WLD 7/24-7/26: Bill James, Brett Wallace, and You!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 24, 2009 12:01 PM PDT
54 comments
Bill James has recently written a very profound and interesting article about steroids, the Hall of Fame, and how steroid users in the future will likely be looked upon as pioneers, rather than as pariahs. Free Bill James content makes me happy, and hopefully you too.
Here's my token Brett Wallace link, to an early surface-level analysis of the trade from some mediocre corporate blog...
For further interesting filler, here's a performance of one of my favorite bands, Wire, on German TV in 1979.
Seriously, though... read the Bill James piece if you have time. He's my favorite post WW-II philosopher, and for good reason, too.
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By the way, can someone tell me why
my Bill James link is green, but the Brett Wallace and Wire links are red, even though all three of them work?
I’m not having Christmas themes subconsciously shoved down my throat, am I?
"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 24, 2009 12:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's those damn Keebler elves
little pointy hatted freaks
PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves
by adragon on Jul 24, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whew.
For a second I thought the video of me with Bill and Brett had gotten in the wrong hands.
Carry on.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 24, 2009 12:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It did.
:: Rubs hands together. ::
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 24, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oooh, that's better than Zentai bondage!
I hope the background song is
“What What In My Asshole” by Butters!
"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 24, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's "What What in the Butt," sir.
WordUpThome: I CANNOT BELIVE THAT THIS PRODUCT IS NOT BUTTER
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons
by Player To Be Named Later on Jul 25, 2009 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One question
Are you Gonzalo Marquez, from the 70’s? Sorry if I offend you.
Ian Anderson
by Oaktown123 on Jul 24, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You kinda did
considering Gonzalo died 25 years ago.
But he was awesome in the ’72 playoffs and World Series. We called him “Uncle Gonzalo”.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 24, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like B. James has been reading J.G. Ballard (R.I.P.)
by Ray of Lite on Jul 24, 2009 12:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
BTW awesome Wire link!
I love them, I love that song. FWIW i just picked up a decent cover of Map Ref. 41 93 W by a guy who goes by the moniker Dykehouse (which basically follows the My Bloody Valentine cover).
by Ray of Lite on Jul 24, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Big Black's cover of Heartbeat
from 1987 with Newman and Gilbert on stage with them.
And of course, after Big Black, Steve Albini started Shellac, another all-time great band.
"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 24, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember Big Black and Shellac, but I've never heard that cover
I’ll try to track it down. I appreciate the info.
by Ray of Lite on Jul 24, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing to do in this town.
Stare at walls, stare at each other.
A real Poppy Palace would have a lot more chocolate, and a moat with otters. -Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 24, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a steelworker.
I kill what I eat.
"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 24, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
nothing to do on a Friday night in San Pedro de Atacama
so I’m just going to post some Wire-y videos too.
I’m pretty partial to the poppy Wire songs, so here is Kidney Bingos. Warning — this video is dripping in early MTV new wave vibe.
And don’t forget the Colin Newman solo stuff, particularly A-Z. No video of Life On Deck, which is my favorite off that album, but this is a pretty rad video for B
by colin on Jul 24, 2009 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yay!
A D WLD! I was too lazy to post one this week, plus there plenty of A’s stuff to talk about this week anyways.
A follow up link to one from my DLD a while back.
This is how you build a tropical island in Times Square
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
by micdog2001 on Jul 24, 2009 12:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Eric Patterson to replace Holliday on the 25 man roster
I don’t have a link ….that’s the word though
by GusanoQuemador on Jul 24, 2009 12:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
seriously?
not Travis Buck? If they fill the extra outfield spot by playing Cust there instead of at DH, I’m going to flip out
by colin on Jul 24, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just fucking trade Buck already!
This is becoming an embarrassing joke.
He belongs in the major leagues.
If Mr. Beane wants to throw a tantrum and punish him (and I’m willing to let the dude have a tantrum once in a while!), then trade him to the Nationals or something!
"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 24, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, but you know
Patterson is kind of in the same boat. Nothing left to prove in AAA, and really needs a long look at the Major League Level.
Factors favoring Buck: Great rookie year, power in his bat, good defense, plate discipline…. Factors hurting Buck: Injuries, hasn’t repeated his rookie
Factors favoring Patterson: Hasn’t been given a long enough look, versatile defensivly (he played 3rd base yesterday for Sac), plate discipline, health, speed…Factors hurting Patterson: Hasn’t done much in his brief time up, defense is questionable, not much power.
Tough to say…there seems to be a case to be made for either player to come up.
by GusanoQuemador on Jul 24, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW
Doesn’t it seem like Rotoworld is kinda mixed up about the A’s situation?
Patterson at 2nd base because Kennedy is not viable going forward? Ellis is under contract for 2 more years
by GusanoQuemador on Jul 24, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the OF will look like this:
Hairston- CF/LF
Patterson- LF/CF
Sweeney- RF
Davis- #4
Cust- #5
Patterson needs a last ditch chance here. Statistically he is dominating AAA ball- much more so than Buck or Cunningham. Patterson also allows the A’s to move an infielder to make room for a Wallace/Kennedy platoon down the stretch. I like Buck but at this point he is looking like a AAAA prospect.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jul 24, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Statistically, Travis Buck has a .778 OPS in the major leagues.
Eric Patterson’s is .521
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Jul 24, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Small sample.
If you base a guys career OPS off of 146 ABs over a three year period that’s pretty harsh. Buck has an .829 OPS in 284 AAA abs, Patterson has a .869 OPS in 1272 AAA abs.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jul 24, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Patterson is also 26 years old.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Jul 24, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They should both get a chance,
especially when Cabrera’s gone next month.
However, calling up Patterson over Buck as an outfielder seems to be yet another slap in Buck’s face.
Okay, maybe his training regimen sucks. Maybe he’s an alcoholic, or chronically late, or urinates in peoples’ lockers when they’re in the showers. Trade him, then, if he’s that big of a cancer.
"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 24, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For you video game geeks out there like me
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
by micdog2001 on Jul 24, 2009 1:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was caught in that loop in the early 90's
PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves
by adragon on Jul 24, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer stealing.
A real Poppy Palace would have a lot more chocolate, and a moat with otters. -Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 24, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Angels making a run at Wertz!!!
From SuSlu and the SF Chronicle:
Beane said he expects that the A’s will continue to be active before Friday’s trade deadline, and an American League source told The Chronicle the Angels were preparing to make a strong bid for reliever Michael Wuertz, potentially offering infielder Sean Rodriguez among others. However, it’s not clear if Beane would trade a player with two more years under team control to a division rival.
While Beane is one of the few GM’s with the watermelons to trade with a division rival, I only like this is the A’s get a big haul in return.
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 Jul 24, 2009 9:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That rumor has “jizz in my pants” potential.
WordUpThome: I CANNOT BELIVE THAT THIS PRODUCT IS NOT BUTTER
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons
by Player To Be Named Later on Jul 25, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh for the love of God, please make that trade....
I’m more of a Wood fan than a Rod fan. But I’ll take either. I would be flabbergasted to see it happen of course. The Angels never trade their prospects. They merely mess around letting them rot in AAA until they become FA. Kind of like the A’s are doing with Buck.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jul 25, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, imagine if the A's had a Wood or Rodriguez and gave them the Travis Buck treatment.
I think this site would go ballistic. I’m very grateful Reagins/Scioscia prefers Aybar/Izturis types.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jul 25, 2009 12:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aybar is better than Wood and Rodriguez
Wood 2008 mle/mlb: .226/.281/.414
Wood 2009 mle/mlb: .244/.298/.449
64K, 6BB in his mlb career.
Rodriguez 2008 mle/mlb: .229/.300/.429
Rodriguez 2009 mle/mlb: .221/.291/.462
Aybar 2008: .277/.314/.384
Aybar 2009: .316/.357/.430
Aybar is a much better defender than either of them. He is one year older and has less upside, but he is very obviously better than both players right now.
Izturis is a decent hitter and can play 2b, 3b, and SS. He is an excellent utitlity player. There is absolutely no reason to give the utility job to Wood or Rodriguez when they would very likely do worse and it might stunt their development by getting fewer pas than they would in the minors, whereas that is not a concern with Izturis.
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Jul 25, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?!?
You can’t seriously be basing your opinion on what each of them has done in the Majors???
Aybar has been given a starting job and therefore has had time to work out everything against big league pitching. His stats right now are about the best he’s gonna get and are aided by a huge month of July so far.
Wood and Rodriguez shouldn’t even be in the same boat as Aybar, they are far superior bats and that is why everyone over at HH are grumbling that they should be called up.
Rodriguez is destroying AAA pitching and should be ready by next year, Wood should have started last year, but that organization is ruining both of their development…
"Did you know you can comment on Athletics Nation from your phone or PDA? SB Nation has launched mobile commenting. Check it out next time you’re at the game or bar and have something to say."
by stranahanahan on Jul 25, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
mle/mlb
1. Most of those numbers for Wood and Rodriguez are translated minor league numbers. Lots of guys destroy pitching in Salt Lake.
2. They both have more offensive upside than Aybar, but they are not better now and were not better last year. Add the defense and it’s very silly to contend that either of them should be playing instead of Aybar. It’s not even close.
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Jul 25, 2009 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also:
3. Here is what their major league numbers look like:
Wood: .188/.217/.313 in 219 pas.
Rodriguez: .196/.270/.315 in 206 pas.
Of course I am not judging them based solely on that, but it is certainly very ugly!
4. HH is full of buffoons.
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Jul 25, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
heh heh, heh heh...
he said “wood” and “rod”
"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 25, 2009 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only 16 minutes for someone to see that joke?
Oh, AN, you never disappoint.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jul 25, 2009 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
heh heh, heh heh
He also said Reagins/Scioscia prefer men.
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
by Daniel777 on Jul 25, 2009 12:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, if Scioscia were gay,
my mancrush would evolve into a little something else.
My girlfriend likes him too.
Too bad he manages the wrong team.
"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 25, 2009 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wurtz and someone much better than Wurtz at a minimum
Rodriguez is a strait up power 2b stud with 23Hr and 74 rbi’s in 74 AAA games this year, OPS 1.000+ last year and he can play SS. No way we get him without giving up someone alot more valuable besides Wurtz, which i am all for to make it happen.
"Gratuitous gesticulating together sounds even better"
by OmahaHi on Jul 25, 2009 12:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
he can play SS too
He’s actually played much more SS in the minors than 2B.
Although he has played 2B in his time with the Angels…
"Did you know you can comment on Athletics Nation from your phone or PDA? SB Nation has launched mobile commenting. Check it out next time you’re at the game or bar and have something to say."
by stranahanahan on Jul 25, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Reagins really silly enough to do this?
Bobby Abreu @ 1 year/ $5mil says no.
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
by Daniel777 on Jul 25, 2009 12:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wallace's first game in Sac
2-6 with two singles and one run scored.
Meanwhile, Tommy Everidge went 4-6 with two HRs and three RBIs. Overall, he’s hitting .377 with an OPS of 1.059.
Cats beat Sky Sox (COL) 11-10 in 12 innings.
They say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing all the time!
by muffinpryde on Jul 25, 2009 10:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't care if he's only had 41 games at AAA, move Everidge up now
we move three guys who played AA ball last year to the majors with success, but we have to wait till next year/later in the year on Everidge till he proves what again?
"Gratuitous gesticulating together sounds even better"
by OmahaHi on Jul 26, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This dude must hate the A's
Says Cardinals got Holliday for almost nothing and the whole trade for Holliday back fired on Beane.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9850012/Cards-played-the-waiting-game-…-and-won
by Athletix Man on Jul 26, 2009 9:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
reading the comments for that article makes me thankful for AN.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
by micdog2001 on Jul 28, 2009 1:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will qualify this statement with the fact that I skimmed the article rather than reading it so this may be a little off.
However, the fact that James seems to entirely overlook is that steroids were and still are illegal in the United States. This has two impacts on James’ essay.
1) James sets the tone of the article with applause for those who used steroids and somewhat diminishes “Will Clark” in the steroid era. James sets out that steroid users made use of the materials at their disposal while Will Clark simply chose not to use steroids. The truth is that steroid users chose to break the law, circumventing, not baseball rules, but the governing laws of the country in which they play. Will Clark, on the other hand, chose to remain in the boundaries of the law. It is really not any different from insurance agents who defraud their customers versus agents who choose to stay within the bounds of the law.
2) Bud Selig did not arbitrarily decide to outlaw the use of steroids in baseball. Instead, he finally took action against crimes that were, in a widespread manner, being committed in his league. In supporting rules against the use of steroids, Selig was not backward; he was simply bringing his professional league into congruence with the laws of the land.
by nobodyinparticular on Jul 27, 2009 7:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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