"The First Third Of The Season Is For Assessing What You Have..."
by Nico on Apr 16, 2009 5:37 PM PDT
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PrintIf this is the case, our journey inside Small Sample Theater tells us that so far the A's have a lot of what they hoped and a lot of what they feared. Here's what we know so far - or rather don't know because it's only been 9 games:
THE GOOD
- Andrew Bailey looks like a closer, dominating major league hitters with a 93+MPH fastball, a solid cutter and curve, very good command and most importantly, the fearlessness to come right after hitters early and often. Now it's too early to move Bailey, barely graduated from AA, into the closer's role but in Devine's absence, if he is still dealing come June 1st Bailey should leapfrog over Ziegler in order to put both in their optimal roles.
- Jack Cust's two-strike approach, designed to cut down on strikeouts with runners on base, has been a success. Sure, Cust has struck out 10 times in 11 games, and sure Cust has fanned at least once in 8 of the 9 games, but when you go inside the numbers (that is, when you take a small sample from within a small sample), you see that 8 of Cust's 10 strikeouts have come with the bases empty.
- In fact, Cust has struck out in 8 of his 25 plate appearances with the bases empty, which is 32% of the time. With runners on, he has fanned twice in 27 plate appearances, which is 7.4% of the time. And since he is batting .333/.487/.567 overall, one can hardly complain. As a staunch proponent of the "Bat Cust 2nd!!!" group, Geren's best answer to batting Cust in more of an RBI spot is that so far the 2009 version of Jack Cust actually does warrant him batting 5th.
THE BAD - Ryan Sweeney is batting .244/.295/.268. What's most meaningful from all that? 1 extra base hit (a double) in 44 plate appearances. So far, we have still yet to see the power promised to us by Sweeney's physique and by peer projection ("Oh he'll hit for power"). It remains to be seen whether Sweeney can provide enough offensive punch to play RF; on the plus side, Sweeney's CF defense so far has been solid, so it's still unclear how much power Sweeney will need to provide in order to justify a starting job. My guess, though, is that no matter what position he plays, he'll need to slug more than .268.
THE UGLY - Eric Chavez and Nomar Garciaparra out with random nagging problems??? Plus ça change...The A's have already needed a backup backup 3rd baseman, and they don't have one. They have Crosby, who is being asked to play positions he has never played before and is playing them like...he has never played them before. Jack Hannahan and Jeff Baisley would serve as better 5th infielders than Crosby, and I don't say that as a Crosby-maligner. I say that as someone with 20/20 vision.
So...45 games from now, what changes do you see the A's making after the first 1/3 of the season is over, and it's time to stop assessing the team and time to start reacting to the team?
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i am in a fantasy league that has OBP instead of average
and i have Cust AND Dunn!
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.
The Giants should have signed Dunn, IMO
He could have helped them a lot at a reasonable price.
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
Yeah I have Cust and Dunn. Sadly the league doesn't focus on OBP.
I have Gonzalez too – all teams do is walk him as the Padres have nobody else to really fear.
I wish I grabbed Cust.
I wasn’t 100% paying attention to the draft (late rounds & auction) and he slipped.
I agree completely regarding a Bailey and Ziegler switch.
But I don’t know why they must wait until June. He dominated in the Spring (albeit late in games versus weaker subs), but Ziegler is not a closer. Closers are supposed to keep the ball out of play, and that’s not Ziegler’s game. Trying to get groundballs in a save situation is very risky because you leave it up to chance.
I say if he looks this good for the next couple of weeks then give him a trial run as closer. Ziegler is much more effective coming in with runners on base and getting a groundball.
I think you at least need to see how he responds to being hit hard
before annointing him the closer – and fortunately, he hasn’t had that test yet. Putting someone as inexperienced as Bailey into a high leverage role like closer is one of those things that’s best not rushed – Ziggy, maybe even Casilla, can hold down the closer job for a couple months as need be.
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
HI IM4 :-)
I would rather see Ziggy come in when we desperately need a ground ball. He’s a great situational reliever but can pass as a closer if we don’t have a better option.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Yesterday afternoon in the 8th inning with 2 out
is a perfect example of a situation where Ziggy’s services were sorely needed. If you’re gonna utilize someone like Ziggy, putting him against Youk would have been ideal…..not leaving Blevins in to do either or against Drew.
Also, Zig should not have been used on Monday night, thus wasting a night of his arm in a game the A’s were leading by plenty…..just dumb in my opinion.
As far as Bailey goes….the boy can flat out bring it! Man he has impressed the hell out of me so far and I’m all for getting him into the closer mentality as soon as he’s ready. He’s got the stuff, he’s got the mound presence, and I like his stare in at the batter when he’s out there. We A’s fans could use someone out there who looks a little menacing to close out games. Go A’s!
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
Everyone agrees that it was stupid to pitch Ziggy on Monday.
How can everyone but Geren know that it was a bad decision?
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think it was dumb at all
But then I’m assuming that Ziggy requested to get an inning in.
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
disagree with ya Neekster
that was not a good call at all….
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
That's because you're assuming that
Ziggy was better off resting than throwing. In fact he was coming off a poor outing, wanting to correct stuff before another “high leverage” situation, and sinkerballers are generally better a little tired than too fresh. Plus he got way too little work in March.
If Ziggy came to Geren and said “Please get me in for an inning if you can,” you think Geren was dumb to say “Ok”?
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
yes, it it was at the risk of needing him in a more important situation
such as Wednesday.
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
...and "Nico"
:-)
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope the A's don't rush him because that is what I believe happened to Street.
He was overused which led to injuries IMO yet his ERA was never really that bad. I hope that Geren develops a system where closers are not used for 2-inning saves. It still pisses me off that Street was askedto do too much.
Hope I don’t sound like a Street-homer but I think the A’s had a lot to do with his struggles.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Denver Post Sports lead line on the Rockies game yesterday
Rockies avoid detour down wrong Street. Houston, you had a problem.
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
OUCH!!
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Clever headline there
Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.
by CarGon's Jock on Apr 17, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
No you sound like a homer-homer
mmmm…doughnuts…(drools a little)
"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08
Make Ziggy the close for now
let him get 20 saves
trade him in the deadline for prospects and then make Bailey the closer.
Profit
Clear its radiance shine...
Ya I don't get this either.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 17, 2009 7:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Flagged as a CGV
One must not make light of the CGV… therefore, you have been given a CGV for blantant disregard of the AN principle of utmost seriousness along with a complete lack of parody and satire.
If Ziegler blows a save... I'll flag his next post.
Step one:
Underwear.
Step three:
Profit.
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 17, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Thoughts, worries, confidence boosters
Re: Bailey. He’s one of the many new kids on the block this year, and it’s not entirely uncommon for a kid no one’s seen before to pitch (or hit) very well early on. I’m very interested to see what happens to Bailey when teams finally get a solid book on him. I like to think that he has the stuff, and by that time (hopefully), the confidence to make an adjustment and keep on chugging along. He misses more bats than Zig, so it’d be nice to slot him into that closer role.
That said, this bullpen is going to be completely gassed by July at this rate. If Duke can come back, I’m not sure what his best role would be— come back to the starting rotation and spare the ‘pen some innings, or go to the ’pen and become the new workhorse. Either way, the rotation really needs to pick it up if the other 7 pitchers are going to survive. I’m cautiously optimistic that the kids will go longer as the season progresses and they get more experience.
I just remembered I love Eric Chavez.
Our starters will simply need to go longer in order to save the pen.
Our offense seems pretty capable of scoring runs and I think we’ll just need to take our lumps by letting our starters go 5 innings, while hoping we can outscore other teams. Everyone always blames Geren for not pulling starters when they struggle but he really doesn’t have a choice if he is planning on the bullpen surviving.
I hope they have a short leash on Crosby regardless of his contract. Hannahan is a better backup 3rd baseman at this point and I hope they bring him up soon. Chavez is going to miss a lot of games this year so this problem isn’t going away anytime soon. Crosby shouldn’t be expected to play flawlessly at 3B but he better show signs of improvement before the DFA becomes imminent.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions
that's true
I’m withhlding judgment on the rookie pitchers until the league has a second go round on them…
The first half of the first third of the first third of the season...
…is for assessing how patient we’re going to be.
I was promised power by Ryan Sweeney? I somehow missed that.
What's G? Nothing but freakin' Gatorade. Geesh.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 16, 2009 6:08 PM PDT reply actions
What are you expecting from Sweeney? Because you can definitely do a lot worse than the .300/15/75 guy I think he can become. He’s had a mini slump the past few days but had a great series in Anaheim. He was pretty bad these past 2 series but I don’t think that is a sign of what’s to come this season at all. He is on his way to becoming, imo, a solid #2 guy in the lineup (this isn’t saying he is a better #2 than Jack Cust, but he gets his fair share of hits). He is sporadic, but so is this entire A’s offense. He shouldn’t be a guy we are worrying about.
Toot Toot
Maybe you've missed the chatter the past year,
but A’s brass and opposing players keep talking about how Sweeney will be a power hitter (20+ HRs), yet not only wasn’t he last season, his minor league track record does not suggest he will be either.
Sure I’d take .300/15/75, but it’s unlikely he’ll hit .300 playing half his games in Oakland, and he hasn’t done anything to suggest he’ll hit even 15 HRs other than “look like a guy who could.”
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 heard all of the chatter, and even I don’t think he will develop that much power. 15 HRs is fairly modest. Eventually I think the A’s are going to tinker with his swing a bit to try to get more power without sacrificing his ability to get hits (singles, but a hit is still a hit). He has shown the ability to get hits he just needs to be less streaky.
Toot Toot
by rollonubears on Apr 16, 2009 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Thing is, if he develops 15 HR power and settles into being
a .270/15HR hitter (and you have to expect some drop in BA if he tinkers with his swing to hit for more power – there’s no such thing as a free lunch), he won’t cut it as a corner OFer and he’ll have to be a pretty good defensive CFer to be anything special.
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
Would you rather have 15 HR or a .300 BA? I think with the .300, he’s bound to at least get 15 HR one year. Not every year but he will get a few over the wall every year. Maybe 10 is a more modest prediction for a yearly average. We can’t expect greatness out of him but I am fairly certain he will play for a long time in this league, never a star but always someone you like having on your team.
Toot Toot
by rollonubears on Apr 16, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think he's a .300 hitter no matter how many HRs he hits
Partly because he plays 81 games at the Coliseum and partly because he doesn’t hit LHP well enough.
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
As is, right now I'd call Sweeney about a
.280/.350, 10 HR hitter. That’s what he looks like to me, all factors considered.
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
Oi, just saw those lefty splits for the first time. Not pretty.
I have toned down the optimism a bit and I agree with your prediction there after seeing the splits. But that still isn’t bad. My point is that we shouldn’t be worried about him. It doesn’t seem like we have too many CF prospects at the higher levels of the minors who are going to be ready soon, so he will be able to hold down the fort very respectably for a few years.
Toot Toot
by rollonubears on Apr 16, 2009 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I was hoping they'd try a platoon of Sweeney/Denorfia,
which I think could put up numbers more like .290/.370/.400, maybe 12 HRs, and play a pretty decent CF.
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
Rajai Davis apparently hit .300 in the minor leagues. If he could do that in the majors it would be great. Also was originally a second baseman, so he is a desperation utility infielder.
Toot Toot
by rollonubears on Apr 16, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Just say no to Rajai!
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I hate to say it, but I think it's gonna kill Sweeney to platoon.
He’s gotta play every day.
Just not leading off against lefties. Yikes.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I am way more concerned with Buck's lack of hitting than Sweeney's.
Also, Giambi, Holliday and Buck don’t have a home run yet. BIG concerns
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
Considering how short his season was last year, he hit a surprising amount of homers.
Toot Toot
by rollonubears on Apr 17, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Holliday should have 2.
He’s crushed a couple that will probably be 410 footers 2 months from now.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
good point mike v.
The one on opening night, especially, was just crushed to right field.
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
Yeah that one too.
That makes 3, actually.
I meant the ones where he was hitting the 388 sign in left center. 3 feet to the right and that clears the short wall.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Agree with evaluation of Cust and Bailey
Bailey has been a nice find. You feel confident with him on the mound. Without a doubt Cust is looking like an improved hitter.
It’s hard to say Sweeney is bad so far. He’s got that sweet swing and is real good hitting to opposite field. Again, I feel pretty good about him in the box when you need a hit. He may not be a star, may never hit with power outside of BP, but I still think he’s got potential to improve.
Yes, for that reason I'd prefer him lower in the lineup -
maybe 7th, in order to turn his singles into RBIs. His OBP isn’t stellar enough to leadoff, IMO, whereas his ability to hit for average makes him a good “end of the heart of the order” guy. Right now against RHP, I’m for:
Buck – RF
Cust – DH
Holliday – LF
Giambi – 1B
Chavez – 3B
Suzuki – C
Sweeney – CF
Ellis – 2B
Cabrera – SS
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
and Buck has a great swing but I'm not confident that he can
make it through one season and stay healthy.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions
He seems to swing and miss A LOT.
Toot Toot
by rollonubears on Apr 16, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Cahill in the good in the smallest of small sample sizes..
..He looks like he can a fantastic number two on a good team, and a borderline number one on a bad team. Excluding Duke, is there any question who the best starter on this team is?
I’d also add Braden to the good. He at least looks like he can be an effective 4th or 5th starter in the Nate Robertson mold.
I think anderson has looked better in his two starts
HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!
I agree - I'd say Cahill looks like a #4
(a guy who can be brilliant, but has poor control and will often wobble without being able to right himself), while Anderson looks like a solid #2 (Mark Buehrle).
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
Yes. In Cahill's debut, he quite easily
could have allowed 5 ER in 5 IP. Overall, he has pitched 12 innings, walking 8 and striking out 4. He really can’t throw a strike on command at this point in his career.
Remember that when I say “#4” that means a guy like Jarrod Washburn, who shut down the Angels yesterday, or Jake Westbrook, who can be awesome on a great day, or Tim Wakefield (grrr…). #4 starters sometimes pitch great – they just don’t have what it takes to do it consistently.
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
If Cahill can get his curve over...
hes a #1 pitcher.
"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
I'd say it's more that if he can get his sinker over at the knees
It all starts and ends, for Cahill, with locating the sinker at the knees.
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 fairly confident he can do that.
I just think his success is going to be from his secondary stuff.
"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
Cahill
looked OK to me on Sunday. I still don’t think he is ready. Really needs to find the stike zone. Maybe 2011 or 12 he could be a #2. In 2021 he would be 24.
Or 33
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
Anderson's stuff seems a little better to me than Cahill's...
I need to see a lot more of them beofre i form a definite opinion.
Anderson will be better than Cole Hamels
IMO.
"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
IMO Jack Cust = Babe Ruth
through 9 games of the season… if he could only pitch as well as Swisher.
If Ziegler blows a save... I'll flag his next post.
Sweeney will NOT hit for power unless someone tells him to.
His natural swing is inside out. He needs to focus on pulling the ball if he wants the power. The way I see it. Is if Beane wanted hm to hit for more power he would have by now. I think what Sweeney is now is what he will be, maybe add a little power. But not much.
"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
They should trade him to "old" Yankee Stadium
He could hit 20 HR’s swinging for the short porch.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope in 45 days we have a rotaion of...
in no particular order:
Anderson
Cahill
Gallagher
Gonzalez
Eveland
With Duke Replacing Eveland if he comes back.
"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
i like seeing Gio in there
i really want him to do well.
HELMET: Sandurz, what's going on?
SANDURZ: It's Mega Maid. She's gone from suck to
blow!
That's odd. You don't want Braden, who was the most consistent pitcher last season
and has turned in two quality starts in two tries this season. In 45 days, I want (in approximate order of my confidence in them):
Anderson
Braden
Cahill
Gallagher
G. Gonzalez
with Duke about to replace whoever isn’t throwing enough strikes.
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
Braden just doesnt have the "stuff".
Hes only pitched 100 decent inning in the majors.
"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
Neither "does" Duke
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Duke has..
Great Curve and Cutter. Braden doesnt have anything “Great”. His change is his best pitch and its pretty good. But not great.
"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
Braden is no ace...
but I think he can be a dependable type pitcher for the A’s. A Joe Saunders type. He’s getting his confidence up and I like what I see.
Nothing against Braden..
I just think the other guys are better.
"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
And..
zomgBBQsauce!
"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
In other words, Duke throws 84MPH,
and is basically a 3-pitch pitcher, but locates his pitches, has the right mindset to compete, and changes speeds effectively. Braden can be described this way as well – not that I think he’ll ever be as good as Duke, but I think he could be a solid #3.
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
Braden has a very capable change up but
I don’t see the A’s being very good if he really is their #3 option for years to come.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know -
#3’s for some of the better AL teams: Joe Saunders, Gavin Floyd, D. Matsusaka, Chien-Ming Wang, Matt Garza. And those are the better teams.
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 guess we'll have to see how good the A's offense
is going in order for that to prove out. Surely Boston and NY will always be better offensively because they have the payroll. Dice-K seems like the type of guy who patient teams should destroy. Joe Saunders is a very good comparison to Braden IMO so let’s hope that once Vlad is gone our farm system will be better than LAA’s. Money would suggest that they “should” have a better lineup but I believe the A’s are due to have some dumb luck drafting a power-hitter or two one of these days.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm just arguing that Braden could be a good #3,
not that it’s the best the A’s can hope for. By 2011, I hope that Anderson, Cahill, and Gallagher will all be ahead of him – but it’s no guarantee. Luckily, there’s also Gio and Mazzaro with potential to blossom and pass Gallagher and it still leaves Braden as a luxury #4.
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
Mazzaro could be a big plus.
I keep forgetting about him and I thought Gio would be a lot better at this point. I think Gio had every opportunity to make the big club but he just didn’t get it done.
I still miss CarGon even though Sweeney has played well defensively.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't see Braden having any plus pitches and I see nothing in his
numbers that say he has the potential to be an above average starter, which a “good #3” should be.
What do you see in this guy that you didn’t also see in any number of soft throwing lefties — Greg Smith, Mario Ramos……
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 16, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Command
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
The 6:3 K/BB ratio isn't exceptional
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 17, 2009 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Braden is definitely 1 of 5 starting pitchers for the A's this season
and will prove to be worthy enough for one of those spots. I don’t think the guy is very talented and his only dominant pitch is the one we’ll never see. He still gets the nod over pretty much anyone even if he is a #4 or 5 guy long-term.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I loved Kirk Sarloos
While I agree your front line pitchers need to have very good stuff, you always have inning eaters that keep you in the game.
Clear its radiance shine...
yeah saarloos
I went to a game once with him starting, He was one out away from a complete game shutout. Solo shot, then gets the next guy out. Haha
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
OMG, just saw this.....
A-Rod hits THREE homers
(in batting practice)
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
Madonna wants him back!
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions
and I have a great, in fact outstanding
singing voice….but you know what? I refuse to cut that You-Tube singing demo because the next thing you know, I too would be pressured into needing to have a “make-over”.
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
Just leave the DVD audition in your will
That way the world will know of your awesomeness once you have left this building called Earth.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
My brother passes him every day, going to work,
out there at STEINBRENNER FIELD, in Tampa. No doubt surrounded by a posse of what? At least twenty, right?
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 16, 2009 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions
FYI for people with CSNCA
With no game on tonight they’re showing an “Oakland A’s Classic Games” right now. It looks like the one from a few years ago when Tim Hudson beat Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox 2-0 (I was there!).
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
/Jelous
"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
OT - I just got my bank statement
0.01% interest from my WaMu (now Chase) checking account. !!! Time to change banks.
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 just received my Discover statement and they raised my APR to 16.74%
plus prime rate. I have excellent credit and am trying to figure out what in the hell is going on! Guess I’ll be shredding that card in a few minutes…
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions
I understand interest going from 3.0% to 2.4%...
But 0.01%? I “earned” 48 cents interest this month for letting my WaMu have access to all my money. Why not just put all my money under my mattress and let some guy named Frankie pay me $1.50 to have access to it? I know, there’s a difference: Frankie is probably more trustworthy than your average bank.
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 just re-read my statement and it has an option for "opting out"
so maybe that is what happened to your account too. It’s like they can send you a letter showing a ton of “unethical” changes and they figure they’ll get away with it because half the people will never respond. Pretty shady on both of our accounts IMO.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I should have read my income tax statement more carefully
I wouldn’t have minded opting out on that one.
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 know
Frankie looks shifty to me, (it’s the eyes)
"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08
G/B/U
I agree with your goods but would add Nomar’s aggressive hitting style is a welcome change and one I hope rubs off on the younger players. I guess the other good I’d add is Cahill and Anderson appear to be the real deals.
For Bads, I’d add 1/3rd of the games with scoring 2 runs or less. I expected a little more offense than this and am considering it the early startup (or cool weather) for now. But, take that out over 162 games and it says you’re really only competitive in around 110 games and…that’s not really a good scenario.
I think that’s ugly enough.
Here are things I've noticed so fair
Excitement
Cahill and Anderson are better than I expected them to be. On the other hand, so was Greg Smith this time last year. On the third hand, Cahill’s curveball gives me tingles down my leg.
Plus, I am liking the 2009 Cust, a lot. I’m ok with him batting five instead of two (as if what I’m ok matters), but I’m not ok with him batting seven
Oh, and Giambi running is my new favourite running.
hand over face time
Crosby at third. Sean Gallagher pitching in a game. Travis Buck not getting enough at bats (this looks like changing, mind). Rajai Davis bunting.
um, third, kinda middle ground
I didn’t see Matt Holliday much when he was at Colorado. Does he always look miserable? Or does he just dislike being in Oakland? Plus, I’ve noticed a few times he’s taken some less than direct routes to balls – I’m going to assume this is because he’s still getting used to playing in a new stadium.
Also, Crosby at second isn’t too bad, as a backup. And he did ok at first. It’s just unfortunate, though not unpredictable that he’s had to play third more. Maybe he’ll learn? Maybe I’m just grasping at straws? As much as it pains me to say this (because I love Jack), he probably offers more value than Jack Hanahan right now…
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 7:54 PM PDT reply actions
Interesting post regarding Crosby.
I guess the number of options that he provides (SS, 2B, sub-par 3B) may trump the idea of Hanrahan. It’s just painful to watch him learn on the job especially when he brings nothing to the plate. He is still hopping all over the place, standing too far from the plate and flailing at balls that are un-hittable. Too bad they don’t make a bat long enough for him to reach that slider.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Hannahan offers a strong 3B, and very capable 2B and 1B
Crosby offers a very capable SS, and weak 3B and 2B. I think Hannahan’s profile better suits the A’s needs. I haven’t, however, seen him head on.
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
TBD regaring 2B on Crosby. He could be okay.
Why in the hell am I suddenly defending BoCro? I can’t stand the guy and never thought he was going to be good anyway.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Hannahan's profile better suits
who I’d prefer to watch, is for sure
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Hannahan has played 3rd and 2nd a lot more than Crosby has.
Crosby could turn out to be a very capable backup. He’s still learning that role.
But why wait for Crosby to hopefully become something
Hannahan already is, when Crosby is (thankfully) in the last year of his contract?
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
Wait Hannahan is already something?
And what is that exactly
Why, he's
HANNAHAN!
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 16, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
well, the answer to that, I guess
is that (in theory) Bobby will be better when he’s up to speed, so it’s worth going through the growing pains in order to get there?
I mean, you can’t send him down to learn it, so, yknow. it’s learning on the job?
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
His ridiculous contract is the only reason he is still here
I would hope that someone as smart as BB would know when it’s time to cut your losses and they have been great with Crosby.
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Crosby needs to be good and maybe we can trade him at the deadline to ...
a team needing a utility guy. No matter how little we get it would be something.
yeah
i don’t expect his batting to ever change. I mean, best case scenario is, he gets better at third, he is competant at second and SS, and doesn’t hit into too many double plays.
Otherwise, BRING BACK JACK!
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
It seems like all of our outfielders take strange routes
To the ball, and Sweeney looks like hes running in quick sand in center.
He just needs to brush up on his 8th grade geometry,
and realize that the shortest distance between two points is not an arc.
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
Eucliding me?
It is if you’re living on the surface of a sphere
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Yet I live on Euclid Ave.
Weird, eh?
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
couldn't have written it better
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Holliday
I’ve noticed the same thing about him as well. I wouldn’t say he looks miserable, but he just… looks too straight-faced. I don’t recall seeing a grin on his face so far this season; not even the home opener. Or maybe he’s just like that all the time?
Yeah
He seems to lack personality. Of course our favorite, Mark Ellis, is no barrel of laughs either.
And have you heard his radio commercials?
Worst monotone ever. The guy is dull as rocks. Hopefully he starts mashing.
Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.
by CarGon's Jock on Apr 17, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
They showed ‘A Day in the Life’ on CSNCA of him. He seemed like a really nice guy. His offseason: 2 and a half our workout at 7 in the morning, time with his family the rest of the day. It showed him in an arcade with his kids and stuff like that.
On the field, however, it looks like he is trying to kill his gum.
Toot Toot
by rollonubears on Apr 17, 2009 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I wish I could embed this video of Holliday's DP in a fanshot.
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4145027&c_id=oak
In the middle game against Boston, Holliday caught a fly ball. It wasn’t the most graceful catch, but he got Youkilis at 1B, because Youkilis stumbled and fell off the bag. Holliday was laughing after he made that play, and Giambi was all business at 1B. It was one of the funniest DP I’ve ever seen.
oh god, that's funny
I was too busy falling about laughing and watching 1B to see Holliday’s reaction…
thanks for that!
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 17, 2009 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, and
OT – it’s Oakland vs Boston from 2003 playoffs on channel 89, right now.
PLAYOFFS!!!11111
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 8:06 PM PDT reply actions
I hate my stupid life.
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 16, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions
no no, they win this one
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions
{sighs}
{curses mantra of always listening to the Brit}
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 16, 2009 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think i get this one
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Oldham was giving me advice the other day
about leaving the game thread and going and exercising. I was just repeating the mantra…that’s all, mate.
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 16, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions
oh gotcha
i wasn’t taking offence, or anything, i just didn’t get the joke, like.
I miss a lot of things, to be honest.
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions
join the club.
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 16, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions
like bobby crosby
i mostly miss them when they’re low and away. or high and in.
or straight down the middle at 63mph
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions
To be fair to Hannahan he could hit that 63mph pitch
as it’d resemble a changeup. Pump a fastball over the plate though and he’s lost, which is why I don’t want him back.
Could we meld them into one complete player, though?
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 17, 2009 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions
You'd have a decent defensive 3rd baseman who
could hit changeups but flail at fastballs and sliders. Is that a complete player?
Though to be fair to Hannahan, if he had Crosby’s physical talent he’d be a fantastic player.
yknow?
I think that’s why I like Jack. Maybe totally without basis or, yknow evidence, I really feel like he’s made the most of what he’s got
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 17, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I hope the Mariners keep winning against the AL West
as I don’t see them as a serious threat. Let’s go Mariners (unless they are playing the A’s, of course).
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 16, 2009 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I am thinking the same way.
I am getting razzed by the home folks though over the Mariners sweeping us. (I am from WA. state originally).
Or not. 4-1 Angels now.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
5-1. 5 runs in, still batting.
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
At this clip....
I’m going to learn how to get really annoyed with the Mariners in a very short time frame.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Just try listening to their announcing team when they're winning.
It takes about five minutes to go from ‘not particularily minding the Mariners to ’wanting Safeco field to burn down’, so I’m sure they’ll do the job for you.
Nico never misses a chance to dis Swooney...
but, no mention of Zooks under “The Bad” heading. They were both good in ST. They’ll both be good during the season. Small sample.
Neither Chavez nor Nomah will be good during the season because neither will play a whole lot.
Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...
I'm not dissing Sweeney at all
I’ve questioned his power from the start and I am still questioning it. I like him as a high average hitter and I like him as a defensive RFer. And he’s young enough that he could still improve.
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 like him as a CF...
Why don’t you just accept the fact that he doesn’t (yet) have the power for a RFer? He’s the A’s CFer. Who else do you want there? Rajai? C’mon.
Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...
by FoolshGame22 on Apr 16, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I accept it - in CF, he's an average defensive player
with an above average BA and below average power. Wheee.
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
And we got him for a reliever that barely tops 80mph!!!!
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I agree
I like Sweeney as our CF. There really isn’t anyone else who can challenge him on the team currently. I don’t see him as a 20 HR guy but he hits for average and I think his extra base hits will increase. I gave Rajai a chance but he’s really not good enough offensively, isn’t on base enough to be a huge SB threat, and his defense isn’t enough of an upgrade over Sweeney, if at all.
I agree he's the best CF the A's have
However, I think that says more about the A’s drafting and recruitment of CFers than it says “Sweeney’s great!” Right now he’s fine. Hopefully he’ll get better than just “fine.”
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
well, that's where we differ, I guess...
I’m not “hopeful.” I’m certain he will get better. You’re not. That’s fine.
But, where’s your dis of Zooks? LOl
Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...
by FoolshGame22 on Apr 16, 2009 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the problem lies with the inexperience of the rotation...
I’m sure the Oakland Brass is confident that things will pick up, but they have to be disappointed with how Gio and Gallagher have turned out so far!
I think Ryan Sweeney will be fine; assuming he continues to learn from his flaws and corrects them. We saw how Crosby refuses to learn from his poor hitting approach.
Let’s all pray for a healthy return from Devine and focus on winning the AL West!!!
Let’s go Oakland!!!!!
"Where's the beef?"
In a way, I agree with you
about the front office being dissapointed with Gio and Gallagher’s starts to 2009, but, I guess it’s a justification for them trading for so many young pitchers – they knew not all of them would work out, so they got a hatful. I guess we should judge the overall success on whether the team has a decent 1-5 rotation, rather than by who hasn’t panned out?
God, I do say the obvious, sometimes, don’t I?
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 16, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Obviously, you do.
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
My take
Rotation: Right now the A’s have four decent starters and Outman; they really need one more passable starter. I think this problem will be solved with ether Duke coming back, or Mazzaro/Gio proving they are ready in AAA. Eveland would be a great fifth starter right now, unfortunately he’s out #3.
Projected May Rotation:
1)Duke
2)Anderson
3)Braden
4)Cahill
5)Eveland
Batting Lineup: I’ve got a good feeling about Chavez, when he’s played he’s really looked like the Chavez of old (including the slow start). The shoulder injury feels more like he came back from surgery too soon rather then something chronic. As for Crosby, he’s just not helping; it’s only a matter of time until he’s DFA’d—5 million contract and all. Finally for Sweeny, if he isn’t hitting by may I’m sure Aaron Cunningham would love his spot.
Projected May rotation:
1)Buck RF
2)Cabrera SS
3)Giambi 1B
4)Holliday LF
5)Cust DH
6)Chavez
7)Suzuki
8)Ellis
9)Cunningham
Supersub)Nomah
Pen: The A’s have good and reliable relievers in Ziggy, Bailey, and Springer. They have good but erratic relievers in Wuerts and Casilla. They have warm bodies in Gallagher and Blevins. Gallagher is flat out not doing his job and needs time in AAA. Once Duke comes back or Mazzaro/Gio force their way into the rotation I can see Outman taking the long reliever role and Gallagher being booted to AAA to get his head together. I got to think Blevins is better then this, but if he can’t put it together whomever is hot in AAA could get the call up.
Projected Pen.
Closer: Bailey
Also Closer: Ziggy
Setup: Casilla
Setup: Springer
Mid Relief: Wuertz
Mid Relief: Blevins/Reineke/Giese/Gray
Long Relief: Outman
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
Is Cunningham going to playing baseball at all in May?
First reports on his shoulder injury made it sound serious.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
They did? I just heard a partial separation that would keep him out a few weeks.
What did you hear?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 17, 2009 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions
He's an Athletic, he's hurt his shoulder = never playing again
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 17, 2009 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions
That's not true, he'll have a few half hearted comebacks,
raising the hopes of everyone before feeling a twinge in his surgically repaired shoulder, having an inconclusive MRI and entering a rehab programme.
Crosby looks lost at 3rd
Definitely worse than I expected. He’s a liability there — and that’s where the A’s are thinnest right now. I’m in favor of bringing Hannahan in based solely on that.
June lineup:
CF Sweeney
RF Buck
LF Holliday
DH Cust
C Suzuki
1B Barton
SS Cabrera
3B Hannahan
2B Ellis
Starters — Anderson, Cahill, Gallagher, Eveland, Braden
Bullpen — Bailey, Wuertz, Ziegler, Springer, Mazzaro, Outman, Gio
Bench — Powell, Pennington, Baisley, Davis
DL — Giambi, Duchscherer, Devine, Garciaparra, Chavez, Casilla
DFA — Crosby
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 16, 2009 10:21 PM PDT reply actions
Why do you think Giambi gets hurt?
He’s only had two seasons in his career where he’s missed significant time (and even then he’s played half-years). He has no chronic injuries. Sure he’s old, sure he gets hit by a lot of pitches, and sure he’s on the A’s but that doesn’t mean he’s going to get hurt.
The rest I could see. As for the rotation, it would be cool to see a Gallagher, Cahill, Anderson, Gio, Mazzaro rotation but it probably signals the A’s aren’t competing.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
I guess Giambi is my proxy for "someone else gets hurt who we aren't expecting to right now"
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 17, 2009 7:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Actually, I like your bullpen
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 17, 2009 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions
"Vladimir Guerrero is out indefinitely with a strained pectoral muscle."
The injury hindered his throwing ability, which limited him to DH batter to start the season. An MRI revealed a strain right pectoral muscle. Guerrero will return to Los Angeles to meet with doctors to determine the next course of action. Gary Matthews Jr. and Mike Napoli would seem to benefit most from his absence.
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&hl=259679&id=2338
"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
Imagine having every important player on your team on the DL at once...
…oh wait….
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Apr 16, 2009 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I started by laughing but it turned to tears the longer I thought about it
Bad spellers of the world untie.
You didn't pull something in the process, did you?
ooooh, better than last years. Yeah, that should be the standard that lineups are judged against. --xbhaskarx
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 17, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't discount Seattle or Texas.
Seattle has a great defense that will keep them in most games, and if Texas can stay within striking distance they could get Feliz, Holland, Borbon and a veteran pitcher in the second half (either in trade or Sheets). Angels and A’s have slightly more talent now, but they’re a lot more injury prone.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 17, 2009 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Seattle's pitching and luck will not last
out of the race by the AS break
by oaktownmario on Apr 17, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I think the M's stay in the race, or think they're in the race, beyond the ASB
or long enough not to trade Beltre and Bedard (the M’s need to get return on these guys, especially Bedard).
And then they wane out of contention.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
The "best" good was not even mentioned
I saw a lot of speculation about Cahill and Anderson, about how ready they were, about their workload, about whether or not they would be as good as the other starting pitching options the A’s had.
Leaving out Gio Gonzalez and the other now AAA performers, and understanding that it is only two starts into the season— hardly a large enough sample, here is the comparison:
Cahill/Anderson: WHIP 1.24; ERA 3.60
Other 3 Plus Gallagher: WHIP 1.74 ERA 5.61
And people wondered what Beane was thinking?
That's a very misleading comparison.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
well, even if you deduct Gallagher
And he, after all, was the guy that many believed was a lock for the rotation—
still, even then, it’s not close. The only guy even coming close to matching the two kids so far is Braden. And the hits per inning is decidedly in Cahill and Anderson’s favor
Sweeney will be fine...
good solid young player who will get better with each at bat. The guy is a stud in the field…
Holliday, Sweeney and Buck need to be our regular outfield.
Cust full time DH and Giambi full time First Base.
As far as Chavez and Nomar…who cares? Did anyoen here think they would actually play this season? Maybethe A’s should see if Barton can play a little third.
Crosby loosk lost all over the field.
This team has the tools to win the division, they just need to put it all together.
Barton to Third?
Strange idea. I feel like I’ve heard something mentioned about it before.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
3B (3 seasons) 3B 25 66 14 43 9 5 .864 2.28
25 games over 3 seasons in the minors when he was aged 17, 19, and 21.
That’s enough to convince you?
Don’t forget, people thought he was going to be a shitty defensive 1B, and he was actually pretty damn good last year.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
But he was utterly horrendeous in those 25 games.
And just because Barton has had one slightly above average year defensively at first does not mean he can suddenly move across the diamond and miraculously learn to play a competent 3rd base. Hell, Bobby Crosby is a decent defensive shortstop and has looked terrible thus far in his brief appearances at third.
Plus, what would the point of the positional switch be? Yeah, the health of both Nomar and Chavez will always be a bit precarious, but I think it would be very pessimistic to expect that combo to play less than 3/5 of the games at 3B. The A’s will likely need someone to play first base after this year, and considering that Cardenas is primed to be the guy at 3rd, it just wouldn’t make sense to force Barton to learn a new position at this point.
You know, it doesn't take much to go look and see that Cardenas is playing 2B and not 3B.
What would be the point? Nomar is a 1 year deal who is already hurt. Chavez is already (still)) hurt. Hannahan sucks. Baisley couldn’t beat out Hannahan. Crosby sucks.
You want to say a guy was utterly horrendous a handful of times playing a position over 3 years, spaced 6 years apart, and confidently say that he won’t be able to do it? That’s on you, not me.
Doolittle and Carter are in the 1B pipeline already.
answer this: What’s the downside of moving Barton, or at least giving him an actual extended chance at trying?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Why was everyone so down on Giambi as a fielder? He has seemed solid if not good so far.
Toot Toot
by rollonubears on Apr 17, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Pretty much agree with most of what you say
However, you forgot the UGLIEST part of this team:
Rajai Davis in an A’s uniform.
This guy’s “utility” to the team puzzles me. He absolutely cannot hit. He absolutely cannot get on base (career 308 obp) to use the speed cited as the reason everyone thinks he’s on the team. He cannot bunt, and he has already shown his speed does not make him immune to double plays. He’s already had some bad days in the OF as well and I don’t see him as that much of an upgrade (if any) in CF over Sweeney. Him being on any MLB roster is just confusing. Seriously people, while being released by another team does not show an absolute correlation to suckiness, in this case, the fact that he was released by the Jints speaks volumes. He has no business being on an MLB roster and less business being on the A’s. I’d much rather see Denorfia on the bench than Davis. His “speed” just isn’t going to do much for this team. The sooner he’s cut, the better.
I have to say I'm starting to agree with you.
DeNorfia might be up real soon if Raj doesn’t show something, and soon!
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
i've been in the Denorfia camp from Day One
He’s just a better player— and it’s not as if Sweeney is so stellar that we want him out there 150+ games. Who cares if Davis is out of options?
Agreed
but the issue to me isn’t so much Denorfia vs. Sweeney
as much as Denorfia v. Davis. And well, you know my thoughts about that.
by oaktownmario on Apr 17, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
The Ugly:
Randy Johnson.
Oh wait, wrong site.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
by oldjacket on Apr 17, 2009 2:24 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
What about bringing up Baisley?
From the Cats. He seems ready, no? At least when Nomar gets hurt again. Thoughts?
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
by A'sfansince1970 on Apr 17, 2009 2:53 PM PDT reply actions
If/when Nomar gets hurt again
Baisley should be the first guy up. No reason for him not to be
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
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