Nico's Bull And Bear Predictions
by Nico on Feb 21, 2009 4:15 PM PST
118 comments
It's posts like this that allow us to look stupid: Putting in writing predictions that will probably be half right, half wrong, allowing everyone to remember all the times you were wrong!
The question is: Which Athletics will exceed expectations for 2009 and which Athletics will fall short. My guesses, from a very cloudy crystal ball...
Bullish: Travis Buck. The guy is extremely talented with a track record of success, has shown he can perform at the major league level, and learned a lot from the adversity he faced in 2008. I see Buck pleasantly surprising those who were traumatized by his 2008 "season o' futility" and performing like a solid leadoff hitter. Yay, Travis!!!
Bearish: Daric Barton. I'm doing Daric a favor by predicting his failure, as last off-season I boldly predicted Barton would hit .300 in 2008 and he kind of didn't. So this year, I am ensuring his success by concluding that a lot of signs point to him struggling in 2009. First of all, he will get off to a late start due to his off-season hip surgery, and so he will begin "odd man out" in a "four players for three spots" scenario.
And as long as his leash was last year, Barton's leash will be short this year due to the combination of Giambi and a more competitive division race, so if Daric struggles out of the gate - likely enough given his late spring training and the pressure to perform immediately - he could easily find himself stashed in AAA until further notice.
Finally, I saw some of 2008 Barton's problems being a lack of maturity (and/or depth perception) and so I now see Daric as someone who will still be a solid major league player, but maybe not at as young an age as some of his teammates. I see Barton getting off to a late and slow start, and ultimately not "breaking out" as a big leaguer until 2010.
Bullish: Brett Anderson. I think Anderson is polished in a way that is more important than chronological age. He throws strikes, he knows how to pitch, and I think he is the best candidate of all the young pitchers to emerge at a young age. I see him opening lots of eyes in spring training, barely missing the rotation from the git go, being the first call-up from AAA and never looking back.
Bearish: Ryan Sweeney. Not because he's bad but because expectations are high and I'm not convinced Sweeney will meet them, at least in 2010. I really think he's a very average defender in CF and I don't see him having the foot-speed to get substantially better. As an average defender, he needs to do more than slap a lot of singles and that's what I expect from Sweeney: A solid batting average and lots of talk about how he'll hit for power someday that isn't today. And that will constitute a disappointment, if not a surprise.
Bullish: Eric Chavez. I just think the guy is going to be pretty healthy and as a result pretty darn productive. If Chavez turns in 120-130 games hitting .260/.360/.460 with 20 HRs and good old Chavy defense, I think most fans will be thrilled. I think he can do it.
Honorable mentions...Bulls Trevor Cahill and James Simmons may be closer to being ready to pitch in the big leagues than bears Gio Gonzalez and Vince Mazzaro...Bull Jack Cust may show that eye exercises and protection are real, while bear Mark Ellis may show that coming back from surgery is no quick or simple matter...
Disclaimer: Everything I just said may be utter baloney. Your turn!
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Bullish: Sean Gallagher
Bearish: Jason Giambi
Bullish: Bobby Crosby (in relative terms, of course)
Bearish: Joey Devine’s health
Goatish: Nico
by HigherPie on Feb 21, 2009 4:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Bobby Crosby +1
Hoping he has a great year. We seem to be in the minority on this one.
by somebodyelse on Feb 21, 2009 7:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
it's like the wife who keeps coming back after being cheated on time after time
witty remark
by dtownmbrown on Feb 22, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Except in that scenario, a guy scores occasionally
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 Feb 22, 2009 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I just want to be able to wear my Crosby tee
in public again. I Hate to waste a nice tee shirt.
by somebodyelse on Feb 22, 2009 4:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So then
these could just as easily be moose and squirrel predictions?
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Feb 21, 2009 4:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Eveland: moosish
Duke: squirrelish (compared to last year)
Chavez: moosish
Ellis: squirrelish
witty remark
by dtownmbrown on Feb 22, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What? Bare Mark Ellis?
...then Pennington takes over.
by Poppy on Feb 21, 2009 4:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm bearish on the whole team. They could lose 95 games.
Expect little to no contribution from:
Duchscherer
Giambi
Devine
Ellis
Chavez
Crosby/Other SS
Braden
Gallagher
Expect mediocrity from:
Buck
Sweeney
Anderson
Cahill
G. Gonzalez
Outman
Mazzaro
Eveland
Ziegler
Blevins
Barton
Expect good years from:
Suzuki
Cust
Holliday (who’ll hopefully be traded for a SS prospect)
Three above average players don’t make for a very good team.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 21, 2009 4:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Eeyore's back!
I’m donkeyish on you!
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 Feb 21, 2009 5:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you think the a's will have only 3 above average players?
can we define what above average means and then place a substantial wager on this?
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
by xbhaskarx on Feb 21, 2009 5:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No betting on AN!
(Unless “the house” gets 10% off the top.)
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 Feb 21, 2009 5:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How about greater than 2 WAR on Fangraphs?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 22, 2009 4:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
where is WAR on that site?
i don’t see it
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1564&position=DH/OF
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
by xbhaskarx on Feb 22, 2009 12:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
down at the bottom--- "value wins"
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Feb 22, 2009 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
in that case i will take the bet
what do you say, WC, $100?
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
by xbhaskarx on Feb 22, 2009 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, no monetary bet made on AN is enforceable
Monastery bets are ok if you have one to wager.
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 Feb 22, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll bet you on that
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Feb 22, 2009 1:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like a piece, too
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Feb 22, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"All we are saying...is give Chance a piece..."
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Feb 22, 2009 6:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish there was a negative rec option
I can’t wait for you to be wrong
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Feb 21, 2009 9:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, there's pessimistic and there's just plain ridiculous
Anything in the “95 win – 95 loss” range is pretty out there.
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 Feb 21, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I said "could" not "would"
I’m “predicting” about 80 wins. But I see a lot more downside than upside. 95 losses is a lot more likely than 95 wins.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 22, 2009 4:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd actually say they're equally likely
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 Feb 22, 2009 9:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you on Buck and Brett Anderson
He (Anderson) appears to be quite polished for his age and throwing strikes is half the battle.
Let’s hope Travis stays healthy.
I expect Gallagher to improve outta sight as he gets more experience.
The offense is so much better on paper that it has to help the young pitching and I think that we see that very young pitching very early on in the season. There is much mediocrity as the rotation stands at the moment that I think one or two of the future will be here sooner than later.
Go A’s
by Trainman on Feb 21, 2009 4:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I skipped Gallagher because I think his development will be slow but sure
I could still him having too many walks and high pitch counts in 2009 in a “solid year,” en route to being really good in 2010.
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 Feb 21, 2009 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nico you landed somewhere between Jim Rome and Mad Money on this one.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Feb 21, 2009 4:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I don't understand that, but "thanks"/"hey that's not nice"
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 Feb 21, 2009 5:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry you didn't get it
My fault for making obtuse references. Bad habit of mine.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Feb 21, 2009 11:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
At the risk of sounding stupid,
which I repeatedly do,
what is an “obtuse reference”?
by somebodyelse on Feb 21, 2009 11:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not the same thing as an abstruse reference.
...then Pennington takes over.
by Poppy on Feb 21, 2009 11:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
An obtuse reference is an obscure one. Even the 21 century, obtuse angles are still widely ostracized in the triangle community.
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 Feb 22, 2009 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Look, call me a shapeist if you must
But I would certainly never accept an obtuse triangle in my family.
by thejd44 on Feb 22, 2009 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Milton Bradley was right!
You are shapeist!
by somebodyelse on Feb 22, 2009 4:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"Rack em', yo!"
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Feb 22, 2009 10:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What? What did you call me?
I'm starting to like our bullpen......Wuertz and all.
by scatterbrian on Feb 22, 2009 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bullish: Gio Gonzalez
I think he is going to win the 5th starter competition and perform like a pretty good 3 or 4 starter this year.
The stuff is definitely there, he’s been one of the best strikeout pitchers in the minors for the last 3 years and even when he was getting rocked in the Majors late in the season he was striking guys out.
The big problem for Gio is the walks but I don’t think he will be nearly as wild as he was as a starter for the A’s. Over 6 BB/9 is way above his previous walk rates, I expect it to drop back to the low 4’s this season.
Gio will probably always walk more people than you would like but I think his stuff is good enough to pitch around it most times and that he will be a very useful pitcher this season.
by DiegoAsFan on Feb 21, 2009 5:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Of course when discussing Gio these days,
there’s kind of a big “but…”
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 Feb 21, 2009 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he is trying to channel David Wells
in an effort to improve his command
by DiegoAsFan on Feb 21, 2009 5:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wells is, what, channels 58 and 59?
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 Feb 21, 2009 5:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Chavvy: Bearish
He’s probably more healthy than he’s been in a while, but I won’t believe it until I see it on-field. That might be a little while.
"If Bowden was a general contractor, he'd build houses with nine bedrooms, six garages, no bathrooms, and half a roof."
by DyeLongJustice on Feb 21, 2009 5:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Bearish: Jason Giambi
It’s cool to have the Giambino back in town holding court in the clubhouse but I think people who are expecting him to be an impact hitter might be disappointed.
He’s 38 now moving from Yankee stadium with the short porch in Right field and a powerful line-up to one of toughest parks for hitters in the AL where he will likely be protected by the like of Eric Chavez and Kurt Suzuki. On top of that his BB rate seemed to slip the last couple years from awesome to pretty darned good.
Giambi is well into the decline phase of his career so if I have to pick someone to be pessimistic on I’ll go with him.
P.S. I hope I’m wrong and Giambi parties like it’s 1999-2001
by DiegoAsFan on Feb 21, 2009 5:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think the "RF porch" factor might HELP Giambi
Away from Yankee Stadium, he’s likely to go back to the approach that made him most successful, which is to bang the ball hard to all fields. He’s always hit great at the Coliseum, so I’m not sure why everyone is so quick to knock down his projected stats due to park effects.
Age may take its toll, but a 38-year old Frank Thomas did just fine too. I expect something around a .245/.360/.480 line for Giambi, with maybe 25 HRs. I’ll take 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 Feb 21, 2009 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not just the park effects
I think there could be some rough times if Giambi tries to remake his swing at 38 after 7 years in NY. Although if .245/.360/.480 with 25 HR’s is the general expectation maybe he won’t underperform by that much. I was just getting the impression that people were expecting Giambi to step into the middle of the lineup and OBP .400 with 35 or so HR’s.
by DiegoAsFan on Feb 21, 2009 5:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He's definitely not going to do that -
and If he only hits .230/.340/.420 with 18 HRs you could definitely say he was “bearish,” but if he puts up the numbers I’m predicting I think the A’s will be happy and rightly so.
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 Feb 21, 2009 5:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Giambi talked about going to left center at the Coliseum
and doing exactly what you say Nico. Said he thinks he can get his average up and was pulling the ball at Yankee Stadium and now back here wants to make the adjustments.
Let’s see what happens.
by Trainman on Feb 21, 2009 6:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Shift
I wonder if teams will still use the shift on him if he isn’t pulling the ball as much.
by skalordes on Feb 21, 2009 11:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He'll probably still pull all his ground balls
(see Harold Baines) so I imagine the shift will still occur in some form.
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 Feb 22, 2009 9:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think your prediction is on the high end of what I think is realistic
But a lot of people here are predicting 30-35 HRs from the guy. There’s bullish, and there’s just plain dreaming. Too many people are dreaming.
by thejd44 on Feb 22, 2009 10:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's almost definitionally not "dreaming" to predict a player to hit the same number of HR as he did last season
Maybe it’s not his 50th percentile projection, but “dreaming”? Ludicrous.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Feb 22, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I got 5$ on it. Giambino goes yard 30+ times this year.
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Feb 22, 2009 6:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not as optimistic about Chavez, but...
…if he can put together the performance you describe I’ll be very happy indeed.
I could prove God statistically. Take the human body alone - the chances that all the functions of an individual would just happen is a statistical monstrosity.
~George Gallup
by UncleLeo on Feb 21, 2009 6:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Bullish on Trevor Cahill.
I don’t think it’s long before he gets here, and I think his ceiling is Greg Maddux. There, I said it.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Feb 21, 2009 6:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm slightly bearish on Cahill
I still really like him as a prospect but I think he needs a bit more time working on controlling his sinker. I’m a little concerned about the jump in walk rate he showed when he moved up to AA last season. I wouldn’t mind seeing him start the season on AA and have him work on his control and change-up.
I think people expecting him to make an impact with the A’s this season might be a bit disappointed.
by DiegoAsFan on Feb 21, 2009 6:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would like to see him jump to AAA but not to the majors,
for the reasons you describe. I think he needs to be “pushed but not rushed” and I think AAA is the right place for him for at least the first half of 2009.
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 Feb 21, 2009 6:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think his ceiling is Brandon Webb and I'll more than take it.
There, I wrote 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 Feb 21, 2009 6:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i’ve heard the brandon webb comparisons, how is cahill anything like greg maddux?
cahill gets more strikeouts but gives up more walks. i guess they’re both right handed…
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
by xbhaskarx on Feb 22, 2009 12:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
6 letter last names, a "double letter" in there...C'mon, they're practically twins.
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 Feb 22, 2009 1:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Came from an interview I read.
He seems like a pretty bright kid. I was thinking of a smart pitcher without a blazing fastball, yet incredible potential. Not a perfect comparison by any means…
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Feb 22, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
GO AWAY AND DON'T COME BACK UNTIL YOU HAVE A PERFECT COMPARISON!!!
Is what a jerk might say.
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 Feb 22, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm bullish on team health
Seems like the rehiring of Bob Alejo completes the desparately-needed reinvention of the training staff. It’s possible that I just have a lousy memory, but it seemed like players were much better at staying on the field during his earlier A’s tenure than has been the case the last few years.
Plus…the A’s are simply due to revert to the mean on the injury front. Yeah, I know, just because tails has come up 5 times in a row, it doesn’t mean heads is any more likely on the next flip.
by Soaker on Feb 21, 2009 6:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sure it is!!!!111
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 Feb 21, 2009 7:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm bearish on team health
though I too am happy with the changes in the training staff, and recollect the Alejo years as fairly healthy ones. But between Ellis, Chavez and Duke there’s an awful lot of rehab pitfalls out there. And the early spring noises about the pace of Ellis’ recovery are disquieting.
"There is a sense of tragic destiny associated with people who have large noses." --Bucky Wunderlick
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 21, 2009 8:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why aren't the A's after Grudzielanek instead of Nomar?
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 Feb 21, 2009 8:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's the restraining order Grudz has against me.
...then Pennington takes over.
by Poppy on Feb 21, 2009 8:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, the guy really holds a Grudz, doesn't he
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Feb 21, 2009 9:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Better to get a player who could potentially take over as starting SS
if Crosby really goes into the tank.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Feb 21, 2009 8:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless you think there's a good chance Ellis will not play 100 games -
Hopefully he will. I was surprised that given Utley’s situation, the Phillies haven’t gone after Grudzy, or someone better than Bruntlett, even though it’s just for 1/2 a 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 Feb 21, 2009 8:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
they have Jason Donald too.
I don’t think that hes ready… but then again i didn’t give Raul Ibanez 30m for three years.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Feb 21, 2009 9:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Donald would be a decent A's target,
since the Phillies are pretty set with Rollins and Utley – but realistically he’s more 2010 material.
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 Feb 21, 2009 9:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But the Phillies probably need him to fill in while Utley's out. Even after that
they need a 3B
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 22, 2009 4:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure he's ready to fill in for Utley.
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 Feb 22, 2009 9:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
no
I really don’t think Donald is the answer. Hes too old and their are questions about his ability to play ss long term because of his lack of range. His total zone per 150 last year was -37 runs below avg. I know minor league defensive stats are to be taken with a grain of salt and he wasn’t terrible in 07 but hes going to be 25 this year and its his first year in AAA.. Additionally his numbers aren’t as shinny when you adjust for luck on BABIP.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Feb 22, 2009 10:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Crosby's already in the tank, thrashing his arms about and only sinking deeper
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Feb 21, 2009 9:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's true that Ellis, at his worst, for 100 games...
…is probably better than Crosby for 162.
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 Feb 21, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Nomar would be cool as a backup plan
he can play 1st. 2nd, and 3rd and gives the A’s another RH stick off the bench. As long as you don’t expect him to be a full time player anymore, I totally welcome “The Lowd Nomah!”
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Feb 22, 2009 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Because of PED's
When he was the head trainer before, not just steriods but ampthetamines were widely used.
by skalordes on Feb 21, 2009 11:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
bullish on the younger guys in general
bearish on the older and injury-plagued players.
by OaklandSi on Feb 21, 2009 7:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
and in between on the medium-aged guys?
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Feb 21, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm bullish on Stomper
Last year’s Stomper was the weakest one I can remember. Unremarkable dancing, terrible field presence, zero camaraderie with A’s players and coaches, lousy with kids in the stands. And he committed the unforgivable sin of mascots everywhere during the September game in which his costume head came off and rolled across the field.
Stomper ‘09 can’t possibly be worse.
"There is a sense of tragic destiny associated with people who have large noses." --Bucky Wunderlick
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 21, 2009 8:08 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
His penis could come off
That would be worse.
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 Feb 21, 2009 8:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, just soak it in some betadine.
...then Pennington takes over.
by Poppy on Feb 21, 2009 8:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And serve with rice?
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 Feb 21, 2009 8:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
..on some shrimp
…then Pennington takes over.
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Feb 21, 2009 9:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bullish on Gallagher and Anderson
And bearish on Cahill but only slightly (as in, I really don’t see how so many of you think Cahill is going to be a better player than Anderson…)
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Feb 21, 2009 8:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
It's all bullsh, if you ask me
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Feb 21, 2009 9:22 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
As a fan
I agree with you on this one!
by danquadtwo on Feb 21, 2009 11:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My bearish bullish prediction
Not alot to argue with Nico’s predictions they all could come true but where does Crosby stand? Even Nico is smart enough not to touch that one.
Bearish>>> Buck will have the break out year. Mazzaro will win a spot and be a shinning light in the rotation. Devine will end up as the closer and Ziggy as the set up man. Suzuki will be considered one of the top catcher in the AL. While Pennington wins the utility job and becomes the new scutaro. Dallas Braden will be our #3 starter.
Bullish…Cust will be gone half way through the season. Gallagher will not be better than a 4th or 5th starter. Gio will be in AAA. Eveland will be out of the rotation when Anderson joins mid year. Casilla will be hurt most of the year.
by Arcman on Feb 21, 2009 9:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
you sir, would not do well on wall street
bearish = bad
bullish = good
"I think people in this state like BOTH teams," proclaims Nick Aliotti, the Ducks' defensive coordinator. "Except for our hard-core fans, I don't think most Duck fans would have been terribly upset to see Oregon State going to the Rose Bowl."
Another reason he needs to go.
by diehardoaklandfan22 on Feb 21, 2009 9:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mazzaro =
a shinning light with strickouts!
by somebodyelse on Feb 21, 2009 9:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, Mazzaro's strickout rate was pretty low last season...
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Feb 22, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In no particular order:
Bullish: Crosby (if he’s on the team)
Bullish: Sweeney
Bullish: Giambi
Bullish: Holliday
Bullish: Barton (in AAA, then in MLB when Giambi needs some rest)
Bullish: Cahill & Anderson
Bullish: Devine
Bullish: Ziggy
Bullish: Eveland
Bullish: Cust
Bullish: Buck
Bearish: Ellis
Bearish: Duke
Bearish: Chavez
Meh: Mazzaro
Meh: Gonzalez
Meh: Simmons
Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...
by FoolshGame22 on Feb 22, 2009 12:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I knew I'd forget players...
but, after reading Arcman’s post…
Bullish: Gallagher
Bullish: Suzuki (very bullish)
Bullish: Braden (especially if he throws the scrooge)
Bearish: Pennington
Meh: Cunningham (I’m on the fence with this one… I tend toward bullish, but until Holliday is traded, he won’t play in the major leagues)
Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...
by FoolshGame22 on Feb 22, 2009 12:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cunningham
Hard to say what he will do unless a injury to Sweeny/Buck or Holiday is traded.
by Arcman on Feb 22, 2009 9:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm very bullish on Cunningham, but I agree with where he's playing
But killing AAA pitching isn’t a bad thing. And I think he’ll do that.
by thejd44 on Feb 22, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree - he'll be on the same bus as one of the young pitchers:
Headed to Oakland around May on a one-way ride.
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 Feb 22, 2009 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad to see that some have selected 'bullish' for Crosby
If he manages to stick around [and why wouldn’t he since it would be costly to get rid of and then replace him], I think that he exceedes current expectations of him. With expectations of him so low, final year of contract with no interst in him on the horizon, Crosby has to press to get his shit together. If Crosby can even slightly improve with a little self-induced stress, he will have met and surpassed the expectation that those in fandom have on him.
But what if he came out of the gate and was raking and his game came together in a big way? How many weeks would it take for him to get some love on AN? And what if the performance continued; could the love turn to gushing? Weirder things have happened in fandom. Personally, if this unlikely turn of events were to happen, I’d wouldn’t mind seeing him traded of if he could be replaced from within and by doing so it would hurt the team’s chances to compete.
by LowcountryJoe on Feb 22, 2009 5:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Screw Fremont.
Bulls- Giambi, Cust, Holliday, Suzuki, Duke, Gio, Casilla, Ziggy, Buck, Gallagher
Bears-Bobby frickin Crosby, Sweeney, Chavez, Ellis, Eveland, Barton
I wish it differently for Bobby but I haven’t seen he’s ever going to be the gamer we all thought he might be back in the day. Ellis and Chavez going to continue to get hurt.
Honestly, I just don’t know what to think of Mazzaro, Cahill and Anderson yet.
Time will tell.
by Trotter on Feb 22, 2009 7:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
if nomar signs
looks like theyve run out of patience w/ barton
he may have been carlos pena’d, lousy season plus maturity issues
kind of interesting, since this time last offseason he was hyped to be their next great player.
considering, theyve had so much patience with other players (crosby) its a bit surprising,
bringing in giambi, rumoprs about nick johnson/nomar, doolittle/carter waiting for a chance…the pressure is being put on barton
by Asfan4ever723 on Feb 22, 2009 9:05 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Nomar affects Barton one way or the other
I think if the A’s sign Nomar, it’s strictly to be a good utility player. He’d probably replace Hannahan and Baisley, and mostly start at 3B against occasional LHP, as well as pinch-hit.
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 Feb 22, 2009 10:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Bullish on Holliday, Buck, Devine, Ziggy, Giambi, and above all Sweeney.
So bored of Bearish the last few seasons, I’m meh.
by oaklidiot on Feb 22, 2009 12:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sure, yeah, Bullish and Bearish
But which A’s players are you Foolsh on?
"There is a sense of tragic destiny associated with people who have large noses." --Bucky Wunderlick
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Feb 22, 2009 6:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
There's only one A to be Foolsh on
by green star oakland on Feb 22, 2009 10:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
to FSU and you… gonna have to keep that pic, though. Classic!
Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...
by FoolshGame22 on Feb 24, 2009 1:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
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