A's aquire Wuertz from Cubs
by HRH on Feb 2, 2009 10:43 AM PST
Email
PrintAccording to MLBTR the Richie Robnett experiment is over. We sent him and Justin Sellers to the the Cubbies in exchange for Righty reliever Michael Wuertz.
Quote from MLBTR:
Wuerz, 30, posted a 3.63 ERA in 44.6 innings for the Cubs this year with a 6.04 K/9. He's signed at $1.1MM for '09.
Beane continues to work on the bullpen, after Brown went down and is gone he has signed Russ Springer and now acquired Wuertz. Personally I think we still need a solid lefty out in he pen unless Outman is our guy.
260 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Well.
Every day is just a little worse than the previous, that means every day is the worst day of my life.
by shooting4life on Feb 2, 2009 11:46 AM PST up reply actions
(sips beer)...Yep
If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.
So this is one of the things that makes grover go
hmmmmm
The nuts and bolts of gameplay are apocalyptic failures, but the awfulness doesn’t stop there. Managing games is utterly pointless. [Feb 2009, p.85]
Girlfriend,
"To this day and dating back 25 years, before every game he plays, Henderson stands completely naked in front of a full length locker room mirror and says, "Ricky’s the best," for several minutes."
by VORP is too nerdy on Feb 2, 2009 11:53 AM PST up reply actions
No, it's classic!
Horrible, yes, but classic… (No one had any idea what was going on in 1990, did they?)
I like this deal.
Wuertz is a pretty good pitcher, and I had no faith in Robnett ever doing anything.
Hey, look, Ben Copeland just moved up the A’s OF depth chart!
by thejd44 on Feb 2, 2009 10:52 AM PST reply actions
ugh another reliever
i guess they gave up on robnett/sellers being anything more than roster filler
ptbnl for hill wouldve been much better
with brown out and casilla headcase, looks like springer/wuertz are you experienced 7th inning guys
all this reliever depth how about using it for another deal
I think you mean "Yay another reliever!"
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 2, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions
And that team would probably still hit better than the 2008 A's...
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
Another minor deal
Robnett is probably the A’s 6th best outfield prospect so no big deal in trading him. I must agree about a lefty arm unless it will be by who doesn’t make the starting staff.
I'd say 10th, myself.
Holliday
Cunningham
Sweeney
Buck
Denorfia
Davis
Murton
Copeland
Herrera
and that’s only on the 40-man roster… and not counting pseudo-outfielders.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Alright, you want "prospects"?
Cunningham
Copeland
Herrera
Mitchell
Brown
Doolittle
Dixon
Sulentic
Thomas
and so on ad infinitum…
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Where did Robnett place on Zonis's
AN community prospect ranking? Did he even make the top 50 at all? I think there were probably 10 OFs above him in any case.
(By the way, there ought to be an easy link to that list somewhere….)
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
There were 12 OF in the top 50
and Robnett wasn’t one of them. I’d probably have him above Desme and Tyreace House at this point, but that’s splitting hairs compared to the primary point.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
This is the Wuertz news I've heard all day.
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
i made *exactly*
the same joke on another thread.
yours pre-timestamps mine, though.
but i still think it’s funny!
Billy Beane loves soccerball, and so should you
by alea iacta est on Feb 2, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions
still
it’s demonstratively funny. and the longer it goes on, the funnier it gets.
old joke skills
Billy Beane loves soccerball, and so should you
by alea iacta est on Feb 2, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
But we've almost made them as many times as he did.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Just not in this thread.
An over-repeated-joke joke, a Mychael- with-a-Y joke, but no drunk jokes here …
by green star oakland on Feb 3, 2009 3:36 PM PST up reply actions
Oh I thought everybody posting today was drunk.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
And I thought everybody posting today was good-looking
You think there’s a correlation?
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
Absolutely
I’m good looking and I was posting today. Therefore I am everybody.
The monster at the end of this blog.
what the hell, go all out
abreu 1yr/7mill
cabrera 1 yr/4-5mill
That would probably be the worst thing we could do. Hold on to Crosby for this year. Abreu makes no sense whatsoever…
Wade Hines
Crosby is the worst thing we could do.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 2, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions
Crosby is a C-
player he is not terrible he just underachieves constantly. And this being his contract year(right?) he should have a good one.
83 days til draft...
Did you brag about your C-minuses in school?
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
A contract year won't all of a sudden make him good at baseball
It’s not like trying has been the problem.
by thejd44 on Feb 3, 2009 9:51 PM PST up reply actions
Not bad at all
Not bad, considering the guys they traded. Neither Sellers nor Robnett are likely to ever contribute at the MLB level. And Robnett’s departure opens a roster sport for Wuertz.
Wuertz is signed for $1.1M for 2009, and he’s under team control through 2011.
Projections (for Wrigley):
CHONE: 3.84
James: 3.58
Marcel: 4.01
PECOTA: 4.14
ZIPS: 3.91
He was oddly demoted in the middle of last summer, despite sporting an ERA in the mid-3s at the time.
His Ks went way down last year, which may indicate something was wrong with him
Before he was gettjng a lot of Ks and giving up a lot of BBs, which won’t work if the Ks go down, but unless something is wrong that we know about he should bounce back. Robnett was probably in line to be released at some point for nothing, so an okay reliever is probably not bad for that.
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
The high BB/Ks came back after he was demoted
He had 29 Ks and 14 BB in just 20 AAA innings after being demoted in July.
Looking at Fangraphs, his velocity was the same as it’s always been, but he threw fewer FBs than usual (29% after having been over 40% the two previous years).
Most of those missing FBs became sliders; he threw a higher percentage of sliders (61%) than any other pitcher in baseball last year (min 40 IP).
The new Kiko Calero?
Man, that guy threw nothing but sliders it seems.
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
There was no "seems" about it
Homeboy threw sliders like they were getting outlawed tomorrow.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
So he'll be pretty good until his arm falls off.
by thejd44 on Feb 2, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions
No
He’ll be packaged with Daric Barton to reacquire Dan Haren
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
Haren's stock has fallen that far????
I don’t think Arizona would even bother opening that package; not in exchange for Haren.
by WhiteElephant on Feb 2, 2009 4:53 PM PST up reply actions
haren's stock hasn't fallen at all. it was a joke.
haren, barton and calero were all acquired in the same trade.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
Twas an attempt at trade humor
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
mlbtradehumors.com
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
[registers screenname Hippocrates at mlbtradehumors.com]
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
[registers miasma]
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
{intends to register phlegmatic,
but too sluggish to get around to it}
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
[mikev registers choleric]
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Good thing you're studying law and not psychology.
Because you’re truly horrible at reading people.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Apparently you don't see the humour in it...
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
29% fastballs?
Holy crap. That’s close to Tim Wakefield levels. Must be a hell of a pitch.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Piniella seems to ice guys
There is an oft referred to theory that Lou has a doghouse and once in it, its difficult to impossible to get out. They seem to have a lot of pitching as well. Another thing I remember Cubs fans commenting on was how often he threw his slider.
The guy has pitched in 265 major league games
He’s not exactly an unknown commodity.
by thejd44 on Feb 2, 2009 11:43 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah.
I’m just not terribly familiar with lesser-known players on NL teams. I’ve got nothing against Wuertz (or Springer, for that matter).
by whiteshoes40 on Feb 2, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions
Who?
Eh, if the price is Robnett and Sellers, I can’t see how there’s any possibility this is a bad deal. Sellers could have been had by anyone in Rule 5, and Robnett’s been the benefit of affirmative action (for first-round draft picks, not racial minorities) to even get a roster slot. Honestly, I think the $700,000 salary increase might be more of a drawback than the players the A’s gave up.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
+1
I know nothing of Wuertz, but my initial reaction was that this may as well have been a free agent signing for all we gave up for him. Neither of those guys were going anywhere in our organization.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
Yeah
and as a “free agent signing,” it’s a pretty damn good one, because it comes with implied contract options for 2010/2011 before he hits free agency. That’s probably worth most of the $700K already— if he’s even minimally above replacement level (a 4 ERA or so) it’s at worst a cost-neutral move.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
This deal looks to shore up the A's bullpen
Not a bad deal considering neither one of the players that were traded away were amounting to much. With the addition of all these decent relievers, it’s going to be a good year for the Oakland bullpen. Now, let’s just hope the starting pitching can give the bullpen a lead to hold onto…
Wade Hines
rangers/sheets talks breakdown
they are scared of the injury risk and sheets wants 2 yrs guaranteed
More like slow down.
"No... JD has been exposed as a kid who trades his remote-controlled helicopters for paper airplanes, then fails to consider the feelings of the paper airplane when he refolded it into a hat." -Telegraph.
by Kinslerhomer on Feb 2, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions
As an A's fan, I feel qualified to ask: what's the difference?
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
Best cheap way to fix your Starting Pitching
Get very good relief pitching, and all this competition for Relief spots cant do anything but help
Clear its radiance shine...
Not as good as getting very good cheap starting pitching.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 2, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions
Why not? A's got Gaudin for very little....Harang for Velarde....Heredia....
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 2, 2009 6:42 PM PST up reply actions
I think i found
the real reason why the Cubs wanted Gaudin here
The nuts and bolts of gameplay are apocalyptic failures, but the awfulness doesn’t stop there. Managing games is utterly pointless. [Feb 2009, p.85]
i see two reasons
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
Syndal and Chad lived with Nick Swisher last year when Gaudin and Swisher were playing for the A’s.
All I’m gonna say is that he was probably called “Dirty Thirty” on the Sox for a reason…
by thejd44 on Feb 3, 2009 9:53 PM PST up reply actions
Agreed
Beane wants his young starters going 5-6 innings and turning it over to the pen. So bullpen depth is huge. Not a major loss on prospects and again a decent addition to help out the kids.
I will still say sign Ben Sheets to front the rotation even at 2yrs guaranteed. If he and Duke can throw 300 innings plus and get us 45 starts we have a very good front of the rotation.
I suppose it's a plausible strategy to bring young starters along
by signing a plethora of setup guys and blowing their arms out instead of the more valuable arms of the starters.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
"plethora" is the wrong collective noun
I believe it’s called “a jobe of setup guys.”
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
I thought he pitched for the Yankees
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Feb 2, 2009 12:59 PM PST up reply actions
My mistake,
I meant starred for, then shamed on the freeway.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
I just don't think that's actually the strategy
I think, more likely, is that Beane suspects the control/injury issues of various pitchers means they’ll be 5-6 inning pitchers. I don’t think he wants them going 5 innings.
by thejd44 on Feb 2, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions
I think we should stay away from Sheets
as long as he continues to want two guaranteed years and at least $8 mil per. There is a reason he has gone unsigned, and a reason that we keep hearing about shaky medical reports. He’s an injury prone pitcher who at this point doesn’t exactly sound like he’s made a nice recovery from his last injury.
Yup - if Texas is ready to gamble on him cheap,
that’s not a great sign. Sheets’ elbow appears to be scaring everyone who sees the medical reports away.
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
Why Beane would not at least dabble in that " 2 year terrirtory"
is puzzling to me. 8 mill per year? That’s it? Isn’t it at least worth exploring, perhaps, with incentives built in to protect the A’s from getting screwed? I don’t know what Sheets’ health is at this point but I really would like for him to pitch for the A’s and really don’t want him pitching for the Rangers. It must be considered. Even if you only get 25 starts from Sheets I think he is a real difference maker on this team and if he is healthy just about about all season then this a steal for the A’s.
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
If his arm is going to fall off, then no, it's not worth exploring
We don’t have the info here. The way Sheets’s season ended and the lack of interest in him as compared to, say, Burnett strongly suggests that he’s an extreme risk as a signing.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
I hear what your screaming
just think an incentive based contract would be the way to go. Leave no stone unturned my good man…….
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
Not just last season
He’s had a number of injuries throughout his career.
People here were happy that Harden was gone because of his injury frustrations, and now people want Sheets? I don’t get it.
by thejd44 on Feb 3, 2009 1:07 PM PST up reply actions
people here who were happy that Harden was gone
are not people I see eye to eye with
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
Yay...?
Sexy, most of these off-season moves ain’t. But he sounds like a competent player.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
Just checked Zonis' community prospect list
We didn’t have Sellers or Robnett in the Top 50. There’s really no way to be angry about this deal, right? I guess, like, PT said, the salary (which isn’t bad or anything) is about the only potential gripe.
by thejd44 on Feb 2, 2009 11:48 AM PST reply actions
heh, i wrote the same thing before i read down this far.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
Not much to analyze here
A capable bullpen arm for some fluff. Fine move, nothing that stands out about it though.
RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.
Pocket fluff, jacket fluff, seat cushion fluff or handbag fluff?
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Robnett's
definitely seat cushion fluff. Sellers, I don’t know, he’s tough to get a handle on. There’s some handbag in him, but also parts of pocket to his game.
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 Feb 2, 2009 12:12 PM PST up reply actions
One would think he'd have a big platoon split with all those sliders, but he hasn't really to this point
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
That's true.
I recall Kiko being susceptible to lefties.
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
Holds was the second most worthless pitching stat in 07
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
Oh, I don't know about that
It was more useful than gafudniks, where gafudniks is defined as “1 if your name is Ron Mahay and 0 if it isn’t”…
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
It's even funnier if you say it with a French accent.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
Don't miss this Fanshot:
iamawesomer strikes again.
by HigherPie on Feb 2, 2009 11:53 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Wuertz
As a Cubs fan, I’m a bit bummed about this. Wuertz has a phenomenal slider that makes hitters look silly. He’s one of the few pitchers in baseball history to strike out three straight batters in an inning with the bases loaded. Hitters have a lot of trouble making contact against him.
However, if his control is failing him, he gives up walks and his fastball is decidedly mediocre. Most people thought he could be a solid 7th/8th inning guy with some managerial patience.
we should use him exclusively to throw BP to Crosby
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Feb 2, 2009 11:59 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
So Crosby gets so upset he pulls a Geinke and just goes home?
by thejd44 on Feb 2, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
In reference to your name
dill weed of the month
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
Dereck Whittenburg of the month
Technically, I get the DWOTM for setting up thejd44’s LCOTM.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
You sure love you some wikipedia
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
I think that is the one DL reason we have yet to have happen.
“Crosby, the former AL rookie of the year, was transferred today to the 60 day DL with a pulled Geinke…”
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
Greinke
Greinke
Greinke
Greinke
Greinke
Greinke
Greinke
Greinke
I just wanted to be a part of the club. And wow, the more times you write it the more and more it seems like I’m spelling it wrong.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
And technically I spelled it right.
I was just going off the comment that Crosby pulled a Geinke, which may or may not bear any resemblence to Zack.
Although, to be honest, I would have spelled it wrong either way. Greinke-Geinke-it’s all kinda hinky to me.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
No worries
I’m certainly not the captain of the spelling/grammar police, just having some fun.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
It looks like a good acquisition
Of course, we won’t know for sure if he’s real A’s material until we see him bobble a few bunts and airmail the hurried throws into the visitors’ bullpen. Barring that Green & Gold measuring stick, he can hurt himself in camp, try to pitch through it without notifying any of the coaches and join the 60-day DL before the All-Star break.
Root for the Giants? Not even if they're playing al-Qaeda!
by Monday Fan on Feb 2, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Don't know where to put this (TWSS)
But I was reading Olney’s chat and came across this little nugget:
jordan, sf: Would the A’s be better off signing hudson than cabrera and moving ellis to short.
SportsNation Buster Olney: Jordan: Watch the Athletics and Cabrera. Just keep an eye out…
Could a Cabrera deal be announced soon, if that is indeed what Olney is alluding to?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
Wouldn't surprise me.
This is the time of year where there’s usually a few deals that no one was expecting and Beane’s pulled off a few of those himself in his GM career.
I have discovered in twenty years of moving around a ball park, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats. ~Bill Veeck
New nickname for Matt Holliday: The Spanish Inquisition
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
And if Chavez were to be traded
He’d be Eric Chavez: The (almost-)Spanish Acquisition
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
I saw your mistake and used it for my personal gain
I follow the A’s after all…
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
In that case, hopefully it's Asdrubal!
That would REALLY be the deal for Cabrera that nobody is expecting.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
No one but salb918 and xbhaskarx would expect Beane to acquire this Cabrera.
Hey, the A’s could always use a little more power …
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
Is Jolbert Cabrera still around?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
if we acquired him, we could say ...
Christ, what an A: Jolbert.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
This thread is getting entertaining
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
oferpetesake
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
thats what she said
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
That's a very open family
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
we most certainly are
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
Slusser's initial take
With a scout’s POV here
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
She mentioned Villone and Sisco.
I suppose they’re still looking at Reyes too.
"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra
Sisco could be interesting.
Wonder if he’d take a MLC to prove that his arm is fully healthy in Sacramento? He’s only 26.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
The article also says he may not be available until late in the season.
"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra
He's polishing up the lyrics of his song to include Jason Giambi
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
Assuming you're following standard abbreviation nomenclature, that would be "MiLC"
Personally, I see little if any difference between Sisco and Brian Burres, who was just DFAed by Baltimore to make room for Rich Hill. I’d rather play Brad Kilby than either of them.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
I'm lazy and don't care about the lowercase "i"
Go correct somebody else.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Is there some reason why you're constantly so irritable about this?
Did you get hit on the hand with a ruler by your first-grade teacher during phonics lessons or something? Clearly this goes well beyond “laziness,” because lazy people do not repeatedly post angry, contentious defenses of their right to say things incorrectly.
Like it or not, the lowercase i is actually relevant here, because “major” and “minor” begin with the same letter.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Constantly?
Best I can remember, this is the first time you’ve tried to correct me on typing MLC.
Generally, people will talk about years and dollars when discussing major league deals. You’ll see somebody say 1 year, 5 million as an offer for Orlando Cabrera, or 4 years, 40 million for Rafael Furcal. It’s obviously implied that it’s a major league contract because it’s monetary.
So, again, get off my ass.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
OK, play ignorant
Anytime the opportunity to use the word “we” to refer to the A’s arises, you’re invariably on hand to do so in the most truculent and asinine manner possible. Why? Because you have a stick up your ass about me disliking that idiom. There are probably other examples of this phenomenon, but that one springs immediately to mind because you’ve done it about 15 times.
Your hostility to being corrected on minor grammatical issues is neither warranted nor reasonable.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
...truculent.....minor........reasonable......stick up ass......
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
In college, I produced a dance-remix EP for Truculent Minor Reasonable Stick Up Ass
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
Didn't they do a split EP with
Asinine Idiom Phenomenon?
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Feb 3, 2009 11:13 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
On the contrary
Who has a stick up their ass — the one who says “we” or the one who gets pissy when people use the term “we”
Also, your perception of hostility is way, way, way off. You really don’t understand — I don’t give a f*ck that you think I should have typed “MiLC” instead of “MLC” so you’re wasting your time by correcting it, especially when it’s probably the least important part of the sentence I posted, AND given the fact that Sacramento was actually referenced in the very same sentence…
wait.. let me check… Nope, there’s no Major League team in Sacramento.. OK, I’ll continue..
wait.. let me check… Nope, there’s no Major League team in Sacramento.. OK, I’ll continue..given the fact that Sacramento was actually referenced in the very same sentence, you would assume that people who are like us, and either fanatic enough or bored enough to post about baseball on a blog throughout the entire offseason, would know that Sacramento is a minor league affiliate.
wait.. let me check… Nope, there’s no Major League team in Sacramento.. OK, I’ll continue..given the fact that Sacramento was actually referenced in the very same sentence, you would assume that people who are like us, and either fanatic enough or bored enough to post about baseball on a blog throughout the entire offseason, would know that Sacramento is a minor league affiliate.So, yeah… whatever. Stop correcting MGIs, if they’re so minor. Or, should I say, MiGIs?
wait.. let me check… Nope, there’s no Major League team in Sacramento.. OK, I’ll continue..given the fact that Sacramento was actually referenced in the very same sentence, you would assume that people who are like us, and either fanatic enough or bored enough to post about baseball on a blog throughout the entire offseason, would know that Sacramento is a minor league affiliate.So, yeah… whatever. Stop correcting MGIs, if they’re so minor. Or, should I say, MiGIs?Really, the dumb shit that you find to try and pick apart is astounding, given the relatively awesome posts you usually make.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I'm sure you assume I'm as angry as you are
but, really, I’m chilling right now. I’ve expressed my objection to your tone. It’s either registered or it hasn’t. So, screw it.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Least interesting rant OTM
By which I mean, what the hell just happened?
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
LOL
What kind of person makes a habit of correcting people’s grammar in internet forums? Also, every time I’ve seen you “correct” someone for using the word “we” in the way you describe, it’s been in the most insufferable manner possible. Are you really surprised that it rubs people the wrong way? Really?
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
+1 from the guy who is too lazy to capitalize
(my thoughts on this “we” nonsense here)
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
When you ask if I'm surprised, do you mean metaphysically?
I suppose at this point I’m not “surprised” other than in the sense of “why do people get so angry about this?” I just don’t care. If you want to get angry about it, that’s your problem.
Here’s my policy: I don’t correct grammar unless the bad grammar causes someone to make a false statement. Using “we” to describe the A’s is a false statement, because you are not part of the A’s (unless “you” are part of the ownership group). Describing a minor league contract as a major league contract by abbreviating it wrong creates a false statement. Misspelling a couple of words does not create a false statement. Failing to capitalize does not create false statements.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
In general, at least.
The difference between “I had to help my uncle Jack off the horse” and the uncapitalized version of that same sentence might create some problems.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
I learned through this particular comment, that a reply of ":)
by thejd44 on Feb 4, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions
" is not acceptable.
Also, I swear that comment posted in the middle of me typing.
by thejd44 on Feb 4, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions
I agree that the MiLC correction was entirely reasonable,
but you’re totally off base with “we”. It’s not a “false statement”; it’s a way of expressing identification with a group. If I refer to the A’s as “we” — yes, I do it, too — that’s my way of saying I feel a bond of identification with this team. Maybe that’s not your style, but for a lot of people it’s very emotionally satisfying and it’s an essential part of why we’re sports fans. When you go around saying, “No, you’re not a member of the team”, you aren’t just being an annoying little pedant correcting someone’s usage; you’re actively denying the emotional identification that is central to why we’re fans. So yeah, of course people are going to be pissed off at you when you do that.
Saying “it’s a false statement” is no answer. Every metaphor or hyperbole is a “false statement”, but I didn’t see you butting in to correct when we were talking about pitchers’ arms falling off. No, you just pick on this one thing, because you don’t like seeing ordinary fans enjoying the feeling that we’re part of the A’s. Well, tough. Because a lot of us do like that.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
actively denying the emotional identification that is central to why we’re fans
Aw, crap. Does that mean that our emotional upset at STRIKCOUTS does somehow affect the game?
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
If I have to choose between validating someone's delusions of grandeur
and reality, reality is going to win every time.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Funny
Can you point to a place where I “validate my own delusions of grandeur”?
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
So, no, then
Ok.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Dude,
deriving enjoyment from identifying with a team =/= “delusions of grandeur”. It’s not like I’m pretending I’m actually at bat hitting a home run; I’m just saying there’s a larger group feeling there and I consider myself a part of it.
If you’re at a game and the fans start singing “We will rock you”, what do you do? Do you pout and say, “Well, actually we won’t rock you, it’s only the players on the field who will rock them (meaning the other team) … or at least we hope they will, but we don’t actually know that for sure, and anyway ‘rock’ is not to be taken literally”?
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
If you want to refer to A's FANS as "we", I have no objection to that...
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Your understanding of what consitutes a "false statement" is quite poor
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I'm not eloquent.
I’m hostile, angry, and I have a stick up my ass. Just ask Paul.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
i dont wanna judge
but that sounds like some kinky shit you guys are doing there
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
so the players can't say "we"?
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
He didn't say that
It’s just that we’re all pretty certain that nobody posting here (except ZIggy) is part of the organization as a player, coach, or GM.
I’d extend the “we” to anybody who receives a paycheck from the A’s. Vendors and janitors have more of a right to say “we” than fans. It’s just a silly, weird thing to do. But it doesn’t bug me too much. It just looks wrong.
by thejd44 on Feb 4, 2009 2:53 PM PST up reply actions
Employees are an iffy case
I mean, obviously the players can say “we” if they’re talking about the roster of the team, i.e. “I think we’re really playing well right now,” or whatever. They’re actually part of that group.
On the other hand, it would be awfully odd for Eric Chavez to say “We didn’t think he was good enough going forward” about the team releasing some other player, because he didn’t have any real role in that process.
Speaking personally, I never really thought of the actions of the law firm that I worked for as something I was a part of… my own practice group, maybe, but not the corporate entity as a whole…
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
I think this picture pretty much sums up my feelings at this point.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
That picture sums up my week at work dealing with the IT Department here
The nuts and bolts of gameplay are apocalyptic failures, but the awfulness doesn’t stop there. Managing games is utterly pointless. [Feb 2009, p.85]
this is an absolutely ridiculous crusade
"Sweeney's a white Andre Ethier."--a white, drunk Billy Beane
Think of it as my personal Moby Dick, except even more pointless.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
LOL
You have a policy for correcting grammar in an internet forum? You know what the person meant in each case. Why isn’t that good enough? Also, you ducked the part about the insufferable tone of the corrections entirely.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Plus, correcting the grammar
isn’t going to help us win games.
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
I don't think my tone is "insufferable."
Feel free to prove me wrong. I’m not going to the effort.
I don’t have a written-out policy… that was derived from thinking reasonably about it for a couple of minutes and then writing what I thought… ok, you know what, to hell with this. No matter what I write, you’ll find some way to spin it as just more evidence of me being an arrogant jackass. It’d be somewhat more honest of you to just come out and say that, but I suppose it’s idiotic of me to expect honesty when innuendo can accomplish the same task free of CGVs.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
you mean Sisqo
Sisqo
Sisqo
Sisqo
whats that about thongs?
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Feb 2, 2009 6:38 PM PST up reply actions
neither one was ranked in the top 50 AN community prospect rankings, robnett may have been around 53-55.
so really getting any major leaguer for that price is a good deal.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
Great move.
Beane has done an excellent job of retooling the bullpen this offseason, and it just may be the team’s biggest strength next year. It’s going to need to be, because they’re going to be called upon early and often. Sellers and Robnett were useless, and we’re better off with the open roster spot than either of them.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
I don't get it
Okay, I understand why the A’s would part with two players who are, at this point, essentially minor league filler. But why would the Cubs essentially give up on solid reliever? I mean, that’s a pretty chintzy salary dump - 700K - and you’d think they could at least get one prospect with a chance at hitting the majors.
The only thing I can think is that back in July, the Harden/Gaudin deal went down on an unequal footing with the priviso that Beane would get a break when a later situation emerged, and this was that later situation.
Cubs didn't need him
Cubs current bullpen: Carlos Marmol, Kevin Gregg, Jeff Samardzjia, Angel Guzman, Chad Gaudin or Aaron Heilman, Luis Vizcaino, Sean Marshall, and Neal Cotts… they were overflowing with RPs.
I assume they dumped him because he’s too expensive to be a minor-leaguer (not to mention the fact that he was out of options) and they had no room for him on the MLB roster. Beane was shrewd to step in before the Cubs cut him loose, and offer a couple of guys we’d never promote to the MLB-level anyway… These are the kinds of trades that should happen much more frequently in the offseason.
by Uncle Charlie on Feb 2, 2009 3:58 PM PST up reply actions
+1 exactly
In the espn.com article it basically states the same thing; that the Cubs had a lot of tough decisions to make with regards to their bullpen and this move makes it easier.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
Maybe he just stumbled onto it on his way to the latest Bracketology
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Hey, I go there because I like Rob Neyer
And, occasionally, they’ll actually break some non-eastern seaboard news.
by thejd44 on Feb 3, 2009 12:17 AM PST up reply actions
no, there is no evidence that he was going to be released.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
But it might have been a potential outcome.
by methodrampage on Feb 3, 2009 8:13 AM PST up reply actions
Well, Wuertz is better than half the guys on this list
But, aside from that, the money does matter. The new owner is borrowing half of the money for the sale. Yeah, maybe they’re just going to save $700K, but that money matters right now. Wuertz is a solid reliever and the Cubs got essentially nothing for him. If it was just a matter of making room, they would’ve waited for a better offer or to see who was healthy at the end of spring training.
by thejd44 on Feb 3, 2009 12:06 AM PST up reply actions
Wait a minute....
Are you saying that the reason Wuertz’s $1.1 million salary is of concern is because the team owner is in debt??
How many MLB owners aren’t in debt on their teams or stadiums? Two? Financing the purchase of a sports team is as ordinary as financing the purchase of your home. Everyone does it, and for the 29 owners in the United States there are significant tax advantages for doing it that way.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m frugal by nature and I hate being in debt. If I’ve got a balance on my credit card I will drastically reduce spending until I can pay it off but the logic doesn’t really carry into the world of high finance. Carrying debt on the balance sheet is just standard operating procedure in the baseball world, and the salary of one medium-grade reliever is trivial in comparison.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
No, that's not really what I'm saying
Not exactly, anyway. It appears that a guy named Rickets (and I think I spelled that right) is going to buy the team for about $900 million, but about half of that will be borrowed money. And with some of the moves this off-season, and comments from Jim Hendry and others, it appears that spending money isn’t really what the Cubs are aiming to do. It seems like they are, where they can, trying to lower payroll some.
Yeah, Wuertz’s $1.1 million isn’t much. But look at the big contracts. Who the hell wants Soriano’s ugly deal? They’re not gonna trade Zambrano. Lee isn’t untradeable, but they don’t have an obvious replacement.
“Salary dump” might not be the right term, but I think it’s a cost-cutting move. Same for the DeRosa deal that got the Cubs nothing special (they basically exchanged DeRosa for Aaron Miles and saved $2.5 million). It’s part of a trend, and I’m sure if somebody was willing to take on Soriano’s entire salary Hendry would be trading him for some guy who is half as valuable as Justin Sellers.
by thejd44 on Feb 3, 2009 9:57 PM PST up reply actions
Thanks for clarifying
Actually, I misunderstood you in another way. I thought you were talking about the A’s, not the Cubs.
Yeah, I agree that the Cubs are in cost-cutting mode right now, and the upcoming sale has something to do with it.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
he was out of options
and since his k rate declined significantly last year, something could have been up. maybe the Cubs are hedging their bets by taking what they can get for him now, just in case he isn’t the pitcher he used to be. I know, I know, it’s a pretty crappy theory, but the only alternative i can offer.
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Feb 2, 2009 6:41 PM PST up reply actions
Too bad Beane-Hendry didn't expand the deal
to be a “Wuertz and R. Hill for even more minor league filler” trade.
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
it isn't certain
but it did appear from the outside that the manager didn’t like him. If he isn’t going to be played or even wanted on the 25 man list, its adios. I can’t recall Lou going out and yelling at him, but he did that with a few pitchers. I remember him getting salty with Jason Marquis and wishing I knew a lip reader, but it was probably a string of expletives with “throw strikes” in the middle.
Good move
in my opinion. clear up some roster filler, get a good young righty bullpen 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
www.27ClubPeak.blogspot.com
I like it
Pitching wins, and Wuertz is a pitcher. Solid move all around.
by mikedaviswhereareyou on Feb 2, 2009 8:41 PM PST reply actions
You gotta like this:
Career BAA vs. lefties and righties: .233 and .232. The walks are a bit high (about 4BB/9IP) but he’s a solid reliever. Good acquisition for virtually nothing.
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
I have to think that our bullpen is in the upper echelon of the league
It seems pretty solid to me know. Who is our worst reliever? Casilla or loser of Outman/Gonzalez? Now if only our starting pitching holds up for the whole season…
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
Here's hoping we bring Knox up to start a game this year, and the new rightie follows him out of the pen
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
Knox is a MiLFA
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
MiLF?
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Feb 3, 2009 2:24 PM PST up reply actions
Oh, THAT's what that acronym means?
Wow, the Little League porn industry is much better developed than I would have guessed offhand.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
THERE'S TWENTY OF THEM
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
What's the 5-year-old to 8-year-old conversion rate?
Because last I checked, I can beat up 26 five-year-olds. I think I could probably take 20 eight-year-olds.
by thejd44 on Feb 4, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions
There's actually a much different, much worse, probably CGV-worthy joke I was referring to there.
I’ll post it on the GUBA when you make your first post there. Seriously.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
It's bad form to point out missed puns.
If no one actually inquires, you just have to be graceful while they float by unappreciated.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
The satisfaction is in knowing that
you are a true wit, and not just looking for attention.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
LOOK AT ME!!!!
I’m a true wit and not just looking for attention!!!!!
That, by the way, is half true.
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
You're a true "looking for attention"
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Is anyone...
gonna bring watermelon’s to gallagers starts and smash them with a mallet every strikeout?
If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.
Ugh, please no.
I really really hate that stupid watermelon schtick. I want to like Sean Gallagher, but if people keep bringing up that other stupid Gallagher every time he pitches, it’s going to make him my least favorite A very quickly.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
get over it...
Gallagher was hilarious
If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Josh Hamilton on public relapse: ‘It was just wrong. That’s all it comes down to.’
- Photo: The Marlins’ ridiculous-looking home run sculpture is almost complete
- Yankees GM Brian Cashman lures alleged stalker into police dragnet
- Report: Josh Hamilton had a relapse with alcohol
- Happy Birthday Boy! Wes Ferrell, the best-hitting pitcher of all-time, would be 104
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
