Opening Day 25 Man Roster Predictions
by Zonis on Mar 27, 2009 12:01 AM PDT
Email
PrintIts been a while since we've had a full blown Rosterbation thread, so lets have at it. What do you project the 25 Man Roster to be for opening day?
My Prediction:
RF Travis Buck
CF Ryan Sweeney
LF Matt Holliday
1B Jason Giambi
DH Jack Cust
3B Nomar Garciaparra
C1 Kurt Suzuki
SS Orlando Cabrera
2B Mark Ellis
C2 Landon Powell
SS Bobby Crosby
CF Rajai Davis
3B Jack Hannahan
SP Dallas Braden
SP Sean Gallagher
SP Dana Eveland
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Brett Anderson
CL Joey Devine
CL Brad Ziegler
SU Santiago Casilla
SU Russ Springer
RGY Mike Wuertz
LGY Jerry Blevins
LNG Josh Outman
DL Eric Chavez
DL Justin Duchscherer
milb DL Gio Gonzalez
When Chavez comes off the DL, he replaces Jack Hannahan on the 25 Man Roster, and replaced Garciaparra as the Starting Third Basema.
When Duchscherer comes off the DL, he replaces whomever is doing the worst of the starting rotation.
105 comments
|
3 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Pretty solid makeup...
I agree almost entirely except I think maybe Bailey’s strong spring and some of our other BP guys lackthereof warrants some strong consideration for him opening with the club.
Having Duke hopefully waiting in the wings on the DL should give some of our young guys motivation to perform in the first few weeks since it seems likely that any one of the five of them could be sent down if they aren’t producing.
And, assuming Gio gets healthy should he replace Outman like Chavez can replaces Hannahan? Or should he stay in AAA for a while and prove he can stay healthy?
BTW this is my first comment, so HELLO AN! GO A’S!!
" I may not know how to tango, but I sure as hell can man dance!" -Nate Robles
Welcome indeed.
I’d prefer Gio in the pen instead of Wuertz. He doesn’t have a lot to prove in AAA, outside of a rehab stint. I’d like to see 2 multi-inning guys in the pen with all the uncertainty in the rotation.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Wuertz is out of options
thats why we got him.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Yes. I have no burning desire to keep him in the organization.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
so you want to eat the $2 million?
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Let's wait for Worst to lose a couple of games,
then eat the 2mil.
by redtopcowboy on Mar 27, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Not really, but I'm more concerned with who's on the team than sunk costs.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Wuertz is towards the bottom of the team's problems list
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 27, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't worry, Wuertz has a history of bad ST...
And still has a 9.26 career K/9. Don’t call for his head just yet.
I disagree
I think he does have a lot to prove in AAA. Last year in AAA he was rather erratic (I can’t find a game log, but I remember he was either lights out or very bad,) and I don’t think sticking him in the bullpen is the answer. The A’s clearly want Gio to be a starter as soon as possible, but another half year in the minors working on consistency could prove very helpful, especially since the Gio we have now (assuming he’s close to the Gio we had in the bigs last year,) is hovering around zero WARP.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Mar 27, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
So you're satisfied with just Outman as a multi-inning guy in the pen?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions
He's going to end up in the pen anyways
There are too many starters ahead of him on the prospect depth chart.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
You mean Gio or Outman?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Outman
Gio might make the rotation in a this year or next.
Good, young pitchers we have that are MLB or Near MLB ready are;
Trevor Cahill (Potential #1, Probably #1 Starter)
Brett Anderson (Potential #1, Probably #1 Starter)
Sean Gallagher (Potential #2, Probably #3 Starter)
Gio Gonzalez (Potential #2, probably #3-4 Starter)
Vin Mazzaro (Potential #2, Probably #3 Starter)
James Simmons (Potential #3, probably #4 Starter)
Josh Outman (Potential #4, probably #5 Starter)
It would be nice to have 5 of those guys make it and become solid pitchers in the Majors in the next year or two. We’ll have the usual rotation filler to go with them in Braden and Eveland, but the sooner they are pushed out of the rotation the better. Outman is on the cusp or fringe (or dare I say, Verge) of that precipice, and if he makes the rotation in the next year or two, it will probably be as a 5th Starter.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Pennington over Hannahan?
I think he’s the better fit; he switch-hits, is more versatile, and most importantly, he’s probably better.
Just wondering why you had Hannahan in instead, or why the A’s would?
The rest looks pretty close to correct.
Hannahan's a better hitter
And a better defensive player at 3B. They don’t need two backup middle infielders on the roster.
Especially with Chavez on the DL
and Nomar on the pre-DL
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
But Pennington switch-hits...
And Hannahan would need to be platooned…
I guess we’ll see, but I’m a big Pennington fan and feel he’s ready now. Part of me actually wonders if he could outplay Cabrera.
Can Pennington actually hit though? He seems completely powerless.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I haven't actually seen Pennington hit
he can walk in the Minors, but he can’t hit in the Majors. Not for Average, not for Power.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Well, he managed a .339 big league OBP...
For a SS, that’s not bad.
Cabrera’s career OBP is .324, by comparison, and he’s started in the bigs for years.
We’ll have to see if the power comes, but his speed can turn some singles into doubles at least (via extra bases or SBs).
I just think having a speedy, defensively solid, .340 OBP backup infielder would be nice. Why don’t we just give up Crosby for a prospect or two and put Pennington there?
Nobody wants Crosby unless we eat a big chunk of
his contract. All things being equal, the team would probably prefer to try out some new guys rather than hope for a Crosby renaissance. But all things aren’t equal, and if the difference is ~$5 million, they’ll take their chances with Crosby.
Later in the season, especially if Crosby doesn’t look too bad as a backup, the price might come down a bit (ie, how much of his salary another team is willing to assume). When that happens, he could get moved.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers."
Pennington
Once pitchers realize that they can just groove fastballs to him and he won’t hit them, he’s doomed.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 27, 2009 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions
he'll get kendallized
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
i'm not convinced that hannahan is better defensively
with barton at first to scoop his throws, i believe he’s absolutely 100x better. but with giambi at first, hannahan becomes less valuable
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
I only have Hannahan there because he fills the 3B/1B Backup role
for the week or two that Chavez is out to begin the season.
As for what to do when Chavez goes back on the DL 4 weeks later, who knows.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Giambi is very good at scooping balls
He just has limited range
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
If by "limited" you mean "no"...
But I agree, aside from his awful range, he’s not bad on D. Then again, the range is a killer.
I'm not sure the words "hannahan" and better hitter...
have ever been together in the same sentence.
unless it ends with "than Crosby".
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers."
Not if you also add "relative to position"
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Sure
But only because many people’s memories only go back one year.
Hannahan projects as a significantly better hitter than the rest of the AAA infielders (Petit, Pennington, Baisley). If Chavez is hurt, Hannahan’s easily their best option—offensively and defensively—at 3B against RHP.
yep... looks about right
but, I agree with DaSwinginA’s… Bailey should make it.
If we’re gonna go for it this year, start out with your strongest pitching, right from the beginning.
Replace as needed down the line.
Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...
Bailey over whom? Wuertz? Casilla?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Probably Casilla
I haven’t been impressed with what I’ve seen from Casilla in quite some time, and we should give this kid Bailey a shot.
Nah, Casilla has better stuff...
And is a sub-4.00 ERA pitcher. He’s gonna close for someone someday. Bailey’s just another low upside guy…still think he should get a look as the #5 guy if he gets a look anywhere.
And, by the way, anyone promoting Bailey as ready because of ST while saying that Anderson and Cahill aren’t ready needs to rethink what they’re saying. Seriously, who entered spring saying “Yep, I think Andrew Bailey will be a big asset in April.” Come on now.
About right
but I think Devine may start on the DL too.
Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.
I was about to write that as well
also, I read somewhere (can’t find the link now) that Geren would like 2 long relievers in the bullpen. So the question would be who? and who would he replace?
If Gio is ready I think he’d end up being the other long reliever….not sure who he would replace.
Another issue: Anderson and Cahill aren’t on the 40 man roster. I think there is one space available (left by Bowen). I imagine they can clear another space by returning Copeland to the Giants.
Bailey is not on the 40 man roster, so is he’s added someone else has to go.
My top 5 cuts from the 40 man, if necessary
1) Ben Copeland
2) Jeff Baisley
3) Jeff Gray
4) Ryan Webb
5) Gregorio Petit/Eric Patterson (tie)
You'd cut Webb before Patterson?
23 year old pitchers with 3 options and mid-90’s fastballs have more value than a guy who would rank no better than 7th in an OF depth chart or 4th at 2B.
The monster at the end of this blog.
I could definitely be convinced of that
A lot depends on just how bad Patterson’s defense at 2B is, which I really don’t know.
no better than 7th in an OF depth chart or 4th at 2B.
Where does Webb rank on the SP and RP depth chart?
Beats the Hell outs me, the body count continues to rise!
On a slightly more serious note, pitchers tends to be less predictable than position prospects. I don’t think anyone foresaw Mazzaro’s break-out or DLS’s break down last year. If I had to guess, I’d say Webb ranks worse than 8th on both pitching depth charts. I defend Webb because his body has finally matured, his fastball is a good pitch and he’s posted solid or better BB/9 rates his entire pro career. I think he needs to improve his command within the strike zone and add polish to his off-speed stuff, which if he can do could lead to a break-out season similar to what Mazzaro did in AA last year. Yes, I have the (probably stubborn) belief that Webb can pitch that good real soon.
At 2nd base, the A’s have Ellis, Crosby, Pennington or Cardenas (maybe both) then your toss-up of Petit or Patterson. If Weeks gets healthy he’ll probably rocket up the chart, although he won’t be an option in 2009.
The monster at the end of this blog.
I think I'm with you
I think Webb might be less likely to be claimed on waivers because he’s no ready to contribute, as you say. I don’t think either of them are likely to ever be positive contributors at the major league level, but I guess I agree with you that Webb is more likely to breakout given his stuff and his job description.
I guess I just don’t like the idea of DFAing a 26 year old who can play 2B and has put up a .311/.366/.484 in 1000 AAA plate appearances. But those terrible 150 PA in the majors really weigh down his projections.
I could easily see jettisoning Wuertz, Casilla or Crosby.
They could be traded rather than cut outright. OK maybe not Crosby.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Why would they trade away good relievers
when they’ve supposedly been trying to sign more of them?
I assumed they'd been trying to sign relievers to replace the ones
they’re not satisfied with. I also thought they were trying to sign lefties. Do you think Wuertz and Casilla are “good”? I can take them or leave them.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes
If healthy, I’d say Casilla is an above average reliever and Wuertz is at least average. I’d much rather DFA the guys on my list than force a trade of Casilla or Wuertz.
Sure. I guess so.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions
About waivers
A 23 year old with his arm and 3 options would be claimed on waivers.
The monster at the end of this blog.
It's also hard to believe they'd protect him from Rule 5 just to waive him.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
They could just trade Jeff Gray
I mean, if Slusser was to be believed, scouts liked him. And we don’t. So get rid of him!
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Sure, if he has any value.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Gray could be traded for something.
Not a lot, but something. That makes him an excellent candidate for dropping from the 40-man, since we could actually get a little bit back. Doesn’t seem like he has any future here, so why not?
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers."
Agreed on Webb/Patterson...
Webb has never gotten results. He keeps putting up 5+ ERAs. Patterson has nothing left to prove in the minors; Webb has a lot to prove, and his age has caught up to his level. Keep Patterson over Webb; quite frankly, I wouldn’t have put Webb on the 40-man in the first place. As Rule 5 guys go, he’d have less of a roster shot than Ben Copeland.
I'd rather keep Webb
Because we’ve seen that Patterson can’t hit in the Majors, and he can’t field in the Majors… He’s not like Rajai, who is at least a good defensive CF. Patterson can’t even play LF effectivly.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
roster thoughts from a few days ago
Since then, EGon imploded and Duke’s elbow exploded.
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Mar 27, 2009 6:51 AM PDT reply actions
Isn't Pedro available for around $5 million;
with his 85 mph fastball and championship winning attitude.
"Where's the beef?"
I think it's like $2 mil actually...
Not that that really changes anything.
Looks just about right
I’d say Outman is much more of a LOOGY than Blevins. Blevins is a better pitcher and seems to have a smaller L/R split.
I’d probably rather have Schroder than Outman, anyway.
What do you think...
The actual lineup looks like?
by captain flitzy on Mar 27, 2009 10:23 AM PDT reply actions
Looks good... Barton maybe?
I think Barton gets the nod over Hannahan if Chavez starts the year on the DL… When i was at ST earlier this week Barton looked great and looked as if some of the confidence he built up toward the end of last year has carried over… So Barton can back up Giambi at first with Crosby being able to handle the other 3 infield spots, most spelling Nomar at third…
Question for those more knowledgeable about defense than I: When Ellis needs some time off at 2B why not slide Cabrera to 2B and let Crosby take SS?
If Chavez is healthy Barton is starting 1B at AAA and Nomar and Crosby back up as planned…
If Devine starts the year on the DL maybe give Andrew Baily a shot… Still no runs this spring and he used to be a starter right? So maybe he can be stretched out a little and be that second long man Geren was referring too…
When Duke and Gio come back (sooner rather than later please!) maybe stick Duke in the pen and give gio another shot at the rotation one of those 5 is struggling… This sticks with Beane’s desire to give the young kids a shot at starting while (hopefully) reducing Dukes chance at injury and sticking with the idea of a strong bullpen and potent offense to further aid these young studs…
Lastly, Ryan Sweeny is a beast in person and i hope he exceeds expectations (man-crush) and i’ve been lurking for almost a year now and this is my first post… Thanks to everyone at the top and the veteran posters for great analysis and information… and Let’s Go Oakland!
by A'sBowlingLeague on Mar 27, 2009 11:14 AM PDT reply actions
Agree about Barton
From everything I’ve read, there’s no indication whatsoever that Duke will go back to the ’pen.
But for grins how about
1. Buck
2. Cust
3. Cabrera
4. Holiday
5. Giambi
6. Nomar/Chavy
7. Ellis
8. Sweeney
9. Suzuki
Cabrera hitting 3rd?
Don’t think that’s gonna happen.
If the ST lineups are any indication the Opening Day lineup, assuming health, will be:
1. Sweeney
2. Cabrera
3. Giambia
4. Holliday
5. Cust
6. Chavez
7. Buck
8. Suzuki
9. Ellis
If they would switch Cabrera and Buck then I’d be happier, or if Cust found himself in the no. 2 spot.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 27, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Ladies and Gentlemen
Your 2009 Western Division Champion Oakland Athletics!
Sorry, trying to live up to my moniker
Free PT Now!
Unless those 10 words are
“any number with no factors other than one and itself”.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers."
Buck
Sweeney
Holliday
Giambi
Cust
Chavez
Ellis
Suzuki
Cabrera
—————————————————-
Powell
Nomar
Davis
Barton
Crosby
——————————————————
Braden
Gallagher
Eveland
Cahill
Anderson
——————————————————
Bailey
Blevins/Outman
Casilla
Springer
Ziegler
Devine
Pretty sure Geren is on record as saying he wants 12 pitchers (at least)
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 27, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions
You mean 13 is a possibility?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Kinda tounge in cheek
Since all our pitchers are dying
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 27, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions
tonight's lineup may provide the clue
to what they A’s want as far as their lineup, according to Slusser:
It’s more than likely that Geren will run all his starting position players out there on Friday night. He mentioned that he’d like to get all the regulars playing together, and with a day off tomorrow and Chavez set to go, that would make sense. So take a good look at that lineup when it’s available – it might give a good indication of where everyone might hit during the regular season.
and here is tonight's starting lineup
according to Slusser:
The A’s lineup tonight looks like the Opening Night order: Ryan Sweeney CF, Orlando Cabrera SS, Jason Giambi 1B, Matt Holliday LF, Eric Chavez 3B, Jack Cust DH, Kurt Suzuki C, Travis Buck RF, Mark Ellis 2B. Trevor Cahill is on the mound against San Diego’s Jake Peavy.
Geren confirmed that is, indeed, a batting order he’s considering for the regular season, though he’s guaranteed to change things around often. He said Buck and Cabrera could see time in the leadoff spot, and Ellis and Suzuki are candidates to hit second.
left-right-left-right
Chavez won’t play long tonight, I’m sure. Nomar or some other righty could relieve him.
I'm not wild about Sweeney and Cabrera 1-2. That doesn't sound like a high OBP to me.
Buck and Cust would be better.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm really kinda coming around to this team.
That lineup looks…pretty formidable.
"If I told you once, I told you a thousand times: get yourself a hacksaw and a roll of duck tape, and attach your ankle-bracelet monitor to the leg of a gator." -lumurspoker
by Leopold Bloom on Mar 27, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions
switch Buck and Cabrera
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
unless they don't like Cabrera's production
I think they pretty much see him as a two-spot hitter, as he was with the Angels. Ozzie had him leading off alot, but that was because the White Sox didn’t feel they had anyone better to lead off (remember they actually had Swish leading off for a while?)
more on lineup possibilities for the season
from Joe Stiglich:
Geren said Buck is still a leadoff candidate, as is Orlando Cabrera. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cabrera lead off a bit against lefties. Geren mentioned Ellis and Suzuki as candidates to hit second.
–Chavez is set to get two at-bats tonight, and he’ll play in the field for as long as it takes for that to happen.
WHY do the A's, a "Progressive" Sabermetric team,
insist on batting some of their worst hitters at the top of the order? I thought one of the points of Sabermetrics was to break away from conventions and traditions when they have a negative effect, and when things can be done better.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
This is the team that led off Scott Hatteberg and Jeremy Giambi in years past...
Wonder why NOW we’ve gone conventional? Those offenses worked a helluva lot better than this one would.
as I recall the Giambi experiment didn't last long
also, the A’s lacked a true leadoff man at the time, so it probably made sense to give Giambi a shot.
Buck, Sweeney and Cabrera all have more speed
than Je. Giambi. All have been mentioned by Geren as possibilities to lead off. But I agree that the A’s don’t have a true leadoff man right now. The last ones they had were Johnny Damon (2001) and (briefly) Ray Durham (second half of 2002).
Davis would fit the profile if his OBP was stronger…
I suppose Buck...
Wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world. I actually quite like the idea. Sweeney/Cabrera though, no way.
Why is Cust 6th?
He’s the best OBP guy on the team; he should be somewhere 1-4.
Where’s Billy on this one? That lineup is so wrong!
Side note.
A’s release Jason Windsor and Ryne Tacker.
http://athletics.scout.com/2/851217.html
"Their Triple-A rotation, led by Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson, could be better than some big-league rotations; Michael Ynoa is the best Latin American prospect of the decade; 2008 draftees Jemile Weeks and Rashun Dixon bring much-needed tools to an advanced group of hitters." - BaseballProspectus.com
Too bad for them but not unexpected.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Mar 27, 2009 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions
I had high hopes for Windsor
So that’s sad to hear. I’m a big CSF fan.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 27, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Arm/Shoulder Surgery killed Windsor.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
I'd say the CSF coach killed him
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 28, 2009 1:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
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.
