Minor League/Organizational Roster Speculatuon Thread
by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:05 PM PST
114 comments
We've all speculated about who will make up the A's 25 Man Roster. With the way things stand now, that roster is pretty much set as far as the Lineup goes, with a little flux in the bench and Bullpen, and a lot of question marks in the Rotation.
But the MLB 25 Man Roster is not the only roster that will have to be decided by opening day-there's also the rosters at Triple A Sacramento, Double A Midland, High A Stockton and Low A Kane County.
So what will those rosters look like? The composition of the Triple A Sacramento Roster depends closely on the A's 25 Man Roster, though mainly in the form of the Bench and back end of the rotation choices. If the AAA Sacramento Roster is full, it might require some prospects to stay back at AA Midland for part of the year, or could nessisate the demotion or release of other players. But keep in mind that Sacramento's Roster is there not just for the development of Prospects, but to serve as backup and injury protection for our oft-injured Big League team. Be sure to keep an eye on the 40 Man Roster in regards to that.
The way I view the 25 Man Roster right now is as follows;
C Kurt Suzuki
1B Daric Barton
2B Mark Ellis
3B Eric Chavez
SS Bobby Crosby
LF Matt Holliday
CF Ryan Sweeney
RF Travis Buck
DH Jack Cust
C Rob Bowen
BN Cliff Pennington SS/2B/3B
BN OPEN BACKUP INFIELD (Jeff Baisley, Joe Dillion, Gregorio Petit or Jack Hannahan)
BN OPEN BACKUP OUTFIELD (Rajai Davis, Chris Denorfia, Matt Murton, Aaron Cunningham, Ben Copeland R5)
SP Justin Duchscherer
SP Sean Gallagher
SP Dana Eveland
SP OPEN
SP OPEN
Starter Candidates: Josh Outman, Dallas Braden, Gio Gonzalez, Jerome Williams
RP Joey Devine
RP Brad Ziegler
RP Andrew Brown
RP Santiago Casilla
RP Jerry Blevins
RP Chris Schroder
RP OPEN
Relief Candidates: Dallas Braden, Josh Outman, Jeff Gray, Jerome Williams
The outcome of those roster slots will decide a lot in Triple A. So make your decisions from the top down.
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My Take, Oakland:
C Kurt Suzuki
1B Daric Barton
2B Mark Ellis
3B Eric Chavez
SS Bobby Crosby
LF Matt Holliday
CF Ryan Sweeney
RF Travis Buck
DH Jack Cust
C Rob Bowen
SS Cliff Pennington
3B Joe Dillion
OF Chris Denorfia
SP Justin Duchscherer
SP Sean Gallagher
SP Dana Eveland
SP Dallas Braden
SP Josh Outman
RP Joey Devine
RP Brad Ziegler
RP Andrew Brown
RP Santiago Casilla
RP Jerry Blevins
RP Chris Schroder
RP Jeff Gray
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
So Rajai is gone? Too bad.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 3, 2009 11:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Out of options
and he’d be claimed on waivers of course
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The reason I chose Denorfia over Davis
is that both can play Centerfield, but Denorfia is a better hitter. He’s also Right Handed so that helps when you are pinch hitting, whereas Davis is really only useful as a Late Inning Defensive Replacement/Base Stealer. But the three people in the OF are good defensive outfielders. WIth Cust DHing, there’s no real need for a Defensive Replacement with no bat. So if we have a Backup OF who can play CF and still hit, and thus Pinch Hit and not just Pinch Run for someone we don’t want to take out of the lineup (Cust, Holliday) or is already pretty fast already (Sweeney, Buck), than we should go with him.
I’d choose Denorfia over Murton because of Denorfia’s ability to play CF over Murton’s ability to play a bad LF.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 1:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we are going to need a starter to start as RP. So put either Braden or Outman in relief and Gio as the starter
That means that either Schroder or Gray is in AAA.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Jan 4, 2009 1:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Who
closes in your scenario then? Ziggy I would assume.
"Never in your wildest alcoholic dreams could you conjure up a game like this!" Ken Korach
by jackcustismyhero32 on Jan 3, 2009 11:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Devine
I think Ziggy will be used to set him up. He’ll probably be thrown out there a lot in sort of a Chad Bradford (except w/o sucking versus lefties) role from getting GIDP’s to pitching two innings of relief.
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he'll match Bradford in sucking against lefties...
Actually, given their arm angles, one would expect Bradford to be BETTER against lefties.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 6:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My Take, Sacramento:
C Landon Powell
1B Jeff Baisley
2B Eric Patterson
3B Yung Chi Chen
SS Gregorio Petit
LF Matt Murton
CF Aaron Cunningham
RF Javier Herrera
DH Jack Hannahan
C Joel Galarraga
BN Yusef Carter
BN Richie Robnett
BN Danny Putnam
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Vince Mazzaro
SP James Simmons
SP Brett Anderson
SP Trevor Cahill
RP Jared Lansford
RP Andrew Carignan
RP Andrew Bailey
RP Brad Knox
RP Brad Kilby
RP Jerome Williams
RP Ryan Webb
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think Webb will be in a rotation somewhere, probably Midland. I also see Bozied 1B, Baisley 3B, Chen UT.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 3, 2009 11:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oops, replace Webb with Cameron.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 3, 2009 11:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see any room for him at AAA. Looks like he's back at Midland, unless there's a move.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 12:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, when doing this you should emphasise Top Prospects for Starting Roster positions
followed by prospects who could be potential impact players or are still solid enough prospects. Then you get down to Organizational filler, and thats what I see Everidge as.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 12:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Everidge was ranked #49 on Lockard's prospect list, so he's not completely invisible.
I find the idea of Hannahan at DH amusing though.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 1:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well Hannahan can hit
as long as its in AAA.
Its really up for grabs for the Backup 3B/1B job on the MLB club between Dillion, Baisley and Hannahan. Problem is that since Chavez will likely miss a lot of time regardless, the backup will get a lot of playing time. And we know that Hannahan can’t hit.
If a 1B is brought in, be it Giambi, Dunn, Abreu or Burrell, then things as well. Barton goes down to Sacramento, and the Backup 1B/3B becomes more important. But it also pushes someone on the AAA roster around.
It could actually be that if Barton was sent back to AAA, that Gregorio Petit and Cliff Pennington both could make the roster with Pennington acting as the all around backup IF (or who knows, maybe even… Crosby as the backup 1B!?). with Petit as the added IF insurance.
I find it unlikely, but if that were to happen, then Chen would probably play SS, with Baisley moving over to 3B.
I am assuming that they want to play Baisley in the field over Hannahan with the hopes that he would be a better backup IF in the big leagues.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 1:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember they played Baisley at 3B and 1B after his callup.
I can see either Petit or Pennington as the other backup with Baisley there because he can play the corners. Mind you that if Crosby doesn’t do to well then either Petit or Pennington could be the starting SS.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Jan 4, 2009 1:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure I'm not disagreeing. It just looks funny.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 1:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
theres no room for him
AAA is full, and he’s kind of stalled on defense.
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I could see him at AAA
I kinda think Galarraga will be at AA, he has to go back to mexico half way through the year so I think the A’s will push Recker up and let Galarraga play at Midland. It is a bit interesting to see that the A’s have a bit of a log jam at the upper levels with Powell, Galarraga, Recker, and Donaldson who should all be at AA or above.
by DiegoAsFan on Jan 3, 2009 11:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't HAVE to go to Mexico
the A’s can buy it out.
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Donaldson will get the Starting job at Midland
as he is the best prospect of the four.
Powell will get the starting job (unless he either loses it or is stuck at DH) in Sacramento because he is a) the incumbent, b) still a decent prospect and c) is the only other catcher on the 40 man roster.
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, maybe not that interesting
I agree that Powell will be the main catcher at Sacramento and Donaldson will get the job at Midland. I guess it’s more about where the A’s think they can get a good evaluation of Galarraga, I’m guessing they want to get a good look at him earlier in the year if they have to make a decision on him. Maybe that’s at AAA but I think the A’s want to test Powell for a month or two and if he stays healthy he will get the back-up job in Oakland and Bowen will get the pink slip.
by DiegoAsFan on Jan 4, 2009 12:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they have to be rooting for Powell to push Bowen out of Oakland.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 12:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They might be, but they can't do it yet until he proves to be healthy.
There is also the possibility that the A’s use Powell as a backup Catcher and Backup 1B, as he has the potential to have a good enough bat to be useful in that role, unlike Bowen.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 12:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Although Bowen has been used as a PH
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 12:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
barely.
Bowen hasn’t really been used at all, and his stats are not good.
Powell has good defense behind the plate, and is supposed to be good at hitting (though that might be tied to his conditioning). Both are switch hitters, but Powell’s greater offensive potential puts him above Bowen to me.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 1:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Murton looks like he's out of options -- 2006, 2007, 2008. Is that not true?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 8:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I voted for Kane County
But only because I’ll be at those games – and I plan to cover them again this summer if I have time.
As for the lineup: I hope they go with 6 relievers to start the season. With all the early-season off days, there’s not much need for that 7th relief pitcher.
I also think Sacramento will get a few minor league free agents (the Brooks Conrad types) before the offseason is over.
by thejd44 on Jan 3, 2009 11:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Already did that
Tagg Bozied, Kevin Cameron, Jonathan Hunton, and Matt Carson.
"A’s baseball….It’s almost better than a stick in the eye." ~ alox
by Gallagher's Watermelons on Jan 5, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My Take, Midland:
C Josh Donaldson
1B Sean Doolittle
2B Justin Sellers
3B Chris Carter
SS Adrian Cardenas
LF Matt Spencer
CF Corey Brown
RF Matt Spencer
DH Tom Everidge
C Anthony Recker
BN Josh Horton
BN Mike Massaro
BN Jed Morris
SP Henry Rodriguez
SP Jason Fernandez
SP Fautino De Los Santos
SP Travis Banwart
SP Mike Madsen
RP Sam Demel
RP Graham Godfrey
RP Jason Windsor
RP Jason Glushon
RP Mike Benacka
RP Jose Guzman
RP Chris Farley
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Matt Spencer is one versatile dude
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 Jan 3, 2009 11:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Right Field Spencer is actually Matt Sulentic
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha, I figured
Alas, we have no edit feature.
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 Jan 4, 2009 12:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
looks like he's two versatile dudes
I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 4, 2009 12:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No Jermaine Mitchell?
I think he will be pushed up to Midland, he struggled a lot at Stockton but I think he’s too old to be left down to repeat a level.
by DiegoAsFan on Jan 4, 2009 12:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No room for him in the starting outfield in Midland
But, as PT pointed out before, there are not very many OF for the Stockton OF. Grant Desme will be there, but otherwise its hard to predict. Thats why I think Mitchell will repeat A+ and be the starting CF. If he can’t hit in Stockton, then he probably won’t be able to hit.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 12:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Desme will be there?
Got a link? I haven’t even heard confirmation that he’s still alive.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 6:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
no link, just speculation
as you said before, its likely that they will put Desme in Stockton next year since, at the very least, there’s not a lot of OF ready to start for Stockton. And they need to start pushing Desme.
Or do you think he will be at Kane County?
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by Zonis on Jan 5, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I think he'll be out of baseball very soon...
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 10:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Also I could see Cahill in the rotation in Midland
I think Cahill will get a bit more time in AA and could take De Los Santos spot as he would probably be ready for a promotion by the time DLS is back from surgery.
P.S. I don’t mean to nitpick your lists, I am just lazy and I agree with most of your placements so it’s easier to point out differences than to make my own roster. So maybe I do mean to nitpick but don’t take it personal.
by DiegoAsFan on Jan 4, 2009 12:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Its a speculation thread, so I expect it.
And I will say that I pretty much shot in the dark when it came to backups and relief outside of our top RP prospects.
I admit that I could see Cahill and/or Anderson possibly starting the year in AA. But for me, that would probably happen more because of the rotation at Sacramento being too full of good SP prospects than anything, especially if Outman and Gonzalez do not make the big league club.
Personally, I think the organization will keep Cahill and Anderson together. And I think they would like to have them start in Sacramento so to get them ready for the Big Leagues as fast as they can. If they can start Cahill and Anderson at AAA, and get them ready for the Majors in July, they can get a few months extra out of them w/o giving up service time.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 12:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
BTW I'd think Matt Carson is a backup OF at Midland...or Stockton?
I think it would depend if Gilbert comes back.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 12:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Similarly I have to think Webb is better off in Midland's rotation than as the last guy in the AAA pen.
I’d sub him for Fautino. Fautino’s not actually done well at Stockton yet. I’d start him there and make him prove his health and earn the promotion. If anything I’d see what Mitchinson can do as a starter at Midland.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 12:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would expect Cahill to start in AA
He didn’t dominate it last season, and it’s pointless to rush him as he’s highly unlikely to be better than the (many) alternatives next season.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Carter at 3rd?
Do you something I don’t know? I always had the impression he was gonna be a 1b/DH kind of guy.
99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod
by Scottbass on Jan 4, 2009 6:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The A's played Carter at 3B for a good part of last year
And there’s no indication they’ll move him off 3B. If he sticks there, he’s a huge bonus. If not, well, he can always go back to 1B or DH anyways. Because meanwhile, they’ll have Doolittle at 1B, and Spencer is probably limited to 1B/LF anyways.
Defensively, being Right Handed is a real plus. To be honest, if you are not pitching, its better to throw Right Handed. If you are left handed, you can only play the 3 Outfield positions and 1st Base (and very very rarely catcher), whereas Righties can play all 8 positions, and only have a disadvantage position wise to 1st Base.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 6:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's awesome.
I hope he can stick there.
99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod
by Scottbass on Jan 4, 2009 7:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
when was the last time you saw a LH catcher?
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Jan 4, 2009 7:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Squires....but why couldn't there be one? What's the disadvantage?
I think it’s just the absence of lefty mitts.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 8:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hard Ball Time had an article on it a while back I think
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 8:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i think the disadvantage is
your throws are somewhat blocked by any righthanded batters (which are obviously more common the left handers). i thnk this is something that is completely overstated tho.
"My group runs some frogloks down the hall to finish them off and POP! RASTER! If there was a way to scream louder than caps in EQ I was doing it. Man I am straight panicking because I know I have NO CHANCE soloing and the party has run off. I'm in my hotel room; it's like 5am, and I am straight hollering, in EQ and in real life. Bottom line is the group comes back, heals me, and kills Raster! WOOT!" -Curt Schilling on his favorite memories in the video game "EverQuest"
by travdog6 on Jan 4, 2009 10:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bill James' theory is
if a kid throws left handed and you have a good enough arm to play catcher, he’ll get converted to pitcher before he’s out of high school
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 5, 2009 4:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Got down to Stockton, and I am stumped on a lot of it.
Kane County should be stacked with a lot of new prospects though. Ross, Hunter, Paramore, Barfield, and one or two of Christian, Weeks and Coleman, though my guess is that Christian and Weeks go to Stockton. Leon will probably be starting in Stockton, as will Italiano, Hernandez, Mitchinson and… well… there are a lot of pitchers who should fill out the Kane County and Stockton rotation-some that are top prospects, and the rest who are not, but have good stats and are still worth sticking with.
It will be interesting to see if the A’s put Rosario, Dixon and Leyja in Kane County.
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by Zonis on Jan 3, 2009 11:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Here's where Lockard thought some of the higher ranked A-level prospects would start out:
Stockton — 2B Weeks, SS Richard*, IF Valdez*, CF Mitchell, IF Cobb, SP De Los Santos, SP Ross, SP Leon, SP Hernandez, SP Italiano, SP Mitchinson (AA when Fautino’s ready?), SP Richmond (but where?), RP Hodsdon*, RP Guzman*, RP Sewell*, RP Kerfoot*
Kane County — C Paramore*, 1B Hernandez*, SS/2B Coleman*, SS/2B Christian*, OF Barfield, CF Desme*, SP Hunter*, SP Capra*, SP Morla*, SP/RP Doolittle*, SP/RP Leblanc-Poirier*, RP Thomas*, RP Figueroa*
Vancouver — CF Dixon, SS Leyja*, OF Crisostomo, OF House*, OF Berroa*
AZL — Rosario
- She didn’t specifically say this but I’m reading between the lines.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 12:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
so she believes they will be slow and cautious with Dixon and Leyja
instead of putting them into full season ball, even at the lowest level.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 1:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 1:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Good
Dixon desperately needs an extended spring training, while Leyja just needs to grow physically. Both of them are underaged high school draftees to begin with— playing A- ball at 18 is exceptional enough as it is.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 6:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The rumors about Rosario though have been that he'd be put into A Ball (high or low) when he got to the US
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 1:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
She didn't think that.
I have to agree with her. He’s an 18 yo kid who’s never worked in the US before.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 1:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, the A's like to send their Latin guys to the AZL to help them acclimate to the States
In fact, it wouldn’t shock me (surprise me yes, shock me no) if they just moved Rosario to DSL-1 next year.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 6:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My Take, Oakland:
C Kurt Suzuki 6
1B Daric Barton 7
2B Mark Ellis 9
3B Eric Chavez 4
SS Bobby Crosby 8
LF Matt Holliday 3
CF Ryan Sweeney 2
RF Travis Buck 1
DH Jack Cust 5
C Rob Bowen
SS Cliff Pennington
3B Jack Hannahan
OF Rajai Davis
SP Justin Duchscherer
SP Sean Gallagher
SP Dana Eveland
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Josh Outman
RP Joey Devine CL
RP Brad Ziegler SU
RP Andrew Brown
RP Santiago Casilla
RP Jerry Blevins SU
RP Chris Schroder
RP Dallas Braden
by DSamonek on Jan 4, 2009 12:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I hope you're right that Gio and Outman will force Braden to the pen, but it Gio doesn't seem ready to me.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 1:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Braden will make the team regardless
He’ll either be the Longman (with Schroder being the 7th mop up guy) and Backup/Emergency Starter, or he will be the 5th Starter.
But if Outman ana Gonzalez do well, I’d have to think the A’s will put them into the rotation. They have more value than Braden.
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 1:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If Gio does well in the spring, and I think he will, then the best of Outman / Braden will be # 5 and the other will be in the pen.
I am really looking at Gio and Gallagher both having good years in 2009.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Jan 4, 2009 1:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If that were true they could have 4 average to good starters....which means a contender.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 1:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think both Outman and Braden
could put up Greg Smith-y numbers next season, which would be rather useful from the back end of a rotation. Gio, I’m not so sure about. I definitely don’t think it would hurt him to get some more time in AAA.
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 Jan 4, 2009 6:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
BTW I'm kinda surprised Midland didn't get more votes with all the good prospects there.
I guess Cahill and Anderson trump all!
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 1:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
It's quite possible Cahill will start in Midland too
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jan 4, 2009 2:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I figured people would pick rookie ball because of Inoa.
by thejd44 on Jan 4, 2009 10:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rookie ball and Short Season start after the June Draft though
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by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I chose Midland
under the assumption they would both start the season there. Although Anderson, and probably Cahill, could easily start in AAA.
I just think the A’s generally take their time and the routes are probably AA-AAA this year, with a possible September call-up, and AAA-MLB next year.
99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod
by Scottbass on Jan 4, 2009 6:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I chose Midland
Basically the entire lineup is prospects, especially if you move Mitchell to the outfield, Weeks to 2nd, Spencer to DH, and Everidge and Sellers to the bench. Granted, that’s not likely to happen at any given time (someone will have been promoted by the time Weeks hits AA) but it’s fun to think about.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 7:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I voted Midland since I think these guys start out there:
C Josh Donaldson
1B Sean Doolittle
3B Chris Carter
SS Adrian Cardenas
LF Matt Spencer
CF Corey Brown
RF Matt Spencer
SP Fautino De Los Santos
SP James Simmons
SP Brett Anderson
SP Trevor Cahill
RP Andrew Carignan
RP Andrew Bailey
"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 Jan 4, 2009 2:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I would hate to see Simmons start there
He’s been there one and a half years already (although sending him there immediately was very aggressive). I think Anderson will start at AAA as that’s where they sent him last season. I would not be averse to him starting in AA though. Simmons I would be. Let the kid play in AAA already.
I’d like to see Demel, Leon, and HRod on that pitching staff though. And that’s why I will be watching Midland in the coming season.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jan 4, 2009 3:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lockard thinks Leon goes to Stockton, unless they've already decided he's a reliever.
In that case he goes to Midland.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 4:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I believe Anderson went to AAA
because the A’s called up a few pitchers. I could be wrong.
"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 Jan 4, 2009 7:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would be mildly stunned if Simmons is not in AAA
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 7:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
zOMG he got rid of C1 and C2!
The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!
by carp on Jan 4, 2009 5:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I would take Petit over Pennington as backup
C: Suzuki
1B: Barton
2B: Ellis
SS: Crosby
3B: Chavez
LF: Holliday
CF: Sweeney
RF: Buck
DH: Spartacust
C: Bowen
BIF: Petit (I take him over Pennington in that he is the better defender, although sadly, the A’s hate him)
BIF2: Hannahan/Pennington (the only advantage to taking Pennington is that he’s a switch hitter, although his splits are even)
BOF: Competition b/w Denorfia and Murton
SP:Duchscherer
SP:Gallagher
SP:Eveland
SP:Braden
SP:Outman
RP:Devine
RP:Ziegler
LHRP: Blevins
RP:Casilla
RP: A.Brown
RP: Schroder
RP: Cameron/Gray
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on Jan 4, 2009 7:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
2009 A's
2B: Ellis
CF:Sweeney
LF:Holliday
DH:Cust
1B:Burrell
3B:Chavez
SS:Tejada
RF:Buck
C:Suzuki
SP:Duchscher
SP:Gallagher
SP:Cahill
SP:Anderson
SP:Braden
by BlueMoon on Jan 4, 2009 8:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
A's w/ signings
Starters
Suzuki
Giambi
Ellis
Chavez
Crosby
Holliday
Sweeney
Buck
Cust
Bench
Bowen
Dillon
Murton
Davis
Pennington
Starting Pitchers
Duke
Eveland
Gallagher
Braden
Pavano
Relief
Ziggy
Devine
Blevins
Brown
Shouse or Villone
Schroder
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Jan 4, 2009 10:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Casilla instead of Schroder?
Casilla is a head case and who knows if he will ever return to pre-injury form
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Jan 4, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Casilla instead of Shouse or Villone
instead of signing a Free Agent Reliever, using one that will probably be just as effective for the role AND will be much, much cheaper.
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
cost effective 5th starter type...
could be a steal if he is healthy
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Jan 4, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait what?
Pavano has been horrible and injury prone for a while now. I don’t think I’d want him on the team.
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 11:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just think BB likes to have a veteran lefty in the pen...
Blevins hasn’t proved he can go a full season w/ success
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Jan 4, 2009 11:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If he wanted a crappy lefty veteran in the pen
instead of a good pitcher, he could have just picked up Embree’s option. I mean he’s a crafty (see: sucky) Veteran (old enough to be half of the roster’s father) who throws left handed (has a left arm).
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 11:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Embree was going to cost $3+ million
shouse and Villone are NRI material
Just thinking the A’s need a veteran lefty in the pen – I’m sure there are better options than Shouse and Villone, just throwing their names out there
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Jan 4, 2009 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Shouse will get a major league contract.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 4:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take a stab at it
Starters:
Suzuki
Burrell
Ellis
Chavez
Crosby
Holliday
Sweeney
Buck
Cust
Bench:
Bowen
Pennington
Baisley
Rajai
Starters:
Duke
Eveland
Gallagher
Looper
Outman
Relief:
Devine
Ziegler
Blevins
Casilla
Braden
Brown
Schroder
by JPShark on Jan 4, 2009 12:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
kilby is there to be had as a 2nd lefty
braden, outman, marshall etc…many options there
by Asfan4ever723 on Jan 4, 2009 1:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Also don't forget Kevin Cameron in the pen
The guy’s always had low ERA’s, even though he’s had high WHIPs. He reminds me a bit of (good) Kiko Calero.
I’d say the bullpen guarantees are: Devine, Ziggy, Blevins, Casilla, and Brown. Next in line are Schroder and Cameron.
Then there are the losers of the starter battle: Gio, Braden, Outman. I think Gio could be a nice bullpen piece until he transitions to starter a la Santana/Gaudin. Then again he could benefit from starting in AAA. Outman is the same way. Maybe Braden would be the best bet. Anyone want to persuade me who should be in the pen and who in the rotation?
Then comes the guys in AAA who could come up: Kilby, Gray, and Marshall. Then come the guys who could be dark horse candidates: Lansford, Mitchell, and Bailey. All those guys plus a potential signing could be in a 6-7 man pen. If I had to guess I’d say it will go:
Devine
Ziggy
Blevins
Brown
Casilla (who quickly gets injured)
Schroder
Cameron (who quickly replaces Casilla)
Which makes the rotation:
Duke
Gallagher
Eveland
Braden
Outman
Gio will start in AAA.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jan 4, 2009 3:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I don't like the practice of putting Top Pitching Prospects in the Bullpen for a year
then putting them in the rotation. The way I view it, they’d be better off Starting at AAA than burning a year of team control (at League Minimum too!).
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 4:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It does seem to work for some people though...gets them trusting their stuff with major league hitters.
Service clock based roster decisions seem like the tail wagging the dog to me.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 4:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Gio might be one guy this is especially true for
He’s had pretty steady rate stats through out his career except that his BB rate has spiked in his first eposure to AA, AAA and MLB. He got it under control in his second stint through AA and I think he can do it again. He seems like the classic case of a pitcher not trusting his stuff against advanced pitching and then nibbling.
That said, I think he can get it under control as a starter for the A’s. Even when he was getting rocked last year he still managed a pretty good K rate, and he has had great K rates at every stop in the minors. He just has to be willing to challenge hitters and trust that his stuff is good enough to get them out.
by DiegoAsFan on Jan 4, 2009 4:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He was also pretty good in relief at the end of the year after getting torched as a starter
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 5:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Worked for Earl Weaver
I don’t have a problem with it, personally, unless it interferes with a guy getting enough innings in to build up his arm.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 7:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Crazy Crowded
The whole Oakland system is insanely stacked. In 2008, our minor league system looked better and promising for the future. In 2009, the system looks to be stacked and crowded, holding some good players back who should be advancing. In 2010, we will have some of our top 20, if not top 10 prospects being blocked. They will have to be traded. Lots, and I mean lots, of prospect talent will be traded in 2010, or lost to Rule 5.
Lucky for me, I will see many Midland games this year. I believe Carter is the real deal. If he starts hitting in the Texas League like he did in Stockton, he will move to Sacramento quickly. Poor Tommy Everidge deserves a chance in AAA.
Other thoughts: Carignan will be the Sacramento closer, not Lansford. And how good is a AAA rotation where Cahill is #5? Henry Rodriguez is terrible, and will be gone soon.
by redtopcowboy on Jan 4, 2009 3:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Rodriguez was bad in AA last year, but was awesome everywhere else.
And the A’s have to fast track him now since he is on the 40 man, or he will be lost on waivers eventually. The question though is if they try to fast track him and put him in the Pen, or if they will trade him as part of a package.
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jan 4, 2009 4:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If they fast track him, he could start in the AA pen rather than rotation.
I kinda understand why someone might think he’s terrible. He certainly looks out of control. The results say different though.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 4:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rodriguez
was great early in Stockton, then really bad in Midland, then only so-so in his return to Stockton, then really terrible this winter. Maybe just tired, but I think he isn’t very coachable, just throwing wild heat. I think falling down while throwing 101 at the Future’s Game sums Henry Rodriguez up perfectly. I believe he will be traded at the first opportunity, because I don’t think he has the discipline to be a major league pitcher.
by redtopcowboy on Jan 4, 2009 8:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
By "really bad", you mean the WHIP and ERA, right?
Not the K-rate. K-rate is a better predictor of long term success than WHIP and ERA. Where did you hear he wasn’t coachable? That would make a big difference to the A’s.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 8:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't hear anything,
just my impression from seeing a couple of games and listening to several more. It just seems to me that Rodriguez didn’t really progress this year. He started fast and wild and ended fast and wild. From that I guesstimate that he won’t make much progress in 2009. Just my opinion. Maybe he becomes Don Drysdale. I hope so.
On the other hand, again from seeing a couple and listening to many games, I think that Chris Carter made progress through the year. He seemed to me to have more strike zone discipline as the year wore on, chasing fewer sliders down and away. To me, that implies that he was listening to his coaches, working hard in the cage, and improving. I think he will continue to improve. Hope so.
One more. Carignan ate up Stockton, then became fast and wild at Midland. but he got better, and his walk rate improved late and at Fall League. I think he will do fine as the Sacramento closer in 2009.
by redtopcowboy on Jan 4, 2009 8:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
True. Rodriguez certainly ended the season less impressively than he started it.
I was kinda taken aback by the Futures Game performance as well. Wasn’t sure what the heck he was trying to do. He needs to focus on making pitches rather than impressing scouts and radar guns.
Reading between the lines of Lockard’s write-up on him she seems to sort of agree with you.
…he often falls in love with his own radar gun readings and his throwing motion gets out of control when he tries to throw as hard as he can. When that happens, he loses all control of where the ball is going.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 4, 2009 10:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"He certainly looks out of control. The results say different though."
Uh, no they don’t.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jan 5, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
gone?!?!?!?
doubt that
"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 Jan 4, 2009 4:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh.... Weeks
Just to show how bad the Weeks pick was IMO… Sickels’ grade for the picks around Weeks.
Smoak: A-
Weeks: B
Wallace: A-
Hicks: B+
Martin: B
Lawrie: B
Why couldn’t we have picked Wallace? :(
And WHY couldn’t Texas have passed on Smoak! ;_;
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jan 5, 2009 12:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Wallace, Hicks, Martin (B grade after getting hurt)
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Jan 5, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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