Winter Meetings Coming Up - What Do You Want To See?
by baseballgirl on Dec 3, 2010 11:06 AM PST
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PrintThis year's Winter Meetings will be held December 6th through 9th; something that I hope will be of interest to A's fans. Is this the year that we sign Derek Jeter? Oh, sorry, wrong blog. At the risk of sounding redundant, the A's need offense. I'm not sure I can get excited about even the best of pitching until I'm convinced that the A's can actually hit. I think the most depressing part of last season was the absolute feeling of hopelessness when one of our pitchers would give up three runs in the first and we'd write it off as an insurmountable deficit.
In case you missed the news, Jack Cust, Travis Buck and Edwin Encarnacion became free agents. The A's have been courting Adrian Beltre, but there is no new news on that front at this time. The A's have reportedly been in contact with Lance Berkman, as well.
This quote from Beane discourages my hope that we may see some action at next week's meetings:
"The Winter Meetings are a great thing," Beane said. "The focus on baseball during that week is fun for the fans. But from a club's perspective, it can be a little bit distracting because, when you go down there, you end up finding yourself being tugged in so many ways from a media standpoint. That being said, I understand their value, but the work environment is not necessarily ideal."
If you were the GM, what would you do? Who is out there and is there any way the A's can get a big bat? A medium bat? Someone who won't be nicknamed "Swingles"?
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Nobody named Swingles should be a starting RF unless he's Willie Keeler or Tony Gwynn
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 3, 2010 11:09 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Don't you want Sweeney in Right?
That is the reference.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
DeJesus is starting in RF
That’s puts Sweeney as 4th OF where he belongs. Great bench player.
Is Venezuelan ball happening? It is right?
Do we know how he’s doing? Can I ask any more questions?
All flash no substance hair twirler.
It is but Carter isn't playing yet. Thumb injury.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
Cross her off then
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 3, 2010 6:33 PM PST up reply actions
that's as prediction
right/ Because it’s dependent on who we sign and I dunno maybe how he hits in ST. CC drops 10 bombs in ST he’s coming up!!
Ray Fosse thinks Pete Rose is a prick......
Todd Linden would like a word with you.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 3:56 PM PST up reply actions
Todd Linden was not "franchise golden boy"
The A’s desperately want and need Carter to succeed.
by Billy Frijoles on Dec 3, 2010 5:13 PM PST up reply actions
Obviously just wishing hard enough
will cure the fact that last year he was -0.6 WAR in like 1/8th of a season.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
c'mon PT
SSS and all that.
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
There was a clear break after he got his first hit
Following that he performed much better.
Can you accept that it takes time for some to learn major league hitting? And that he looked like he was getting better after his terrible 0-39 start?
by Billy Frijoles on Dec 3, 2010 6:15 PM PST up reply actions
Major league hitting is not that much different than minor league hitting
His minor league hitting line from 2010 says replacement level or worse.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
It's likely extremely outdated,
but I still have a bookmark to the MLE Calculator that still works. Carter’s MLE based on 2010 stats in Sacramento using my outdated calculator:
.210/.298/.407
485 AB, 71 R, 102 H, 24 2B, 1 3B, 23 HR, 73 RBI, 55 BB, 149 K, 1 SB, 1 CS, 6 HBP
I absolutely agree that those stats aren’t good enough to be an MLB regular. I also believe that for how much our organization seems to value defense, people are sure anxious to get a currently below-average hitter to the majors without a shred of defensive ability at this point. Let him continue to learn to hit in AAA while also learning to play competent defense and then think about calling him up.
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Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 4, 2010 5:35 PM PST up reply actions
Right now he'd be DH
The other two options from the 40-man – Cust and E5 – have been non-tendered – so based on the roster now it seems that Carter would have to DH. I hope that doesn’t happen – I’d rather see him get some more time in LF in AAA, and I know Beane is looking at other pieces, but if nothing else happens he seems to be in line for DH – unless they have Jackson DH.
by longtimeasfan on Dec 3, 2010 1:03 PM PST up reply actions
I'd be surprised
If Jackson ended up DHing. I mean, between him and Carter I think you’d want Jackson in LF even though he’s no great shakes in the field either. Maybe Carter will have some kind of Bartonesque revelation in LF, but that seems very, very unlikely.
Anyway, that still puts DeJesus in RF I would think.
I hope for Iwakuma
If he wants to run across the pitcher's mound, tell him to go do laps in the bullpen - pepe
What I want to see:
I just want to see Jack Cust resigned. He tests the market, then resigned, ASAP. NOW. I WANTS HIM BACK.
MOAR SPARTACUST. NOW.
of course, i want to see other improvements made, but that's the first one.
(of course, beltre, but that probably wont’ be resolved for a few weeks. I also want to see the A’s go after and nab a non-Iwakuma pitcher—- namely Pavano)
MOAR SPARTACUST. NOW.
I'd check in on Brandon Webb
There are a bunch of teams interested in him which will drive his price up, but I’d check to see where those figures are.
Speaking of figures, just saw that Rivera was resigned by the Yanks to a 2 yr/$30M deal. For a 40 year old closer. Jesus.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
I know....it's totally crazy
but it’s the Yankees we’re talking about here. From what i have been hearing Jeter is close to a new deal as well….wonder how much they are going to over pay him?
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
Also, the Sawx massively bid up Rivera
cuz they knew he’d sign with the Yankees. He used it as leverage in negotiations for a higher contract
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
The did? I didn't know that
smart thinking…..but I doubt that makes much of a difference to the Yanks.
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
At this point I don't trust anything that Beane says
It’s not that I don’t trust him – although that may be up for debate after some recent decisions – it’s that whenever he says something publically he is speaking to: (1) the reporter, (2) casual A’s fans, (3) hardcore A’s fans, (4) other teams, (5) players. I see no way of deducting what his intensions are with his statements. Honestly, I love this about him, because his understanding of communication appears to be one of his biggest strenghts, in my opinion.
I am almost always up for a debate, no matter how pointless it may be, but I try to keep my reactions cooled until the dust settles.
As far as what I would like:
(1) Sign Beltre to 5/64
(2) Resign Cust for 4
(3) Sign Iwakuma for 3/19 plus 19 for posting fee
(4) Trade for Seth Smith (I’m not sure what COL wants now if Lopez was intended to take the starting 3B job)
Get all of those things done by December 9th and I’ll be a happy man (and as an added bonus if those things actually happen I will end up feeling a lot less delusional than I do at the moment.)
"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle
I like 1-4, as long as the cost for #4 isn't too steep.
"Burt Reynolds witnessed the conception of his own dad, and frankly, that's what's wrong with him."- TPDMTD!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Dec 3, 2010 12:17 PM PST up reply actions
I think they'd use Lopez/Stewart as platoon partners or something
And use Kouz at 3B. Kouz for Smith is still realistic IMO
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by CaliforniaJag on Dec 3, 2010 1:27 PM PST up reply actions
I hope your right
But COL does also have Eric Young Jr., Chris Nelson, and Johnanthon Herrara competing for second base, so I am a litte more concerned that Lopez and/or Stewart may be mor likely to play at third. Mind you, other than Stewart, I don’t know how excited COL can be about any of those guys.
"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle
Sorry to bother you ArunisArun, but in your first post, for Beane is intending to do, “intentions” is the spelling; there is no s.
Sorry if you already knew that and it was a typing error.
Rooting for Jose Casilla to take his K- and GB-inducing skills to the majors and join his brother.
Thanks
I do know that it is “intentions” but I often write it incorrectly. I have this problem with a bunch of words.
"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle
Is there a rule about using subject lines on comments at AN?
There must be, right?
It looks like my comment is the only one without one. I’ll try not to make that a habit.
Rooting for Jose Casilla to take his K- and GB-inducing skills to the majors and join his brother.
It only matters if you're posting an image
That way if people don’t want to see it, they can close the comment.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 2:32 PM PST up reply actions
All right, thank you.
I guess it’s a good habit to get into in case I want to post over at Lookout Landing, anyways.
Rooting for Jose Casilla to take his K- and GB-inducing skills to the majors and join his brother.
someone taking intiative in getting to know the site's etiquette
AND being courteous about it.
What a breath of fresh air.
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
Haha
Well played.
Rooting for Jose Casilla to take his K- and GB-inducing skills to the majors and join his brother.
no rules except when posting an image
but I think it is easier to view on both computers and mobile devices if you use the subject liine
This is why...
I was hoping to have him as the topic of my rhetorical analysis. If you have any specific quoted from beane, feel free to post them here: http://www.athleticsnation.com/2010/11/30/1848096/billy-beane-rhetorical-analysis.
NOW!!
Or at the beginning of April, continuing on through the first week of November.
Nobody expects some kind of obscure Monty Python allusion.
by EddieVegas_NRAF on Dec 3, 2010 11:54 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Soon!
Being called a poet as a rock ’n’ roll musician is like being called a physicist as a baseball player. It might have some application but it’s pretty remote. - Richard Hell
by fridaynightfan on Dec 3, 2010 9:59 PM PST up reply actions
Ditto...
"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez
My girlfriend says ditto all the time
Although she grew up in Germany and doesn’t really use ditto when it should be used, but she’s consistent, so I don’t correct her.
"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle
so what you're saying is
She uses “ditto” like Joe Morgan uses “consistent”
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
As much as I hate to say it
I just don’t see Oakland signing a real impact bat this winter. Beltre doesn’t want to come here, Berkman doesn’t want to be a DH, although I’m not sold on him anyway, and Crawford and Werth will be priced out of our range. Expect a mid-level bat or two at best. Upgrade by trade? Unless they’re offering one of the young starters, which they’ve said they don’t want to do and I hope they don’t, I don’t see a legit hitter coming that way either. Is it just me or does anyone else get the feeling Beane is kicking the tires on some of these type A guys because he knows ultimately they’ll sign elsewhere and then he can say “well we tried.”?
by dashman33 on Dec 3, 2010 11:53 AM PST via mobile reply actions
The A's don't have anything to trade that will land an impact bat.
Unless, of course, we’re trading Anderson or Cahill, but that would be neutralizing the gains.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Dec 3, 2010 12:36 PM PST up reply actions
True, but when Bailey went down was when the wheels really came off the cart....
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Dec 3, 2010 9:32 PM PST up reply actions
Use Bailey to get Chris Young
"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle
by ArunisArun on Dec 3, 2010 9:33 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Teams pretty much never trade top tier bats for relievers.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Dec 4, 2010 12:22 AM PST up reply actions
I think you're partly right
Although I believe Beane is actually trying to get these guys signed and wants them here. He does care about the team.
But it seems to be the same old story with regards to every player not wanting to play half his games in Oakland. I don’t think Berkman or Beltre will end up here and after them it gets pretty bare in terms of talent.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Dec 3, 2010 11:58 AM PST up reply actions
and what's this nonsense about Beltre supposedly now wanting 8 years?
That has to be a misprint/misquote or some other form of BS, right?
That’s just madness!
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
Beltré has never been quoted as asking for 8 years
he wants more than the four years that Boston is willing to give him
+1
I keep hoping that the A’s will acquire some undervalued monster power hitter that none of us have thought of, and it won’t cost us one of our precious starters.
But deep down I think we are going to see the beginning of the Chris Carter Era.
Nobody expects some kind of obscure Monty Python allusion.
by EddieVegas_NRAF on Dec 3, 2010 12:06 PM PST up reply actions
It's probably going to be a depressing era.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Dec 3, 2010 12:37 PM PST up reply actions
If they bring him up right now, it'll be more or less akin to the start of the Hirohito era
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
Stay. Calm.
It’s not half as bad as the “post-Cust, new CoJack era”.
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Dec 3, 2010 9:33 PM PST up reply actions
Carlos Peña!
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
Watching the strikes go by
Non-tendering The World’s Greatest Hitter is easy. The A’s know they can always re-sign him, because no other team wants him – he’s that great. They did it last year and nobody else had the slightest interest. This year history will be the same,except even the impoverished A’s won’t want him back. Once bitten, – twice shy.
You can make a strong case that playing/hitting full time, Matt Carson would be more productive than the great JacKKKKKKKKKK.
No,
I really don’t think that you can make such a strong case, at all. That’s beyond ridiculous, in my opinion. But, if you can make it, I’d be interested in seeing it.
by longtimeasfan on Dec 3, 2010 12:30 PM PST up reply actions
are you a sadist by chance? whips, chains, pain - perhaps?
the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust
Just because he hasn't been around for the millions of discussions on this very subject doesn't mean he's a troll.
Not guaranteed, anyway.
He has three comments in the last whatever period
All are baseless anti-cust posts.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Agreed
If you seriously think Matt Carson would outperform Jack Cust, then there’s nothing I can say.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Forget the snark. I want to hear your "strong case."
"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe
I believe you mean
The Greatest American Hitter
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
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Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 3, 2010 1:39 PM PST up reply actions
That's wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
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Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 3, 2010 2:22 PM PST up reply actions
He's a weally terwific aflete!
Being called a poet as a rock ’n’ roll musician is like being called a physicist as a baseball player. It might have some application but it’s pretty remote. - Richard Hell
by fridaynightfan on Dec 3, 2010 10:04 PM PST up reply actions
Signs that a person is trolling:
Claims that “one can make a strong case” that x is true, yet, surprisingly, no actual evidence that x is true.
Fuck off.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
Signs that a troll has done his job:
Comments like “fuck off.”
“In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into a desired emotional response1 or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion”
-Wikipedia
by Sacred#24 on Dec 3, 2010 4:23 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
.
Now there's nothing left to say, so let's go drink beer.
by doctorK on Dec 3, 2010 2:37 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Is this a video recording of how Billy Beane decided to keep Conor Jackson and non-tender Jack Cust?
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
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Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 3, 2010 3:56 PM PST up reply actions
Time for...
Being called a poet as a rock ’n’ roll musician is like being called a physicist as a baseball player. It might have some application but it’s pretty remote. - Richard Hell
by fridaynightfan on Dec 3, 2010 10:10 PM PST up reply actions
Haha, thats great!
I think the A’s should sign them. Would they be a good Jack Cust replacement?
Bean
has said that the Winter Meetings are not what they used to be. He talks about the advancement of digital media as one of the reasons. I rellay don’t expect the A’s to sign anyone, however, a trade could be worked out. In regards to free agency, Beane has said that they are already in contact with players, so the meetings are just to touch base a little bit more.
What would i do? I think the A’s should attempt to sign Encarnacion for 3-4MM. At this point Adrian Beltre seems like he wants to return to Boston, so unless we completely outbid the Sox i doubt he wil sign here. Adam Dunn signed with the chisox so that is one more option off the table. I am not a fan of Carlos Pena’ and his sub .200 batting average, but if we could get him in on an incentive based deal that could work. Personally, i think that the A’s will eventually turn to the trade market for a power hitter, although i am not sure that market is too great right now. Additionally, Beane has said that he would rather not give up players to acquire a power hitter. He believes the free agent market with “loaded” with possibilities for the A’s, i just don’t see that
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 12:32 PM PST reply actions
I think we still have a shot at Beltre.
If Beltre really means the years are more important than the dollars. Boston doesn’t often change its mind about contract length.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Sometimes it truly is length that matters.
by LoneStranger on Dec 3, 2010 2:30 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
TWSS!
I tried to resist…but I just couldn’t stop myself.
A full time A's fan in Portland who spends part of his time on AN.
Not so much tweeting as squawking: http://www.twitter.com/yusebio
And that's just tip of things to come....
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
I knew you would bite!
:)
wait for it….
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
What is Ryan Sweeney's butt telling you?
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
Are you listening to Jeremy Brown's butt again?
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
"Do you have a breathmint?"
“Or perhaps some Binaca?”
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 3, 2010 3:57 PM PST up reply actions
What Beltre said was:
I will return to Boston if they match the A’s offer.
what beltre said was
“Boston: up your offer”
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
by Future Ed on Dec 3, 2010 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Contract negotiation
Have Boston match Oaklands offer, tell Oakland he would play for them for $75 million, go back to Boston, repeat until he gets Tori Hunter money.
by gambler on Dec 3, 2010 1:28 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Don't the Sox *never* offer more than 4 years?
I seem to remember that’s a stated position of theirs.
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
Boras takes that sort of thing as a personal challenge.
To him that’s the same as a girl saying she wants to remain abstinent until marriage.
A full time A's fan in Portland who spends part of his time on AN.
Not so much tweeting as squawking: http://www.twitter.com/yusebio
John Lackey signed for 5 years last offseason
Drew and Matsuzaka both signed for >4 years in 2007.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
maybe just for position players
Sox have a clause that lets them opt out after seasons 3 and 4 for Drew
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
I would imagine the limit would make more sense to apply to pitchers
What with pitchers being more volatile.
But it’s possible I suppose.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Big name hype
What’s the attraction? Werth, Beltre, Crawford, Dunn, et all? Why would the A’s want to go out and mortgage the next decade on one media hype case? Did Chavez and his back, hip and thigh, not smote you enough? If you have a championship calibre team maybe a Berkman type to fill a small hole but nothing else.
The A’s ended last season demonstrably better than when it started. They ended with a great young nucleus. If they did nothing at all, their hitting would have improved in 2011. Power’s nice but its overrated except for maybe putting butts in the seats. This team’s fine without some overpublicized “star”. All of the “names” being lauded in these distinguished pages were with better teams last year. None made it to the series. Some didn’t make it to the playoffs.
Stop being so gullible.
We started 4 games over .500 after two months, and in first place by two games
We finished .500, and 9 games out. I would not say we finished better.
This team is not fine. We have good pitching, great defense, and no offense. I’m all for not over-reacting, but do you seriously think that putting the same 9 on the field (-Jack Cust) will be a better team than the Rangers and/or the Angels?
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 12:50 PM PST up reply actions
I don't know
“If they did nothing at all, their hitting would have improved in 2011.”
It’s not hard to improve when your offense was either last or next to last. Also who knows they might even do worst.
All of the "names" being lauded in these distinguished pages were with better teams last year. None made it to the series. Some didn’t make it to the playoffs.
That doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t help improve a team like the A’s who was dead last in offense.
Because they are good players
although i am not a huge fan of Werth, i think his contract could be something like what Aaron Rowand signed with the Giants a few years back. He has had a couple great seasons, but i just don’t see him maintaining it for the duration of his next contract.
Carl Crawford is looking for an eight year contract. He is a speedster that will be 37 by the time that contract expires, no thank you!
Beltre is a good all around player, a multi talented player if you ask me. The A’s should be willing to up their recent contract offer by a couple MM per year. We need a player like him
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 1:11 PM PST up reply actions
Crawford may want 8 years but I doubt he'll get it
6 years is probably more like it – but for a ton of $$
That's what i would assume as well
However, i can easily see the evil empire offering him the 8 years to keep him away from the Angels and Redsox. To them it would be worth it.
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 1:21 PM PST up reply actions
Same with Beltre, apparently according to that Rotoworld blurb
what I said above….crazy!
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
That's got to be hyperbole...
There’s no way he honestly thinks he can get a contract that lasts until he’s 40!
Also, you can only have 7 year contracts in CA
You’d have to add it as an option year
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
Not true for baseball players
We’ve been down this road before.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
no kidding?
I must have missed that discussion
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
Collective bargaining agreements preempt that labor code provision
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
This nucleus sucks
Overrated pitching, no elite players except a guy who can’t stay on the field, and nothing in the farm system.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
You're right.
You should switch to rooting for the Yankees and leave this pitiful team for us losers.
Just because someone doesn't like the way the team looks now
does not mean that they aren’t rooting for the team. On the contrary, it’s precisely because we root for the team that we seek to understand the shortcomings of it.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 2:12 PM PST up reply actions
I do have to comment, after participating as a guest of a friend coordinating the Walnut creek holiday parade
That overhearing and engaging a few conversations with Cahill and Anderson helps put in perspective on how crazy our fandom is. Neither of those guys talked a shred of baseball…outside of secretly clowning on some overzealous fans.
I suppose the community already knows this, having the excitement of BA’s twitter account….but still, we obsess on this team more than a majority of the FO Staff and players.
Saying a team sucks is not the same as trying to understand its shortcomings.
Especially when on a fan forum. Just saying…
Saying a team sucks = I think this team is not good at baseball.
You can say that this team is not good at baseball and still hope they do well anyway; you just wish the team were run differently.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 5:44 PM PST up reply actions
I just shoot the s**t when I'm hanging out outside of work with my co-workers too.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 2:30 PM PST up reply actions
I don't want players or the FO operating like fans of the team.
It’s our job to be fans. It’s their job to be professionals.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Dec 3, 2010 4:22 PM PST up reply actions
About the team hitting better if left alone for 2011...
I kind of agree, but not necessarily because they’re a lock to improve. We had several players who had really off years and are capable of much more. Kouz isn’t as bad as the numbers he put up this year, Suzuki is a much better hitter than 2010 stats seem to indicate, Jack Cust CAN hit homeruns even though he didn’t for whatever reason, and Carter will not be an 0 for 33 kinda player.
I’m not anxious to sign huge contracts on ‘elite’ players if it hamstrings us for 6 years +.
One acception – I’m all for getting Beltre, in large part because of the two D’s: Defense, Durability.
I’m not huge on this Iwakuma situation if the A’s have to go way up the ladder to sign him. Japanese pitchers getting paid lots of money and under performing in the Major Leagues are not hard to come by.
this x2
"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez
$1.4 mil
Rooting for Jose Casilla to take his K- and GB-inducing skills to the majors and join his brother.
He's harmless as a 4th OF.
Jackson is the one that really bugs me. I’m not exactly sure what his purpose is.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Dec 3, 2010 4:22 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
To be Jack Cust.
Wait…
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 4:24 PM PST up reply actions
I'd go so far as to call him an ideal 4th OFer
And I also don’t think that this knee thing is the end of the world, especially for a 26 year old.
It is when you only fixed one of them
and your value is in your range.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
I'd rather have jackson as a 4th than sweeney
Jackson is a better hitter and plays more positions.(not for the price though)
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
Rajai could have been 4th OF with both knees intact
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Dec 3, 2010 8:37 PM PST up reply actions
But then we wouldn't have Trystan and Daniel
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 4, 2010 4:37 AM PST up reply actions
TWDSS
(That’s what Danielle Steel said)
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 4, 2010 5:37 PM PST up reply actions
LOL
So much amazing in that comment
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
That's true.
But I fear he’s the kind of guy that Geren can’t help but play if he’s on the active roster, even with better choices staring him in the face.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
His harm is in his contract and the AB he'll get
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 3, 2010 6:41 PM PST up reply actions
Miggy
I know it is too late, but WHY, oh WHY, WHY, WHY didn’t the A’s get Miggy on the cheap last year? Having him instead of Kouz would have been golden. They could have had him again this year, but instead I have to keep myself from puking just thinking of Miggy in a Giant’s jersey. Miggy plus Dunn would have made me have hope. Strike one, strike two. Miggy on the Giants? Strike three.
Now I don’t care at all. Berkman is past his prime and will bring what Sheets brought – very little for a lot of money. Beltre doesn’t want to be here, and I don’t know that they even offered Dunn anything. It looks to be more of the same at the little tarped tragedy in Oakland next season..
Berkman is worth it
Berkman signed to an incentive laden contract is definitely worth the risk.
Dude was a great hitter, could still be one. And he brings some flexibility to spot start at 1B or the OF. Kind of like Cust, but with way more upside.
Could it turn out badly? Of course. You’re going to have a lot of Sheets’ for every Thomas. But taking gambles is what a small market team has to do.
BTW, Miggy is the one who’s washed up.
I'm fine with an incentive-laden one year contract (perhaps with a mutual option) for Berkman
I’m less OK with a big guaranteed amount of $$.
Really? Miggy
You mean the guy that was a small offensive upgrade over Kevin Kouzmanoff. Who also had a bad year defensively at SS with a -6.8 fielding and 1.3WAR in 2010. I think 2010 Kouz was a better option for our pitcher then Miggy would have been.
Agreed
we may have some sort of affection for Miggy because he was the heart and soul for this team for so many years, however, he is regressing at a rapid pace. He hasn’t had a WAR of over 2 in the last four seasons, and is a defensive liability.
I think he will fit in nice with the Giants, and i wish him the best
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 1:07 PM PST up reply actions
The problem
with most of you guys is you drive looking in the rear view mirror. You’re always looking backwards – the secret is to look forward. Helps prevent accidents. Going backward Chavez was a pretty good player. Going forward he wasn’t worth a used toilet seat. And Cust? Well…………. maybe he is a better hitter than Carson. Not a better player, better hitter. Better power hitter. Carson only hit one HR in 30AB’s last year. Cust was much better, he averaged, ummm, 1 in every 28. Much better, although in AAA the numbers seem, looking backward, to favor Carson.
Now, I am sure you can summon un-opposable, incontravertible, solid gold statistical proof that Walking Jack is the batter superior. But you miss the point, grasshopper. Fact is, you compare Cust with the Matt Carson’s of the baseball world, not the Jim Thome’s.
And that’s why no teams, nowhere, no-how, have any interest.
You really need to think of the kittens.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Cust isn't going to make or break our playoff chances
The guy just doesn’t make a huge diiference in the W-L columns. I just have a major problem assigning 500-600 PA to a player that is going to strikeout 32 percent of the time.
You did bring up Jim Thomas, just as a comparison. He had a great season with the Twins in 2010; why not bring him in? .283 BA, .412 OB%, 1 HR/11.4 AB, and a 3.5 WAR. I am sure we could get him for abotu 5MM, 40 years old or not!
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 1:17 PM PST up reply actions
Thome
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 1:18 PM PST up reply actions
Last year, Jim Thome struck out 29.7% of the time. The year before, 34% of the time.
He’s struck out 30% of the time in his career.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Dec 3, 2010 1:35 PM PST up reply actions
Credits to "Sleepy Freud" for the quote.
“Correlation between inability to use the reply button and general crappiness of analysis: pretty high.”
Rooting for Jose Casilla to take his K- and GB-inducing skills to the majors and join his brother.
That's an insult to the absent minded of the world
Not all of us make this bad of posts.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 2:14 PM PST up reply actions
but given Chavvy's age with he signed the 6 year contract
what evidence was there that he wouldn’t be “worth a used toilet seat” for the last half of the contract?
There isn't
Sure, in retrospect, that contract did not turn out well – but for reasons that could not have been known at the time. At the time, in my opinion, it was the right thing to do.
by longtimeasfan on Dec 3, 2010 1:23 PM PST up reply actions
closest minor league stats i think,,
Jack Cust @ age 27 in 2006: Triple AAA in 138 GAMES: avg .293 / obp .467 / slug .549 / wOBA .448 / wRC+ 172 / iso .256
Matt Carson @ age 28 in 2009 : Triple AAA in 118 GAMES: avg .264 / obp .327 / slug .514 / wOBA .365 / wRC+ 117 / iso .250
facts are over-rated!
Moneyball 2 is going to describe the new under-valued approach to assembling a baseball team: feelings.
That’s right, it’s all about how you feel about a player that matters. Jack Cust doesn’t show enough remorse after a strikeout? Kick him to the curb! He clearly didn’t make us feel good. Matt Holliday doesn’t look like he’s happy? He clearly must suck! Travis Buck’s hair makes the girls happy? 10 year contract!
I bleed green and gold!!! (my doctor is worried)
by Vaillant on Dec 3, 2010 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I know - I mean looking at those numbers Jack Cust seem to be a better minor league hitter.
But my gut feeling is that trolls are trolls..
I am not sure if this has been talked about a lot here
But, Prince Fielder is available, at least the Brewers are open to talking about him. If we are offering that amount of money to Beltre, and looking to sign another power hitter. Can’t we afford to give Fielder a huge long term contract? He is only 26 years old, and has hit 30+ HR the last four seasons. His career OB% is nearly .400, and he is averaging an offensive WAR of 5.6 the last two seasons. Additionally, Fielder doesn’t strike out as much as you would think; 19.1 percent
I understand that if would take a lot to get him, but this wouldn’t be like a Holliday trade. We could negotiate to re-sign him before a trade is made official. 7Y-140MD
Offer up Adrian Cardenas, Tyson Ross, Chris Carter, Michael Taylor and another prospect to get him. What do you think?
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 1:31 PM PST reply actions
the bummer is...
….we can get Beltre for just money. For Fielder, we’d need money and players to get him.
I bleed green and gold!!! (my doctor is worried)
If you want to spend that much money on a first baseman,
you might as well spend it next year on Adrian Gonzalez, who’s better defensively and offensively and doesn’t have weight issues.
Of course, spending that much money for a first baseman/DH is a very unwise idea in the first place.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Dec 3, 2010 1:34 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Beer barrels actually age very well
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 3, 2010 1:44 PM PST up reply actions
It might not cost a shit ton to get him because he's only got one year left on his contract
and the Brewers want to get something for him before he walks as a FA. I know they’re looking for arms but not sure if it’s guys that are MLB ready or guys who are a year or so away. Hell, I mean if you can make a deal for him without dealing one of Cahill, Anderson, or Gio, then I’m listening….but one would think any conversation about Fielder would start with one of the starting 4.
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
too much for a 1 year rental
Can’t give up a cornerstone of your franchise for that IMO.
by Billy Frijoles on Dec 3, 2010 5:21 PM PST up reply actions
I think there is a good chance we sign Cust and E5
After Beltre and Berkman spurn us. I wonder though if people will be happy then…. probably not.
Still, with DeJesus and E5 we would be a better team than last year if the pitching stays somewhat lucky… maybe that is too much to hope though. I worry that we need Beltre just to stay at .500.
Yea, i wonder what his pride is worth
Regardless, it will be real interesting to see what happens to him and how he performs this year.
Of all people
Cust understands it’s not personal. It’s business.
He’ll take the best offer he can get.
And you know this, how?
He. Was. Clearly. Outraged. Last. Year. When he was dfa’d on the last day of spring training in favor of Chavez. And this was reported in the Chron.
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Dec 3, 2010 9:46 PM PST up reply actions
because we're sad
If Beltre signs, the borders will be sparkley!
I bleed green and gold!!! (my doctor is worried)
they're grey now
I guess that’s my feeling about Sweeney signing.
Grey: the official color of meh.
I bleed green and gold!!! (my doctor is worried)
Sweeney Signing?
did i miss something?
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 2:01 PM PST up reply actions
As of right now
The starting OF would be DeJesus in left, Crisp in center, and Sweeney in right? If that is the case, we have absolutely no power in the outfield. I doubt those three combine for 30 HRs. We need a major power upgrade in right, and at DH. That outfield isn’t acceptable to me!!!
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Dec 3, 2010 2:26 PM PST reply actions
You know, that OF isn't half bad.
A combined .300/.350/.405 or something, with plus defense everywhere. It would depend on the injuries of course, but that OF would likely be above average.
Mad Libs
That outfield will catch more flies than ________
(Be rude ;) )
a week-old hyena carcass!
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 3, 2010 3:58 PM PST up reply actions
I agree with this.
As long as the players are producing offensively in some manner, it does not matter whether the production comes in the form of home runs or a high walk rate.
That being said, the A’s can probably do better than Sweeney.
Rooting for Jose Casilla to take his K- and GB-inducing skills to the majors and join his brother.
by dregarx on Dec 3, 2010 7:37 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Hopefully Carter can fill that void and hit 30hrs.
gotta give him a chance to win the job. Sweeney and Jackson gives us a solid outfield rotation.
If it's choosing between giving playing time to Sweeney or Carter
I’d much rather give it to Carter. Berkman would be a different story.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Sweeney's a better player right now. Maybe by June
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 4, 2010 4:38 AM PST up reply actions
Konerko
I’d rather have Konerko than Berkman at DH if we’re taking a flyer on an old guy. Though Konerko has been earning 12 mill a year and had a particularly good +5 oWAR season last year, so will cost more money than Berkman… But I just am not super optimistic that Berkman will bounce back — he seems like more like Piazza than Thomas at this point. Also, Chi is now paying a lot of money to Adam Dunn so may not bid as aggressively.
Apparently the Bo Sox and Padres
are talking about an A-Gon trade again. That may take them out of the running for Beltre’s services assuming they stick Youk at 3rd. Maybe good for the A’s?
That rug really tied the room together...
by Streams Of Whiskey on Dec 3, 2010 2:43 PM PST reply actions
That would be ideal!
He’s pretty much begging the Sox to take him back. Even better if the sox can also sign crawford away from the slegna
This would be awesome
If the Angels sign Crawford, Beltre might find himself out of options…
Of course both the Red Sox and Angels would be getting better too but I can live with that if the A’s also improve.
That's right!
The Oakland Athletics: We’re the last one in the bar come closing time, you’re coming home with us!
A full time A's fan in Portland who spends part of his time on AN.
Not so much tweeting as squawking: http://www.twitter.com/yusebio
Ahahaha!
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Dec 3, 2010 9:48 PM PST up reply actions
Or, to be more creepy:
“Oakland A’s baseball: ………need a ride?”
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 4, 2010 5:38 PM PST up reply actions
maybe even better news for the Angels
It just seems that Beltre does not want to be in Oakland.
by kimo from kauai on Dec 3, 2010 4:55 PM PST up reply actions
Why haven't the angels made more of a play for Beltre?
I assumed they would have done so. Is it because they want to be part of the Crawford sweepstakes and they can’t afford both?
by Billy Frijoles on Dec 3, 2010 5:27 PM PST up reply actions
maybe they're lying low
letting the picture of what it takes to sign him become clear before dropping in their offer at the last minute
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
You write this as though...
If you were the GM, what would you do?
…I’m not the GM or something. Don’t you know who I am?
Jayson Stark and those ass clowns
over at ESPN got my hopes up that we could sign Beltre… now it’s all for naught. The A’s seem like the perpetual bridesmaid when it comes to signing big free agents.
There's no business like show business, but there are several businesses like accounting.
Nothing officially, but all signs seem to indicate he's playing the A's to secure a better deal.
There's no business like show business, but there are several businesses like accounting.
by Eddie Cheddar on Dec 3, 2010 3:05 PM PST up reply actions
It will be deja vu all over again
Boras is just playing us like last year so he can make the sox give him 5 years.
The only silver lining
At least this can get piled onto the “we need a new stadium” argument.
"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle
That's what I mostly want to see from the Winter Meetings
Oakland or San Jose, just make up your damn minds already so we can move on to the building part.
If Carter gets 600 AB, I believe he could hit 30-35 HR.
There's no business like show business, but there are several businesses like accounting.
His line would still be like 200/260/450.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 3:24 PM PST up reply actions
I think it'd be quite a bit better than that in the AVG/OBP column
Though I still don’t want him starting the season with the team.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Dec 3, 2010 4:25 PM PST up reply actions
I don't think my projection is far off
His line in AAA last year was 258/365/529, and in order to try to mash 30 in the MLB next year I think he’d have to go full Adam Dunn and really try to rake. I think a 30 point drop across the board is reasonable to assume given what we’ve seen, and trying specifically to hit home runs would make it worse.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 4:30 PM PST up reply actions
ZiPS has .229/.314/.427
I could see the increasing the slugging and decreasing the average department. I think his OBP will be a bit higher than your projection (probably in Kouz territory still though).
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
.741 OPS
Mark Reynolds had a .753 OPS last year, Carlos Pena .732, BJ Upton .745.
If we don’t get one of the really big bats on the market, Carter’d probably be a better option than some of the second-tier types out there.
Though, of course, one has to concede Cust had an .834 OPS (in 113 games)—around Chase Utley’s .832 and Vladimir Guerrero’s .841.
Raw OPS does not really capture the difference at all when it is almost entirely OBP
The hitting line vignette17 cited is replacement level from a DH, straight up. You can get a washed-up minor league free agent to do that well. The difference between that and Cust’s 2010 line is about 30 runs a season.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
If Beltre signs with the A's, I will eat my hat.
All this noise around signing him is orchestrated by Beane and the front office to promote “goodwill” among the fans, purely PR.
There's no business like show business, but there are several businesses like accounting.
and it better be a big ol' pimp hat with the feather too
the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust
Done and done.
There's no business like show business, but there are several businesses like accounting.
by Eddie Cheddar on Dec 3, 2010 3:45 PM PST up reply actions
I've seen this sort of thing happen
http://www.wizards.com/sideboard/article.asp?x=ptsd02/425edthat
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 3:45 PM PST up reply actions
Interesting note
Best case for the A’s:
- Yankees sign Crawford, make Gardner/Swisher available
- Red Sox sign Werth
- A’s sign Beltre
- A’s trade for one of Gardner/Swisher
- Angels get nothing, cry in the corner
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
I'd love me some Swisher in RF.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 4:08 PM PST up reply actions
I miss Swish. Love to see him in Green and Gold again.
A full time A's fan in Portland who spends part of his time on AN.
Not so much tweeting as squawking: http://www.twitter.com/yusebio
There is no way the Angels get left out. If they don’t get Crawford, they throw a ton of cash at Beltre. They really need a 3rd baseman along with Soriano
This is true
I think Crawford will be an overpay so I would be happy with him going to the Angels and us getting Beltre. If we can swap Kouz + Jackson for Seth Smith I actually think we improve more than the Angels quite easily.
They can get Soriano then.
All their offseason prizes will be relief pitching.
Fun fun.
MOAR SPARTACUST. NOW.
"Well you see Tony,....
we have this guy called The Kouz that you might be interested in…"
:)
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
It's doable. More dominoes:
In order:
1a. Beltre signs with Oakland
1b. Werth signs with not-Anaheim
2. Cliff Lee signs with not-Yankees
3. Yankees, pissed off at missing out on Lee, throw a load of cash at Crawford that the Angels don’t match
4. Angels get none of the big-name guys
Fantasy Sports Columnist for Big Cat Country
Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Dec 4, 2010 5:42 PM PST up reply actions
Swish and Cust
Swisher. Just look to the right, squint, and see who is standing next to me in the photo, the greatest switch hitter from Columbus Ohio in history.
Cust, I an not a Cust guy although a bow to all of you stat guys on AN that can prove me wrong; but I believe he would have been tendered if he was not so “public” last season with his not so veiled comments about the A’s organization. BB is a great GM, great with the media- and using the media- but he never forgets a comment one of his players makes to the media…..it is a loyalty thing with him.
It's clearly not a loyalty thing with him
Beane shows no respect towards his players if he double declines arbitration on an above average player on the cheap, in addition to sending him down to the minor leagues after just buying an apartment. Beane has no loyalty; it’s a one way street.
rebuildingseason.blogspot.com
by Rebuilding Season on Dec 3, 2010 4:58 PM PST up reply actions
"It's nothing personal...
…..it’s just business Jack"
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
I am not defending anyone
just saying that I have been watching this part of BB’s makeup for many years, and when a plaayer makes such references to the A’s or BB, then BB just put the comment in his memory bank for further use down the road.
Jack is learning,...
from Susan is below:
“Cust, 31, averaged 28 homers per season with Oakland from 2007 to 2009, but was not tendered a contract last December. The A’s re-signed him to a one-year deal, and then sent him through waivers and sent him down to Triple-A Sacramento before Opening Day. He did not return until mid-May, and he finished the season with 13 homers; he still led the team in on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
When reached via text, Cust declined comment. "
the bold is mine not Susan’s
what do I want to see during the winter meetings?
Billy Beane getting into a fight with Brian Sabean in the hotel lobby.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Why haven't we considered A-Gonzales?
He has proven himself in the most pitching-friendly park there is.
I’d be willing to trade Cahill/Anderson, Barton and Carter
plus, I think he would be willing to get a new deal done with Oakland
Being Mexican I’ve seen a lot of interviews and reports about him and he is a very nice humble guy. He has never complained about San Diego and actually would love to stay there.
by RememberDurazo on Dec 3, 2010 7:49 PM PST up reply actions
In future, please look up the contract status of players before you propose trading for them
I’m assuming you haven’t, because otherwise that trade would be enough for any GM to be sent to a mental health facility.
"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.
Gonzales will end up in Boston
thanks to some coziness between sox GM and the new GM of the Padres. The Padres will get a haul of prospects for Gonzales; but the A’s can not and shouldn’t try to match any Sox offer. Just hope the Sox, Phillies, et al getting into a bidding war. That is the best the A’s can hope for.
To be fair...
This quote from Beane discourages my hope that we may see some action at next week’s meetings:
…if Beane did foresee action, he wouldn’t tell us.
Billy Beane... What have you done for me lately?
In earlier years Beane would use the winter meetings
To set up deals that would take place later. This happened, for example, at the 2004 winter meetings (after which the Hudson and Mulder trades took place) and at the 2007 winter meetings (after which the Haren deal happened).
by OaklandSi on Dec 3, 2010 10:47 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
If I could set it up
I would make it so that any comment you made was automatically recommended. So I will just say, I really appreciate all the knowledge that you bring to this board, and your generosity in sharing it, and your ability to keep a cool head when posting. You are a really valuable member of this community, and I just wanted to say that to you.
It is well deserved
I mostly read, and don’t post that much, but I’ve been reading AN since 2005, and I really appreciate the posters that always have something valuable, interesting, and relevant to say, and I can’t think of a single instance where your comment wasn’t all of those.
Sorely disappointed
I have been an A’s fan since 1968
I am sorely disappointed with the treatment Jack Cust has received. DFA two years in a row to what, save a little money. The guy has done everything we’ve asked of him, and then gets this done to him. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. We want to go spend more money on a guy who will do a worse job than JC, and wonder why we keep failing.
I don’t get it.
I didn’t like the Swisher trade when we made it, I still don’t like it now. I hated the Holliday trade when we made it, I still hate it now. It used to be “In Billy I Trust”, but I’m not so sure that applies anymore.
I was the first to get Blez autograph. Nebraska native, South Dakota living A's fan
by HuskerFan on Dec 3, 2010 9:19 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I hated losing Swisher
But that trade did and does make sense. I liked it more than the Haren trade. I would make it again given the chance. Would you trade Gio, Sweeney, and FDLS back for him now? I wouldn’t.
Holliday, on the other hand….
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Swish was the heart and soul
of the team. We haven’t had that type of clubhouse since.
I was the first to get Blez autograph. Nebraska native, South Dakota living A's fan
Plus
We’ve spent the time since, trying to find a power hitter to replace him, and have had no issues developing pitchers. Yes, I would trade Gio, Swingles and FDLS back for Swish even now.
I was the first to get Blez autograph. Nebraska native, South Dakota living A's fan
Something I don't understand:
Even if it is mainly a PR move, isn’t it entirely conceivable that Beane and coworkers are ok with bidding fo Beltre’s services to drive up his price? It’s seems like this could be economic warfare at its finest. Can you imagine if you managed to saddle every other team in your division with a Barry Zito-like contract?
From the winter meetings I would like:
1. Iwakuma decision yes/no
2. SOMETHING from Blue Ribbon Bud, even if it’s an announced date in the future where they’ll say something.
3. Lance Berkman! (Though I am happy for this to happen whenever)
4. If Iwakuma IS an A, I’d like the groundwork for a Cahill trade for a big bat.
5. One of the dumber GMs to create a WTF signing, a’la Brandon Lyon, for our entertainment.
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
Iwakuma's gonna happen or not on Monday
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Dec 3, 2010 11:33 PM PST up reply actions
Oh I thought winter meetings and Iwakuma overlapped by a day
Thanks for the heads up :)
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
I thought 12/7 was the deadline
Which would be Tuesday
by OaklandSi on Dec 4, 2010 6:25 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Assuming that Cahill can be moved for a big bat...
…wouldn’t that leave significant question marks in the rotation? A Japanese imported box-of-chocolates and then who else joins the rotation?
by LowcountryJoe on Dec 4, 2010 7:34 AM PST up reply actions
If Iwakuma is as ground-bally as they say he is
I wouldn’t be THAT worried replacing Cahill with him.
Obviously there’d be some worry because he hasn’t done it, but Cahill is never going to look sexier to other teams then right now.
And now is the perfect time to shop him, with only C.Lee and Pavano left out there.
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
A-Gon going to Boston supposedly
means Beltre probably going to A’s right? A-Gon plays first and Greek God plays third?
If he wants to run across the pitcher's mound, tell him to go do laps in the bullpen - pepe
There may be another suitor for Beltré
The rumor has been that it’s the slegnA
by OaklandSi on Dec 4, 2010 6:25 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Adrian Gonzalez a done deal pending physical today
Also getting nice extension. Maybe beltre to A’s today. That would be great
by buckfan6 on Dec 4, 2010 5:44 AM PST via mobile reply actions
It's awesome for us that the Sawx exercised Papi's $12mil option...
It means that neither Youk or A.Gonzalez is a candidate for DH to make room for Beltre.
It’s the Angels or us Beltre, hurry up and choose
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
I'm less concerned about the Angels getting Beltre
I am far more concerned about the the rumors I hear about the Rangers having an interest in trading for Heath Bell and re-signing/trading for one of either Cliff Lee or Zach Greinke. Them having Lee or Greinke (or both?!) is obviously not good for the Athletics’ ability to compete with them. Less obvious is what a Bell trade would mean…it means that Neftali Feliz becomes part of the Rangers rotation. If this all comes together for the Rangers, they’ll most certainly be the team to beat, once again, in the AL West — and they might do it with 100 wins. At that point [if it should happen], the fate of Beltre, I believe, is inconsequential.
by LowcountryJoe on Dec 4, 2010 8:11 AM PST up reply actions
Well there's not a whole lot we can do about Lee or who others trade for
We just have to build a 90+ win team and play our asses off.
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
That's Good News I would think
Beltre may be making his mind up a lot quicker now
What do I want to see at the Winter Meetings?
Shin-Soo Choo.
Get it done, Billy!
The glare was not practiced. I would get into the game situations, and when that happens, there comes a level of concentration that most can only imagine but can never achieve. You become what you are doing, and that is what you see on my face. -Dave Stewart
by Hegenberger Road on Dec 4, 2010 9:09 AM PST reply actions
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