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About Giambi, Has Anyone Noticed...?

Poochini-butt_in_box_2_tiny by Nico on Comment 256 comments

Amidst all the analysis of whether Giambi's defense will offset his hitting, and whether you have found it in your heart to forgive Jason for not always loving you most, one development has gotten precious little attention: in reporting the Giambi signing, the S.F. Chronicle reported that "Giambi primarily will be a designated hitter for the A's, at least initially, with Daric Barton remaining at first base and Jack Cust playing in the outfield." Now perhaps that is only speculation or a bad assumption, or perhaps it comes from inside sources who have in fact indicated that this is the plan.

At the very least, one has to consider at least the possibility that we may have assumed incorrectly that Giambi was being signed to play 1B. If the plan is in fact to DH Giambi and play Cust in the OF, then Giambi is displacing not Daric Barton but rather Buck and Cunningham. What are the implications of the A's displacing their young OFers, not their young 1Bman?

Cunningham is more easily explained, as he is only turning 23 in April and could arguably use more time in AAA. Buck could be explained by the theory that you really need four starting OFers because invariably one is often going to be injured, ineffective/platooned, etc. A's 4th OFers have wound up getting plenty of playing time in recent years, but they have been veterans, like Jay Payton and Emil Brown, not young players who need to be everyday starters somewhere.

The signing of Giambi, combined with the talks with other OFers (Abreu, Anderson), the Rule 5 selection of Ben Copeland, and the A's continued lack of depth at SS and the current rotation, makes me wonder if Beane has been having conversations, throughout the off-season, that would improve the team at a vital position but would require Oakland to part with one of its talented young OFers (Buck, Cunningham, Sweeney). How many OFers can a team add or consider adding while not having a single desired option at SS or a #2 starter? You just wonder.

Whatever is, or isn't, going on behind the scenes and under the radar, let's consider the possibility that the Chronicle is reporting accurately and that Giambi's signing will push Cust to the OF and leave Barton at 1B. Your thoughts?

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Read More: Jason Giambi (1B - OAK)

Comments

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The short contract for Giambi

would make the Cunningham-to-Sacto plan realistic. It’s also possible that Beane has decided not to have a set plan yet, but to see who seems to be more ready in Spring Training, and who’s drawing more interest in trade talks.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jan 7, 2009 8:36 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buck won a job in ST. That turned out OK.

Cunningham seems more comparable to 2007 Buck than to 2008 Linden.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:22 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Street won it more on his own merit, so maybe a better example

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 7, 2009 9:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

IIRC

Street got his chance when Chadford went down.

by Mark H on Jan 7, 2009 10:30 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes but he also impressed enough so that the idea of starting him didn't horrify people.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:34 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, shame on the A's

for looking at his previous four seasons in the majors rather than 26 spring training at-bats.

dude is a 4A player.

by scatterbrian on Jan 11, 2009 4:13 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A's in 2009

This is how I’d design 2009 A’s Lineup:

1. CF – R. Sweeney
2. C – K. Suzuki
3. LF – M. Holliday
4. 1B – J. Giambi
5. DH – J. Cust
6. 3B – E. Chavez
7. 2B – M. Ellis
8. SS – B. Crosby
9. RF – T. Buck

I do not want Cust playing in the outfield, or if he does, not too often. I guess you could alternate between Barton and Buck, then have Giambi go play DH with Cust taking over Buck’s spot in the outfield while Barton plays first base.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jan 7, 2009 8:36 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Better Hitter?

You think that Sweeney is better than Buck or am I just missing something here?

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jan 7, 2009 8:46 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Other way - he thinks Buck is better than Sweeney

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 7, 2009 8:48 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep

Travis Buck has a careeer OPS+ of 118. Sweeney, 90.

It’s really not close.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 8:49 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You really need to

get your eyes offa the computer and sit your behind in the stands and watch some A’s baseball.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 8:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+8, only sideways

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 7, 2009 8:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buck looks like a pretty good hitter to me.

Unfortunately I watch most of my A’s games on the computer.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 8:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You have mentioned before that

you prefer the Giants and that you rarely attend games. I really don’t know how much you watch at home but your posts often seem to me as if you haven’t been watching but have been following closely on stats. I know I might be wrong but that’s the impression I do get.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think the reason Paul and others post stats-related posts is not because

they don’t watch games, but rather because stats are facts, and not mere opinions.

Saying Buck’s OPS+ is 28 points higher than Sweeney’s supposedly has more credibility than saying “Buck rocks! and Sweeney can’t hit his way out of a paper bag!”. It’s actual evidence.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know you feel that way Waddell...

and I love Paul’s(and all of the other stat guys posts) but there is more to baseball than that. I’ve watched for over 40 years …and some of the talent and the truth about it cannot be measured in stats. I know that for stat people …they think that’s a stupid observation. However I know it to be a truth.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:08 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well sure, that's why we have scouting reports.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not a stupid observation.

However, your eyes are deceiving you because Sweeney looks like a good hitter — he’s tall, he’s powerful looking, and his swing looks pretty good.

Buck, on the other hand, looks like a surfer, has a kinda funky stance, doesn’t take a conventional stride, and has that weird ass bat twirl thing as a timing mechanism right before the pitcher releases the ball.

This is why stats are good things. They tell you what happened, and are usually a pretty good indicator of future performance.

by mikev on Jan 7, 2009 9:13 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweeney doesn't look like a better hitter to me. His inside-out

swing looks strange on a guy that big. He swings like Ozzie Smith.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:18 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ironically

Sweeney profiles as a high-ceiling hitter as well. Using visual cues is what scouting is all about. When you look at Sweeney you dont look at results, but rather trends and ceiling – I know, obvious.

But its not unreasonable to say Sweeney will be better than Buck. Although personally I would say Buck looks like a good hitter too. His swing is great.

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

by ChadGod on Jan 7, 2009 9:24 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:35 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I actually think that Buck

has one of the most level, beautiful swings around. I talked with Beane about it once and he compared Buck’s hitting style to Wally Joyner in how level and back he remains in the zone.

by Blez on Jan 7, 2009 11:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What I have found about stats and observation

is that it’s foolish to disregard the validity and importance of either. And what I have found about baseball prognostication is that anyone who thinks they have mastered it doesn’t understand baseball very well – because the first rule of understanding baseball is to realize that you can only understand it better, not best.

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 7, 2009 9:13 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Speaking for myself

I’m well aware that stats can’t / don’t capture / model certain things.

I don’t post much “scouting” stuff because I lack the background to do so, not because I don’t watch games. I lack the background to evaluate swing mechanics, or pitching mechanics. Now, I can evaluate running / sprint mechanics, but that’s pretty much the “scouting” part of evaluating baseball mechanics that I can do.

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

by rfloh on Jan 7, 2009 9:14 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You rock

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 8, 2009 5:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Facts about me:

1. My favorite baseball team is the Oakland A’s.
2. I rarely attend games IN PERSON.
3. The reason I rarely attend games are as follows:
  a. that they are a pain to get to,
  b. they cost more than they’re worth, especially given that I do not currently have a job and, once I graduate, will have a huge loan debt to service,
  c. At the seats in my price range, I can learn more about the team from watching on TV anyway.
4. During the season, I typically watch 2-3 games a week on TV, depending among other things on: when the game times are, who’s pitching, and whether someone else in my family wants to watch something.

I’ll be honest with you— I find your comments on this thread insulting.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 9:17 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Paul...

I honestly thought that I remembered you telling us on a thread awhile back that the A’s weren’t your favorite team. That the Giants were. I must remember it wrong and of course if you say the A’s are your favorite it’s true. You are in the position to know. I am sorry that you feel insulted by my remarks. You always speak very plainly about your views and so I didn’t think you’d mind it if I did the same.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:25 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I recall Paul saying he didn't hate the Giants and likes it when they

do well, but I never heard him say he was anything but an A’s fan, either here or on Sickels’ site.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:37 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just looking at my respective post counts here and at McC

kind of says where my primary loyalties lie…

I do root for the Giants, because I actually live/grew up in San Francisco, but I like the A’s better under most circumstances. I might root for the Giants in H2H games if they were obviously strong contenders and the A’s were horrible, but that hasn’t been true in recent memory.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 9:37 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I also recall you saying you didn't watch a lot of games

but I can’t remember how long ago you might have made that comment. My memory of it was that you were not living in the area, whereas now I know you are.

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 7, 2009 9:51 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think we need a special PaulThomas section

I, for one, need to know the truth about Paul. Yes, I know I met him at AN Day last summer, but how much can you really learn about a person by yourself in a few minutes of conversation.

We need a compilation of everything that anyone remembers Paul saying that we can use against him when he starts getting obnoxious. Everyone can participate.

With the job market slow, many of you may have some time on your hands. You can fill those empty hours by researching Paul, his past statements, affiliations and controversial commenbts. Some of you can be lazy and just look up old blog posts. Others can get out into the field.

Paul, you don’t have to feel left out of this. You can chime in with your own contributions and rebuttals. Be sure to use as many numbers as possible, though.

by bear88 on Jan 7, 2009 10:32 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My research has uncovered a link

between PT and both Erwin Rommel (a letter exchange, offering statistical analysis of “Panzertruppe”, whatever the hell that is) and the Pillsbury Doughboy (some kind of crazy “dough to neckerchief” ratio formula—sadly, PD did not respond). Clearly, PT is a man with which not to trifle.

I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico

by Leopold Bloom on Jan 7, 2009 11:13 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When I do a pushup,

I don’t push me up, I push the Earth down.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 11:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But how do you look doing it?

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 7:13 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is the least gritty pushup on AN

And its WAR is only 0.5.

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 7:38 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Paul's hand

is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.

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

by 5Aces on Jan 9, 2009 10:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

“with which”?

I guess that settles it — PT is a robot after all.

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 7:13 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

was there a doubt?

You know, for not knowing you at all, you really are one of my favorite people, MB.

I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico

by Leopold Bloom on Jan 8, 2009 11:26 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

One of your favorite people monkeys robots squirrels.

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 11:30 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would have to second that

although you are climbing the list yourself.

Please don’t misconstrue the above comment as creepy, internet, man-crushes.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 8, 2009 12:08 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 1:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whoops!

I wasn’t trying to insinuate that Paul was a Lime or a Limey! Just asking if that was “like”.

by mrod on Jan 8, 2009 1:54 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You put the lime in the porn-bot

and you shake them both up.

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

by 5Aces on Jan 9, 2009 10:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What we really need

is PaulThomasNation.com

"These Boston People Are AWFUL"

by Brillz on Jan 8, 2009 12:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

frozensquirreldaiquirination.com

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 1:54 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

seconded

I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico

by Leopold Bloom on Jan 8, 2009 6:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Moose n squirrel!

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

by iglew on Jan 8, 2009 8:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, they are insulting

Clearly because you understand numbers, research your comments and are an active poster you are afraid of the sun.

Seems reasonable to me.

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

by ChadGod on Jan 7, 2009 9:26 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sure Paul can be annoying,

but this forum needs more posters like him. He’s great, he is. His posts are generally more entraining and insightful than the vast majority of posters, myself included.

I do find it curious that he seems to have quite a soft skin when taking flack from other posters, yet has no issue belittling other posters. The latter part does not really bother me as much as the former.

by Pucking Insane on Jan 8, 2009 12:48 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Obviously, it's hypocrisy

Apart from that, though… you’ll find that the things that offend me (as opposed to simply drawing some sort of disdain) are almost always (alright, I can think of one exception to this) variants on the theme of dishonesty. As a person who is, by my own admission, often honest to the point of rudeness, it really bothers me when someone accuses me of not being truthful.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 8, 2009 1:31 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Come now Paul...

your penchant for hypocrisy is surely dwarfed by your arrogance. You shouldn’t allow modesty to influence our collective analysis of your character flaws.

But on the other hand, you are pretty damn good…..

"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 8, 2009 8:31 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now we're getting somewhere! :-)

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 10:42 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not a flaw per se, but

it can be an obstacle to self-awareness and/or self-improvement.

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

by iglew on Jan 8, 2009 8:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not especially aware of ways

arrogance can be a strength.

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 8:39 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It seems to have some correlation with confidence.

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

by iglew on Jan 8, 2009 8:40 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Confidence is often a good thing, but not always

I think arrogance is where it becomes not a good thing.

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 8:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Arrogance ...

is thinking you are superior and exuding it in an overbearing manner. That isn’t usually considered a desirable personality trait.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 8, 2009 9:36 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Liar!!

also, what is this exception you speak of?!?! please tell me!!! I need closure to this PT-love-hate-thumbbiting-fest!

Save Rajai Davis

by oakinboston on Jan 8, 2009 11:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The exception is when vacafan slagged me for still living at home

and the reason THAT irritated me so much is that it hit a particular socio-political issue nerve with me.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 9, 2009 12:06 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My remarks offended you...

and they had nothing to do with your honesty. The remark I made that upset you implied that you don’t watch many games. I said I might be WRONG but that was the impression that Ihad.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 8, 2009 9:33 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh and for the record...

I am sorry that you are now being teased for a remark that started with my comment. I am glad that you told me that you felt insulted by my remarks. You handled it in a very direct and civil way.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 8, 2009 9:41 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This really should be in the PaulThomas thread

All PaulThomas all the time, except for traffic and weather together on the 8s.

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 10:12 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought it was .edu

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 3:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Regardless of preferance...

Buck slipped up and had a terrible year, compromising his approach at the plate, and his long term value as a credible contributor while manning the outfield.

Sweeney’s swing is effective, although completely without pop, and as of now, without the promise of power long term.

If lightning strikes, they’ll both crack out of their youthful coccon and begin producing at the MLB level. My money is on Buck, who has shown flashes of quality corner outfield play and perhaps will finally relax after avoiding the noisy press conference annoucing him as Oakland’s next big offensive contributor. Sweeney is a quality OF, and he can hit, but I don’t see him as a potential stud in the OF, due to his lack of power. He really reminds me of (hopefully) Randy WInn.

I enjoy in-depth analysis from player to player, but think often people forget or block out about the quantitative value of a team working together and the value of motivation and inspiration.

If the projections were always correct, there would be no benefit of playing the game.

by Svidrigailov on Jan 8, 2009 2:05 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

to paraphrase a certain guy who runs the A's

do not allow yourself to be decieved by what you can see. I think Buck is definitely the better hitter, stats-wise, and scouting wise.

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane
"That was a great pick...if this was 2002" Me, to guy who selected Barry Zito in a fantasy draft

by harendaman365 on Jan 8, 2009 1:01 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually it doesn't really matter

Last year the rumor was that Cust was going to play in the OF. and he did. So not after signing Giambi the rumor (from Slusser) is that he will play RF so I am tempted to believe that. If that is the case then only one of Sweeney or Buck will be in the lineup most of the time unless Cust is the DH sometimes and Buck is back at RF.
In this case I would bat Sweeney, Buck one and two, in whatever order you feel is right.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 7, 2009 9:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whatever.

Buck wasn’t even good enough to be on the team last year(even when healthy)…and Sweeney when healthy was one of the top hitters.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 8:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I think you can say Buck has been better when he's been any good at all,

and that he has the better skill set, but it’s Sweeney who has been consistently decent and never awful.

If you have one guy who probably WILL hit .280/.350 and another guy who might hit .300/.400 and might hit .200/.300, I don’t think it’s such a terrible idea to hit the first guy leadoff and the other guy 9th at the start of the season.

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 7, 2009 8:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Buck comes back

and proves he can hit…they can move him up in the order but he was not doing it last season.,,now if he has a gangbuster Spring training then …put him in the leadoff spot anyday!

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 8:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He had a gangbuster September...

if you believe in small sample sizes, which I of course don’t. On the other hand, large sample sizes favor Buck too.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 9:00 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You would have to say, I think,

that the range of what you can expect from Buck is pretty large (kind of like the range of “games played” for Chavez), whereas the range of what you can expect from Sweeney is narrower.

Looking at Buck’s stats is kind of like looking at a student who has received an A in one area and a C in another, and averaging it out to conclude that they’re a B-student, when in fact that’s the one thing they clearly aren’t.

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 7, 2009 9:08 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's just hope that...

he stays healthy enough this year…to show us if he’s going to be an A student or the C student. He’s like the kid that could be an A student but he misses so much school that he only earns C’s.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Before the Holliday signing, before Giambi,

when my expectations were lower, I was really looking forward to seeing both Buck and Sweeney develop. I really like both of these guys— line drive doubles hitters who can run the bags and get dirty in the outfield. I’m still hoping to see both of them this season, really hoping neither is traded.

by oaklidiot on Jan 7, 2009 9:23 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't want to see them traded either...

unless Beane gets something really terrific for them.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:28 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was really looking forward to an outfield of Cunningham, Sweeney and Buck

Or actually, before Holliday, I was excited about Buck, Cargon, Sweeney with Cunningham as the 4th (possibly also warming up in AAA)

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 7, 2009 9:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Curse you, Matt Holliday,

for ruining our Cunningham, Sweeney, and Buck outfield!

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 7, 2009 9:55 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buck's struggles are also a small sample size

so point is moot. Buck has the better stats in his career than Sweeney, and projects better. I do not think Buck’s struggles were a result of his fault as a baseball player, they were a combination of injury and a young player in a funk. To assume from that small sample size Buck cant be relied upon is simply untrue

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane
"That was a great pick...if this was 2002" Me, to guy who selected Barry Zito in a fantasy draft

by harendaman365 on Jan 8, 2009 1:04 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buck has more power and I think more raw potential, butt no arm

Sweeney has a more fluid looking swing and a nice throwing arm but no power shown so far.

I like ‘em both and would keep both of them. Not sure what Billy’s got planned in his head but something tells me somebody, whether it’s Buck, Sweeney, Cunningham, or Barton, is going to be playing on another team not named the A’s in 2009. If that is the case, fine, but I sure as hell hope it brings us back a SS or 3rd baseman prospect.

by mrod on Jan 8, 2009 1:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"but no arm"

Man, my spelling is for shit today.

by mrod on Jan 8, 2009 1:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and there's another typo!

That should read “Man, my spelling is for Crosby today.”

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 2:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

but how many times a game does an OF's arm matter

If Buck is better offensively and comparable defensively (minus the arm), do those 2 or 3 plays where his arm is tested matter? Who would you rather have manning centerfield….Johnny Damon circa 2004 or or a worse offensive player with a rocket arm?

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane
"That was a great pick...if this was 2002" Me, to guy who selected Barry Zito in a fantasy draft

by harendaman365 on Jan 9, 2009 11:07 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's too bad one of Buck/Barton doesn't happen to be

a right-handed hitter who mashes lefties. Then you could essentially platoon them through Cust and Giambi.

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 7, 2009 8:47 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt Murton!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 8:49 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For that matter, Chris Denorfia

But he should be sharing time with Sweeney, not in the RF/1B mix.

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 7, 2009 8:50 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

L R R L L L R R L

I think the A’s might try to break up the back to back lefties… Fuentes agains Giambi, Cust, Chavez is not good

by dougald1 on Jan 8, 2009 6:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ooooh, a drum rudiment!

9/8 time signature

Bob Geren, on 8/2/07, on the success of Alan Embree as new interim closer: "What can I say,... he's been our Steady Tremendous Bullpen Man"

by popcornjames on Jan 8, 2009 1:37 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

{registers "Blue Hendu Armas Dark" username}

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 1:52 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 8, 2009 2:00 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was wondering who would get that

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 2:09 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's a bit on the obscure side

even by your standards.
(Perhaps an explanation is in order for those who are less hip.)

Thanks for tomorrow 'cause I've had enough

by andeux on Jan 8, 2009 2:51 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have to confess ...

… I only came up with it via Teh Google

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 3:25 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

{obligatory alma mater pimping}

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 3:27 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt Murton is a better hitter than Buck. I’d pencil him into RF and let Buck be OFer #4.

" Tell me something Steve, How does a guy from Puerto Rico loose a ball in the Sun? "

by aaronb on Jan 8, 2009 7:48 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buck to the Dodgers for DeJesus seems like a very plausible trade scenario

Their outfield is fine with Kemp/Buck/Ethier— there’s no great defensive CF but it’s about average defensively overall, and well above average offensively. He’s also cheap enough to allow them to upgrade elsewhere if they need to.

In this scenario, Copeland and Denorfia or Davis make the roster as backups behind Cust/Holliday/Sweeney.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

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

This makes sense to me.

The recent rumblings about Zaun, combined with Boston signing Penny and Smoltz make me think a Suzuki could be moved, possibly for Buchholz.

Barton doesn’t seem safe from trade either, with 1B springing up all over the place now.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 8:55 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not following - which Suzuki?

And what are the rumblings about Zaun?

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 7, 2009 8:56 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kurt Suzuki for Clay Buchholz -- instead of signing Sheets or whomever for $$$.

Rosenthal reported the A’s interest in Zaun.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Isn't Greg Zaun kind of, you know, bad?

The A’s are interested in him as a backup, not as a starter.

Incidentally, CHONE now has defensive projections for catchers too (based on controlling runners and blocking pitches). Suzuki rates as 7 runs above average, or almost 20 RAA in total defense (catchers get a big boost for positional adjustment), meaning he’s a 4-win player if he can hit at league average levels. Which is about what I expect him to hit at.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 9:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right, but they could then sign Varitek or some such thing.

I find it strange to think they care all that much about improving over Bowen when 1) the backup C hardly plays; 2) they just re-signed Bowen; and 3) they’ve got Powell and Galarraga in the minors who could be backup C

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:08 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Suzuki isn't going anywhere

Zaun would not be an option as a starting catcher, and a young, good, “cost-controlled for years” catcher is the last thing the A’s want to trade on a team whose hopes rest with young pitching and more young pitching on the way.

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 7, 2009 9:10 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not even if they got a really good deal in return?

You could argue that right now is Suzuki’s peak value. He’s young but he’s got a lotta miles on him.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:12 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My point is that the A's are not actively looking to move him -

they are actively looking to keep him.

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 7, 2009 9:14 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, but this gives them options.

That’s what I like about getting Giambi too….options.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh and thanks for the info on CHONE. I didn't know that.

I have no information. I’m just thinking aloud (on the computer) trying to make sense of all the drips of information and rumor.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:09 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just found them a couple of days ago.

Also of some interest (keep in mind some of these suffer from SSS):

Mike Napoli, -4
Kenji Johjima, +7
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, -7
Jeff Clement, -7
Taylor Teagarden, +1
Greg Zaun, -4

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 9:24 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good stuff

Suck it Napoli

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

by ChadGod on Jan 7, 2009 9:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does CHONE include minor league numbers in defense projections for C?

If so, that should mitigate some of the SSS issues.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:39 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not sure

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 9:48 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How does Jason Kendall rate?

by Lovejoy on Jan 8, 2009 7:51 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Zero

Link

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 8, 2009 9:32 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Zaun, i think is underrated

solid defense, great approach at the plate, a little power. Hes a great backup catcher and an adequate starter, and thats pretty hard to find

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane
"That was a great pick...if this was 2002" Me, to guy who selected Barry Zito in a fantasy draft

by harendaman365 on Jan 8, 2009 1:06 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just when I thought it was safe to

turn out the lights, relax on the couch, watch a little mindless tv whilst satisfied with the big news of the Giambi signing and reading all the posts…..I see Nico has once again got me scratching

alaska A residing in colorado.

by ak_A on Jan 7, 2009 8:41 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

my head in wonder.

alaska A residing in colorado.

by ak_A on Jan 7, 2009 8:43 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you do crack me up

The journey from Alaska to Colorado has not dulled your sense of humor. It has, however, severely reduced the number of wolves you skillfully gun down from a helicopter.

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 7, 2009 8:49 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

meh

i think everything will be figured out in ST. the best combination of players will play. lots of us have been assuming that barton will be in AAA, but there is the chance he figured everything out and is ready for the bigs. if that’s the case, bring him up. the situation just makes for lots of room to change the lineup and possibly trade guys.

"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 7, 2009 8:48 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

in the email that the A's sent out today, it says

’Jason Giambi has agreed to a one-year deal to return to Oakland. He is expected to resume his position at first base, where he played for seven years before signing as a free agent with the Yankees following the 2001 season. ’

I have no idea how clued in thems who write the email shots are, but I guess…. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 7, 2009 8:51 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's interesting - it sounds like maybe mixed messages are getting out there

Wherever “there” is.

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 7, 2009 8:54 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, i mean, it's a very vague message

For part of my corn, I write emails like this (not for the A’s, obviously), and sometimes you don’t know the whole story, but want to get news out; the phrase ’it’s expected..’ doesn’t actually say who it’s expected by – i mean, it was expected by AN, no? that’d still be accurate.

I can only think that either the A’s are not so sold on Buck / Cunningham, and think that Cust’s new eyesight techniques (i call this one “looking at the ball”) will mean he can do things in the outfield like run in the right direction, and catch, and stuff, OR they think that Giamboid’s range of standing around first base is very small.

Or they haven’t totally made up their minds yet, and both Cust and Giambi will get turns DHing and playing the field.

If i recall correctly, wasn’t there a meme last year that if Jack Cust plays the field too much the poor dear loses weight and can’t hit as well as he can when he’s eating lots of pies etc?

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 7, 2009 9:10 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's the opposite -

Cust hit .207 when DHing and .252 when playing LF. And that’s important, because batting average tells you everything.

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 7, 2009 9:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah no it's not so much that his average drops on the days he plays in the field

but i think what someone on the A’s training staff (vague and ill remembered, i know) was saying was that him playing in the field for too long would lead to too much weight loss as the season progressed.

I’m not saying I believe this, more that there’s a chance that the A’s believe this.

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 7, 2009 9:18 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That is a silly argument

Unless your heart-rate is over 125-135, which never happens in baseball except for short bursts of time like running out a triple, then exercise is burning almost entirely fat deposits, which really don’t help baseball players. I suppose its possible that a little fat can help a hitter generate more torque, but seriously a trim Cust would be a good thing. If anything he’d probably increase his bat speed, and become a better defender.

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

by ChadGod on Jan 7, 2009 9:38 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hey, i didn't say it made sense

There is one thing to bear in mind, however – a baseball swing is about rhythm and timing. When that’s off, you won’t hit the ball as well or as consistently. Things such as that can be effected by loss of body weight – including fat deposits. take, for example, when colin montgomery lost a whole bunch of weight – his golf swing got all screwed up.

Of course, i might have been drunk when i heard the original statement (my lack of a clear memory of it would point to that being a possibility). I’m just throwing it out there as a reason that the A’s won’t play Cust in the outfield (other fielding capabilities aside).

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 7, 2009 9:47 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have to disagree -

If a baseball swing was about rhythm and timing then our starting infield would be Kool & The Gang. Kool would be at SS, constituting a rather significant upgrade.

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 7, 2009 9:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hm?

i’m not sure i understand your post.

by rhythm, i mean, it’s a personal rhythm, ie, having a swing which can be replicated again and again. which is why so many hitters have trigger motions to set off their batting motion, no?

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 7, 2009 10:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah - I was thinking more about

funk, soul, beats in a measure, and whatnot.

OK, it was mostly whatnot.

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 7, 2009 10:13 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh

sorry.

long day,

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 8, 2009 1:03 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not in Oakland

Well, not if you ask Gertrude.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 8, 2009 5:53 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Slusser also stakes in her article that there is a rumor about trading Barton to the Nats.

So maybe there is a possibility that Giambi will play 1st and Cust DH.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 7, 2009 9:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The trouble is who do the Nats have that the A's want?

I’d take Jordan Zimmerman but I doubt he’s available.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can see a Barton for Zimmerman swap

I also used to drink alot

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 7, 2009 10:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can see a two Bartons for two Zimmermans swap

I’m drinking a lot 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 7, 2009 10:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You mean if we clone Barton...

We can get Jordan AND Ryan Zimmerman?

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

by vignette17 on Jan 7, 2009 10:32 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And Robert

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 10:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thomas.

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

by iglew on Jan 7, 2009 11:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love Zimmerman.

He helped me a lot two years ago in fantasy baseball. He’d be a big help for the A’s.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 10:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have no idea who the Nats need but how about a Buck and Barton swap for Zimmerman?

Two B’s has got to be better than one Z.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 7, 2009 10:06 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Then why would you make that trade?

99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod

by Scottbass on Jan 7, 2009 10:08 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Silly goose - it's only better if you're on the East Coast

If you’re out West, a “Z” is worth more. The same is true also if you’re on a triple letter score.

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 7, 2009 10:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Except if..

you root for the Giants. I don’t think they like their Z player much.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 10:12 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like the letter Z

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 7, 2009 10:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not sure

(you’ll have to check with Nico), but I think this post is brought to you by the letter, “Z.”

I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico

by Leopold Bloom on Jan 7, 2009 11:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And by the number 6!

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 7:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whatever happened to Todd Ziele?

"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane
"That was a great pick...if this was 2002" Me, to guy who selected Barry Zito in a fantasy draft

by harendaman365 on Jan 8, 2009 1:08 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You won't like the way that looks

I guarantee it.

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 7:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WC's talking about the other Zimmerman

The pitching one not the 3b one. At least, I think he is.

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

by vignette17 on Jan 7, 2009 10:34 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was, but I'd take Ryan as well. I assumed he was off the table though.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 10:59 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hope that Giambi plays 1st base.

I always feel so jittery when Cust takes the field.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:00 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed. Giambi might be equally bad, but I feel less uncomfortable with him in the field.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His brand of bad ...is so expected.

Cust’s brand makes me feel deflated…you expect the easy out and then …no.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:05 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes and Giambi the statue gives up more singles. Cust the buffoon gives up 2B and 3B.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:14 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I remember a couple of dropped balls in 2008.

On fly balls hit to Cust I mean.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:21 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I honestly don't at all.

The only one I can think of was the line drive over his head that a good OF would’ve caught, but he didn’t. All the easy dropped fly balls were 2 years ago.

by thejd44 on Jan 7, 2009 9:22 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe. My memory is what I remember it being.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:23 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

in adenhart's debut

may 1, against the angels final score 15-8 cust completely missed a flyball. from my observation tho, that point was right before he began to show improvements in his fielding

"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 7, 2009 9:28 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And, not that it matters regarding his fielding ability,

but I seem to remember knocked the hell out of the ball the rest of the game and went on a 1-2 week tear right after

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

by 5Aces on Jan 9, 2009 10:38 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I recall a pretty bad one leading to five unearned runs on Justin Duchscherer

not that most of those were his fault, of course, since the Angels got like 5 hits in a row after the error.

I think that was that weird game where the A’s knocked the price of a Sunday game ticket down to $4 by getting 20 hits. See, I do watch games— not only did I watch that one, I bought a ticket to the Sunday game because it got so cheap…

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jan 7, 2009 9:29 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that would have been the third out, though

if i remember correctly?

i was at that game for the same reason, actually…

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 7, 2009 9:51 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wasnt it in LAAAAAAAAA

thats pretty sweet if you got to see that

"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 7, 2009 9:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, the error prolonged the inning

which is why all the runs were unearned. However, Cust did not actually cause Duchscherer to have a 5-6 hitter stretch in which he completely forgot how to pitch and get hitters out. That was Duke.

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 7, 2009 9:54 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

granted

i think that’s why it stuck in my mind, though; Duchscherer wouldn’t have even had to throw them pitches. obviously.

maybe he was distracted by thinking of ways he could dispose of Jack. Poor old Jack

when did we stop using adverbs proper?

by alea iacta est on Jan 7, 2009 10:08 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

PT, Isn't Cust working on his fielding and his eyes this offseason?

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 7, 2009 10:00 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Specifically, he's working on fielding his eyes

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 7, 2009 10:00 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Perhaps eyeing his fielding?

99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod

by Scottbass on Jan 7, 2009 10:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah, looking at horny goats who are looking at his baseballs

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 7, 2009 10:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Congratulations - you just pushed me down to

hits 2-10 on the front page of Google’s “horny + goats + balls”

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

by Nico on Jan 7, 2009 10:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

May 1 in Anaheim

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

by iglew on Jan 8, 2009 12:13 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was at that game with my wife while on vacation. College night, so lots of people standing around drinking.

We were stoked that the A’s got a 4 run lead in the second. We were starving, so I went to get a couple of footlong sausages in the bottom (wait, did I just say that?). The line was long, but that didn’t deter me. As I’m waiting, I hear the Anaheim crowd getting louder and cheering. I was wearing my A’s sweatshirt and hat, and was a target for every Angels guy that walked by to pat me on the back and mention something about “my boy Cust” who dropped a fly and the rally that followed. I came back to my seat just in time to see the rally end.

Needless to say, the stadium started to empty after the A’s 8-run 5th inning. It was a nice walk back to the hotel, except for the part when we got harassed by drunk Angels fans driving by. Oh, and “my boy Cust” went 4-4 with a HR.

by LoneStranger on Jan 8, 2009 8:58 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Two more hilarious gaffes by Cust

Were on May 14th ’08 in Cleveland and just 5 days later in K.C.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jan 8, 2009 7:13 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

there was a game he dropped the first out of the game

in LF. I’m pretty sure it was against KC. Pretty embarassing……

by mrod on Jan 8, 2009 2:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't forget the epic double fail of Aug 16, 2003

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

by iglew on Jan 8, 2009 8:13 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unless people are traded for major league upgrades elsewhere

I actually think the signing is worse if Giambi is DHing.

by thejd44 on Jan 7, 2009 9:18 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ya, the SS shoe has yet to drop...hopefully.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:20 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At this point...

I am starting to get resigned to watching Crosby again.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:30 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NOOOOOO! Don't give up now!

We need to stick together on this.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:41 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL WC...

 OK… I guess I will hope for…who can we reasonably wish for at SS?

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:46 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Petit! Cabrera! Neifi Perez! Alex Sanchez! Anyone!!!

OK, Petit was a bit much.

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 7, 2009 9:56 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Where's Royce Clayton when you need him?

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

by Joey C. on Jan 8, 2009 12:52 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's a trick question - you never need Royce Clayton!

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 4:26 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And the gentleman accompanied by the goat has it!

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

by Joey C. on Jan 8, 2009 5:44 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right now DeJesus is my favorite since we could trade Buck for him potentially.

Alcides might be gettable for a starting pitcher (Gallagher? Cahill?). I’m not convinced the Brewers are trading Hardy or the Braves Yunel. I also can’t see Cleveland trading Peralta or Asdrubal.

Suzuki for Lowrie and other stuff might be a productive discussion.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 9:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I could see the Indians trading Peralta under the right circumstances,

such as bringing in a starting pitcher. Their rotation still needs a lot of help – even after the signing of Cy Pavano.

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 7, 2009 10:01 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True, then they could sign Orlando Hudson

They could then promote LaPorta to boost the offense.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2009 10:23 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think I may be the first one to have posted something on this.....

(pats self on back). However, I think it figures itself all out in ST unless Beane can get something of value for Barton.

by 33SwisherSweet on Jan 7, 2009 9:29 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agree with you, Sweet.

ST is going to be very interesting this year and will answer a lot of our questions.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 9:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

cant wait!

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

by ChadGod on Jan 7, 2009 9:41 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lets say barton is a goner

is the dropoff from barton to temporary fill in’s like a basley/everidge that much of a difference?

by Asfan4ever723 on Jan 7, 2009 9:58 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It depends how good Barton is

Baisley and Everidge are fully capable of hitting the way Barton did in 2008, but with poorer defense.

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 7, 2009 10:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

How Barton responds without the expectations he had last season as the #1 prospect will be key. He might have a good year if he doesn’t have the burden of living up to his status now that his expectations have been lowered. Splitting time with Giambi could actually help the kid out.

"I was right and you were wrong." - Ray Fosse

by kbtoyz on Jan 7, 2009 10:25 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But seriously, let's talk about something important.

What’s the over/under on how long it takes before Giambi is growing the hair out?

I bet already.

99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod

by Scottbass on Jan 7, 2009 10:06 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Which hair?

And please don’t answer that.

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 7, 2009 10:12 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

don't ask and you shall receive

"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 7, 2009 10:15 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's already got the goatee out

When do the comments about rock star status come in? Or has he aged too much for that?

"I was right and you were wrong." - Ray Fosse

by kbtoyz on Jan 7, 2009 10:21 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, if you *must* know...

99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod

by Scottbass on Jan 7, 2009 10:31 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He had most a goatee at the press conference today

and said that the stache was only for a hitting streak.

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

by mikeA on Jan 7, 2009 10:22 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, not to spoil the surprise, but...
His unflattering mustache of last season (“Bad look,” Giambi said) will not make an appearance, but Giambi will return to his long-haired, self-described “scruffy” style of his pre-Yankees days, he said.

You know, the more time I spend on AN the less time I even bother to check out actual, like, legit sports pages. I used to have the A’s MLB site as my homepage. I haven’t looked at that site more than once or twice in a long time.

99 MPH with as much control as a deflating balloon - CurveballKing on H-Rod

by Scottbass on Jan 7, 2009 10:30 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

I liked his scruffy look...

Same way with Buck.. I liked his looks better when he had long hair.

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 7, 2009 10:33 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who's "Scruffy-looking?"

I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico

by Leopold Bloom on Jan 7, 2009 11:18 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

<herds nerfs>

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

by iglew on Jan 8, 2009 12:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

shouldn't the plural be "nerves"?

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

by monkeyball on Jan 8, 2009 7:20 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This brings up an interesting,

albeit geeky, question. Do these said nerfs/nerf resemble what I think of when I think of nerf (mainly football as a ten year-old and playing drunk basketball on my knees in high school/college)? I’m thinking like sponge-y cows.

I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico

by Leopold Bloom on Jan 8, 2009 11:33 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh. My.

I don’t even come close to qualifying as a geek. That’s downright frightening.

I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico

by Leopold Bloom on Jan 8, 2009 7:04 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My. Oh. My.

We all got totally geek-pwned by LoneStranger.

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

by iglew on Jan 8, 2009 8:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Only in Middle Earth

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jan 8, 2009 4:56 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't like this signing much...

although there is no doubt that it is an incredible financial value. There isn’t any way to integrate him into the team that doesn’t make the defense significantly worse. He’s also old, and far from a sure bet to stay healthy if asked to play the field all the time.

I’m also not in any way ready to give up on Daric Barton (although I could live with getting a talented young shortstop for him). I just don’t want to see him rot on the bench here or in Sacramento.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jan 7, 2009 10:32 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

better to rot on the bench than stink up the box

"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King

by Buck Turgidson on Jan 7, 2009 10:53 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

Daric is 23. He’s got plenty of time to prove he’s good. I’d submit, if he proves he’s better than Giambi at 1B this year, he’ll play there. And, Giambi will DH and Cust will play LF. If, on the other hand, he doesn’t prove he’s better (which I don’t think he will), he’ll be at Sacto or on the bench. And, Jason will be at 1B and Cust will be where he belongs… at DH.

Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...

by FoolshGame22 on Jan 8, 2009 12:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Please don't make me watch Cust in the outfield.

It hurts inside. :-(

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jan 7, 2009 10:59 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thats what she said?

that might be a stretch. which she also might have said…

"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 7, 2009 11:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha thats pretty vulgar, I like it

by lincypoo i wuv u on Jan 8, 2009 12:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Honestly,

I don’t think Slusser’s got any more insight as to what the Opening Day lineup will be than any of us do. She may be a mouthpiece for the FO when they want to put a statement out, but I don’t think Beane’s filling out any lineup cards for her.

This has been addressed elsewhere, but the outfield situation becomes difficult if we try to cram Barton onto the roster. We don’t have a Tokyo trip or a day off that allows us to start the season with four starters. We’ve got ten games in a row before the first day off, our rotation is going to be composed of four guys who won’t have much more than a season of major league starting experience, and the injury-prone Duchscherer, which means that in addition to the five starters, the bullpen’s going to need to be full.

12 pitchers + 2 catchers + 5 non-1B infielders = 19. Of the six spots left, I think it’s safe to say that five are going to Holliday, Giambi, Cust, Sweeney and Buck. Making Barton the 25th man means that we’ve only got 3.5 OFs. I just don’t think it works.

by Nate on Jan 7, 2009 11:59 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think Beane is totally comfortable with Cust in left field...

even if you and most of AN is not. I’ll go with Beane on this one. So, keeping Barton on the 25 is not a problem.

Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...

by FoolshGame22 on Jan 8, 2009 12:33 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cant be any worse that Manny in LF

and the Sox won a ring with him out there. Im just saying.

by A'sfaninNC on Jan 8, 2009 7:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If one of them is Hannahan or Dillon and the other is a SS backup.

Not saying that they actually need this, but it could happen.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 8, 2009 2:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bring back Scutaro!

ducks

Bob Geren, on 8/2/07, on the success of Alan Embree as new interim closer: "What can I say,... he's been our Steady Tremendous Bullpen Man"

by popcornjames on Jan 8, 2009 1:43 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In today's chron, Geren was quoted as saying that Barton

is the team’s starting first basemen for at least the start of the season. No pressure on Barton at all ;)

by 33SwisherSweet on Jan 8, 2009 10:55 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs