The Ten Best Players in Oakland History by WAR
by danmerqury on Jul 13, 2010 7:01 AM PDT
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We've got the All-Star Game at 5:00, so definitely come back tonight for that (and a super-special exclusive interview with a certain Reggie Jackson on Thursday), but in the meantime, while we're in the superstar mood, why not take a look at the best players in Oakland history?
Now, I know I'm cutting out a lot of deserving players by restricting this to Oakland A's only, but increasing the scope to the full 109-year history of the Philadelphia/Kansas City/Oakland Athletics would just be too much. So, sorry about that, Lefty Grove and Jimmie Foxx.
Before I get started, I used WAR (Wins Above Replacement) as my ranking device, which is a statistic that converts on-field performance into the amount of wins contributed above a "replacement player", which is a baseline of the usual free and readily available AAA talent. I used Baseball-Reference's version of WAR, which has historical data going way back, and uses Total Zone for calculating defense. A season of 1-2 WAR is rather mediocre, a 3-4 WAR season is solid, and a 5+ WAR season is generally All-Star level.
Honorable Mention: Vida Blue (28.0 WAR/1945.2 IP), Jose Canseco (27.8 WAR/4531 PA), Carney Lansford (26.7 WAR/5046 PA), Gene Tenace (24.8 WAR/3014 PA), Terry Steinbach (24.8 WAR/4564 PA).
10. SP Barry Zito (28.8 WAR/1430.1 IP), 2000-2006
Forget his time in San Francisco or the gigantic albatross of a contract he was given by the Giants—Zito was rock solid in Oakland, in more ways than one. The huge fire sale before the 2005 season took the other two of the Big Three away, but Zito stuck around and remained Oakland's Zen Master for another couple years
9. SP Tim Hudson (28.9 WAR/1240.2 IP), 1999-2004
I know A's fans appreciate the guy, but it seems like Hudson never really got national appreciation that matched the level of his performance. Huddy ranks sixth among all active starting pitchers with a 3.42 career ERA. That's amazing. Why does it feel like he just disappeared in Atlanta? I swear, Charles Thomas has nothing to do with it.
8. 1B Jason Giambi (30.5 WAR/4411 PA), 1995-2001, 2009
Was there any other person that better personified the loose collegial atmosphere of the early 2000s A's? There was certainly a lot of anger directed at the guy when he jumped ship for New York, but in the end, he was one of the only batting superstars we've had the last twenty years.
7. CF Dwayne Murphy (31.5 WAR/4886 PA), 1978-1987
Murphy was a solid bat, though nothing on Giambi's level, but he edges out Giambi in WAR due to his fantastic outfield prowess. Total Zone credits Murphy with 49 more runs saved than an average center fielder would have throughout his Oakland career.
6. 3B Eric Chavez (35.8/5405 PA), 1998-Present (ish)
Sigh. He ranks sixth on the all-time Oakland list, but I can't help but wonder what could have been. Chavez was one of the cornerstones of the 2000s A's, but, sadly, he hasn't been a full-time player since 2006, when injuries brought his career to a standstill. Now, he's a spineless husk, and I mean that entirely in the literal sense.
5. Bert Campaneris (43.1 WAR/7895 PA), 1964-1976
Never a very strong batter, Campy earns the fifth spot on this list for staying power, with thirteen years with the A's. Of course, the sparkling defense and the gaudy stolen base totals certainly help.
4. Mark McGwire (43.3 WAR/5409 PA), 1986-1997
His Bash Brother sibling made the honorable mention list, but there's no way you could make a best A's list and not include McGwire. One of the most prolific home run hitters of all time, he ended his Oakland career with a slugging percentage north of .550, and that was before the crazy production in St. Louis.
3. Reggie Jackson (49.2 WAR/5430 PA), 1967-1975, 1987
Ten years, three World Series rings, six All-Star nominations, and one MVP trophy. And he goes into the Hall of Fame wearing a different team's hat? Come on, now. As good as Mr. October was in New York (and he certainly was something special), he did better for longer in Oakland.
2. Sal Bando (52.5 WAR/6086 PA), 1966-1976
Reggie Jackson may have been the darling national superstar of Oakland's 70s championship run, but Bando was the team captain, and a very good bat in his own right. The huge walk totals are nice, but they're nothing compared to...
1. Rickey Henderson (75.3 WAR/7481 PA), 1979-1984, 1989-1993, 1994-1995, 1998
Who else but Rickey? Rickey is simply the pride of Oakland baseball, the stuff of legends. He's what you get when you combine a great batter with the most electric basestealer baseball has ever seen, with a ridiculous all-time record of 1,406 career steals. Nowadays, Rickey often makes coaching appearances in the dugouts of Oakland's minor league teams, but let's be honest here, Rickey could probably play better baseball at age 51 than most of those guys put together.
The All-Star Game starts at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, where SP Trevor Cahill and RP Andrew Bailey will represent Oakland on the national stage. Additionally, we've got an exclusive interview with A's legend Reggie Jackson coming up on Thursday, which you won't want to miss.
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During the celebrity softball game on after the HR Derby
Rickey was playing in it, and it was clear he was probably the closest to playing shape out of all those guys. The strut after his “HR” was classic, too.
"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
Athletics Nation - WE'RE ALL GONNA MRIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! - danmerqury
agreed
that was awesome, even for a softball game. I wish we could have seen him hit against Jennie Finch while pitching for real.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Can we calculate Rickey's WAR for the celebrity softball game?
I loved the “strut” too…laughed hard when he did that…
WAR
What is it good for?
Absolutely NOTHING!
Say it again?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 13, 2010 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
At first I thought he was parodying his own showboating
But the more I think about it, he may have just been extra proud.
"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
Athletics Nation - WE'RE ALL GONNA MRIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! - danmerqury
by cuppingmaster on Jul 13, 2010 3:51 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
OT, sort of.
I was watching the 1988 ASG on MLB Network last night, and the starting lineups were ripe with HOF’ers, with glaring exceptions: Canseco and McGwire (steroid era), and Strawberry and Gooden (they, um, liked other drugs). There were two other Bay Area players (Steinbach and Will Clark) and Vince Coleman. But clearly- with the exception of Steiny and Coleman- all those other players were on the path to Cooperstown, and some were assumed to be first-ballot players.
Nice post, Dan. Good to see Bando high on this list. Loved Captain Sal. Ditto for the other captain (Murphy).
I didn’t get a chance to ask him but the general belief is that Reggie’s decision to don a Yankee cap was (probably) an emotional decision, based on the A’s organization letting him go after the 1991 season. The HOF elected him in 1993. The Yankees immediately retired his number after his induction, the A’s shortly thereafter (well if you consider 11 years later shortly thereafter). Aside from all that, I agree- he should have gone in as an “A”.
I'm here to talk about the past.
The Yankees have been better to Reggie in retirement than the A's have
he made a practical decision. For whatever reason the A’s don’t seem to care about their history much even though next to the Yankees they have as much as any team in the American League. They need to hire Don.
by sirbed on Jul 13, 2010 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
And Feeba is his first cabinet member. Secretary of the Taco.
by LoneStranger on Jul 13, 2010 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
I just worry that he won't have opinions of his own.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 13, 2010 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Would you, if you were being feed Feeba's tacos?
by LoneStranger on Jul 13, 2010 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
gp.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 13, 2010 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions
+2
The A’s lack of concern for their history is my biggest disappointment with the team. It seems to remain a lack of concern regardless who the owner is. And they pay for it with things like Reggie’s decision, IMO.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
Jimmie Foxx is wearing a Boston hat in the HOF
There’d be a heckuva lot more players wearing an A hat in there if they didnt let the players pick for themselves.
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
Or if the team cared about them after they left
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Thing is the A's brought back Reggie for his farewell season.
All they had to do was stay in his good graces for five more years and things might be different. Might.
I'm here to talk about the past.
You'd think being nice to people would come naturally and not be something
you do grudgingly to stay in their good graces for a period of time. Especially someone who’s been as important to the organization as Reggie.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Especially consider the Haas family owned the team at the time...
…but even they pretty much ignored the team’s overall legacy.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
That they did, and I was happy for that.
They also did acknowledge the great 70s teams… some. Kinda hit-and-miss.
If I were the owner there’d be history all over the place. The A’s have the richest and most interesting of all the teams, save probably the Yankees, and it’s being forgotten. I’d change that.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
And a bar! Please?
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Natch.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Doesn't go as well with the song.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Well, some of us know real names, Mr. Sidawi.
by LoneStranger on Jul 13, 2010 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
that is obviously a random selection of letters
as it makes no sense and is unpronounceable.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
Yeah
and you gotta find the appropriate address.
If you do 67 Broadway, you’d be in Jack London Square…which would be PERFECT WHEN WE BUILD A BALLPARK HERE!
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Let's do it. I know a guy.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Gah.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
There's only one of you.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
maybe if they get a new baseball only stadium they will embrace their history a bit more?
in terms of statues and monuments, etc.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Recognizing we have been a MLB franchise since 1901 would be a great place to start.
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
Steiny MVP!
All walks and no homers makes Jack a dull DH.
by scatterbrian on Jul 13, 2010 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Using your 5+ WAR standard for All-Star performance (with all teams):
Henderson — 12 times (4 times 8+ WAR)
Jackson 7 (2)
Bando 7 (1)
McGwire 7 (0)
Giambi 4 (2)
Chavez 4 (0)
Tenace 4 (0)
Blue 3 (1)
Campaneris 3 (0)
Canseco 3 (0)
Hunter 3 (0)
Murphy 2 (0)
Eckersley 2 (0)
Hudson 2 (0)
Tejada 2 (0)
Zito 1 (0)
Lansford 1 (0)
Steinbach 0 (0)
Fingers 0 (0)
BTW, it looks like you’re counting some KC Athletics numbers in there for years before 1968.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
KC numbers would havfe to be counted when looking at player careers...
…as long as the majority of time were spent in Oakland.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
Well you don't have to...but you can if you want to.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
WAR per season?
Is it legitimate to simply divide overall WAR by seasons played to get an estimate of value per season played in Oakland? So for example, Reggie would be 4.9, McGwire about a 3.6.
Good stuff Dan
Not a big surprise to see Rickey at the top. Rickey really is the greatest of all time at least on the A’s.
I guess closers don’t rate well with WAR as both Eck and Fingers are two of the greatest A’s ever.
My favorite A got close but I guess Carney will have to settle for being number 1 on the sirbed list of greatest A’s.
IT'S OUR POSTGAME DISSECTOR
Wuertz was scratched from a minor league game on Wednesday, but bounced back quickly on Thursday, throwing mostly fastballs and sliders, although he did mix in three sliders. -Rotoworld
by ElQuesoCapitan on Jul 13, 2010 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Carney Posada
it’s strikingly similar to Carne Asada.
SIG SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP. INQUIRE WITHIN.
wow
I’m am really slow right now. I’m totally ruining all the jokes around here.
thanks.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Hey it's monkeyball!
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Great post!
Would have never guessed that Sal Bando was the best non-Rickey player in A’s history, would have thought Reggie would have been there. Wild Jose didnt make the list, they must have really hated his defense.
Chavez……SMH, SMH…
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
Reggie was 44 Runs Above Average on defense with the A's
But as a RF and DH primarily (a little CF too) his positional adjustment was -63 Runs. Bando was 26 Runs Above Average on defense for the A’s but his positional adjustment as a 3B primarily was +36. Basically they were about as good as each other given their positions but Sal played a much more important position.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions
A disagreement
Sorry Canseco deserves a nod on this team, regardless of whatever criteria used as well as Vida Blue and ken Holtzman. I take Canseco over Dwayne Murphy. Canseco had incredible bat speed and talent, period. I take Blue and even Holtzman over Barry Zito. They each pitched better in a number of playoffs and World Series games in the 1970’s. Consider Holtzman’s 1-0 gem in the 1973 playoffs facing the powerful Baltimore Orioles. Blue had amazing blue speed and dominated hitters.
I am sure you made valid arguments for pro-Murphy-Zito, but on talent alone and stuff, I had to go with Canseco, Blue, Holtzman.
This has nothing to do with talent or opinion.
It has simply to do with numbers. WAR is a counting stat.
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
We can't really take Jose over Murphy because Jose barely played any CF.
You’d have to take him over Rickey or Reggie, and I don’t know that you would. I don’t think Jose had a bigger fan with the A’s than me.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Still am. Warts and all.
He was ours, for better or worse.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 13, 2010 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
My top 5 fave A's all-time
(keep in mind I only started following the team in 1986)
1. Rickey
2. Jose
3. Stew
4. Eck
5. Huddy
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
You make me sigh.
You should read things before you try to talk about them.
by JonathanNathan on Jul 13, 2010 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm glad to see Murph get some love here
He was one of my favorite players during the early ’80’s. I have his 31st HR from the ’84 season.
BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD, AND STUFF.
You should've been in the RF bleachers that afternoon
We could have fought each other for the ball … TO THE DEATH.
BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD, AND STUFF.
I'm afraid I may have lost that battle, and then we wouldn't be talking right now and well, that is just too weird to think about.
I'm here to talk about the past.
if it makes you feel better
I have one of AJ Hinch’s 32 career HR.
"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
Athletics Nation - WE'RE ALL GONNA MRIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! - danmerqury
by cuppingmaster on Jul 13, 2010 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions
sorry, ED
"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
Athletics Nation - WE'RE ALL GONNA MRIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! - danmerqury
by cuppingmaster on Jul 13, 2010 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Ya well I have Richie Robnets 2nd foul ball of an at bat
So I clearly win thanks for playing though
WTF GEREN?!?!?!
by robbo650 on Jul 13, 2010 10:09 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Murph!
Terribly, terribly underappreciated. One of the best players in Oakland history and glad to see him on this list.
Amen to that! I was stoked to see him at #7...
Great work, by the way, danmerqury.
"The only way I'm going to get a Gold Glove is with a can of spray paint." - Reggie Jackson
by the_rozeboom on Jul 13, 2010 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
How the Hell is Canseco not on this list?
For about five years in Oakland he was considered the best player in all of baseball. He won a championship in Oakland which half these guys never did. Chavez, really?
by dashman33 on Jul 13, 2010 9:16 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Reading comprehension FAIL
The Ten Best Players in Oakland History by WAR
Honorable Mention: Vida Blue (28.0 WAR/1945.2 IP), Jose Canseco (27.8 WAR/4531 PA), Carney Lansford (26.7 WAR/5046 PA), Gene Tenace (24.8 WAR/3014 PA), Terry Steinbach (24.8 WAR/4564 PA).
danmerqury is listing the top 10 players in Oakland A’s history based on Wins Above Replacement. Canseco was 12th on the list.
Also, if Canseco was so good, then why didn’t the A’s win three championships in those years? (dammit)
BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD, AND STUFF.
by doctorK on Jul 13, 2010 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He really wasn't good in the losing World Series's. Stupid Hershiser and injuries.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions
And the Red's messed with my mind that year
I was thunderstruck that they made the A’s look like chumps.
I was still surprised
I guess his defense and position really dropped his “value” right?
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
1) Read things.
2) Canseco had, I believe, two hits over the course of the 1988 and 1990 World Series. Both were home runs. One could make the argument that had Dennis Eckersley and the Bash Brothers performed better in those nine games, the A’s might well have been three-time World Champions. We were heavily favored all three times. Point is, I don’t think you get to give Canseco credit for anything in those years. I’m not a Canseco-hater; I still think his 40-40 season is something that can’t be taken away by steroid revelations. But I don’t think you can credibly boost him the way you’re doing here.
by JonathanNathan on Jul 13, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Was never a Murphy fan, but I like the list nonetheless.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
Don't like CF defense and walks eh? OK here's who I liked more than most and less than most:
BTW if you played for the A’s, I liked you…..even Crosby.
More than most — Canseco, Reggie, Rijo, Henry Rodriguez, Gio, Chavez, Zito, Blue
Less than most — Lansford, Rudi, Dave Henderson, Parker, Sierra
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions
How could you not like Murphy?
I’d still like him even if he did nothing else except wear his cap the way he did…
"The only way I'm going to get a Gold Glove is with a can of spray paint." - Reggie Jackson
by the_rozeboom on Jul 13, 2010 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Nice touch...
"The only way I'm going to get a Gold Glove is with a can of spray paint." - Reggie Jackson
by the_rozeboom on Jul 13, 2010 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
And a pic, too! Now that was an outfield, my friends...
"The only way I'm going to get a Gold Glove is with a can of spray paint." - Reggie Jackson
by the_rozeboom on Jul 13, 2010 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Of course, Murph and Tony need to swap places...
"The only way I'm going to get a Gold Glove is with a can of spray paint." - Reggie Jackson
by the_rozeboom on Jul 13, 2010 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
LOVES IT
wish it didnt look so cut n paste though.
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
Yeah, they're all from an A's scrapbook I made a thousand years ago.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I would like to see this scrapbook someday.
Also, you need to see skigurl’s (scrapbook)
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
I heard about skigurl's! Would love to see.
I have 3: first 25 years in Oakland, the ’89 season, and some random stuff from the World Series seasons. I need to put them all back together because I needed some of the pages for scanning.
But yeah I’ll have to be bring them to a game one of these days, or fANfest like Lynn said.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Great scrapbook photo
Thanks for the memories of that A’s outfield.
by A's Fan in Virginia on Jul 13, 2010 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions
That was quite an outfield, yes!
I’d settle for 2/3 of that today.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
Just saw Rickey
He was coaching first base for the Rivercats while they were playing the Grizzlies in Fresno. Still looked like he could play. Plus he stopped and waved at me when I yelled “Rickey!”
Yay Rickey!
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
he always has.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 13, 2010 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
This post
really makes me want to buy a Bando jersey now.
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
Sad Bando story (well not really but...)
About 20 years ago my dad and Uncle were reliving the 70’s teams and starting calling out the best players, Reggie, Rollie, Catfish, etc. Anyways my cousin Scott, who was born in ‘77, wanted to desperately be included in the conversation, and blurted out “Bando!” For some reason we paid him no mind. Crickets. His younger brother Nick nearly died laughing. So for many years afterwards whenever someone said something they thought was funny, but was met with silence, someone would say, “Bando”. We’re kind of a weird family.
Anyways not sure why we dissed the kid; it wasn’t like he said Herb Washington.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Our family 'in joke' is, "Eric Byrnes would've caught that."
Usually applied to the most outrageously uncatchable ball imaginable.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
my fave in-joke is
“CLUTCH WALK!!!!!”
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
That's an interesting list.
The Chavez thing makes me sad too. Definitely “what could have been”
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
current A's
If it’s not too much trouble could we see a ranking of current A’s by WAR?
I’m guessing Ellis would be second after Chavez?
Any thoughts on the youngins making the list one day – I suppose Anderson, Cahill, and Carter have the best shots?
This would be a mighty depressing list.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
It's Chavez, then Ellis (with 19.2).
But Baseball-Reference only tracks the top 50 in each franchise…and we’ve got nobody else in either the top 50 batting or pitching list.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/leaders_bat_50.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/leaders_pitch_50.shtml
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
We have been spoiled by having some awesome talent play for the A's...
not so much right now, but hopefully that will change. Hopefully…
"The only way I'm going to get a Gold Glove is with a can of spray paint." - Reggie Jackson
by the_rozeboom on Jul 13, 2010 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
All-Time WAR team
Your list gives us a nice team, with a couple of missing pieces:
C: Tenace/Steinbach
1B: Giambi
2B:
SS: Campy
3B: Bando
LF: Rickey
CF: Murphy
RF: Reggie
DH: McGwire
Bench: Chavez, Carney, Canseco
SP: Hudson, Zito, Blue
CL:
I’m guessing the 2B would be Ellis, maybe Phillips? CL, Fingers or Eck. Next two starters? Among Hunter, Stewart, and Mulder?
2nd base should be ray Durham or ginter
WTF GEREN?!?!?!
by robbo650 on Jul 13, 2010 10:18 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
We have a long history of likable but mediocre second basemen.
Gates, Blankenship, Bordick, Gallego…
by JonathanNathan on Jul 13, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn't Bordick play SS?
"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
Athletics Nation - WE'RE ALL GONNA MRIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! - danmerqury
by cuppingmaster on Jul 13, 2010 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I prefer "bland but likable"
and would include Ellis and subtract Bordick.
-Yeah, I just posted that, but my opinion is apparently "wrong" a significant portion of the time though, so take it as you will.
My favorite, though, was Glenn Hubbard.
I have nothing to prove this, but I always sensed that LaRussa didn’t like him and he got the short end of the stick because of it.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
Bordick played short...
and was my favorite player back then. I was actually kinda pissed that Tejada took his spot, but that was a purely emotional response.
Take your silver mod tubescreamer, your dr. z, your nocaster, put them in a pile and burn them. if god gave you a thousand years, you still couldn't touch this. you can't f***ing keep time to this.
Gates is a super cool guy...
He’s currently the baseball coach at the high school I went to in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
"The only way I'm going to get a Gold Glove is with a can of spray paint." - Reggie Jackson
by the_rozeboom on Jul 13, 2010 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Cool. Too bad he didn't do better and have a longer career.
Bob Geren... Jackie Moore without the personality.
According to the link above
Ellis would be the 2b, with Tejada a nice addition to the bench. Next two starters would be Hunter and Mulder (just edging Stewart, who can be our long man). Eck is the closer, joined by Fingers, Duchscherer, and Street – we’d better take Holtzman as a reliever, just to have a lefty in the bullpen.
Nice
And if you could split Rickey in two, both halves will still be on this list.
100% Athletics, 100% Baseball. 2009 Athletics, 40% Baseball.
fun post, dannycakes.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
yessss, another dannycakes convert.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Are there Dan skeptics?
He seems pretty level-headed and non-controversial. There’s no weirdness or hyperbole….well not much anyway.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 13, 2010 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm definitely skeptical about Dan.
No, I mean calling him “dannycakes” – it’s all over the place now.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
I can't bring myself to do it.
He’s all the things that WC says he is (and not the things he says he isn’t).
I'm here to talk about the past.
You don't think dannycakes is weird? Huh. Okay.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
a bit.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 13, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
a smidge.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 13, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
If you can start calling him "danny-poo" I'm in
otherwise, I will resist
"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
Athletics Nation - WE'RE ALL GONNA MRIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! - danmerqury
by cuppingmaster on Jul 13, 2010 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions
not as cute.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
but it's funnier
"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
Athletics Nation - WE'RE ALL GONNA MRIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! - danmerqury
by cuppingmaster on Jul 13, 2010 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmm. Now I may have to reconsider.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
I admit, I enjoy the pam-dan-shoes triangle.
She’s been forgiven for her Saturday sins, hasn’t she?
I'm here to talk about the past.
It would've been better if you did wake up behind
the Jack in the Box dumpster, you know.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 13, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
ED would've passed out in
the Claremont’s rose garden. Naked.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets, except when their nipples have magical powers. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 13, 2010 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe. Kinda.
I bet I could get Shoes on my side for this one though. We should wait until Danny does something really heinous though.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
stocktonports
It’s official! LHP Dallas Braden will be making a rehab start for the Stockton Ports on Thursday, July 15 at our… http://fb.me/xSRuNbUJ
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The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 13, 2010 12:39 PM PDT reply actions
good post Dannycakes
Question from a lazy person: What’s up with defensive value for pre UZR folks? Where does it come from? how good is it? Does it come with a side of chips? how does it match with people’s preconceived notions of who was a good defender at the time.?
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
Oh, we just don't bother with stats and we go with what 'feels' like they are a good defender.
SIG SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP. INQUIRE WITHIN.
I bet mark belanger and bert campaneris feel sticky.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
They use a system called Total Zone.
I don’t know much about it, actually, but I’d assume it uses a simplified version of batted ball data, as far as GB/FB/LD and such.
No chips, unfortunately.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
thanks
I did re read the post BTW and see TZ had been used. Mostly I just wanted to say “dannycakes”
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
♥
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
what
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
I get the feeling you're lying in wait in the shadows, ready to pounce as soon as someone says Dannycakes.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
duh
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
In reality, I'm just not focusing very well today at work.
I blame AN and ANers for distracting me.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
anytime "cakes"
is posted here, she is alerted, mostly to make sure it is not associated with her.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
That job would be a lot easier with the AN Power Search.
Oh, wait.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
Please give me my AN Power Search, back, dannycakes, sir.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
That comma use makes me kinda wish I had taken it away in the first place.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
I edited the wiki page on Moneyball today...
….just the first paragraph. Check it out and tell me what you think. It’ll be changed soon I’m sure so don’t wait too long. Stupid Joe Morgan!!!
All I wanted was a Pepsi
there's no denying Joe was a great player
….but I feel less intelligent after every broadcast he does. The original 1st paragraph said simply that the book is about the A’s, Billy Beane, and their unique (at that time) approach. It’s been a long time since I read the book but I think my 1st paragraph now accurately summarizes the thrust of the book.
All I wanted was a Pepsi
I agree. Rickey is #1
Rickey was simply amazing at a level above and beyond all other baseball players. A’s baseball, and baseball in general, was magical when he played.
by A's Fan in Virginia on Jul 13, 2010 3:21 PM PDT reply actions
also, I'm considering a new profile name for AN....
Currently under strong consideration:
Captain Sexy Face
Mr. Fancy Pants
Asshole ( my gf’s favorite)
Pigeon Messiah
Any feedback would be helpful
All I wanted was a Pepsi
I vote for asshole, but only if you actually put (my gf's favorite) in it too
does AN allow parenthesiss in usernames?
SIG SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP. INQUIRE WITHIN.
I think I saw them in a name yesterday.
by LoneStranger on Jul 13, 2010 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Think Saint's is.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
sweet!!!
I’m gonna wait for few more votes and then decide. Somehow I knew that Asshole would be a winner.
All I wanted was a Pepsi
I like debo79 personally.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Whatever you do, keep your signature.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 13, 2010 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I went to you're schools, you're churches, you're institutional learning facilities...
Love Suicidal Tendencies!!!
All I wanted was a Pepsi
they stick me in an institution, said it was the only solution,
to get me the needed professional help, protect me from the enemy, myself.
Cyco is a lyrical genius!! BTW, my knowledge of obscure song lyrics is how I get chicks. Well, that and my dictionary like knowledge of all things lord of the rings…ladies eat that shit up!!!
All I wanted was a Pepsi
I know Lenscrafters (no, not the store because that is LensCrafters) has been wondering about this.
oakclubhouse
Michael Ynoa has been sidelined the past 10 days with a little soreness but it isn’t expected to be a serious issue. #Athletics
half a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 13, 2010 4:21 PM PDT reply actions
Rickey was always my favorite player
I’ve got some pics that I took from left field of him when I was a little kid. I’ll see if I can find em and post em. I think I also have like every baseball card of his. Who needs a savings account?!!
All I wanted was a Pepsi
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