Giambi Returns to A's: Open Thread

Jinx you owe me a Coke

Mod’s please feel free to delete mine.

by Yourmyboyblue on Jan 5, 2009 2:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

you can delete you're own

Save Rajai Davis

by oakinboston on Jan 5, 2009 2:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"When I was a kid, having someone correct your grammar was a sign that they cared and wanted you to present yourself in the best possible light. That being said, you should really learn the difference between plurals and possessives." -- RS

by oblique on Jan 5, 2009 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

strike

Of all the sports blogs on the web, you’d least expect this error on this blog. The “correctors” are incorrect. It’s neither a plural nor a possessive, but an abbreviation, like, oh I don’t know, A’s ???? Sorry for the inconsequential followup, I just couldn’t resist. Still, I’d use the longer form “moderators”.

by brokeandit'soak on Jan 8, 2009 7:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

'Scuse me, but doesn't the "." go inside the quotation marks?

My inner grammar nazi wants to know.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jan 8, 2009 7:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It does - I often do it wrong because it just looks more right,

especially for single words in quotes at the end of a sentence. Here’s an example where it looks wrong but it’s actually “right.”

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 Jan 8, 2009 5:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought that only applied for actual, well, quotes

Nico said, “I often do it wrong because it just looks more right.”

But if I was using quotation marks for something else, say, sarcasm (Whatever, “pal”.), I would think the period stays outside. But then I like to make up my own rules for stuff.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 8, 2009 5:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's not a universal rule.

Most American style books say period inside the quote marks. Most British style books say period outside the quote marks. Look at the Economist, for example.

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

by iglew on Jan 9, 2009 2:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Pfffft. Silly Brits. They treat the language like they think they invented it.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jan 9, 2009 9:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I meant American grammar rules

The British prefer the period outside the quotes, as it is less awkward, don’t you know.

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 Jan 9, 2009 9:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Insert nevermoor's Giambi is redundant and makes no sense post here.

Seriously, with the market set by Burrell going to Tampa, sign Adam Dunn already

by mikev on Jan 5, 2009 2:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

There is wisdom in this

Take a chance at converting Dunn to 1B and have the younger, healthier guy for the next few years.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dunn can't be worse at 1B than Giamsorri, can he?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't think so

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 2:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, boy, I can just sense it: Beane's gonna sign Giamsorri and GA

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 2:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Got room on your new fave team?

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 2:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I miss you already

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 5, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

monkeyball

if you refer to Giambi as “Giamsorri” one more time I’m gonna track you down and personally kick you in your “monkeysorry balls”! Enuff already!

by mrod on Jan 5, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't kick his balls yourself, mrod

Send Garret Anderson.

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 Jan 5, 2009 7:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

bring it, dude

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 7:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OH IT'S BEEN BROUGHTEN.

by mikev on Jan 6, 2009 8:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

mrod brandished the stick, so I will offer the carrot:

If you stop this Giamsorri thing, I will give you $10.

by 74mk on Jan 5, 2009 7:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

fair enuff!

by mrod on Jan 5, 2009 7:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

it's going to take a 2-year contract, minimum

And I’d rather take the money from LA or Atlanta.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 7:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You forgot one thing.

You have to tell them the $10 is exactly what you are looking for and have them send you an offer sheet for it.

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

by 5Aces on Jan 6, 2009 8:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

74mk is going to have to take me and my wife out to dinner on a tour of Oakland

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 9:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Or at least Mrs. Monkeyball.....

while you stay home and babysit. What are friends for after all?

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jan 6, 2009 9:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm willing to overpay to get the deal done:

4 years, $40.

by 74mk on Jan 6, 2009 8:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There's a "Mystery" Offer

of 3 years, $50 for Monkeyball to keep using the name.

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

by DMOAS on Jan 6, 2009 8:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Brian Sabean just gave Sal $25 to not use "Preparation G" as a nickname for the next 9 months

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

me too

"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 6, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Giambi's defensive numbers at 1B aren't that bad...

… my initial reaction was the same as yours: Giambi, Senor Iron Glove, at 1B? That’s terrible. But, according to FanGraphs’ defensive metrics, Giambi was actually about average at 1B last year. Who knows how much stock we should put into any of these defensive metrics (most of them are very subjective, and none of them are time-tested)?, but at least Giambi shows up as decent in two of the last three seasons…

From a personal perspectice, my recollection is that Giambi is a disaster on throws to 2B (on 3-6-3 double plays or grounders to first), that Giambi is great at scooping errant throws, that he’s average at fielding grounders, and that his range is limited-to-none. Not sure how my personal recollections grade out on a UZR scale or any of the other metrics, but you can take it for what it’s worth…

As for Dunn, I think we can say without a doubt that he’d be worse defensively that Giambi at 1B. Again, looking at FanGraphs’ defensive metrics, Dunn grades out horribly (as in, he averages about 20 runs below average at 1B per 150 games) at 1B. As much as it might be convenient to think Dunn can play a competent 1B (or at least competent enough), he can’t. If Dunn was good enough to play 1B, the Reds would have put him there long ago… they didn’t, and it’s safe to assume there was a good reason for that (they certainly weren’t keeping him in LF for his glove).

Of the two (Giambi and Dunn), I’d much rather have Giambi playing 1B than Dunn.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 2:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dewan's +/- had Giambi as really bad

And if I’m remembering correctly, so did CHONE.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And... what did they say about Dunn?

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dewan's +/-

Rated Dunn as a ~~53 in LF from 2005 through 2007. (Couldn’t find his 2008 +/~~ numbers.) If he’s that atrocious in LF, he cannot be much better at 1B.

Dunn simply is not an option at 1B. So, if you’re advocating a Dunn signing, that means you’re advocating moving Holliday to CF or RF. That also means you’re advocating moving Sweeney and/or Buck to the bench or AAA.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 3:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Redo

Not sure what happened in the last message…

Dewan’s plus/minus system rated Dunn as a negative 53 in LF from 2005 through 2007. (Couldn’t find his 2008 numbers.) If he’s that atrocious in LF, he cannot be much better at 1B.

Dunn simply is not an option at 1B. So, if you’re advocating a Dunn signing, that means you’re advocating moving Holliday to CF or RF. That also means you’re advocating moving Sweeney and/or Buck to the bench or AAA.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 3:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

totally different skillsets at LF and 1B

I’m in no way saying Dunn would be any good defensively at 1B, but you’re not presenting any real data, just a lot of hand-waving and shouting (that’s usually my department).

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 3:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

Although you forgot to mention your specialty… poo flinging.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 3:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A lot of hand-waving and shouting?

Uhh… see my post above, where I point to FanGraphs’ defensive metrics (which graded Dunn as 20 runs below average at 1B per 150 games). Dunn has played 1B. He’s not good there. That’s not hand-waving and shouting; those are the facts.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 4:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Small. Sample. Size.

That “per 150 games” is bullshit, and you know it. He played nineteen games at first last year.

Yeah, hey, he does suck, and could well suck leagues beyond Giamsorri; but the data aren’t there to prove it. Yet.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 4:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

See below...

… Dunn’s played 127 games at 1B in his career. I’m working from that, slighly larger, sample size.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 4:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And I acknowledge...

… that over those 127 games, he’s been 12.5 runs below average, not 20 runs below average. So, we’ll work from that baseline.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 5:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Here are the FanGraphs' numbers

Dunn: http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=319&position=OF

In Dunn’s career, he’s played 127 games and 891 inning at 1B. He’s been 12.5 runs below average per 150 games.

Giambi: http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=818&position=1B/DH

In Giambi’s career, he’s played 1171 games and 9632 inningd at 1B. He’s 3.9 runs below average per 150 games (only 2.5 runs below average in 2008).

So, I think the fairer comparison would be: Is Dunn’s offensive 10 runs better per 150 games than Giambi’s? If not, Giambi’s probably a better option at 1B before you even get to the relative costs…

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 4:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

still bullshit

Dunn’s “career” at first is spotty and inconsistent. So, (a) he’s not had the chance to work on it much, and (b) you can’t statistically compile those and have them be relevant.

I’m not saying that your conclusion is wrong, just that you don’t have enough information to assert it definitively.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's fair...

… I agree.

Dunn has not had a chance to work on his 1B defense with any kind of consistency… I’m just working with what I’ve got here. Can’t fault me for that. What I do know is that Dunn hasn’t been good at 1B when he’s played there. We can speculate that he’d get better with some experience, but that’s only speculation.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

and, again, you may well be correct in the final analysis

Dunn potentially has room to improve; Giamsorri pretty much is only going to continue to get worse (though a 1-year deal mitigates that aspect).

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 5:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not enough to assert anything definitively

but it’s enough to make one seriously doubt your original (somewhat hyperbolic) claim that Dunn “can’t be worse at 1B” than Giambi.

On the other hand, I would expect that Giambi/Dunn would actually be at DH a significant portion of the time, with Barton at 1B, Cust in LF, and one of Buck/Sweeney getting the day off (or on the DL), so whatever difference there is between their defensive values at 1B will be further reduced.

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 5, 2009 5:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

claim? I thought it was a question?

Please note that I have expressed my subject line in the baxamusian case.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry

change that to “enough to make one answer your original (somewhat hyperbolic) question in the affirmative.”

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 5, 2009 6:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I try to remove the hyperbole a little farther down the line

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 6, 2009 7:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dunn is an option at 1B, I'm not saying he's going to be good at 1B

But if Giambi is bad and Dunn is equally bad then it comes down to their bats.

Dunn wins that contest.

Then the question becomes one of cost.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 4:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dunn and Giambi are not equally bad at 1B

This is simply a false assumption… Giambi grades out better than Dunn at 1B over any period of time you can find (over their respective careers, over the last three years, etc.).

So, the question is: Does Dunn’s purported edge at the plate make up for Giambi’s actual egde on defense? And (as you note), then it comes down to cost… Seeing as Giambi probably comes in a one-year deal (with an option) at approximately $8M-$10M per year, and Dunn comes at more years and (probably) more money, I think Giambi’s the choice.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 4:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It is not a false assumption

I’m just not trusting fangraphs over Dewan and whatshisname… Smith.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 4:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough...

… but until you can point me to something that actually grades them out equally (and not just something that says Giambi is bad), I think it’s still inaccurate to assume their equal.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 4:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've got the data on my home computer

Going by memory, Giambi rated near the bottom of the spectrum. Unless you think Dunn will buy a backhoe to go with a 1B glove I think it’s safe to say the two would probably be no worse than equally bad defensively.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 5:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

In other words...

… I point to one system that says Giambi is average and Dunn is bad. You point to another system that says Giambi is bad, but says nothing about Dunn. You have not shown me that Dunn and Giambi are equal, only that Giambi grades out poorly under another system. Do Dewan or Smith grade Dunn’s 1B defense?

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 4:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Smith has Dunn at a -6 at first base, IIRC

and Giambi at something like -11.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 7:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's because

he regresses Dunn heavily toward the mean because he has so little data at 1B. I’m not sure that’s really the right thing to do, given that he’s fairly old, and known to be lousy at other positions.

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 6, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

if Dunn is "fairly old," what does that make Giamsorri?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

jason giambi

"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 6, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The 17th century architect

who designed the facade of San Gregorio Magno in Rome.

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

by iglew on Jan 6, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Or perhaps the one who designed the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 6, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The regression is toward his scouting report, not zero runs

so apparently his scouting report is better than Giambi’s…

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 6, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

those other positions

are harder on the defensive spectrum, FYI. Theoretically, 1b is easier than the OF (even LF or RF) so the switch to 1b would be easier than, say, the switch to CF or 2b. And let’s be frank, he’s not in his prime anymore, but he isn’t THAT old. I’m pretty sure he could pull a Hatteberg and be at least serviceable at 1b. Not saying he’s going to be gold glove, but I really don’t believe he’s going to be among the worst 1b either.

"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby

by DyeLongJustice on Jan 6, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Scott Hatteberg was a catcher -- meaning reasonably athletic ...

and good at catching the ball. Two notable traits that Adam Dunn is definitively lacking …

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

by devo on Jan 6, 2009 2:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

then he makes no sense for the A's

where are they gonna put him? Unless the A’s are planning on trading one Buck or Sweeney I don’t see where Dunn fits in at this point. I’d rather see Beane sign a starter than add Dunn. Just my opinion, though.

by mrod on Jan 6, 2009 3:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree ...

I’d love to see him bring in Sheets …

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

by devo on Jan 6, 2009 4:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Or Lowe

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 6, 2009 9:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd prefer Sheets ...

we have the depth to deal with his shortcoming (he’ll make roughly 25 starts for 150 innings …) and I’d really rather not give Lowe the extra couple of years …

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

by devo on Jan 6, 2009 11:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ok, so you are right

but RF is still technically a harder position to field than 1b according to Bill James’ defensive spectrum, right? maybe Dunn won’t be a pickin’ machine, but couldn’t he be slightly decent, or at least an upgrade over giambi

"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby

by DyeLongJustice on Jan 6, 2009 6:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Eh ...

They require slightly different skills … Dunn is relatively fast for a man of his size, meaning what little ability he has to offer in the area is better suited for the outfield …

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

by devo on Jan 6, 2009 11:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OK, where were we?

Dewan had Giambi at -18 plays last year, 2nd worst in baseball. That includes a -13 on balls hit right at him, so your earlier claim that he handles the stuff he gets to is open to question. Giambi also scored a -6 on plays to his right and a +2 to his left.

Dewan does not project 2009 defensive grades… at least, none that I’ve seen. (Plays X .8 = Runs, roughly)

Smith projects Giambi at -8 runs in 2009, tied for 3rd worse with Fielder and Jacobs. Sexson ranks as the worst with -10. Dunn earns a -6 projection, but lets assume he’s as bad as Giambi and call it -8 runs as a neutral scenario.

Absolute worse case has Dunn as 2 runs worse than Giambi (this assumes Dunn would be the defensive equal to the worst 1B in baseball), best case has him as 2 runs better.

Based on that range of performance, if Dunn’s bat is 3 runs better than Giambi’s he will be (in every scenario) more productive than Giambi. It then becomes a question of cost. If it costs 3X as much to sign Dunn vs. Giambi for a projected 1 Run upgrade than it probably isn’t worth it to sign him. But at some point it makes since to pay more to get the better player.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 6, 2009 7:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Surprise

I agree with all of this. And it looks to me like the cost difference is going to be enough to make Giambi easily the better choice, though of course we won’t know for sure until they’ve both signed.

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 6, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

honest, non-hyperbolic question

What’s your guess for Dunn’s ultimate $/yy/location?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 10:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

3/39/dodgers

"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 6, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wild guess

4 years, $40 million, no idea where

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 6, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

3/30 Nats

"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."

by Blicks on Jan 6, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Fangraphs guesses 2/20 LOLNats

I’d probably say 3/33/LOLNats though.

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Jan 6, 2009 2:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What's so surprising?

That you agree with me or that I can shoot a guy down without malice?

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 6, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Both!

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 6, 2009 11:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Meh

I’ve got a head cold trying to settle in my chest, so I’ve got no “oomph” on my fastball today. All I can do is try to hit my spots.

On that note, you take a moment for self-reflection. Why don’t you agree with me more often?

I’m right a lot.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 6, 2009 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 6, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And Giambi will cost signifigantly less grover

by mrod on Jan 5, 2009 7:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How much grover are we giving up?

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

just enough so that we don't actually really notice

by mrod on Jan 5, 2009 7:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

so all of it then?

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 Jan 5, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That was harsh

+100

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 6, 2009 7:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

:0

toughen up son….

(slaps grover in the ass, tells him “nice hustle”).

by mrod on Jan 6, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Your personal recollections match mine.

Giambi was really good at scooping bad throws, but very bad at throwing and not so great at fielding.

If defensive metrics vary wildly, it could be a function of how they weight these different skills.

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

by iglew on Jan 5, 2009 3:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why not?

He’s about as (small-a) athletic, and has a lot less experience at the position.

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 5, 2009 2:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Because Giambi has confirmed his iron glove

Dunn’s is only suspected.

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 5, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He's also 8 years younger and without Giamsorri's litany of recent owies

On balance, I’d guess it’s a wash.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 3:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Uhh...

… I’m younger than Giambi. Doesn’t mean I can play major-league caliber defense at 1B. Giambi is an experienced 1B, and is avergae to below-average there. Dunn has experience at 1B, and is way, way below-average there. It’s not a wash. Giambi’s a better defensive 1B than Dunn.

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 3:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

gotta agree with Uncle Charlies reasoning here

Giambi is quite likely to be the better defender than Dunn.

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Jan 5, 2009 5:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Monkeyball, your "Giamsorri" nickname is evil because

it presumes mispronunciation of the name.

“Jom-bee” is consistent with proper Italian. The frequently heard “Jee-om-bee” is erroneous.

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

by iglew on Jan 5, 2009 3:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

erroneous?

I have never heard it pronounced "Jom-bee."

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 4:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bob Sheppard says it correctly

Sheppard is the PA announcer at Yankee stadium. See interview here.

BS: I go to people and say, “How do you pronounce your name?” It’s very important to me because teaching speech, I tell them early in the course, knowing the name of the student and pronouncing it properly is a tribute to the student. And even now, I went to Jason Giambi when he joined the Yankees and I said: “How do you pronounce your last name? Three syllables, like Gi-am-bi? Or two syllables like Giam-bi.’ He said: ‘I say, Giam-bi. Two syllables.’ But 99 percent of the people announcing his name call him ‘Gi-am-bi.’”

Someone in Oakland used to say it correctly, but I forget who it was.

Jason says he doesn’t really care how anyone says his name. (Mike Magnante said the same thing.) But if we do get him back, I think it would be a nice gesture if we’d all learn to say it properly.

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

by iglew on Jan 5, 2009 4:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If we do get him back, I'm pronouncing his name "Gee, I am sorry"

And I will cheer loudly for every HR he hits and every borderline-but-undriveable pitch he takes.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 5, 2009 4:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

In my opinion, the most amusing thing about Giambi's name

is that if you move the first letter to the end, it spells “I am big.”

Come to think of it, that’s sufficient reason to be pleased to have him back.

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

by iglew on Jan 5, 2009 8:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's why I've been rooting so hard for us to sign

Giamhun to play SS.

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 Jan 5, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

that guy makes pitchers work

really extenZe his at-bats

Let's Go Oakland! clap clap clapclapcl-- damn, I think I sprained my wrist...

by SF Geoff on Jan 6, 2009 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

and Randy Johnson to play SP

oh wait…

"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby

by DyeLongJustice on Jan 6, 2009 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bob Sheppard says everything correctly. I want him to give me speech lessons.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not like Dunn hasn't played first

BR says he’s played 127 games there in his career.

by thejd44 on Jan 6, 2009 10:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes ... but quite badly ...

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

by devo on Jan 6, 2009 2:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Dunn will hold out ...

reports had him wanting $100 million. We all know now that not realistic, but I’m sure he’ll want at least $15 per

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 5, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

I get busy at work and this happens?!?

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Jan 6, 2009 6:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You do what at work?!?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 9:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What's work?

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 7, 2009 8:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That thing Crosby almost never does

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Jan 10, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oakland is a known quantity for Giambi...

hence, easier for the A’s to persuade him to come back.

BB does not have that luxury with Dunn

Why would Dunn want to come to Oakland when he cabn get a similar deal from 20 other teams

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 5, 2009 2:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

because adam dunn wants to become ghetto

"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 5, 2009 3:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Because I think the market has proven this winter that he can't get a similar deal from 20 other teams

by thejd44 on Jan 6, 2009 10:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

alright - more like 5-10

and are probably more attractive than Oakland

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 7, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Im thinking we get Giambi for something like 1 year at 6-7 million

We should have at least $6 million left to play with, hopefully more like $14 million. (Sheets)

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Jan 5, 2009 3:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Agree, except we won't get G for $6M and we won't get Sheets

G won’t sign for less per year than Burrell. Burrell’s a bargain at 2-years, $16M. Giambi will take at least as much per year if we’re not going to guarantee Year #2. My guess: Giambi gets something like one-year, $8.5M, with a team option for a second year at $9.5M (and a $1M buyout).

As for Sheets, I’ve said before that I can’t see him signing for less than $15M per year. On a shorter-term contract, he’ll get more (2-yr, $36M; 3-yr, $51M).

by Uncle Charlie on Jan 5, 2009 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Makes Sense

But I still think you are overestimating what Sheets will get. My guess is that it would be more like 2/28 guaranteed with incentives that include a 3rd year based on innings, etc allowing him to make as much as ~47mill over 3 years.

Im thinking Lowe will get about 13-14 per year, which will set Sheets’ price there also, except Sheets will get less years.

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Jan 5, 2009 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry Uncle Charlie

there is no way anyone is gonna give Sheets 2 years at 36 million.

Let alone 3 years 51 million…….

by mrod on Jan 5, 2009 7:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

well Uncle Charlie

looks like you’re about to be proven wrong if all the all the latest reports are correct.

by mrod on Jan 6, 2009 11:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

one thing about giambi

is that when he dh’s, his hitting suffers considerably. so while playing him in the field will hurt defensively, it might make giambi a better hitter

"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 5, 2009 3:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I wonder why that is

by son of wes on Jan 5, 2009 4:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Just a guess

Staying warmed up and in the game when you’re a DH seems pretty tough. Instead of being engaged on defense for the half-inning before you bat, you’re stuck in the dugout or what have you trying to stay with it.

I hated halftime back when I was playing football. You lose all your momentum and get cold sitting on your butt for 20 minutes. I imagine doing the same thing for the entire game except for 4 ABs would have a pretty profound effect.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jan 5, 2009 6:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he DH's mostly when he's hurting

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, this is basically true

The average player was found, by Tango and company, to be 5 or 10 runs worse over a full season than he “normally” would be when DHing. However, they also found high variability— some players showed no evident issues, others were (obviously, given the average above) hurt much worse by it.

I actually think it’s a good idea for teams to rotate bad-glove players like Chris Carter through DH as a “position” in the minor leagues, to find out how well they handle it. Too often, minor league DHs are just non-prospect first basemen, which is a largely pointless exercise.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 7:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Happens to most guys who DH

by thejd44 on Jan 6, 2009 10:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Jack Cust is the same way

Sorry Travis Buck.

Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.

by CarGon's Jock on Jan 7, 2009 4:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Only reason I could see why the A's want Giambi for 1 year over Dunn for 3 or 4?

They think Sean Doolittle or Daric Barton will be ready and good by 2010 (or 2011 if they keep Giambi’s option)

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jan 5, 2009 5:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

thats alot of hope and pressure

on buck, sweeney, cunningham, barton etc progressing at the mlb level this season and prospects like carter, doolittle, etc to do well in their AA/AAA levels. maybe giambi/holliday can guide them through this season and they are ready to step it up after 09. otherwise, the offense will be back to its familiar status that we’ve seen the last several yrs

by Asfan4ever723 on Jan 5, 2009 6:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Separated at hatch?

Granted, Emilio’s brother had a better Major League career.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jan 5, 2009 5:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Crap. Estevez' pic hath disappear-ed. Anyway, it looked just like Prep G.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jan 5, 2009 6:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bring back the gotee and long hair from the SI cover in 2001 (or was it 2000?)

that cover rocked!

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jan 5, 2009 6:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

AN’s Designated Goatee:

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jan 5, 2009 6:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OK now I feel sheepish

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 Jan 5, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not your livestock of choice but,

whenever I see that weird commercial “Change the Present” where the guy gives his girl a sheep, it makes me think of you. Not the result they had in mind, I’m sure.

"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson

by lynnzgal on Jan 5, 2009 10:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Baaaaaaaahhh!

that is actually a great picture of you Nico.

by mrod on Jan 5, 2009 7:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks - I took it yesterday

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 Jan 5, 2009 7:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

isn't that a back handed compliment

giamsorri.

"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby

by DyeLongJustice on Jan 5, 2009 7:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't encourage him.

Total posts using the word “giamsorri”:

By Monkeyball = 10
By people complaining about the word to Monkeyball = 4 (including this post)
By you = 1.

Stop it.

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

by iglew on Jan 5, 2009 8:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

By you now = 1

Where will it end?

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 Jan 5, 2009 8:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Add 2 more complaint posts iglew (1 from me on another thread + this one)

i hate that nickname. that and Angels spelled backwards.

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jan 6, 2009 11:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm still taking bids

I think the offer is up to $80. I won’t do it for less than 4 figures.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 12:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

and Slegna is a separate negotiation entirely

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

: -)

you probably will start using them more just to bug people like me and to drive the price up.

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jan 6, 2009 12:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"probably will start"?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 12:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

$80.00

4 figures

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 6, 2009 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I like it -- I'll give you an AJax to keep using it.

But you hafta pay me 2 if you stop.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jan 6, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I pronounce "Slegna" like it's Italian, too

It’s particularly appropriate when they’ve got no good hitters.

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

by iglew on Jan 6, 2009 3:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

like

Ermenegildo Slegna? I wouldn’t disrespect the Italians like that.

Save Rajai Davis

by oakinboston on Jan 6, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

nico you are truly a stud

you must get to pick any goat you want with those stunning good looks and chisled features

"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 5, 2009 11:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You must be right,

because whenever I describe myself online as having “good looks,” when I meet them for a date they look stunned.

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 Jan 6, 2009 11:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Is this before or after you tell them you are paid handsomely for your contributions on AN?

39 remarkable innings.

by ZigFan31 on Jan 6, 2009 2:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

never I suppose!

by mrod on Jan 5, 2009 9:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

This is a steal at $5.25...

this should end the negative view of bringing him back

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 6, 2009 9:04 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

pretty much, yeah ... if we add a starting pitcher

However, we’re probably looking at a sub-par offense again in ’10.

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 9:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see how you can say this

Unless you think every A’s position player isn’t going to develop at all.

by thejd44 on Jan 6, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They would have to develop a lot...

With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery

by mikeA on Jan 6, 2009 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not really.

Holliday’s probably gone, but if Giambi was productive in ’09, he will almost definitely get his option picked up. Near lock.

You still have Giambi + Cust, and then plenty of room for improvement from the young guys.

"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."

by Blicks on Jan 6, 2009 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it's a steal

I think that’s the maximum amount that actually makes sense. If he’s a 1 win upgrade over Barton, they’re basically paying $6 million ($6.5 – 500 K for Barton’s salary) for that win. That’s a little much, but it’s better than paying $4 mil per year over 3 years.

by thejd44 on Jan 6, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Happy day!

5.25mill and insurance for 2010!

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Jan 6, 2009 10:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

very reasonable signing

this will help our offense a bit, plus allow barton to spend more time at AAA working out his kinks. chavez, cust, giambi, and holliday in the middle of the lineup is a pretty major upgrade from last year. i’m a little wary about the pitching, but if we pick up a decent starter and slide gallagher to #3, i think we’re going to be pretty good this season.

by guy incognito on Jan 6, 2009 10:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

agreed guy incognito

by mrod on Jan 6, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

also agree

Salary allows for another move, as well? Also nice to see some real swagger back in Oaktown.
Plus, we know he’s loaded with Yankee plunder— any time we see him out, he’s buying the beers.

Let's Go Oakland! clap clap clapclapcl-- damn, I think I sprained my wrist...

by SF Geoff on Jan 6, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

the money is key

its not that much, which definitely allows us to make another move. if we add one more pitcher for the rotation, i think we’ll be in really good shape. not sure who we go after, though. but giambi will help the lineup plenty. he’s not what he was, but he still sees tons of pitches and has a pretty high OPS.

by guy incognito on Jan 6, 2009 6:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If this deal is confirmed....

we need a front page thread devoted to it. I want to see all the ranting and raving on one easy thread. I’m looking forward to bitterly divided opinions replete with AN’s collective savaging one another.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jan 6, 2009 10:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

+1

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Jan 6, 2009 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ask and ye shall receive...

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jan 6, 2009 11:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's done

(pending physical)

by HRH on Jan 6, 2009 10:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

linkage????

by A'sfaninNC on Jan 6, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9035936/Sources:-A%27s-land-Giambi-with-one-year-deal

by The Golden One on Jan 6, 2009 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

thx

was just about there

by HRH on Jan 6, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You know what this means

Garret Anderson will NOT be an Oakland Athletic.

Thank you!!!!

by HRH on Jan 6, 2009 10:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I hope so

but dont jinx it

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Jan 6, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Garret Anderson, you are................... NOT an Athletic!

(Joey C. commences dancing)

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jan 6, 2009 11:50 AM PST up reply actions 4 recs

Rec'd for great usage of clip.

"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."

by Blicks on Jan 6, 2009 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Can we get a couple Rec's for this...

it’s falling down the page

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 6, 2009 11:57 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

the MOST important target for the A's now:

Ron Washington

Save Rajai Davis

by oakinboston on Jan 6, 2009 12:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Wow, $4 million??? this just keeps getting better

Time to buy something.

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Jan 6, 2009 1:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'm NOT a happy about this

I know it (sorta) makes sense to bring him back for our batting, but does anybody else harbor feelings of hatred to this guy?? First, he assured us ~~- the fans~~- that it wasn’t about money. Then he went onto Letterman and insulted Oakland. Then he signed with the freakin’ Yankees!

He will always be a $ellout, as far as I am concerned. And while I will stop booing him, I will not applaud him.

Tear down Mount Davis!

by polytician on Jan 6, 2009 2:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

OK

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 6, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Booooooo!!!!!!!!

by mrod on Jan 6, 2009 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The letterman thing... get a sense of humor

by jeffro on Jan 6, 2009 2:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Is it really that big of a deal?

I didn’t appreciate what he said about Oakland, but questionable comments and past free agency decisions aren’t going to deter me from wanting to improve the current team.

If you took the bait on the absurd “it’s not about the money” line, well…..

Frankly, I’m more focused on what they offer on the field, not what they say into a microphone. Within reason of course.

by Svidrigailov on Jan 6, 2009 3:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Your timeline is a bit off ...

he signed with the Yankees before he insulted Oakland on Letterman …

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

by devo on Jan 6, 2009 4:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What I am left pondering...

Is he a bigger sell out than Tatanka was when Ted DiBiase paid him off? Or how bout when Andre the Giant teamed up with the Million Dollar Man? Is his return to Oakland basically equivalent to when Virgil broke ties with Ted DiBiase?

by jeffro on Jan 6, 2009 4:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I lost such much money on those fights.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on Jan 6, 2009 6:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

so much*

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on Jan 6, 2009 6:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm glad he's coming back

I was furious when he left, but the Yankees didn’t win anything with him, so it’s all good.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jan 6, 2009 4:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Odd idea

Everybody’s worried about Giambi’s defense at 1B. So what if Barton tears it up in AAA in April and May ala his Sept 2007 campaign? You shift Cust to RF, Giambi DH, Barton 1B, and whoever of Sweeney or Buck is not producing to 4th OF (Holliday in LF obviously). Terrible defensive outfield, but solid infield defense all around.

Are you better off with airtight infield defense and a few extra flyballs dropping in, or with better coverage in RF and more grounders going through the hole between 1B and 2B?

by LoveDemAs on Jan 6, 2009 4:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hole between 1B and 2B?

No worries… Sounds like a job for … UNICORN!!!!!!!!

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 Jan 6, 2009 4:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

With Cahill, Mazzaro, Anderson, Rodriguez, and Ziegler you're better off with the good IF

With Gio, Duke, Gallagher, Devine, Braden, Brown, Kilby, Outman, Carignan and Simmons you’re better off with the good OF.

With the other guys it doesn’t matter much.

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 6, 2009 9:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

new numbers again

from mlbtr

TUESDAY, 6:50pm: Mike Puma of the New York Post says the deal is for one-year at $4.5MM with a $5MM club option ($1MM buyout) for 2010. The physical is scheduled for tomorrow.

by The Golden One on Jan 6, 2009 5:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

"Mike Puma"?

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 5:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There's a borderline pornstar name

by Svidrigailov on Jan 6, 2009 5:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"Giovanni Ocelot"

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 5:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Max Margay

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 6, 2009 9:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oliver Lynx

by jeffro on Jan 6, 2009 9:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone practiced in the study of pornonymy

knows that in porn Puma is a first name for a female.

Ergo: Mike Puma is not a porn name. Puma Michaels, however, would definitely be a porn name.

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

by iglew on Jan 6, 2009 10:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Unless, of course, your first pet's name was "Mike" and you grew up on "Puma Street"

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 11:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

K.T Rugby says hello

:-)

by Six Bullets Or Only Five? on Jan 7, 2009 6:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Puma Swede

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 7, 2009 11:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Simians who live in glass cages shouldn't throw the first poo

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jan 6, 2009 5:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

this says 3.5mill

Confirming details reported earlier, the Post pegged Giambi’s 2009 salary at $3.5 million, with the $5 million option for next season carrying a $1 million buyout.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090106&content_id=3735119&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp

by Asfan4ever723 on Jan 6, 2009 7:55 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

It's getting better all the time!

I wish somebody would pay me $1,000,000 not to work for them.

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 Jan 6, 2009 8:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He's already making $5 million not to work for the Yankees THIS season...

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 6, 2009 9:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm....more than the A's are paying.....conflict of interest?

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 6, 2009 9:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No conflict

Both the A’s and the Yankees want him not to play for the Yankees.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 6, 2009 9:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Moustache = Mandatory or No Deal!

Hometown discount be damned if he can’t rock the porn-stache.

by Six Bullets Or Only Five? on Jan 7, 2009 6:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

NO.

by mikev on Jan 7, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Press conference at 2.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=21&entry_id=34275

by mikev on Jan 7, 2009 11:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Joe Dillon, we hardly knew ye

You will live on as temporal trivia.

This is hardball! This is where we overreact! @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 7, 2009 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ho-ho-ho-hold on there!

From the Drumbeat item by Slusser:

Beane has cited Cabrera’s status as a “Type A” free agent for the team’s previous lack of interest

From yesterday’s Chron article (and numerous previous pieces) by Slusser:

A’s general manager Billy Beane does not discuss free agents as a matter of policy

Do we have a new policy by Beane, a Drumbeat/blog-specific addendum to Beane’s policy, or an oopsie! shouldn’t’a-posted-that?

This is hardball! This is where we overreact! @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jan 7, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

interseting info in Slusser's piece...

A’s may have interst in Abreu and Cabrera

Teams interested Barton, notably the Nationals (who are interested in every player)

Barton – Milledge package anyone?

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 7, 2009 11:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Barton is worth more than Milledge.

by mikev on Jan 7, 2009 12:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

hence the word "package"

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 7, 2009 12:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

also Milledge is still young and has 5-tool skill set potential

Barton at most will hit for Avg. & play good D’

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 7, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He is?

News to me. I’m hardly “on the Milledge bandwagon” but I can’t see an argument for Barton being better than he is. Better tools, better projection, and plays more positions (albeit not that well).

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 12:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

are you responding to me or mikev?

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

by athleticsBB4life on Jan 7, 2009 12:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

PT

wasn’t Milledge considered an above average CF’r when he was down on the farm?? I seem to recall, after hearing about him possibly heading to Oakland for 9 straight seasons, that scouts thought he would be a pretty solid defender both in CF and at the corners, no??

by JPShark on Jan 7, 2009 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno, I don't have their ZIPS projections

But between James/Marcel, Milledge is projected at about a .338-.340 wOBA next year, and Smith has him at (-11.1) in CF and 0 at a corner.

Barton is projected at .332 wOBA and +4 at 1B.

is the slight advantage in offense worth the defensive hit?

by mikev on Jan 7, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You never know..

Milledge could be very good for this team..

by Socalfan21 on Jan 7, 2009 12:08 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

could giambi help crosby?

i personally think there is no hope for crosby at the plate, but i’m curious if anyone thinks giambi the teacher could help him some, given giambi has been one of the smartest hitters in the game for much of the past decade. crosby’s main problem (and its a huge one) is his approach at the plate. he swings at bad pitches, he puts bad swings at balls…basically, he has no idea what he’s doing up there. now, i thought frank thomas could have helped with that, but frank doesn’t seem to be the kind of guy who imposes himself on others, and crosby seems to be the stubborn kind. giambi, though, has no problem getting in people’s faces. he didn’t do it so much in ny, given that it was jeter’s team, but he definitely did that here before. so…again, while i think crosby is a lost cause, anybody think giambi could maybe possibly get on crosby and teach him how to approach his ABs enough that crosby could at least be a decent hitter? he’s always had the tools, just never the head.

by guy incognito on Jan 10, 2009 8:00 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think so - Mike Sweeney, Piazza...

Plenty of accomplished veteran hitters who, in theory, could help a younger hitter or get them to listen, have passed through recently without effecting any change in Crosby’s ability to hit a baseball.

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 Jan 10, 2009 8:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i agree with that

sweeny, piazza, and thomas SHOULD have made an impact on crosby…BUT, i don’t think any of those guys were as aggressive as giambi in terms of interacting with teammates. basically, i think giambi will bust crosby’s ass non-stop. i don’t think the others would have done that.

by guy incognito on Jan 10, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But ya can't draw blood from a stone

You can, however, draw blood from a frightened unsuspecting orphan.

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 Jan 10, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs