow! Starts with Flower AND Stewart!

Hell, I’d settle for just Flower and Stewart.. maybe even just Stewart.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2008 11:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beane must be joking

Duke, as much as I like the guy, is not worth Fowler AND Stewart. I can see the arguement for one or the other but both is beyond wishful thinking… it’s flat insulting to the Rockies.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 30, 2008 11:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dont you think rockies insulted...

other teams by asking for price/bucholz for fuentes…so it goes both ways

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 30, 2008 11:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And how did that deal turn out?

Wait… it didn’t happen.

The basic theory is we supposedly want one of these guys.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 30, 2008 11:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

look at what m's asked for washburn lol

they are idiots, so i dont blame beane for asking for that much for duke. but yes, i would settle for stewart + nelson/gomez

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 30, 2008 11:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gotta Ask for the Stars cause you never know.

You just might get it. Now Beane can go.. Ok Ok..Duke for Stewart and another B level prospect.

"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 30, 2008 11:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Id be super Happy with Duke for Stewart straight up.

"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 30, 2008 11:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is both a blessing and a curse to share a birthday with the trade deadline. I hope that this year it is a good one!

by drmmerchk on Jul 30, 2008 11:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe Billy will buy you a hitter this year

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

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 30, 2008 11:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My fingers are crossed! :)

by drmmerchk on Jul 30, 2008 11:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

piece on BP about ziegler

houston offering their entire system for him. joke it seems, kinda.

by Glomar on Jul 31, 2008 1:38 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

MLB trade rumors suggests the Pirates

may risk being replaced by a third team in the Boston-Florida deal….(perhaps the A’s?)

by OaklandSi on Jul 31, 2008 4:34 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rosenthal sez

Griffey Hoonior to the White Sox.

by Emmett89 on Jul 31, 2008 5:27 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just read that one too.

Wonder where he fits there? Could Konerko be going going gone?

by OakFaninFL on Jul 31, 2008 5:29 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beats me.

I don’t really get it. I mean, Griffey’s never played first before. And 38 years old in a playoff run is a tough time to teach it.

by Emmett89 on Jul 31, 2008 5:37 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

From the Rosenthal post...

it sounded like Griff would go to center(?) and Swish to 1B. They have Thome as DH and the OF corners are set. Strange move, unless something is brewing beyond that move.

by OakFaninFL on Jul 31, 2008 5:42 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh boy.

38 year old Ken Griffey in center would be a joy to watch.

by Emmett89 on Jul 31, 2008 5:43 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Griffey is a replacement-level player in right field

In center, he would pretty much be useless overall.

Since Konerko has too much money left on his deal to just release him, I could see Beane trading somebody. Here’s hoping we get Swisher back into Oakland for Street (this is what Steve Stone speculated just a few minutes ago).

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 6:45 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The team could use some ATTITUDE.....

And bringing back Swish would be a jolt they need. Would be nice to see him and Big Hurt dancing in the dugout again.

by OakFaninFL on Jul 31, 2008 7:45 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wouldn't be a trade deadline thread

Without some good old Right Handed Bat™ fetishism.

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Jul 31, 2008 6:01 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

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

by rebus on Jul 31, 2008 7:39 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Griffey to the White Sox?

"Hey dad my Jack Cust Bobblehead is batting right handed"....."He's not batting right handed he's striking out swinging."

by What Would Rickey Do on Jul 31, 2008 6:09 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does the Griffey trade mean Williams traded what was left of his farm system..

therefore hurting the chances of a Street deal?

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

by brenarlo on Jul 31, 2008 7:27 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't know about that since the Sox had no prospects for the A's anyway

What might hurt the Street deal is that apparetly Weathers or Affeldt might be going to the Sox in addition to Griffey.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 7:45 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No

They got him for jank—Danny Richar and Nick Masset.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:09 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The NYY...

get something for LaTroy Hawkins, a class A 2B. Can we do the same for Embree, PLEASE!!! Something better than nothing.

From YAHOO:
Jul 30 RHP LaTroy Hawkins from the New York Yankees for Class A Lexington 2B Matt Cusick. Hawkins, who was designated for assignment by the Yankees earlier in the week, will report to the Astros on Friday for the first game of the three-game series against the New York Mets. Although Hawkins isn’t having a stellar season, the Astros hope he can turn his year around and help add depth to bridge the gap between the starters and closer Jose Valverde. The Yankees will pick up a “significant portion” of Hawkins’ remaining salary.

by OakFaninFL on Jul 31, 2008 7:42 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the team we need to call is

the tigers. if they’re going to give up pudge for KYLE FARNSWORTH, billy beane should be able to get a bat out of them for one of our ballboys and some ken griffey junior rookie cards

by jlanning17 on Jul 31, 2008 7:53 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pudge really kinda sucks now

Even if he is having an ok year at the plate. I think that’s a fairly even trade, and it really helps the Tigers who have a decimated bullpen and a better player (Inge) who can catch full time.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:23 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dismal trade for the Tigers

Not only did they just trade Pudge for a reliever, they effectively traded away a draft pick on top of it. Pudge is going to be a Type A, Farnsworth MAY be a Type B.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:10 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tigers were not going to offer Pudge arbitration

so they did not really lose any draft picks. I doubt that NY would offer Pudge arbitration either, as he is very, very likely to accept since he would make at least close to his current salary.

Still not saying this is a great trade, but the picks are not really part of the equasion.

by AsFanInLA on Jul 31, 2008 10:44 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You've got to be kidding me

No way he makes more in arbitration than on the market.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:45 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

someone is going to pay him 10.5 mil? Who?

Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom

by designatedforassignment on Jul 31, 2008 11:59 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's not going to get 10.5 mil in arbitration...

and no, the 80% limit does not apply to players who voluntarily accept arbitration.

Someone will give him a multi-year deal for a decent sum.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 12:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't think of a team that would pay him 10M

He has to be offered a minimum of 80% of last years contract if the offer him arbitration. Last years contract was over 12M.

Who would pay him that much going into his age 37 season as a catcher?

by AsFanInLA on Jul 31, 2008 12:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the giants

Beane's World!! Excellent!!! Rock On, Beane! Rock On, Geren!

by Satchmo22 on Jul 31, 2008 12:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here is what I'm hoping for now that Griffey is in Chicago

Chicago trades Cabrera to Dodgers, Dodgers trade LaRoche to A’s, Chicago trades Swisher to A’s, A’s trade Street to Chicago. Win/Win/Win scenario as I posted in the Griffey fanpost

"Mount it? I already did. Oh! You meant on the wall?!!

by rickey939 on Jul 31, 2008 8:17 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would be amazing

But getting Swisher and LaRoche for Street? I feel like the A’s would have to give up more.

And the Griffey deal seems to be official, as he has accepted the trade according to Ken Rosenthal at foxsports.com

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:22 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So the White Sox

are supposed to trade Orlando Cabrera and Nick Swisher for Huston Street?

So far this is the winner for the deadline thread.

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Jul 31, 2008 8:39 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well

It’s not that crazy. In addition to sucking, Cabrera is really unpopular here and the Sox have been looking to move him for a couple months now. With the emergence of Alexi Ramirez, they have options. Although by trading Richar that does hurt their IF depth. I’d be ok with tossing in Eric Patterson to the White Sox in this silly, but fun to think about scenario.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:42 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Adding Ellis

would be a necessity for Cabrera, so they could move Ramirez over to SS. I mistakenly dropped a post down below speculating about a possible combo of: Street, Ellis and a mid-level prospect or two for Swisher and Cabrera (who then would be spun for LaRoche). Pipe-dream most likely, but like you said, fun to think about.

by SlideJeremy! on Jul 31, 2008 9:02 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So their IF would be Konkerko-Ellis-Ramirez-Uribe? That really sounds bad.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 31, 2008 11:09 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A's old closer heading down here to FL.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3512597

This should be interesting. I imagine he will get lit up in down here.

The swinging (and missing) A's of 2008!!

by OakFaninFL on Jul 31, 2008 8:31 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I missed the word 'old'

My heart skipped a beat.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 8:32 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My inner Phillie fan is elated

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 31, 2008 9:02 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That could apply to an awful lot of players...

Make me actually look at the article, would you?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:11 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it's Eck

mullet, fake tan, and all

by oakinboston on Jul 31, 2008 10:17 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sounds like the two players going to Cincy

Are Infielder Danny Richar and reliever Nick Masset.

With Linebrink on the DL and Masset going to the Reds, the White Sox definitely could use a reliever at this point. I know Swisher for Street is a pipe dream, but I’m hoping for it. Come on, let’s make this happen.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:32 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't need Swisher...

if it means we can’t get someone like LaRoche or Stewart.

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

by brenarlo on Jul 31, 2008 8:34 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Getting Swisher

Would also give the A’s a legit (semi-legit?) bat AND be a big boost to the dwindling fanbase.

Enjoy the game

by DCinWC on Jul 31, 2008 8:50 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It might be a bit counterintuitive

But I think Swisher would improve to at least his career norms if he returned to Oakland. I know he should be pounding the ball in The Cell, and McAfee is a big-time pitcher’s park, but he just doesn’t look all that comfortable there. Perhaps returning to more familiar surroundings could help him.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:52 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Street for Swisher is a great deal. I don't see how it's even debatable.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 31, 2008 11:10 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Swisher can also play 1B

Now that we aren’t sure about Barton…

by Massie on Jul 31, 2008 9:07 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rosenthal notes from last evening
6:26 p.m.: All quiet with A’s, Mets
Two teams that were not terribly active as of 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday night: The A’s and Mets.

The A’s were getting practically no action on reliever Huston Street, and the Mets were refusing to include any of their top prospects in a deal for the Mariners’ Raul Ibanez or any available reliever.

The Mets’ strategy for the moment, sources say, is to upgrade in any area that could make the team better, but only if the price is right. Thus, they could move on a starter, reliever, hitter or utility player, but are not focused on one particular area of need.

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 31, 2008 8:41 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What doesn't make sense

Some reports have around 6 or 7 teams interested in Street, others basically say nobody wants him and he’s a big pile of crap. Somebody is wrong, and I tend to think a top 10-15 closer is attractive to at least a few teams. Maybe no deal gets done because Beane wants too much, but I don’t believe nobody has interest.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:44 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I agree.

This guy might be exclusively talking to A’s sources, and A’s sources generally don’t leak much about trades.
So its very likely there are a few things on the table.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 8:46 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe nobody says they have interest

because a deal is actually happening.

Street definitely has value; is Kyle Farnsworth much more valuable than Street, and he brought someone who’s going to be the Yankee’s everyday catcher.

One man’s weak closer is another man’s excellent setup man.

it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you

by eastcoasta'sfan on Jul 31, 2008 8:48 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"is Kyle Farnsworth much more valuable than Street"

This may be the most ridiculous underrating of street yet, and I’ve seen some crazy ones.

Can't get enough of the Oakland A's? Visit Oaktown Awesomer's

by iamawesomer on Jul 31, 2008 8:49 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pretty much

I remember Farnsworth when he was with the Cubs. He was a JOKE.
Street has flashes of brilliance, so depending on when he gets hot, he might be very useful to a contender.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 8:59 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Farnsworth big problem is HR. He only gave up 1 HR in his partial year in Detroit.

He may fit there a lot more than anywhere else.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 31, 2008 11:12 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But still, that's not "no interest"

Rosenthal is implying, if not directly saying, that Beane is making some calls and people are saying “No, not interested in that guy.” It’s one thing if there are talks and the price is too high. But then you say “The So-and-sos inquired about Huston Street, but the asking price was too high.”

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:50 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

EXACTLY

"Mount it? I already did. Oh! You meant on the wall?!!

by rickey939 on Jul 31, 2008 8:48 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think the Griffey-to-Chicago trade is the

remnant of the rumored three-team Street trade.

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 31, 2008 8:51 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That could be

But if no reliever is included to replace Masset or the injured Linebrink, the White Sox really need to fill that hole now. I’m not sure a deal for Street can be worked out at this point, but they could definitely use him.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 8:55 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It could very well mean a Street deal is going to happen

Since they just dealt another reliever…

Its not over till the fat lady sings…

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 8:58 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What about...

...a deal involving Street and Ellis to the ChiSox for Swisher and Cabrera (presumably the A’s would have to add an additional mid-level prospect or two to balance overall value)? Cabrera would then be spun as part of a LaRoche deal with the Dodgers. Kenny Williams has a surplus of OFs now and as everyone’s hoping, that may make Swish available – assuming Jr can play CF still. The ChiSox are also dying to ditch Cabrera and move Ramirez to SS and Ellis would let them do that.

I know the combo’s doubtful, given that they paid up dearly for Swish in December and they’d be getting a rental (albeit a great ballplayer) in Ellis, but it’s nice to dream!

by SlideJeremy! on Jul 31, 2008 8:52 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Page up Jeremy

"Mount it? I already did. Oh! You meant on the wall?!!

by rickey939 on Jul 31, 2008 8:53 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

GET SWISHER NOW

SWISHER DAMNIT

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 8:55 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What a great trade rumor!

Swisher back in green and gold would be such a boost for the team AND the fans!
Imagine that? A’s fans getting excited about a trade!
I love it!

"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 31, 2008 8:58 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think Billy Beane Hates Me.

We’ve traded away my favorites and I have entered into a deep depression. Can we reverse our trades? Maybe say we were just kidding or temp. insanity. I want Scoot and Harden and Haren back.

by butler19 on Jul 31, 2008 9:00 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no

"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 31, 2008 10:03 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

trade

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the A’s are not likely to make a trade today. Olney’s source puts it at 1%. So, looks like Justin Duchscherer and Huston Street can rest easy.

by Emmett89 on Jul 31, 2008 9:03 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

which means

something is imminent

"Lefty relievers are like the different Mountain Dew flavors. New ones keep appearing, and people are willing to buy, but in the end most of them suck." - Gallagher's Watermelons

by scatterbrian on Jul 31, 2008 9:55 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buster Olney is full of it

"Mount it? I already did. Oh! You meant on the wall?!!

by rickey939 on Jul 31, 2008 9:05 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buster Olney

Can shove it.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:05 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Watch

As Billy calls Busters cell and tells him we just traded Duke and Street.
I’d lol, and email it to everyone I knew.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thanks beane!!

still no 3b/SS and 2 more months of crosby/embree/brown etc i love it!!

A’s Unlikely To Make More Trades
By Tim Dierkes [July 31 at 11:00am CST]

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the A’s are not likely to make a trade today. Olney’s source puts it at 1%. So, looks like Justin Duchscherer and Huston Street can rest easy.

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 31, 2008 9:06 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cue "Dumb and Dumber" quote

...”So you’re saying there’s a chance!”

I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.

by franks a lot on Jul 31, 2008 9:07 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Exactly.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:08 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

qotm

"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 31, 2008 10:04 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He also said the Cubs wouldn't go out and get a big name starting pitcher to answer the Sabathia trade

He said they had a great rotation as is

"Mount it? I already did. Oh! You meant on the wall?!!

by rickey939 on Jul 31, 2008 9:07 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

following from some "ass clown" blogger on ESPN

NYYRJ51 (Less than a minute ago)
The A’s should be contracted. What a disgrace to baseball. They don’t even try and win. They’ve become the MLB’s Farm system. I feel sorry for those fans.

by HRH on Jul 31, 2008 9:07 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol...

We’re the farm system?
More like we own all of MLB’s farm systems.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:08 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I feel sorry for us too.

"All your baserunners are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt

by Philip Christy on Jul 31, 2008 9:09 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That was the same place (ESPN - Rick Bucher)...

that reported that Kobe Bryant wouldn’t play another game as a Laker.

These guys are bums. When have they ever been right about the A’s?

After the Cubs trade he even said that the trade happened very quickly… even AFTER the Cubs GM said that he and Beane had been talking for months!!!!

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

by brenarlo on Jul 31, 2008 9:08 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

To be fair

Kobe Bryant was all but traded to the Bulls last September. It was to the point where he was more likely to be on the Bulls than the Lakers, but the sticking point was he wanted to play with Deng and the Lakers would only do the deal if they got Deng.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 11:52 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mlbtraderumors says

buster olney says we have a 1% chance of making any more trades today

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

by SoCalA'sFan on Jul 31, 2008 9:09 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think I'm going to make a FaNpOsT

saying that Buster Olney only gave us a 1% chance of making a trade.

by mikev on Jul 31, 2008 9:10 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I say there is a 1% chance

of you making the fAnPoSt. But a 100% chance I will post stuff in it if you do.

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

by 5Aces on Jul 31, 2008 9:27 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whose mouth?

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 31, 2008 11:16 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whose foot, for that matter

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

by monkeyball on Jul 31, 2008 11:29 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll take those odds!!

"Mount it? I already did. Oh! You meant on the wall?!!

by rickey939 on Jul 31, 2008 9:11 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Braves are notorious

for knowing their own goods well enough that they trade away guys who LOOK good, but end up struggling or getting hurt at their next stop. Charles Thomas and Dan Meyer are two painful examples.

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

by notsellingjeans on Jul 31, 2008 10:51 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why does this keep coming up

And whats the story behind it? Ive seen it twice now and I just busted up laughing so much I spit my drink out my nose. Its so absurd sounding

I miss Eric Plunk

by chuckcheeze on Jul 31, 2008 2:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wait

Buster is trying to trick us!!! See! Theres two 0’s in a %.

SO, Buster is saying there is a 100% chance of a deal!!!

Its so obvious.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:14 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think my favorite part of this thread

Was the Steve Stone speculation turning into us getting all uppity and excited about a Swisher for Street trade.

As if it were ever realistic.

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Jul 31, 2008 9:15 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

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

by brenarlo on Jul 31, 2008 9:16 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's trade Sweeney, Gonzales and de los Santos for Swisher...

I wonder if the Sox would do it…

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

by brenarlo on Jul 31, 2008 9:17 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

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

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 31, 2008 9:21 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cust for Dunn

Red save money and get just as many K’s

Enjoy the game

by DCinWC on Jul 31, 2008 9:22 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But we'd have pay more money for our K's

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 31, 2008 11:18 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dunn leads the majors in home runs

So that would be an upgrade for the A’s.

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 11:53 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is his intro music

Burninating the Countryside?

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:24 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Er

Trogdor
I apologize, I’m still tired

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:25 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK, now that's just crude.

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years"

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 31, 2008 11:19 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

get your mind out of the WC, WC.

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

by rebus on Jul 31, 2008 11:23 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is so dumb.

Somebody trade someone for someone else.

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 31, 2008 9:25 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

"All your baserunners are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt

by Philip Christy on Jul 31, 2008 9:30 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll trade you

My love for your tickets to tomorrow night’s game ;-)

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Jul 31, 2008 9:32 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

heh

Everyone in the world must be on mlbtraderumors.com right now.
The site is soooo choppy right now.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:27 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can we stop with this pipedream of

swisher going back to the a’s bit…..more appropriate for a fantasy trade thread instead….

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

by ST on Jul 31, 2008 9:27 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

为什麽？

疯狂的！

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

by ST on Jul 31, 2008 9:34 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I totally agree!! lol

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

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 31, 2008 9:37 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not completely irrational

The White Sox have a surplus of players, and Swisher is the most likely to be the odd man off the roster. They could use Street. There’s some sort of match there. Doesn’t mean it will happen, but it’s not like everybody is saying “ARod for Hannahan, it can happen!”

by thejd44 on Jul 31, 2008 11:54 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's irrational unless you assume that KW

doesn’t care about winning games this year or that he is stupid.

Sure, they could use Street. It’s the issue of the price involved.

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

by rfloh on Jul 31, 2008 12:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why wouldn't Konerko be the odd man out?

Swisher is younger and signed for longer, isn’t he?

by mikev on Jul 31, 2008 12:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mill: Noontime Coffee, Pot III

Names popping up at the last minute: Marcus Thames, Huston Street, Jonathan Sanchez, and Paul Byrd.

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 31, 2008 9:32 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alan Embree's name isn't being whispered in every GM's ear?

Crap!

I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.

by franks a lot on Jul 31, 2008 9:34 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm

Almost disappointed.

'Who's that guy we had to release last year because he robbed a bank?'- Billy Beane
Sean Gallagher is my hero.

by Morgasm on Jul 31, 2008 9:35 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

depends

on the man doing the whispering

by oakinboston on Jul 31, 2008 9:47 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN Rumor list

Phillies looking for a lefty reliever.

GOODBYE, MR. EMBREE!!!!!!

The swinging (and missing) A's of 2008!!

by OakFaninFL on Jul 31, 2008 9:54 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They already rejected him

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 31, 2008 10:17 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can't blame them.

The swinging (and missing) A's of 2008!!

by OakFaninFL on Jul 31, 2008 10:18 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nothing is happening

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

by black beane on Jul 31, 2008 9:58 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

qotm

"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 31, 2008 10:37 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL

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

by black beane on Jul 31, 2008 10:57 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm sitting on the edge of my seat for....nothing.

I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.

by franks a lot on Jul 31, 2008 10:21 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Somebody please do something.

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 31, 2008 10:18 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

This is depressing.

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

I could tape all of our butt cheeks together...

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

by 5Aces on Jul 31, 2008 11:02 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think this is the calm before the storm.

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

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

byrd is wanted, but not duke WTF

i think beane is asking for too much in street/duke, but was willing to sell harden/blanton as soon as possible

Yankees Eyeing Byrd
By Tim Dierkes [July 31 at 12:02pm CST]

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees are “kicking around” Paul Byrd as an option. Names have yet to be exchanged. The Rockies have just mild interest in the 37 year-old righty.

by Asfan4ever723 on Jul 31, 2008 10:22 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All I know is

Crosby, Embree, Street, Foulke, Street (Just for starters) better not be at Spring Training for us next year.

I may dust off my neighbor’s AK47

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

by Trainman on Jul 31, 2008 10:25 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, I said Street twice

SUstitute whoever you want in his place.

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

by Trainman on Jul 31, 2008 10:26 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh I give up

substitute

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

by Trainman on Jul 31, 2008 10:27 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs