Where's the RH Stick? Rocco?

by Stew's Crew on Jan 5, 2009 4:57 PM PST Comment 93 comments

I like signing Giambi, I think he'll be effective and cheap. But...

now this team is practically falling through the left side of the plate. Of the 1 - 6 hitters, only Holliday is on the right (Sweeney, Cust, Chavez, Giambi, Buck). The other righties, Ellis, Suz, and Croz, are 7-8-9 hitter material, and if you move them up in the order they're still nothing to strike fear into a LH starter. (This is another reason that Furcal would have really helped).

Cust, Chavez, and Barton are the only returning players with an OPS over .700 against LH, but I only believe Cust's numbers. Chavez had only 24 AB against LH. And Barton...

Barton had, well I don't know what to say about Barton. 128 AB isn't the largest sample size, but it is a typical amount for a full season. He DID hit LH much better than RH. I can't find his minor league splits to see if it that's a pattern. Maybe he's a RH hitter in a LH hitter's body. Can't he get a transbatter operation to fix that?). Still, I don't think the plan is to put platoon Buck/Barton, with Cust moving from DH to OF. (but if it does happen, remember that you heard it here first!).

Looking for a RH hitter, I keep coming back to Rocco. He's the A's retread gamble of the year, only he's 100 years younger than our last few tries. Word has it that he's cheap, he has a ton of potential, and he brings a RH bat to the team.

Sure we're flooded with OF, but I don't think any of those guys have the potential that Rocco does. Platoon him with Buck (unless one of them takes over), let Barton work on his SS skills at AAA (I can dream, right?), and still have cash to get one more SP for 2009.

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i'd go for this

the guys name is rocco baldelli. that is a cool enough name to warrant an offer. the name has so much potential for an amazing cheer.

"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 5:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Aaron Cunnigham

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

Seems to me that if one thinks Cunningham is ready for prime time now/soon,

Buck could be used to land a good starting pitcher and the lineup gains a RH hitter with some pop. Maybe the plan is to let the season start and hope that Buck comes out of the gate strong like he finished last season – then his trade value is recovered and Cunningham is ready to take over the OF. Of course if Buck starts strong it will hurt to lose him; that’s the conundrum.

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 5:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed

I like Cunningham because his numbers seem to be almost the same at every level. It might be nice to have both Cunningham and Buck after the Holliday era.

by jeffro on Jan 5, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ceiling?

I’ve heard that Cunningham has a lower ceiling, a decent 4th OF, but not showing the tools to be a star. I’d be thrilled if that were wrong – I’m an A’s fan after all. Yes, he has been solid through the minors, but his 80 AB w/the A’s last year were too few to tell us much. I think the team isn’t ready to hand him the keys yet. If they were was more sold on him then I think they wouldn’t be having “discussions” with GA and Abreu.

by Stew's Crew on Jan 5, 2009 5:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cunningham has been referred to as a "4th OF" prospect by some scouts,

while others have said he is underrated because he is good at everything but not great at anything, and that he maximizes his skills so well he can become a 20 HR – 20 SB every day starter. His minor league track record so far suggests that the second description fits him better (which would be good), but it is still too soon to say how he’ll adjust to the big league level.

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 5:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think he'll steal 20 in the majors

Minor league SB numbers are notoriously inflated. The typical competition concerns, plus players being younger (faster and more willing to take risks) contribute to guys like Miguel Olivo stealing 20 bases a season in the minors.

I think the Cunningham/Rowand comps are fairly decent, and not just because of their first names. Cunningham probably doesn’t have the defensive upside, but he’s also likely to draw a lot more walks.

by thejd44 on Jan 6, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds about 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 6, 2009 11:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think the plan is to trade Buck OR Cunningham

A trade of an OF will only happen once the A’s are sure of Matt Holliday’s future. Why trade one of our cheap, good OF’ers if Holliday is going to be gone mid season? Or After 2009? Because once he’s gone, the OF can be Cunningham/Sweeney/Buck.

Also, there’s a very real possibility that the A’s decide that the expendable one is Sweeney, not Buck or Cunningham. Perhaps they sign Holliday to a long term contract. Buck and Cunningham are both much better hitters than Sweeney, and with two good defenders at the corner, you could easily deal with a slightly below average or average defender in Center, likely to be Cunningham as he spent almost all his minor league career in Center.

Because frankley, I like an OF of Holliday/Cunningham/Buck better than Holliday/Sweeney/Buckingham.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jan 5, 2009 7:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cunningham looked pretty bad in the OF in Sept though. Custian.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He did look strangely bad

He said it took some getting used to playing in a new park, so hopefully he is actually a lot better than he showed in Sept. Scouting reports would indicate that he should be fine – but I agree that he did not impress.

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 7:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Supposedly he was much better in spring training

All the reviews were good then. I agree he looked poor in September, but maybe it was just nerves.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 9:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I have a lot of confidence in Cunningham

He’s the one I don’t want traded, more than Sweeney or Buck.

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 10:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.....assuming his defense is actually average or better.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 10:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Buck and Cunningham better hitters than Sweeney?

They haven’t shown it in the majors.

by worldblee on Jan 6, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Buck has

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Jan 6, 2009 12:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i would rather sign hairston

he plays everywhere and i believe had the 2nd best obp among leadoff hitters in the league, would be a solid omplimentary player

by Asfan4ever723 on Jan 5, 2009 5:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

cheap tho?

at what price? I think/hope Rocco would be more affordable.

And, I’m a little suspicious of guys who breakout when they’re 32. Hairston’s career doesn’t support his strong half-season. I don’t know if I’m ready to throw good money after a career utility guy.

by Stew's Crew on Jan 5, 2009 5:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Joe Crede?

1b/3b right-handed power.

by BlueMoon on Jan 5, 2009 5:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I am not a big Crede fan

But what do I matter?

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

he sucks

"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 9:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Even when Crede is really "good"

he’s an overrated defensive player who doesn’t hit for average, doesn’t walk, and only hits for power because he plays at Comiskey. He’s basically a poor man’s Pedro Feliz, but he’ll want Eric Chavez money.

by thejd44 on Jan 6, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, if you look at the projections, he pretty much IS Pedro Feliz

and given the utter lack of reported interest in him this offseason, he’ll be lucky to get Pedro Feliz money.

I wouldn’t mind the A’s taking a flier on him as a backup option, though I admit it’s probably not cost-effective with Hannahan and Dillon around as other such options.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 6, 2009 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Andruw Jones

JK NO.

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

by ChadGod on Jan 5, 2009 5:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

not funny

that’s like signing Garret Anderson, only worse.

I wonder if monkeyball would give up on baseball forever if we did that?

by Stew's Crew on Jan 5, 2009 5:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I might start following Cricket instead

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

yes

i do hope you are serious.

cricket is brilliant.

and it’s the ashes this summer.

that is all.

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 5, 2009 7:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

An ageing team on the decline that is rebuilding

vs a so-so team whose captain is fighting with the head coach? Meh.

I’d rather watch the SAFers, the Indians, the Sri Lankans.

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

by rfloh on Jan 5, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That aging team is still pretty formidable.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 8:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

no, and no

England vs Australia is always special.

even when England get beaten every which way. but the australians have gone. they’re done. England will win back the ashes.

if they can beat WI this spring time (which they will), and then australia in the summer (again, they will), and then go to south africa in the winter, could end up as world number one.

the last one is a stretch. especially as SA have learned not to choke.

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 6, 2009 1:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

England vs Australia is always special

to Anglophiles and Aussies.

What is so special about watching an often vastly overrated team, vs one with a chip on its shoulder against the old “motherland”. The angst that the Ausses feel towards the Poms, is special, to Aussies. The whining and excuse making and navel gazing of the English is special, to Anglophiles.

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

by rfloh on Jan 6, 2009 1:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

it's more than that

it’s special on a purely visceral, sporting level. it’s like saying that there’s nothing special when USC plays UCLA, even though UCLA sucks a lot.

the reasons for a rivalry, frankly, don’t matter. the fact is, it’s one of sport’s oldest rivalries, and no matter the relative states of the teams, it’s always hard fought.

and since when has whining and excuse gazing and chip on a shoulder-ness made for poor spectacle? look how popular the NE Patriots are.

whilst what you say is true, all i say is yes. and that helps to make it great.

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 6, 2009 9:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So, Yankees vs RS then?

Low blows aside, I’m not saying that the Ashes won’t be interesting. Not least to see how the captaincy vs coach issue plays out.

it’s special on a purely visceral, sporting level. it’s like saying that there’s nothing special when USC plays UCLA, even though UCLA sucks a lot.

the reasons for a rivalry, frankly, don’t matter. the fact is, it’s one of sport’s oldest rivalries, and no matter the relative states of the teams, it’s always hard fought.

IMO, it is special on a visceral, TRIBAL level. It is special if you are somehow invested in either team. Otherwise, it is more a case of schadenfreude at watching the spectacle of the navel gazing, whingeing, chippiness.

I mean, the Chennai test between the Indians and English was special: the Indian run chase, Sehwag bashing the ball over the place, Tendulkar winning the game. As were the tests between the SAFers and the Aussies: the Duminy-Steyn partnership, Smith playing with a broken finger.

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

by rfloh on Jan 7, 2009 8:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You should know that the English never whine.

The whining and excuse making and navel gazing of the English is special, to Anglophiles.

They “whinge”.

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

by iglew on Jan 6, 2009 10:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

if Beane were to trade for Andruw, yes

Even Crosby for Jones would be a bad deal.

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

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

No it wouldn't.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

how so?

Given what the Dodgers just did with his contract, they have no leverage to get anything in trade for him — if you want him, just wait for him to be waived. And Jones’ restructured contract is ~2x Crosby’s. You’d be taking on $5M+ for even worse production than Crosby. And you’d still not have solved the problem of finding Crosby’s replacement, while having less money to do so.

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

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 8:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The only leverage in those situations is if multiple teams want him

eg what happened when the A’s DFAed Milton Bradley— teams were still willing to give up prospects in return to “cut” in the waiver line.

However, I don’t see there being much interest in Jones at all, at least not if you have to pay him serious money.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 6, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Andruw Jones: NRI

= yes.

Andruw Jones + 3 prospects for BoCro = yes.

anything else…no.

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

by DyeLongJustice on Jan 5, 2009 7:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How bout we get a pitcher

Instead of worrying about an arbitrary lefty/righty balance.

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 5, 2009 5:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I bet there is some data to backup an actual impact of Lefty/Righty balance

I would bet that there is a relationship showing that individual players which spend a higher percentage of their at-bats sandwiched between 2 hitters that both hit from the other side of the plate also tend to face more favorable pitchers and thus perform slightly better over the season.

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

by ChadGod on Jan 5, 2009 8:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not to mention the impact on "close and late" situations involving oogys

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 9:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Teams with more righty-lefty balance will have a higher number of at-bats with the platoon split. I’m making these numbers up, but as an arbitrary thought experiment, let’s assume the platoon split is worth 50 points of OPS, and that a well-balanced team will have an average of 2 extra ABs a game with the platoon split versus an extremely unbalanced team. That’s about 300 extra ABs with the platoon split, which is worth about 5 runs or half a win over a season. And they’re probably highly leveraged runs, so the impact might be more like 0.8 wins.

It’s small, but it’s not nonexistent.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 10:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

TWSS

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

by monkeyball on Jan 6, 2009 8:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What about Denorfia and Murton?

Both have good track records against LH pitching…in fact, before ´08, Murton was a lefty killer….

This is Murtons carrer line agaisnt LHP in 322 AB: .311 Avg / .382 OBP / .867 OPS….

by Olijerez77 on Jan 5, 2009 6:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I was excited when the A's first acquired Murton

I hope he doesn’t just fade into obscurity.

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 6:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

me too.

I hope he’s not Charles Thomas II…but a much better hitter

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

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

why does everybody keep looking for outfield help?

we seem to be pretty set in the outfield…

it seems like we would be better served getting some rotation help

holdin' it down for the bay from upper westside manhattan

by SamYam on Jan 5, 2009 6:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Amen

At this point, if Giambi’s really in tow, if we’re looking at doing anything to the current lineup at all it should be seeing if Orlando Cabrera will make it past whatever that deadline is so he can be signed for a reasonable price without the draft pick sacrifice.

Anything else isn’t necessary, and the rotation could certainly use upgrading.

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 5, 2009 6:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i'd tap cabrera

to play short

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

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

Me too

Asbrubal!!!!

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 7:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't you mean Asdrubaaaaaal?

So you’re tapping goatherds too now?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i think that's called

cottaging

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 5, 2009 7:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Is that how you get cheese?

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 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yes

i believe that’s what the kids are calling it these days

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 6, 2009 1:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Assdribble

Never, Never, NEVER give up

by hero66 on Jan 5, 2009 9:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i read asdrubal

as A’s-drub-all…so if we trade for him, wouldn’t he be the perfect mascot/player?

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

by DyeLongJustice on Jan 5, 2009 7:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So he's a bargaining chip in the upcoming Stomper negotiations?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 8:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ya gotta aim high sometimes, right?

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

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

There is no deadline

The only way to get him without losing a pick is to convince him (through, one would assume, hypnosis) to accept a minor league contract.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 7:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We could get Shannon Stewart's hypnotist

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What if we just told him that

Edgar Renteria said he was too chicken to accept a minor league deal with Oakland?

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 7:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh really?

Is that new? I could’ve sworn there was some sort of time period that, if reached, the draft pick would be safe.

If not, well then forget that.

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 5, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If that were true, then everyone would wait for that.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 8:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you're thinking of the date BEFORE which a player automatically DOES cost a draft pick

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 10:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The possibility of signing Cabrera just does nothing for me.

Sorry w.o.b.

by mrod on Jan 5, 2009 7:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Oh don't get me wrong

I’m not big on him at all. But if he lasts long enough that the deadline passes (I think it’s sometime in like March or something crazy) and he doesn’t cost a draft pick, and he’ll sign a 1-year deal with an option or something on the cheap, I’d be more than happy to replace Crosby with him. But that’s all I’d do to the lineup at this point if Giambi’s coming to town, at least not at the expense of resources that should be used on pitching.

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 5, 2009 7:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Scratch this.

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 5, 2009 7:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

TWSS

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

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

The teams current weakness now are Shortstop and Starting Pitching

Short needs a long term solution, unless the A’s believe that Cardenas can stick there.

But Starting Pitching just needs a stopgap. Thats why it was so sad that RJ went to the Gnats.

I am coming around to the idea of signing Sheets though. If we can get him on a 1 Year Contract, plug him into the rotation, then let him go after 2009 for a Type A First Round Pick. We’d lose our 2nd Round Pick for this draft, but we’d gain a First Round pick next draft. That, or we’d at least get our 2nd Round pick back.

So yeah, sign Sheets to a 1 year contract, selling him on the idea of: a) Sign a 1 year deal and show everyone you are healthy, and you can get a big payday later when people (presumably) have money again!, b) If you sign with Oakland, Oakland will contend, and c) Playing in Oakland will bump up your pitching stats to make you get a bigger contract.

facepalm.jpg

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

Sign Sheets, use Pennington at SS instead of Bones, plug Giambi in....

CF Sweeney
RF Buck
LF Holliday
1B Giambi
DH Cust
3B Chavez
C1 Suzuki
2B Ellis
SS Pennington

SP Duchscherer
SP Sheets
SP Gallagher
SP Eveland
SP Outman

facepalm.jpg

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

As soon as you can drop Gallagher, Eveland, and Braden/Outman

to #3-#5, the rotation looks really solid. That’s why Sheets or Lowe would make such a huge difference. For the grief we gave Blanton, his departure is being felt right now.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jan 5, 2009 7:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We can still give him grief

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why Pennington?

I mean I’m all for giving someone other than Crosby a shot, but Pennington’s mighty sucktastic himself.

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 5, 2009 7:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, I'm not eager to give Willie Bloomquist a starting job on a "contender"

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 7:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He's Willie with walks

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 7:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But willie walka nuff?

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 7:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

willie wonka? where?

I need me a golden ticket. To buy a SS, of course. And proper grammar.

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

by DyeLongJustice on Jan 5, 2009 8:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

As I recall from the book,

grammar hasn’t gotten out of bed for about 20 years.

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 8:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Willie walks at a decent clip

It’s the “hitting” that’s the problem for him.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 5, 2009 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Details details

by thejd44 on Jan 6, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ben Zobrist. Starting RF. AL Champion Devil Rays.

by mikev on Jan 5, 2009 10:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Or Matt Joyce.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 5, 2009 11:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh heavens no.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 5, 2009 11:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Pat Burrell. Starting Lef.....DH!!!!

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

by DyeLongJustice on Jan 6, 2009 7:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No No on Baldelli

I love the exceitement of getting a free agent, believe me, but for some reason i have so much confidence in buck, sweeney and cunningham after the holliday era is done, that outfield to me could be one of the best young outfields in the MLB, of course who knows what beane will do by the time they hit their prime together. only time will tell.

by BRSween75 on Jan 5, 2009 10:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

i'd prefer a starting pitcher....

i trust duke (but he gets hurt), gallagher and eveland is OK but really 3/4 material (blanton-esque). Braden i’m not sold on, gio gonzalez could probably use some more time. Brett Anderson and Cahill definitely need another year in minors…(they r both just 20, correcT?)

i’d LOVE sheets as the market is currently dropped and i think 2 year 20 mil could get him….. other starts avilable are byrd and wolf who would be solid vets and garland who i think is overrated. Any idea on any of these guys or other SP?

by Warriors510 on Jan 6, 2009 8:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

w/ the giambino coming....

heres my best guess at lineup….

sweeney .362 obp
suzuki .346 obp
giambi
holiday
chavez
cust
crosby
cunningham/barton/buck
ellis
—-

lefty heavy at top of order…. and no REAL leadoff man but hey we havent had 1 since ricky…. still looks like a good lineup as we’ll have potentially 4 30+ hr guys 3 thru 6 w/ 2 guys capable of hitting over 300 at top of order, and 7-9 being guys who should ALL hit (in theorY…if crosby ever reached his potential….)

by Warriors510 on Jan 6, 2009 8:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs