Is there anyone out there we can pick up
by Yellowhorse on Jul 6, 2008 3:03 PM PDT
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off the waiver wire?
We picked-up Raj Davis off waivers earlier this season. Is there anyone out there we can get even if it is just for the next week or so? I think the team will have to make a move between now and first pitch otherwise we will be going into the game with only 1 reserve.
Is Jeff Davannon or Todd Walker available?
Don't say Bonds. He would have been a consideration about 6 weeks ago but right now there has to be someone we can get who is better than the guys playing the left side of the infield.
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Why the hell not Bonds?
He can DH or play LF, he can hit, and he’d come for League Minimum!
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jul 6, 2008 3:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
what?
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
by flipgatey3 on Jul 6, 2008 4:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Salazar...
D’Backs just released him….wouldn’t have to give-up anything to get him and he’s a AAAA player, he’ll fit right in
Scott Hatteberg
Kenny Lofton
Dallas McPherson
shoulda’ claimed Snelling when they had the chance
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Jul 6, 2008 4:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
DaVannon or Walker? Are you serious?
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by Flashfire on Jul 6, 2008 4:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They'll be much better than Hannahan and Murphy for sure!
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jul 6, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what Rich Becker is doing these days.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
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by Flashfire on Jul 6, 2008 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear he's on at 2am on WGN
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 6, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's probably at home,
watching Becker.
Fortunately, this is his age-28 year: his killing productivity is likely to decline. Impressive range, though. -Monkeyball
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 6, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really
However, I did mention them in part as another example of guys we picked up in a pinch last year when the injury bug was in full affect.
by Yellowhorse on Jul 6, 2008 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is getting increasingly annoying
When the A’s win, they’re contenders who need an upgrade.
When the A’s lose, they lost because they need an upgrade.
Has it ever—even for a moment—crossed your mind that, maybe, the reason why the A’s are not winning many games is because this A’s roster is not very good? I can’t figure out where the optimism is coming from here. “A bat” might pick the A’s up 2 games over the second half of the season, 3 if it’s an elite player. Do you really think that the chances that the A’s will finish exactly 2-3 games out at the end of the season are great enough to justify expending good prospects? Honestly?
Let me put this in as simple of terms as possible. Right now the A’s are 6 games out. If you think that a rental would be worthwhile, that is tantamount to saying that you believe that the current A’s roster, WITH NO UPGRADES, is going to beat the Angels by 4 games in the second half of the season. Am I the only one who thinks that betting on that is utterly insane?
Yes, I know a lot of potential targets won’t be free agents until 2009, but it would make much more sense and be much cheaper to acquire them for one year in the offseason than to get them now for a pennant race that’s not going to happen anyway.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 6, 2008 4:56 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Fans always want their team to get better.
It’s a blog.
That’s my rebuttal.
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 6, 2008 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
also
the fanpost just suggests a waiver wire pick up. so, you know, we can continue to run 9 guys out there with some people still on the bench.
i totally agree on your assessment of the team’s chances overall though.
by rebus on Jul 6, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh
If they just want 13 position players, DL the injured guys and call up some people from AAA.
Roster filler is available if the A’s need it. It’s not going to win the pennant though.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 6, 2008 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely true
but this isn’t the right post to put this in.
you should probably copy and paste when the others come up, when madmongoose lurks again
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
by flipgatey3 on Jul 6, 2008 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Madmongoose absolutely needs to see that, yes.
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by Flashfire on Jul 6, 2008 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you think the A's roster is not very good....
Then why would you want it to remain not very good?
I don’t want the team to have a ‘bad’ roster as you say it is.
I don’t see the fun in saying, “The A’s stink and will stink for 2008 and probably 2009. Wake me up in 4 years when they are good.”
Plus, the A’s roster may well be great in 3 years but there is no guarantee that the other AL teams will be any worse.
As to catching the Angels – You never know. If the team can make some small moves to improve its chances of winning some games I’m all for it.
by Yellowhorse on Jul 6, 2008 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to do a cost/benefit analysis -
To get something you have to give something, and usually to get better now means getting worse later because teams are usually looking to get better now or later and only offering the opposite in return. So to get better now means parting with someone like Cahill or B. Anderson, because those are the guys GMs are going to want if they are parting with someone of value now.
The end result is likely still failing to catch the Angels, and still falling short to Boston or whomever for the Wild Card, and then being in worse shape later, when Cahill, Anderson, etc. aren’t around to help you.
Look at it this way: What if, in 2004, the A’s had traded Street (who wasn’t a major leaguer yet) and Casilla (who wasn’t even Casilla yet) to try to catch the Angels? How would you feel about it now?
The reason a team has to look to the future is that the future eventually becomes now.
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 6, 2008 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If there's a trade to be made for the future
I’m all for it. The A’s should definitely not be parting with prospects for the stretch run this season.
However, there may still be potential for improvement this season at nearly no cost. Unless I’m mistaken, this thread was more about Frank Thomas type pick ups than dealing for the likes of Jason Bay. And I think (paraphasing here) Beane has stated that he’ll look at low cost, incremental upgrades every season, contention or not.
Personally, I think Barton should be at the big league level to work through his slump, but there’s certainly the opportunity to see (at least) incremental upgrade over the likes of Emil Brown and maybe others on the squad.
by rebus on Jul 6, 2008 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, but the question, again, is who?
In the abstract, sure – but in the concrete, what player might help us enough who is available cheap enough?
And please, nobody say “Bonds” – that’s been discussed ad nauseum.
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 6, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually don't agree, FWIW
You’re acting as if his last OBP etc. is “what you can expect or so” if you sign him now, but in fact his age, physical health, and long layoff from live pitching combine to make it very unclear what you could expect right away. And if it takes a couple months from “signed contract” to “being in a groove hitting major league pitching,” well, bad timing, huh?
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 6, 2008 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At this point it's probably getting to be past worth doing.
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by Flashfire on Jul 6, 2008 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a mere mortal, sure.
But even with his age and physical health, he was the best hitter in baseball last year.
So yeah, maybe he doesn’t put up a 1.050 OPS, but I have zero doubt that he would outperform Emil Brown by leaps and bounds.
by mikev on Jul 6, 2008 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who do you think would catch more fly balls?
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 6, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
jack cust
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
by flipgatey3 on Jul 7, 2008 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where do you get the idea he was the best hitter in baseball last season?
Just for starters alone, there were others with a higher OPS than Bonds had.
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by Flashfire on Jul 6, 2008 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
His OPS+ was 170
Best in the National League.
A-Rod was 177, Ortiz was 171, so you’re right. He wasn’t the best.
by mikev on Jul 7, 2008 8:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only reason is because so many teams continued to walk him a lot.
His batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentages were considerably lower than they were before the injury that left him only playing 14 games in 2005 at age 40, so regardless of what his OPS or OPS+ was he was clearly not as good as he had been.
Now we’re looking at a 43-year old DH/part-time LF who could only be expected to be worse, not that his worst is all that bad. But without all the intentional walks, he’s not exactly an offensive stud any more.
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by Flashfire on Jul 7, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
heh
I start looking at the A’s anemic power numbers and whaddayaknow, I forget to make my main point.
This team should be as good as it can be without sacrificing future returns because the A’s may still be the Angels’ biggest competition in the division. There’s a lot of baseball left to be played out and if Vlad (and one of their pitchers?) goes down… maybe.
by rebus on Jul 6, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The original post was suggesting the addition of a waiver wire player
I am pretty much done arguing. Especially, after another poster dropped a f-bomb on me in another post.
I think if the A’s can make a move to add someone at low risk I am for it.
Either way I will root them on tomorrow and the next games and seasons.
I furthermore hope that whomever they have in the line-up will do well.
I have never suggested making a trade of good young players especially in positions where we are lacking.
I do think we have enough good pitchers on the team and on the farm that it would be a good move to try and make a trade to add a better hitter than someone we have on the roster now.
Go A’s
by Yellowhorse on Jul 6, 2008 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thing is, you say
“We should get some waiver-wire guy” and then say “I don’t have time to look up who that might be” – which is a bit of a bummer, since my question is “who?” How can one assess the wisdom of adding an abstract idea?
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 6, 2008 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's common
“We should get somebody!”
“Who?”
“I don’t know, but we should get somebody!”
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by Flashfire on Jul 6, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was only asking if there was someone available.
who we could get without giving up a player or prospect.
I know Bonds is available but I don’t want to argue that.
by Yellowhorse on Jul 6, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually the title of my post was a question?
I asked “Is there someone we can get off the waiver wire?”
The correct answer might be nobody.
by Yellowhorse on Jul 6, 2008 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know how else to explain it
Getting rid of some of the prospects the A’s would need to just to bring in basically a rent-a-player is worth it if you’re in the hunt for the World Series.
The A’s are not in that hunt.
There is no point in trading away a top prospect or two this season for a temporary fix, especially when the offense the team needs is currently on the DL and will be back.
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by Flashfire on Jul 6, 2008 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another way to put it might be,
The A’s could add a hitter and their offense would still not be great. Just better, but not “Hey we can win this thang!” improved.
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 6, 2008 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless that hitter is...
...oh, nevermind.
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by Flashfire on Jul 6, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not even
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
by flipgatey3 on Jul 7, 2008 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we could get him in a similar way to how we got Gaudin and Hannahan
i.e. cash or inconsequential PTBNL tyyes, I wouldn’t mind seeing what Dallas McPherson could produce at a big league level.
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 6, 2008 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In the lockerroom he could be Huston's neighbor!
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 6, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then trade for Austin Kearns!
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jul 7, 2008 1:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
dallas braden would feel replaced
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
by flipgatey3 on Jul 7, 2008 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In his case, I think we already know
Good power, mediocre average and a sub .300 on-base percentage.
McPherson’s had injuries, but he’s also had enough major league time to basically identify him as a guy who will struggle to reach league average. If we’re going the free talent route, I’d actually rather go with a guy with no or very minimal big-league time—a guy like, ironically, Jason Perry (who just got his first MLB at-bats with Atlanta a few days ago).
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 6, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wouldn't be unprecedented
for him to take a step forward. I mean, look at Jack Cust last year. Not that I think he’d set the world on fire or anything, but he’s never hit like this in the minors before, and I don’t I’d be surprised if he were to do something similar to what Cust has done. All he’d need is a .320 or .330 OBP to have some legitimate value as a bench bat. To be fair though, I don’t think putting McPherson in a major league uniform would be uncovering any sort of holy grail, I’d just be interested in seeing what he does this time around. Heck, I wouldn’t half mind seeing what Joe Gaetti could do in the majors, and he’s in our own system.
I was always pulling for Perry to get a shot while he was stuck in Sacramento. I’m interested to see how he does in Atlanta.
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 6, 2008 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing about Cust
is that he was consistently awesome in the minors, whereas McPherson suddenly looks awesome now that he’s playing in the best hitters’ park in professional baseball.
I know which of those I trust more.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 6, 2008 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
re
I think you’re confused. McPherson has put up monstrous numbers, for years, in his minor league career. When you cross with park effects, the two are very similar. Cust has a better eye, McPherson has more power, but they’re both strong in both areas.
by 31Boots on Jul 7, 2008 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i doubt
that mcpherson has more power than cust. cust would have 40 homers in albuquerque
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
by flipgatey3 on Jul 7, 2008 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just to throw out another name
Nelson Cruz would be interesting to me. Seems like he’s been around forever now, but at 28 he could probably be useful. Good K/BB ratio in Oklahoma, and generally tearing the cover off the ball.
He’s not on the Texas 40 man anymore, so it’s possible they’d toss him off for a PTBNL that turns out to be like Archie Gilbert or something.
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 6, 2008 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well Hell..
Let’s throw in the towel right NOW…why even play the games? Paul, You’re a smart guy and I do understand why you think this way …but now really…the A’s are within striking distance of the wild card and surprise teams do make the playoffs. It’s not that rare. There’s a lot of baseball left this season. At this point I see no reason not to try to switch up the roster. It’s be insane to trade Eveland or Smith but it wouldn’t be so insane to look for a trade for Blanton, or Embree.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 7, 2008 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it would be wise to have Joe string a few good starts together, or wait until the off season, to trade him. why sell low?
moving Embree would be fine, but it won’t help the team catch the Angels. barring a couple of catastrophic injuries to key Angels players, nothing will.
by rebus on Jul 7, 2008 2:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am sure that is why...
they haven’t moved Blanton. I know they have shopped him several times. As for catching the Angels…you never know when injuries may hit them or slumps or whatever. It is too soon to be such total defeatists. It’s a drag too in my opinion.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 8, 2008 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you are right
and your point is well-taken, but paul is also not wrong
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
by flipgatey3 on Jul 7, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Odds are that Paul is right.
We won’t get the WC or win the division but we are too much in this to just give up on the season. To me that just ain’t sporting!
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 8, 2008 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's nobody
Be happy that the A’s have been competitive for this long – I’ve certainly enjoyed the ride (haven’t seen them lose yet in all the games I’ve been to). But this IS a rebuilding year… and with the deadline coming up, expect Beane to deal some more players to further strengthen the farm. Just accept it: no help is coming from the outside – just hope that when the Hurt comes back and we get a few people back that we’ll stay within striking range of the Halos…
by C-Gon on Jul 6, 2008 7:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Tell that to Beane and co
Might be worth some free tix. They certainly have seats available…
by nevermoor on Jul 6, 2008 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Adding random stopgap FAs
just takes playing time away from youngsters eventually… we need to see what some of these young guys can do with an extended stay and evaluate their futures with our team. Esp. if we go out and get a veteran OF… when CarGon and Sweeney get healthy… then what?
by C-Gon on Jul 6, 2008 7:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I understand what people are saying about the youth
Im excited about all these young players, but we have been missing that one big bat for the past couple years. I agree dont give up the young talent but if theres soemthing there like a bay or nady or even maybe Dunn you got to try to go for it. Brew crew really didnt give up much for C.C, yea Laporta suppose to be a stud but remmeber hes not proven anythign yet in the big leagues and was in doubleAA. I know and yalll know we dont have much power in the minors to fell that whole.
by buckfan6 on Jul 6, 2008 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
bite your tongue
matt laporta is one of the best prospects in all of baseball
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
by flipgatey3 on Jul 7, 2008 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same as last year...
a flicker of hope, but eventually the level of talent and injuries caught up with the team last year and this. We had a nice run the first couple of months, but I think us contending for a playoff spot is a stretch. I even predict the Rangers to overtake the A’s eventually.
by arch on Jul 6, 2008 9:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Even if we fall out of the race
We still goign to need that big bat for the next years to come
by buckfan6 on Jul 6, 2008 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I'm not opposed to a trade
for someone who could be an anchor for 3-4 years, if the A’s felt they could count on that player to join Gonzalez, Barton, R. Sweeney, Suzuki et al for the long haul.
I think Beane already did just that in acquiring Gonzalez, who unlike Holliday and Bay is not a current star but who is also cheap and under contract control for longer. And I expect that in 2010 he will be a better offensive player than one of, if not all of, Dye, Bay, Holliday.
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 6, 2008 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something I've kinda thought about is
If you could get Holliday for, say, Travis Buck and a couple of the lesser prospects (Vince Mazzaro/Jesus Guzman/Jared Lansford/Craig Italiano/Javier Herrera types) would you? (working, of course, under the assumption that ownership would extend him, which I suppose wouldn’t be very likely anyway)
I mean, yeah, I understand Holliday has some misleading home/road splits, but he’s still a damn fine hitter on the road, and he’s young enough that he could perform at elite-ish levels for another four or five years or so.
I guess I mean to say that acquiring a guy like Holliday isn’t necessarily selling the future away, since he could be a middle-of-the-order bat at the time when Gonzalez/Barton/etc. are coming into their own.
The question from there would be, since I don’t know that a Buck-led package would get it done, is how far would you go, if at all, in pursuing a guy like Holliday (assuming you can extend him) who probably has 4 or 5 great seasons left. Someone who would be here for the immediate future, but not necessarily the distant future. I don’t think I make Cahill or Anderson available, but James Simmons? Doolittle? Leon?
Personally, I’m not sure. If I could bring back Holliday (or, yknow, Bay, if you prefer) for a package of something like Buck/Doolittle/Mazarro, I’d have to strongly consider it.
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 6, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
there was a post on the Pirates' blog
about Bay’s cost. I have no idea about the knowledge of the user, but that Pirates fan seemed to think Buck/Doolitte would be a fair price. That’s probably unfair for Pittsburgh (and I’d prefer someone younger than Bay) but it’s an interesting question I think.
by rebus on Jul 6, 2008 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holliday is represented by Scott Boras
He may not be the best choice of an example here. He’s almost 100% guaranteed to not sign an extension—and even if he did, it would be at no discount. Which sort of begs the question—why not wait until he’s actually a free agent, and sign him then, if you think he’s hot shit? If you want Adam Dunn, he will become available for nothing but money (OK, and a draft pick) in approximately four months. You will then end up paying him exactly the same money you would have anyway, plus you still have your prospects.
I’d be fully supportive of the A’s spending to bring in a good hitter through free agency. They have the money and the lineup needs a hitter more than a pitcher (and hitters are better bets in any event). But that’s a totally different kettle of fish from spending a bunch of prospects to get a rent-a-player for an essentially lost season on the speculative hope that that player will sign an extension in the offseason.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 6, 2008 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm, yeah
I hadn’t thought about the fact that most 27/28 year olds will be close enough to free agency anyway (and the real life example of Matt Holliday, of course, is a free agent in just a few months.)
You’ve got me there. No point in not waiting for him to just be a free agent.
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 6, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I certainly disagree with that assessment as to Bay
I think Bay will be the same or better in two years (at 31) than he is now. I think it’s a lot to expect that Gonzalez will be that good.
I think if Bay is available for one prospect like CC was, and we are willing to extend his contract, it’s a great acquisition that helps – rather than hinders – our rebuilding process
by nevermoor on Jul 7, 2008 6:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think he'll be better at 31 than 29?
Not to put too fine a point on this—why?
(Also, CC was not traded “for one prospect.” Taylor Green, assuming that’s who the PTBNL is, is a very solid prospect.)
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 7, 2008 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it's him, then two prospects
When I see one prospect, some filler, and a PTBNL I assume (apparently incorrectly) that we aren’t talking about an unnamed stud.
As fa;r as Bay, PECOTA projects the following OPS
2008: .849 (which he’s substantially exceeding, but all 5 forecasts are based on stats through 2007)
2009: .856
2010: .836
2011: .839
2012: .819
In other words, it is saying that he’ll be about the same (or better) during the next few years (tailing off in 2012). Not to put too fine a point on your disagreement, but why not?
by nevermoor on Jul 7, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If what it projects is correct,
then the A’s would be paying for 2-3 years of overpaid decline by extending Bay.
That’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but you have to be at least cognizant of that fact when you talk about re-signing him.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 7, 2008 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My only point was that he'd be the same or better in two years
I don’t think we should sign a 31 year old to a seven year deal (and I do think his projections will improve after this year since they were weighed down by his injury issues last season.) I’m willing to pay for someone’s decline towards an .800 OPS on the backend to have a legitimate #3 hitter around as all our prospects put it together.
by nevermoor on Jul 7, 2008 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not assuming a seven-year deal
It’s assuming a 4-5 year deal, which is going to be the minimum you’re going to have to offer to even get in the discussion with Bay. Otherwise, he’s two and barbecue.
I’d still rather give up no prospects and sign Burrell, who may not be as good a player all around but won’t damage the team’s talent base to get him.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 7, 2008 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That could well be right
It all comes down to what Bay’d cost. If we could get him for one major prospect and filler (what I thought the CC trade was at the time) I’d do it. If he costs 3 of our big time pitching prospects it seems counterproductive (making Burrell the better choice).
We don’t have a prospect I wouldn’t be willing to trade for Bay, since we have plenty of pitching depth and no hitter with a ceiling higher than Bay’s actual performance.
by nevermoor on Jul 7, 2008 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, I have to disagree with that statement
I think Doolittle, Carter and Brown all have higher ceilings than Bay does. Doolittle could hit like Bay with a plus glove. Carter has Ryan Howard-type power potential. Brown could hit like Bay with steals playing center field.
That’s not to say they’ll actually HIT said ceilings, but no one knows that.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 7, 2008 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know who has never hit a ceiling?
ohad.
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 7, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess that's a fair point
But I would trade any one of them for Bay in a heartbeat. The joy of prospects is that anything could happen, the joy of Bay is that we know he has real MLB-level skills.
by nevermoor on Jul 7, 2008 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, sure
Still rather NOT trade the prospect and wait for him to become a free agent, though.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 7, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jose Guillen
This guy imploded two days ago. He’s the best hitter on the Royals, but if he’s a clubhouse cancer there, he might be available. And he might be available at the cost of a couple of relievers, say Alan Embree and Andrew Brown. Hell, I’d throw in Emil as well but KC won’t take him.
by richwol1 on Jul 7, 2008 12:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Guillen would be perfect if only
he hadn’t also burned his bridges in Oakland already. Otherwise, it could be a perfect storm.
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 7, 2008 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Burning Bridges
...can be rebuilt, and have been. I mean, Don Nelson is the Warriors coach. I wouldn’t rule it out just on those grounds.
by richwol1 on Jul 7, 2008 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL - Hey, I'll take Guillen batting 4th
and playing RF right now. I just don’t think Beane will.
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 7, 2008 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could we deal with Atlanta?
I’m not sure this move would help us win right now, and he’s probably untouchable, but Francoeur was just sent down to AA the other day, and is probably at his lowest value. He’s a huge fan favorite here in ATL, and a local guy who has produced in the not distant past (although I did witness him getting booed after a couple at bats last thursday). If we wanted a corner OF of the future he could be the guy. He’s two seasons removed from hitting 29 HRs as a 22 year old, and has already had two seasons of driving in over a 100 runs. He also has a great arm, and is pretty dang fast for a guy his size. His main downfall, is that he swings at everything, and draws very few walks. I think he’s one guy who would really improve in our organization if he could be taught a little plate discipline.
Word from the Braves is that they still feel they are in the NL East race due to staying within striking distance given a large number of injuries, and they are poised for a strong second half run. If there was any time to get him it would be now. On the contrary, If the Braves start to feel they are out of the race, they are likely going to be willing to part with Teixeira. I’m not so sure going after him would be in the best interest of the A’s right now though. We would surely lose some key guys, and only have him available for a few months before Boras tries to get him his $100 million long term deal. He would also be taking away AB’s from a key centerpiece to the future in Barton.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
by KMoAsFan on Jul 7, 2008 2:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We definitely don't want Tex
And I’m not sold on Francoeur.
The Braves player I’ve been interested in is Kelly Johnson, but it looks like we’re going to resign Ellis at a discount.
by nevermoor on Jul 7, 2008 6:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just a couple of thoughts
least we forget that the A’s will still be playing half of there games at the Coliseum. Which by default will take 5-6 or more homers away from most and downgrades some power that a hitter would bring to the A’s. What would help the A’s, IMO is 2-3 guys that can hit .285-.305 for the entire season and not necessarily for power, to bat ahead of Cust and Thomas (if he ever can come back). Then if the big guys are not hitting homers then at least the guys hitting for average may still be able to string some hits together to get some runs in (think scrappiness). Those guys with Ellis, Crosby and Chavez mixed in would have a good balance of power and average that would allow the A’s to wait for and get the three run homer that they are always waiting for. Now with all that said I think CarGon will develop into one of those type players (with power though) as well as Little Sweeney (already hitting the average part), Kurt Suzuki (average not the power part), and someone who is with the organization but not up right now. Everyone just needs to set back and remember that the A’s are playing with (when healthy) a rookie CF, RF, 1B, C 2 SP and several (young to rookie) RP. The A’s will get better, more so next year and beyond. And regarding any deals, a Wavier Wire pick up or something with some lesser or not in the plains prospects is okay but why undo all of last off-seasons work for an unrealistic chance a the playoffs this season. But I do hope that the A’s could hang around, and maybe even sneak into the postseason this year but won’t be surprised if they fall out of it before the last month of the season.
by A'sfaninNC on Jul 7, 2008 2:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The problem with that is
We haven’t been able to find that type of guy very easily (let alone 2-3 of them).
People who have hit >= .285 for the A’s since 2000:
Shannon Stewart ‘07
Jay Payton ‘06
Jason Kendall ‘06
Erubiel Durazo ‘04
Mark Kotsay ‘04
Miguel Tejada ‘02
Jason Giambi ‘01 and ‘00
Eric Chavez ‘01
Terrence Long ‘00
The problem is that our stadium is so hard for hitters that it is very rare to find someone who can be counted on to supply that production (Giambi is the only multi-year achiever even though we kept many of the players on the list around multiple seasons).
Your observation is certainly right in that it would be great for us to find those sorts of players, it’s just that someone hitting .285 for another team is unlikely to do it for us.
by nevermoor on Jul 7, 2008 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, in the second half
the A’s will be playing like 2/3 road games…
(Won’t help for next year, though.)
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 7, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I think we're scheduled to play
2/3 of our games on the road next year, in order to accommodate some Yankees-Red Sox matchups.
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 7, 2008 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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