More Live Observations From Spring Training
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 8:00 AM PDT
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Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm not Irish, and I don't like beer, but I do have a closet full of color-appropriate clothes! (I'm sure that's one thing that Ducks, Packers and Athletics fans have in common.)
Royals Review has put up a fun post about Irish ballplayers; check it out.
I know we've discussed the 25-man roster decisions to death around here, but after spending the last five days in Phoenix, here it is, for what it's worth. We obviously have the problem of "too many of the same players for the same position". Nico has provided his observations from the same games, and I'd just like to add on to that. I'm much less funny, though.
First of all, and maybe most importantly, I thought Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill both looked fantastic in their starts. Since there is yet no "official" word on Justin Duchscherer, this may turn out to be a great thing; they both have a shot at the starting rotation.
If I didn't know any better, I would swear that Daric Barton was the best player on our team. He looked good from beginning to end of every game he played; his defense is head and shoulders above than anyone else's (including Chavez), and he got the most out of every at-bat. He hit the ball hard in just about every appearance, and is doing his best to ensure that he is not only on the 25-man, but is the starting first baseman. From what I saw, it would be hard to argue otherwise.
Chavez looked great out there on the field, and roused a good cheer from the crowd over at first base.
Jake Fox's performance so far has been disappointing; I was high on him coming into Spring Training, and despite an absolutely BOMB of a homerun hit in one of his at-bats, he swings at absolutely everything and doesn't hit much.
Both Michael Taylor and Chris Carter were in just about every game, and obviously I can't judge from such a small sample size, but "major league ready" did not come to mind. I was unimpressed so far with Taylor's swing.
Adam Rosales looks absolutely great. He makes the most of his at-bats; he has what one of you called "adorable hustle", and is doing everything he can to make the club. He also looks eerily like Bobby Crosby. Like right down to the cleat-sweep of home plate after each pitch. What was really encouraging; however, was how great he looked at shortstop.
It's hard to get too much of a read on Ben Sheets for the season, for obvious reasons if you heard that game, but I've been impressed with Fernando Hernandez's performance so far this spring, and in person, I wasn't disappointed. Ben Sheets? 10 runs, no outs. Hernandez? 6 outs, no runs, no hits, no walks.
The Jake Fox in the outfield experiment? Was not a rousing success; that play was possibly the worst I've ever seen, and I've seen Cust make a few.
From all indications, Coco Crisp probably will not be ready to start the season, so that might free up a spot on the team for Patterson (but likely not Buck).
Today's game will start at 1:00 PM.
In fantasy news, League Athletics Nation is holding a live draft next Tuesday at 7pm. I'll start a fan post for an open thread if you all want to heckle our picks or help team baseballgirl offer some sleeper picks that might help us in our quest for the Dancing With The Stars trophy.
Remember, you can still sign up for CBSSports.com's Fantasy Baseball Commissioner's League for half-off using this link. That takes the price down to $89.99 a league, which is less than $8 a person for a 12-team. If you do start another CBSSports.com league (either with fellow ANers or on your own with friends), email me at baseballgirl1976 at hotmail. Both SB Nation and baseballgirl will make sure you have a fabulous prize to offer the winner.
CBSSports.com is an SB Nation partner and paying sponsor of the SB Nation baseball communities.
This post is one of a series of sponsor endorsed posts related to the CBSSports.com Fantasy Baseball Commissioner League.
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Hmm...Just did a background check
and your legal name is baseball o’girl. Sounds pretty Irish to me!
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
always nice to get eyeball observations in spring training
especially of players who are new to the A;’s.
As for the fantasy league — not for me, unfortunately. My baseball addiction already takes up more time than I care to admit to people who aren’t here on AN.
We're having a LAN party
(League Athletics Nation)? Awesome.
Fun fact: I actually skipped a high school dance once to have a Quake LAN party with friends.
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
Everything is better with bacon.
Fun fact:
I did not attend one single dance or sporting event my entire four years of high school. We had mandatory pep rallies, but I got myself kicked out of those eventually, too.
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Mar 17, 2010 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions
I went to one dance, essentially as a favor to a friend, but it still ranks as one of the most miserable nights of my life
Interestingly enough, I never told anybody in my family about it. My parents still think I’m a no-dances-in-high-school loser when I was actually a one-dance-in-high-school loser.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Mar 17, 2010 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
the worst dance i went to...
was in october of my senior year in high school. the a’s were playing in some sorta post season tournament and at the end of the first game, some guy off the bench did something that made me wanna punch a wall. we were winning at the beginning of the dance and then dj announced that the a’s had lost the game.
i was crushed.
got kicked out of rallies too
Surprisingly, the football team didn’t think they were Nazis.
I went to the baseball games until I was asked to stop by the coach.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
by Future Ed on Mar 17, 2010 2:44 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t like beer
Not a strong start a post full of opinions! Nice to hear some first-person observations. Thanks.
Have SO much fun!!!
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions
On the MLB site,
the Video Corner has a video showing all the cute shirts for St. Patrick’s Day at Phoenix Muni. Totally want!
Just one quick response
If I didn’t know any better, I would swear that Daric Barton was the best player on our team.
THAT’S BECAUSE BARTON IS A GOOD PLAYER
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
I can't argue that.
He looked great.
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions
OMG HI BBG
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
Will Be in AZ Fri/Sat/Sun
Not trying to rub it in or anything, but I will be in Phoenix Friday-Sunday.
Going to LAD/SD at night on Friday (the problem when you live in SD and are going with a Padres Buddy), and then to CHC/OAK & CIN/OAK over the weekend.
Anything in particular I should be looking for? I will try to give as thorough of a post as I can remember once I get back.
Will Be in AZ Fri/Sat/Sun
I’ll be there too. I wont be making the Fri night game. I’ll be on an airplane (missing the Cal basketball game! Argh!).
by GhostOfScutaro on Mar 17, 2010 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions
There are a few others that are missing the cal game
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
by Future Ed on Mar 17, 2010 2:46 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Our 'pen is falling apart
From Jane Lee:
Bailey, Breslow shut down for a few days w elbow soreness.
Wuertz (shoulder) won’t throw in intrasquad game today as originally planned, but there’s a “chance for tomorrow,” Geren says.
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
John Shea says
Here is the wikipedia page on tennis elbow, it doesn’t talk about how long recovery takes though.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Tennis elbow?
Ok who’s the bright spark that let him play tennis in Spring Training? I’m looking at you Geren.
Some motherfcukers are always trying to ice skate uphill - Blade.
Jane Lee tweets that its lateral epicondilytis
as distinct from Breslow who has medical tendinitis.
I don’t think this is specific to tennis
Still a better bullpen than either Chicago team
The “our bullpen sucks” panic from both sides of town is hilarious (to me).
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Mar 17, 2010 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Wait, we couldnt trade Travis Buck for Elijah Dukes?
Thats interesting. Dukes has all the upside in the world: he hits power, has speed and can take a walk. All Buck has is a sexyman vibe and a 750 OPS at AAA.
No thanks
Dukes is a trainwreck and where’s the argument for trading for him when he was just released? Pick him up for just $$$ if you so want.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 17, 2010 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
more interested in KC's possible surplus of middle infielders
there’s speculation that they may want to trade either Mike Aviles or Alberto Callaspo
I believe Beane already tried to get Callaspo.
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
that was before it appeared that they may be more open to it
if he was already a Beane target I’m sure there will be another attempt — that is, if this rumor has any basis
Why trade for him when he was just released?
They call their best player "Kung Fu Panda" and they complain that people aren’t taking them or the game seriously enough? -Nick
because they said they TRIED to trade him but couldnt.
you would think Beane would have tried to upgrade over Buck with one easy move.
Aside from Dukes being an assclown
I just don’t think he’s very good.
Plus, we can’t have Duke and Dukes on the same team. Too much confusion.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Mar 17, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
I spent most of Sunday's game
observing the blonde in Sec. 15, Row 5, Seat 1. Believe me, everybody seated in that part of the ballpark that day knows exactly what I’m talking about.
These games are great fun to attend and it’s nice to get familiar with the new A’s. I don’t take my observations about the players seriously at all. It’s true that Jake Fox spent most of the first 10 days of spring training games stinking up the Valley of the Sun. The game-opening play in Goodyear was the sort of spectacularly bad play that sticks out in your mind, as was a throw to first base when he was catching in Maryvale that airmailed Chris Carter by a good 10 feet (hard to do). Presumably the A’s acquired Fox based on a previous body of work that must have impressed somebody. I’m very reluctant to make any judgments at all based on what I see in a week’s worth of spring training games.
It’s baseball in glorious sunshine, and observing and commenting on the players is fun but not very meaningful. I know people here love to be very results-oriented but in Arizona I think that’s missing the point. I enjoyed the Sheets game and the 10-1 thrashing by the D’backs in Tucson on Friday as much as either of the A’s wins I saw.
When I hear that Fox is swinging at everything
I’ve got to think that he’s pressing; trying to impress his new team especially after he said how he’s going to make the Cubs sorry for trading him. I think he just needs to relax and perhaps he’ll start to turn it around.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 17, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I've read some interviews to the effect that Michael Taylor may be trying too hard to impress
his new teammates. Those same interviews mentioned that Carter looked like that last year as well. I guess it’s not that uncommon.
Nah, he's just that type of player. The guy has no plate discipline whatsoever.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Mar 17, 2010 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
No, he's pretty much always been a guy who swings at everything.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Mar 17, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Oooh, I said "adorable hustle"
I think we should add it to ANcillary terms. It’s THAT GOOD.
It WAS great!
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
How does one define adorable hustle?
Some motherfcukers are always trying to ice skate uphill - Blade.
Care bear sliding head first
100% Athletics, 100% Baseball. 2009 Athletics, 40% Baseball.
by fruitattack on Mar 17, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh...that's so cute!
QOTM – cute division
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Um...did we see this?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/03/17/washington/
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season, SI.com has learned.
Washington, 57, has been subject to increased drug testing since his failed test, which was administered by Major League Baseball last July, and he has passed all of his subsequent tests. In deciding to support Washington and retain him as manager, the Rangers accepted his apology as heartfelt and also his explanation that this was a one-time transgression.
“I did make a mistake and I regret that I did it,” Washington told SI.com by phone from Surprise, Ariz., on Tuesday night. “I am really embarrassed and I am really sorry.”
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
Sure
We’re in a recession and we shall overcome!
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Mar 17, 2010 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions
He doesn't seem like the type
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
Everything is better with bacon.
by cuppingmaster on Mar 17, 2010 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Hell, my mom is only 56! Yikes!
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
And my mom really is a grandmother by the way...
But she still looks great!
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
This news calls for a wise crack.
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
with a razor blade
sorry, too easy
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
Everything is better with bacon.
by cuppingmaster on Mar 17, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Is there a "WAAAAAY too soon" QOTM division?
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
ron wash
Tested positive for Cocaine? What the.
Someone else put up a post about it already.
Texas must be getting him down or something…either that or he just got caught after multiple transgressions. Cocaine is not really a drug most people only do once….but what the hell do I know, right?
good for Wash for coming clean…
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
I posted a link in the fanpost on this
apparently he tested positive last summer. He told his front office about it and went through counseling. It was obviously a bad decision on his part. Hopefully there won’t be any repeats.
Makes me wonder about alcohol abuse problems (in addiiton to illicit drug abuse) among major league managers. Like the rest of society, I imagine there are some.
And that once at 57?
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Jane Lee just tweeted today's games starting lineup
Davis CF, Ellis 2B, Suzuki C, Kouz 3B, Chavez 1B, Cust DH, Sweeney RF, Buck LF, Pennington SS, Anderson SP
She did indeed
Minus Buck of course.
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
To differentiate, it should be TWSuS
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
Everything is better with bacon.
by cuppingmaster on Mar 17, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Needs more Barton, less Chavez.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Mar 17, 2010 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll be pissed if Barton loses his job to Chavez.
Some motherfcukers are always trying to ice skate uphill - Blade.
Yay Davis in center!
Any lineup that has Davis at any other spot in the outfield sucks ass.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Mar 17, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm going to celebrate by getting one of these
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
Everything is better with bacon.
by cuppingmaster on Mar 17, 2010 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Minty
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
Everything is better with bacon.
by cuppingmaster on Mar 17, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
bbg!
That picture is great! Every time I come here I feel like your smiling face is greeting me personally.
Awww...you are sweet!!!
You need to email me! :-)
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
bummer
I’m going to miss the 1st part of the game due to a conference call.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Ron Tittle has been doing mainly A's talk on his show on KTRB
nice to hear it as I “work” and wait for the pregame show and the game.
Back to the ailing bullpen arms for a moment...
Might this be somewhat common as pitchers gear up physically during ST? I’m paying way more attention to the minutiae of ST this season than ever before (thanks largely to AN) so I have no frame of reference. Can those who have been through this a few times enlighten me?
I think it is more common to have a "dead arm" period
as in it is mostly just tired arm or your pitches don’t have much life to them. Soreness that requires shutting down for a week sounds a little more serious to me.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
HI!!!!!!!
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2010 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
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