2010 Oakland Athletics Season Predictions (Mid-Season Checkup)
by baseballgirl on Jul 7, 2010 7:56 AM PDT
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PrintWell, with the All Star game fast approaching, I'd like to talk about the halfway-through-the-season results of our predictions post.
Before the season starts, it's nearly impossible to gauge how good or bad a team will be, much less how they will perform compared to division rivals. But AN took a stab at it anyway, and I'd like to see if any of us would like to review our initial predictions (and tell us what you think now).
Some questions have already been answered.
A much-deserving Trevor Cahill was named to the All Star team as the A's lone representative, and although I don't think that anyone actually answered "Cahill" to the exact question, there were two ANers who made eerily spot-on predictions, considering that Cahill didn't even start the season on the 25-man.
bobnothing
Who will be the breakout A’s Star? Does Daric Barton count as a breakout? If not, I’m going for Cahill.
walk off bunt
What will be the biggest surprise of the season? Trevor Cahill. Just liked the way he looked in spring training.
And unless something drastically changes, it looks like Eric Chavez' 2010 season will end with 33 games played.
How many games will Eric Chavez play?
mikev - 40
colin - 35
eddiemos - 35
Nico - 28, ouch, retire.
Along the same lines:
Who will be the A’s biggest disappointment?
FaStRmAn
Chavez again. Hurt before the allstar break
And let's not forget this gem:
What will be the biggest surprise of the season?
doctorK:
The Mariners will fall flat after all the off-season hype.
Do we finally have an answer for rageon?:
"How long with Eric Patterson be the favorite topic of discussion on AN?"
Chris Schlitz
Its not outside (the box) but both Fox and Patterson are dumped by mid may Patterson because of an injury and a need for rosales and Fox because he stinks
How are the rest of the predictions shaping up?
(Data through yesterday)
Who wins the AL West? Current order: Texas, LAA (4.5), A's (8) , Seattle (14)
In what place do the A's finish? (First, second, third, cellar) Current position: 3rd
Will the A's finish over .500? Current position: 2 games under .500
Who will be the breakout A's Star? Probable: Trevor Cahill
Who will be the A's biggest disappointment? Probables: Eric Chavez, Travis Buck, Brett Anderson, Justin Duchscherer
What will be the biggest surprise of the season? Dallas Braden's perfect game? Eric Chavez on the DL? Just kidding.
Combined Sheets/Duke starts? Duke only started 5, so the rest is up to Sheets. (He's currently at 18.)
Who will be the A's best starter? Right now, it's Trevor Cahill, followed by Gio Gonzalez
Will any starter have 16+ wins? Cahill has 8.
How many games will Eric Chavez play? Looks like 33 will be the winner.
How many strikeouts will Cust have? 38 so far
How many homeruns will Fox have? Jake Fox had 2 homeruns with the A's, and has 2 with Baltimore. I suppose the question did not specify a team.
Will Sweeney/Crisp/Davis hit more than 21 homeruns combined? Sweeney has one, yes ONE; Rajai has two, and Crisp has two. I'd say that the people who voted the under have it in the bag.
What date does Carter come up? What date does Taylor come up? We're still waiting. Any answers before July 7th do not work for this question.
Does Buck have at least 150 AB's? He currently has 32 ABs with no sign of returning to the team. I think the "No" crowd has this one, too.
Will Sheets be traded? Verdict is still out.
How many saves will Andrew Bailey have and guess his ERA? Despite posting a 1.59 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP, Bailey has been limited to 17 saves in 20 chances so far this year.
Barton's line will be: It is currently .283 (BA), .403 (SLG) .392 (OBP)
How many stolen bases will Rajai Davis have? He currently has 26, but he was also playing full-time until Coco came back.
Who will be the A's All-Star? Trevor Cahill
Will anyone from the A's place in the top five in awards voting? (ROY, Cy, MVP, Manager of the Year) Verdict still out.
Who is in the World Series (and playoffs, if you want to answer more questions)? Verdict still out.
Who wins the World Series? Verdict still out.
Any other outside-the-box predictions? This would have been a good place to call the Perfect Game back in April. I do appreciate the detail of Tony E's prediction: Nolasco throws a No Hitter, Liriano finishes 2nd in CY Young voting and Both Uptons win MVP awards.
We play the Yankees again tonight, looking to salvage the series.
Current Series
Yankees lead the series 2-0
| Mon 07/05 | WP: Javier Vazquez (7 - 7) SV: Mariano Rivera LP: Ben Sheets (3 - 8) |
1 - 3 loss |
| Tue 07/06 | WP: CC Sabathia (11 - 3) LP: Trevor Cahill (8 - 3) |
1 - 6 loss |
|
New York Yankees Wednesday, Jul 7, 2010, 7:05 PM PDT Mostly clear. Winds blowing out to center field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 60. |
||
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0 recs |
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"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez
I completely disagree with the biggest disappointment.
Probables: Eric Chavez, Travis Buck, Brett Anderson, Justin Duchscherer
Did anybody actually think Chavez, Buck, or Duke would get significant playing time?
Anderson is up there, though, but really that’s only if he doesn’t come back.
I’m sticking with my prediction of Davis, who everybody loved and thought was super duper awesome and would start every day and save puppies and stuff…
and instead has a .302 wOBA and a negative UZR this year.
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You're totally mischaracterizing the perception of Davis
I think most people thought he would be solid, and he’s been less than that (I don’t buy the SSS negative UZR, since his defense has been just as awesome as always I think).
I’m sticking with my Kouzmanoff call for biggest disappointment. I agree with your comment on Chavez/Buck/Duke, and I wouldn’t call Anderson a disappointment for being hurt.
Kouzmanoff is the guy most people thought would be a possible All-Star, a huge power threat, and some sort of savior on the left side of the field. Instead he’s been bad outside of a two-week span in June. (Can somebody PLEASE explain to me how an okay-fielding 3B with a .303 wOBA has a 1.5 WAR? I swear all of Kouzmanoff’s WAR numbers are like a full win from what they should be)
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions
I think people had unrealistic expectations of Kouzmanoff
And I think, when all is said and done, he’ll finish close to that 100 OPS+ mark and be the same hitter he’s always been.
the oakland athletics: hittin' ain't easy
by walk off bunt on Jul 7, 2010 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd be mildly surprised if he ends up with offensive numbers that are that good
And I’m still wondering how a guy who has almost no lateral range and has to dive for any ball not hit right at him has such a positive UZR.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions
He always stands in the right place? Cal Ripken was famous for that.
Positioning is probably more important at 3B than any other position because you have almost no time to move once the ball is hit.
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 7, 2010 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Biggest disappointment for Kouz? No way
He’s about league average. I don’t think anyone expected him to be an All-Star, or a huge power threat. I do think he’ll finish with at least 17 HR, though.
"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 7, 2010 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
this.
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. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 7, 2010 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Nobody thought he was going to play the way he did in the second half last year.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 7, 2010 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
yes they did.
If I felt like it I’d go back and try to find how many times people just said he needed consistent playing time, or that he’s really always been good in his career except for the times that he’s sucked, etc.
Very few people wanted to admit that it was probably just a fluke, like when Brady Anderson hit 50 homers that year.
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I don’t think anyone expected to him to post a .324/.378/.456 batting line like he did in his last 100 games in 2009. I thought he’d be around .300/.330/.420, but it wouldn’t have shocked anyone if he dropped off to .270/.300/.370 or something down there. In his last 25 games prior to him having his playing time cut, he was batting .287/.345/.426. For a guy that wreaks as much havoc on the bases as he does, that’s good enough.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 7, 2010 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Davis has not been awesome defensively.
For his career, he’s only slightly above average in the outfield (2.8 UZR/150). He gets horrible reads on balls, and while the perception here is that he makes up for it with his speed, the numbers show that he clearly doesn’t. On top of all that, he seems to make an inordinate amount of dumb mistakes (stuff like dropping easy catches, pushing fly balls over the wall for a homer) that doesn’t really help your UZR. Rajai Davis really isn’t as good defensively as many on here make him out to be. Offensively, I’d say he’s performing about what I’d expect.
From what I’ve seen, Kouz is very very good on balls hit to his right but very mediocre on balls hit to his left. He’s pretty good at coming in on slowly hit balls as well. The defensive numbers are a bit out of line with his career numbers so I’d expect them to regress some. However, I’d also expect his hitting to regress some as well (in this case, go up) to his career norms. Basically, I think it’ll even out and he still ends up around 3 WAR which is far from disappointing.
The biggest disappointment? Undoubtedly, Brett Anderson. It’s very disappointing when your franchise pitcher is having arm issues at 22 years. I do not have to spell out the implications if Brett Anderson does indeed turn out to be Rich Harden 2.0 If he comes back healthy for the rest of the season, I’ll change my mind
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jul 7, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Honestly I would just shut him down for the season
this year is done why dick around with it.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on Jul 7, 2010 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I kinda feel the same way
He’s one guy where when you post “THE FRANCHISE!” it actually makes sense.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
The A's are in a really crappy position.
All of Anderson’s MRIs show no structural damage (similar to Harden) other than tendonitis. Yet it seems to be a recurring issue since it obviously flares up again when the pitches accumulate (similar to Harden). So what do you do? You can’t do surgery since you don’t know what to fix (Harden, again). If you shut him down the rest of the season, that might only mitigate the problem, not fix it (they tried that with Harden…). What if it flares up again when he starts throwing again next spring and further along down the road in years you expect to contend (Harden, Harden, Harden)?
Based on the A’s medical staff prior results in a similar situation, I’m sure this will be handled superbly.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
Exploratory surgery.
Worked for my sister on her shoulder. The MRI didn’t show anything, but she had pain when trying to swing her racquet. They thought it was a minor tear – judging by her reaction to tests done by the physio.
Turns out it was an entirely different matter, but they only found out once they operated.
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."
I think that's definitely on the table if Anderson fails to come back again from this injury.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
Shutting him down will waste service time but might help
its a lose lose situation. But this is why I wanted to wait another year before extending him given his long history with injuries in the minors.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on Jul 7, 2010 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm much more likely to believe something is broken with the A's OF UZR this year than I am to believe that Davis isn't a top defensive CF
Davis, Sweeney, Gross are all way, way below career norms. I have no idea what would cause this, but I have a hard time believing all three of them are bad now.
I think moving to the AL is going to more than cancel out moving to a less pitcher-friendly park. I just really, really despise Kouzmanoff’s approach. I think it’s a good way to go through really long stretches of being bad.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions
We're not talking about this year.
Like I said, for his career, Davis is only a 2.8 UZR/150 outfielder. He’s nowhere near the top defensive outfielder you’re making him out to be.
As for why Sweeney, Davis, and Gross are all below career norms defensively, well the most obvious reason is that a half a season’s worth of UZR data is prone to fluctuations and is also pretty close to useless. Also other factors like Sweeney having injured knees, Davis making boneheaded plays, and Gross getting old and declining might be affecting defensive performance as well.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
no one who was doing any serious thiking thought Kouz was a possible all star
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on Jul 7, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah I didn't understand that either.
Most of Kouz’ “scouting reports” were basically good D, lowish OBP, and 20hr pop.
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I think this is just a case of thejd44 irrationally hating on a player
like Corey Brown but less logical.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on Jul 7, 2010 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions
The Corey Brown "dislike" is from watching him play and not seeing him as a potential major leaguer
I WANT Brown to develop. I just don’t think he will and I don’t consider him a real part of the A’s future.
I think Kouzmanoff is horribly overrated, and I think his 2.5-3 WAR seasons in San Diego make no damn sense when you factor in his subpar offense and slightly okayish defense. And when that trade was made, there was an overwhelming amount of support for just how great he was. I was sort of reacting against that, too.
He’s fine while there’s nobody better to have, but he’s the exact type of guy I’d be looking to replace every single day if I’m the GM.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it's less that he's great
And more that he’s not abjectly horrible.
He’s competent, and he doesn’t get hurt. Given what we’ve been dicking around with at third for years, that’s a nice change of pace.
the oakland athletics: hittin' ain't easy
by walk off bunt on Jul 7, 2010 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree about Davis
I’ve never been sold on him – he’s hack-tastic with little power, and makes me nervous ever time he goes for a ball, especially if the ball is between him and Sweeney.
BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD, AND STUFF.
Hmm, I'm not sure if Davis is "hacktastic"
I actually think it’s worse than that sometimes. To me “hacktastic” is a guy who just wants to hit everything. I think Davis wants to be patient, and his pitch recognition just isn’t very good so he thinks he’s swinging at good, hittable pitches.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd love to toot my own horn, but, uh
I certainly wasn’t this bullish on Cahill.
the oakland athletics: hittin' ain't easy
Really? His 3.81 tERA and 3.99 xFIP are pretty much the highest you can have in a "breakout year".
If he were at 4.30 or something it wouldn’t really be a breakout year. So toot away!
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 7, 2010 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, right
I thought this was about what he might be capable of. Which, given his xFIP last year, I felt would have qualified as a pretty big surprise.
But you also have to tip your cap the results as they are, and 8-3, 3.17 with an All-Star selection under his belt were not anything that I had in mind.
Keep in mind I said I thought he’d surprise. Not be a breakout candidate. I thought we’d maybe get a solid contribution out of him and see him solidify himself as a useful, if not especially glamorous, part of the rotation by the end of the year, which was a long way from the ineffective starter last year who couldn’t crack the 25-man roster to begin the season.
the oakland athletics: hittin' ain't easy
by walk off bunt on Jul 7, 2010 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions
You're not very good at this tooting thing are you?
it’s tough to ‘support the laundry’, especially when the teams are losing on a consistent basis. - OldhamA
by WaddellCanseco on Jul 7, 2010 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions
There's room for improvement
the oakland athletics: hittin' ain't easy
by walk off bunt on Jul 7, 2010 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
No
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by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
At first, I didn’t think so. When I look at everyone else, though, it seems like Sheets has been the most disappointing player because no one expected Chavez or Duchscherer to play an entire season. I don’t think Davis has been that big of a disappointment because he was playing well until his regular playing time stopped with the arrival of Conor Jackson and then Geren just went with Gross over Davis. Crisp was back as well. Davis needs regular playing time to hit somewhat well and he had an OPS of about .830 in his last month of regular playing time. Hey, maybe Crisp has been the most disappointing player simply because he’s played about 15 games and has had two DL stints already. I know he was hurt last year, but this is a bit much.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 7, 2010 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes
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by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
There is ten million reasons for me to agree with you.
Green and Gold Lantern Corps
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 7, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
I was actually right about something?
Yeah, like that will ever happen again.
BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD. BEER IS GOOD, AND STUFF.
I was being perverse
All my predictions were way, way off. Except my most perverse prediction, that the biggest disappointment would be Brett Anderson, may be the only one remotely right. I did predict the biggest surprise as Dallas Braden, and in a way, that one was vindicated.
How about this one from my February "Bulls & Bears" prediction post?
Dallas Braden I love the guy and I believe in him. I also believe that you pitch better when you have feeling in all 10 of your toes. I can see a scenario where Braden’s balance is off, he compensates and — like the warrior he is — pitches pretty well through it, but ultimately injures his arm or back and cannot be the iron man he wants to be for Oakland…My prediction for Braden: 4-5, 4.40 ERA.
{Actual Braden stats: 4-7 3.83 ERA}
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
Sorry Nico
But you did not predict the perfect game, so you lose all credibility. Just because you called the injury, the record…anyone could do that.
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
I was pretty close on Barton, too
Barton’s line will be: .271/.388/.435
so far: .283/.392/.403
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My mid-year grades
Biggest disappointments: Carter, Taylor
Biggest major league disappointment: Ben Sheets
Most disappointing injuries: Coco Crisp, Brett Anderson, Dallas Braden
Unrealistic to assume otherwise: Eric Chavez, Eric Patterson, Rajai Davis
Realistic to assume otherwise, but par for the course: Justin Duchsherer, Travis Buck, Ryan Sweeney’s power, Jake Fox
Good expectations, fulfilled: Mark Ellis, Cliff Pennington, Gio Gonzalez, Adam Rosales, Andrew Bailey
Well, he’s a major leaguer at least: Daric Barton, Vin Mazzaro
Jury still out: Michael Wuertz, Kurt Suzuki
Yeah, whatever: Kevin Kouzmanoff, Landon Powell, Jack Cust
Much better than expected: Trevor Cahill, Craig Breslow
Really?
You’re lumping Daric Barton together in the same grade category as Vin Mazzaro?
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
He wasn't good the last few years. Not in the Majors at least. He's finally establishing himself.
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."
He was pretty good in the Majors last year
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Why are you still hating on Barton?
He’s been better than an average MLBer.
"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 7, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Not hating on Barton
But as of right now, at a power position, he’s a better-fielding Scott Hatteberg with less power. He’s finally proven he’s a major league ballplayer, obviously because of his on base percentage. If he were a second-baseman or shortstop, we’d be rolling in the aisles. But he’s a first baseman. So let’s see what happens.
As a 24 year old, Daric Barton is currently on pace to provide 4 WAR this season.
He’s not just a “major league ballplayer”.
For comparison, the most amount of WAR Hatteberg provided to the A’s was 3 in 2002. And he was 32 that year.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
"He's finally proven he's a major league ballplayer"
Apparently that’s not good enough for some people around here.
....cause he's not just a major league ball player?
Because at age 24, he’s well above average?
For comparison’s sake, he’s provided the same amount of WAR as guys like Jeter, Heyward, Konerko, J. Upton, and Markakis this year. Are those guys just “major league ballplayers”?
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
"just" is your word, not mine
Barton has proven he is a major league ballplayer. As Dan points out, I was wrong in lumping him with Hatteberg, probably because Hatteberg never quite hit the same heights of On Base Percentage. The fact that he’s 24 is irrelevant to the discussion. Not counting his September 2007 call-up, this is Barton’s third year playing in the major leagues. There are exceptions but usually, by the third year, after quite a few major league at bats, either the player will be a major leaguer, or he’ll always be a AAAA player.
As I say below, my expectations given Barton’s hype were higher. I expected more power, I expected (though I didn’t know the stat at all) a higher xBABIP. To me, this year is a breakthrough for him, but I still expect better things in the years to come, probably when he’s a member of the Boston Red Sox, but still…
You count 54 games last year as a "full year"
ok.
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oh yay, let's start arguing semantics when you're proven wrong!
The dude was called up at 22 when he probably shouldn’t have been… and sucked
Then he was kept in AAA for 75% of last year when he probably shouldn’t have been… and played better, but you’re looking at less than 200 PAs.
Keep saying it’s his 3rd year all you want
At the start of this season, he had 1 year and 119 days of Major League service time.
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Right
Let’s start arguing semantics when you’re putting words in my mouth.
1 year, 119 days = 3 years
That’s what you’re saying.
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What I'm saying...
..is that in REAL TIME, not playing time, he’s had three years to mature.
But you’re going to read whatever you want into what I say, and then argue that straw man, so there’s no point.
the straw man is saying he's been a big leaguer longer than he has.
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Anything I say will get flagged
so I’ll not say anything at this point.
REAL TIME not spent on MLB playing fields
has little to do with his maturity as an MLB player
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually it does
Sometimes it takes all, or parts of two or three seasons to get acclimated to the major leagues. That’s pretty much historical. It doesn’t seem to matter, just looking over statistics for the past thirty years, how much time they’re spending in a major league uniform…because sometimes they could be in a major league uniform and not play anyway. But you’d have to prove the statement “real time not spent on MLB playing fields has little do with his maturity as an MLB player” because it is not a given.
But the point you're missing is that he WAS NOT PLAYING
Unless you’re saying it was a physical or emotional maturity he needed. I suppose you can gain strength or grow up without playing in the majors, but the argument that he’s had three years of development in the majors is simply untrue.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions
My quote:
“The fact that he’s 24 is irrelevant to the discussion. Not counting his September 2007 call-up, this is Barton’s third year playing in the major leagues. There are exceptions but usually, by the third year, after quite a few major league at bats, either the player will be a major leaguer, or he’ll always be a AAAA player.”
I am NOT saying: (a) he has spent three full years in the majors, nor (b) that he had three years of development in the majors. What I’m saying is that generally, after this amount of time and after quite a few at bats, there’s a combination of maturity and learning experience that a player usually “gets it,” whatever “it” might be, or most likely won’t get it at all (there are exceptions, notably Carlos Pena and Ryan Ludwick). Learning experience could come exclusively from being in the majors, or it could come from being in the majors and minors back and forth, it might even come from sitting on the bench in the majors and listening and paying attention.
But it does seem that after three years, however those three years are broken down, that something either clicks or it doesn’t. At least, after watching baseball my entire life, that’s how it’s looked to me.
The fact that he's only 24 and already putting up the numbers he's putting up means everything to this discussion.
You can expect more power sure, but then you’re expecting him to perform at a 5, 6 WAR level at age 24. Quite frankly, that’s pretty unreasonable. And I have no idea what you mean by expecting a higher xBABIP.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
you expected a higher xBABIP?
HUH?
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on Jul 7, 2010 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Not what I said
I was looking for a statistic that would show someone who was a better hitter qua hitter. If xBABIP shows that, then I’m in favor of it. If it doesn’t, then another statistic will do.
Again, xBABIP isn't about talent.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
Is WAR weighted by position?
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."
In a sense, yes. There is a positional adjustment given
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So a 4 WAR OF is better than a 4 WAR 1B?
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."
No, it's built into the WAR number.
So if you have a CF and a 1B who are both 4.0 WAR, you can figure the 1B is a better hitter (because the CF can hit less well and still be worth 4.0 by virtue of playing CF).
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
What he said.
Because of the defensive spectrum, if you have two players who are literally IDENTICAL hitters, but one is an average SS and one is an average LF, the SS will have a higher WAR because of the positional adjustment built into it.
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Or, to put it another way,
the baseline of 0 WAR depends on the position. A 0 WAR 1B is a better hitter than a 0 WAR SS.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
....yeah what everyone else said already.
If WAR didn’t account for positional adjustments and defense, it’d basically be VORP (and just as useless as well).
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
I think VORP is fine for a catch-all offensive counting stat
I think it’s especially useful if you want to eliminate defense from the discussion (which might make sense if the accuracy of the defensive metrics is a question).
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
He's a better fielding Scott Hatteberg with loads more OBP and the same amount of power.
Sounds good to me.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
That is good
Which is why I categorized him as “Well, he’s a major leaguer, at least.”
If you want to categorize him as “fulfilled expectations, at least,” go ahead. But my expectations were somewhat higher than what we’ve seen so far.
I expected a better hitter, qua hitter
As you yourself point out, Dan, his xBABIP is .304. Major league certainly, but I was hoping for a more solid hitting line. Pretty sure that Barton does as well.
xBABIP isn't a measure of talent.
Good hitters don’t necessarily have higher xBABIPs.
But anyway, a more solid hitting line from Barton would almost be All-Star level. I’d like to see more power, for sure, but the OBP is already elite.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
"All-Star Level"
That’s my expectation, and that was the hype, and that was what we saw in 2007. He may be on the way.
Can you give an example of a great hitter with an xBABIP line of .304?
I have NO idea where to look. But from what I’m seeing, simple BABIPs for great hitters (qua hitters, not counting great on base percentages) tend to be pretty high.
Albert Pujols.
xBABIP of .300.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
I take it xBABIP doesn't take into account home runs?
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."
Home runs aren't balls hit "into play", so no, it does not.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
ah, ok
Given that Barton is not a home run hitter, can you find a comparable hitter qua hitter, a great hitter, with a similar xBABIP whose batting average isn’t “skewed” by home runs? I’m thinking of someone more in order of a Tony Gwynn Sr, let’s say.
I love Barton, but I'd say he's
Hatteberg with a slightly better OBP and less power.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I thought so too.
But Hatteberg ended his four years in Oakland with a .396 slugging percentage. I figured it’d be a lot higher.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
Hatteberg spent four years in Oakland
His SLG dropped to .343 that last year, so the aggregate is skewed down. When we think of Hatteberg in an A’s uniform, we’re thinking of him during the those earlier three years, pretty much. No one was sorry to see him go because he’d deteriorated in that final year, or seemed to: His first two years in Cincinnati turned out to be the best years of his career, but that could also be due to the league and the ballpark.
That pretty much was due to the league and the ballpark.
That, and he was at full health for much of his Cincy stint, too.
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions
My biggest disappointment
Is our pitching staff, which of course is our one bright spot. But Anderson getting hurt, Duke not being able to go, Zig and Wuertz both dipping so far below last season’s dominance, I definitely have to say I would have liked to see our staff at full strength. Duke, Anderson, Cahill, Sheets, Gio and Braden, with a healthy bullpen would be a thing of beauty.
Not disappointed like I expected more, just disappointed that we can’t see that bunch together and at full strength.
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
Off topic:
The Wall Street Journal ran an article today about Tyson Ross, and how he lives with his parents.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
400k a year
Poor guys, how do they subsist on such a pittance? Appalling. We should take up a collection immediately.
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Is he on a major league contract?
Or does he go down to the minor league salary if sent down to Sacramento?
There's no crying in baseball!
It's probably a split contract, which means it's now a minor league salary.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
He probably knew he wouldn't be spending the whole year in Oakland.....
Better to save some money while with the big league club so that now that he’s earning his minor league salary, he has some savings in the bank to pay for a place….
There's no crying in baseball!
When you factor in taxes, agent cut, union dues, and other expenses that 400K (which he won't make since he's now in the minors) turns into a lot less really, really fast.
I mean, it’s not like he’s poor or anything, but he really only makes about half that if he stays in the majors all year.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Jul 7, 2010 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Sure, but when 400K turns into "a lot less really",
it still amounts to >200K, which is still quite a bit more than most of us here earn even before taxes.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Oh, LORDY.
“This cuts out all the hard stuff, like setting up cable and getting furniture,” he says.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Surely you're not suggesting modern day athletes don't know what it's like to live in the real world?
[And don’t call me Shirley – to preempt everyone that was going to post that]
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."
I posted that comment before I read the whole story. This is worse:
is mother, Jean, is glad her son is back. Not only do they see movies together, but Mrs. Ross appreciates that Tyson mentors his 17-year-old brother, Joe. One thing she doesn’t appreciate: “I still have to clean his bathroom for him.”
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
I wish my Mom would still clean my bathroom
"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 7, 2010 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions
My mom still cleans my bathroom.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 7, 2010 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
But I'm always reading about kids his age moving back in with their (helicopter) parents after college
What’s so much worse about Ross doing it? He’s not even home half the time.
I don't see anything wrong with it
I lived at home until I was 21. However, I definitely did my own laundry and cleaned my bathroom.
will crosby spread his legs so far apart at bat that the games will have to be rated nc-17 -- emperor nobody
Uh sure. I guess.
I was broke and unemployed after college so I moved home until I got a job. Cleaned up after myself though.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
It not "worse" or anything.
I find it amusing, mostly. You’d think a 23 year old man who draws $400K would clean his own bathroom.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
If I had that kind of money
I’d hire a maid to clean my bathroom. Hell, I’m thinking about doing that anyway, I don’t make anything even close.
THIS
"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 7, 2010 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
You know, it's ok to make that kind of money
and still clean your own bathroom.
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
But if you hate cleaning bathrooms
- and boy, do I hate it – why not pay someone if you’re in the financial position to do so?
So that you don't become entitled?
This isn’t snark; I really mean it. It’s hard not to become “entitled” when you naturally “have” — you need to consciously work on not falling into the trap or the default is that you will. I work with private school families and believe me I know of what I speak.
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
Do you do other things you dislike to keep from becomming entitled as well?
Entitlement stems from believing you’re too good to do something, which I think is something instilled by parental units myself.
I know I’m not above cleaning the bathroom. I really don’t like doing it though.
Entitlement also stems from
forgetting what “real life” entails and viewing ordinary things as “hardships” instead of “part of life.”
It’s 12 year old girls getting grossed out about picking up a soggy paper towel with bits of food on it, as if they couldn’t just do it and go wash their hands. And it’s 14 year old boys peeing on the toilet seat ring figuring, “It’s the custodian’s problem — heck it’s his JOB.”
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I don't see why bathroom cleaning is any different
from whatever else you might pay someone to do.
I pay a mechanic to change the oil in my car. I’m sure I could figure out how to do it myself and save some money, but I don’t want to. Am I in danger of becoming entitled with respect to my car?
On the other hand, I file my own tax return, whereas many people pay someone else to do that. Are they in danger of becoming entitled with respect to their finances?
If you hate cleaning, I don’t see a problem with hiring someone to clean. Or if you hate grocery shopping, hire someone to shop for you. Or if you hate cooking, go out to eat all the time. Or if you hate driving, take a cab. Etc, etc.
Me, I hate having to work, so I tend to not spend money on much of anything. That is yet another choice.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Yes, I have no problem if it's really specific like,
“I don’t mind cleaning stuff, but toilets I just can’t deal with.” It’s the broader mentality of, “Well I have the money so let me live as hedonistic a lifestyle as possible and forget what most people call ordinary living…” that I think is a slippery — and possibly moldy and pee-filled — slope.
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
Or a maid to clean your mom's whole house in which you're living for free.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Hells and yes.
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions
There you go.
And when he signs a big contract, buy her a new house.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
but she's still gotta feed you when you visit.
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. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 7, 2010 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Well I figured that would go without saying
Just everyone was super-focused on HIS bathroom( that was the quote in the WSJ anyway ).
does he pay rent to his parents?
because if that’s my kid, I’m totally charging rent. although maybe he’s paying rent in the form of tickets to every game…
There's no crying in baseball!
My mother charged me rent when I was 17.
She didn’t charge market rate, but enough to make me get off my ass and get a part-time job, the same job which later let me get my own apartment.
I didn’t like it at the time, and I whined and moaned about it like any teenager would, but looking back I’m glad she did.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
This keeps confusing me
Was there a time when people didn’t move back in with their parents, at least briefly, after college?
Because, like, if you can’t get a job (and there ain’t many of em out there to be had at the moment for folks our age), what exactly is the other option?
the oakland athletics: hittin' ain't easy
by walk off bunt on Jul 7, 2010 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the point is that Tyson Ross is gainfully employed.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
No, he's fucking wealthy.
Really it doesn’t matter if he’s 23 or not. He went to Berkeley, graduated, and is pitching in the major leagues. Pretty ridiculous to still be at home with mommy and daddy.
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Well it's his choice I suppose.
I certainly wouldn’t be in his situation, but everyone’s different.
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."
I don't have a problem with him living with his parents
if that makes him happier. Jumping to the big leagues at age 23 can be disorienting, so if this helps keep him grounded, I’m all for it.
I just hope that he’s pulling his weight in whatever way is appropriate, whether that’s chores or money or whatever, and not just being an immature freeloading bum. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he is, and that silly stuff about bathroom cleaning and buying furniture was just the writer playing up the story.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
pretty sure he didn't actually graduate
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on Jul 7, 2010 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
was he drafted as a junior? I thought he finished school
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i think he either didn't expect to make the team or doesn't expect to stay with the big league team.
no need to sign a lease and furnish a house when you’ll be playing for the River Cats soon.
not totally irrational.
I'm reasonably sure he could afford a month to month lease somewhere
perhaps even furnished.
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when they have kids
oh, that is mindboggling
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions
no, I think it said she just slept over now and then
"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 7, 2010 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I find it interesting that several people,
with differing opinions on the question, refer to a young person living with his or her parents as living “at home”. If you have your own place, isn’t that your home, too?
Perhaps my view is warped because my mother sold her house shortly before my 19th birthday, but even so I had my own home for a year before that and I always considered my apartment to be “home” and my mother’s house to be my mother’s house.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
If you had a bigger family rooted around a location, it would be different.
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by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, maybe that's it.
We were just three kids and one parent, which only very loose connections to any extended family.
One’s perception of home is very personal, I suppose. Some people here find it weird that I still think of Oakland as my “home town”, since I didn’t grow up there, and it’s been many years since I lived there.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
I think the exception
would be when one is living in a university dormitory, which although I lived in one for 9 months out of the year, more or less, I did not consider “home”. I moved back “home” to my parents house every summer. Certainly after moving into my own apartment with an undefined leaving time, I considered that my “home”, but not the dorms.
Almost all players are drafted out of college as a junior
and few of them actually finish college
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on Jul 7, 2010 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Why is it ridiculous if it works well for him and them?
We’re too quick to judge, IMO. It’s his life and he knows the context of his choice — for one thing, you don’t know if maybe his mom is seriously ill, or there’s a “special needs” sibling in the house or whatever.
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
Uh, cause we're us.
We judge. It’s what we do.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Goats don't judge.
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
goats offer unconditional love?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Or the conditions are totally acceptable.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I lived with my mom until I was 37
And then SHE moved out.
It's the fans that make the game fun. -- Rickey Henderson, July 26, 2009.
fixed
He went to Berkeley,graduated, and is pitching in the major leagues.
He only played three years of college ball, and left early when drafted.
There's no crying in baseball!
I'm pretty sure he could find someone to get furniture.
m4w:
23yo, tall, professional athlete with six-figure income seeks fun-loving gal who likes to shop. Help me decorate my new home. You provide the inspiration, I’ll provide the credit card.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
{puts on wig, answers ad}
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
That's your answer to everything.
"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."
That used to be mine too, but then I grew my hair out.
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
That's a great story
I think it’s funny his GF sleeps over sometimes…LOL.
"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 7, 2010 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Yar.
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. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 7, 2010 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
hey Bloom are we going tonight?
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on Jul 7, 2010 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions
yup.
Well, I am and CS is and you are, I think.
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. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 7, 2010 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Not fair
I want to go with you guys, but alas, I am in the visiting team’s city. Booo ABroad for me please.
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Gallagherrrrrrrrrr
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I would like to see Matt Watson in the lineup tonight.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
THE FRANCHISE!
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
FREE MATT WATSON!
In all seriousness though, Watson can slug (.600 SLG for SAC this year) and while in all likelihood he’ll probably suck, I’d rather give him at bats (if the alternative is Gross or Rajai) and hope he can run into one or something. I’m really tired of this 3-hits-to-score-one-run offense.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
He's free?
um…..okay, I’ll take him, I guess.
If he can’t play baseball, I’ll have him clean my bathroom…
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. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 7, 2010 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Come here often?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions
and Watson
and I like to party
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
remind him this verse...
First Thessalonians 1:31
“Thou shall not sacrifice bunt”
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, my biggest disappointment?
Not getting to comment on the WHY CAHILL IS NOT AN ALL STAR BOTTOMLINE post. WTF???! closed to comments? Discrimination!!! I wanted a piece of that one. Anarchy!
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
oh man, I hadn't seen that comments were closed... looks like I came off with the BOTTOM LINE!
WOO!!!!
"Life is a horizontal fall" -Jean Cocteau
Comments closed?
What ever for?
Actually, what I should be asking is:\
How much did you pay Nico to get him to close the comments with you as the BOTTOM LINE?
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
which is a euphemism for what exactly?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
It's a euphemism for
wiping dried up pee off the toilet seat.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Oh!
I thought it was like “I cleaned his clock” or something
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought it was more like
“I drained his pipes”
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions
You owe 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
In exchange I'll tell Anderson to stop being injured, Kouzmanoff to stop swinging at pitches on his fists,
Gio to stop walking people and to calm down, Dallas to teach Ziegler to throw a screwball to lefties, Breslow to become a starter while retaining his magical outmaking capabilities, Pennington to grow 6 inches and gain 100 pounds, Sweeney to swing for the fences, Raj not to swing at pitches out of the strikezone, Devine to grow a new elbow, Wuertz to pitch like two nights ago forever, Geren to stop intentionally walking people, Barton to stop bunting, Crisp to stay healthy, Cahill to keep throwing his curve, Sheets to throw 96, Michael Taylor to stop sucking, and Chris Carter to hit 1200 homeruns in the next two games forcing us to call him up and Billy Beane to sign him to a twenty year extension for $1,000,000.
"Life is a horizontal fall" -Jean Cocteau
And maybe get me a latte?
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
From Jane Lee: Ross sent down
Tyson Ross sent down to Sacramento to be stretched out as a starter. #Athletics
Ross said he was a little surprised by the move but glad he’ll get chance to return to starter role.
will crosby spread his legs so far apart at bat that the games will have to be rated nc-17 -- emperor nobody
#Athletics select Ross Wolf from Sacramento; option Tyson Ross to Sacramento; transfer Eric Chavez to the 60-day disabled list
ABOAT TIME BOTTOM LINE!!!!!!!!1111
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Boat time?
Somebody get the Jimmy Buffett tapes and the boombox, we’re goin’ slick surfin’ in the Gulf!
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmm. Chavez to 60 day DL?
The last game he appeared in was May 20, meaning he’ll be on the DL for at least two more weeks.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
WHAT???????
I fully expect Beane to pick up the option for 2011. The guy just needs to get his swing back. Or his back back.
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
Aw. At least.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Heh.
Yeah. I’m hoping it’s longer.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
By reading any day's news, one can always know
what the Oakland A’s should have done 3 months ago.
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
Does that mean Geren will be fired soon?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
No, it means he'll fired 3 years ago plus 90 days.
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
Do we get a do-over?
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Do we get to replay all the games?
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
Except the Perfect Game
Leave that one alone.
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
Sigh.
Distant memory.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Sigh.
Dallas Braden’s last win.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
The morons that be finally realized after
two extra months that he needs to be stretched out.
Probably so when Sheets gets traded he comes back up?
As I mentioned in this morning’s paper, scouts had been wondering why he was still here, potentially delaying his development. #Athletics
If we can see it, if other scouts can see it….why did it take so long for the people running the our organization to realize it?
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
Mike, what is the current bid up to on the sig line? I may be interested.
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
what would
“Patterson for Prez " set me back?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
you accept paypal?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Can I get some Diamond Level seats with the GF?
:runs and hides:
SIG SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP. INQUIRE WITHIN.
Where did mikev go?
follows bbq sauce trail
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
actually, I prefer to use dry rub instead of sauce.
SIG SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP. INQUIRE WITHIN.
sounds like a korean place I used to get a massage
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions
i.e., nobody's offered anything yet.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
How about two bleachers seats and Dibs?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on Jul 7, 2010 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Why is he back *now*?
Was he rooting for Germany?
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
That's reeeeeaal nice, Clark.
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions
He can't if the A's keep calling up his lineup protection
Who’s supposed to scare the pitchers into throwing him strikes, Sogard?
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Just read the BOTTOM LINE post in its entirety
laughed out loud in a crowded office
"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez
Laughing? You should at least mention that you were sitting or something. At least mention it. BOTTOM LINE!
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 7, 2010 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not only was she sitting, when she got up
you could see the imprint, across the length of the chair, from where she had been sitting. BOTTOM LINE!
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
That's a stretch...
…of the chair fabric, at least!
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Rec'd
for the subtlety of the joke there.
I know. It was soooooo good.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
I hated that thread.
All that hype, and it’s just stupid and mean.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Wait...you used the bottom line joke last night...
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Yes, that was before I had any idea what it meant.
It was more fun when I didn’t know. I imagined it to be some clever in-joke. Instead it’s just making fun of some poor noob.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Woo earthquake!
"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
A good one too....looks like 5.9!
Was it shaky-shaky or rolly-rolly?
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
rolly-rolly
I would have slept through it had I not been outside. Not much here on the Westside.
"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 7, 2010 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Those ones are kinda fun.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
downgraded to 5.4
"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 7, 2010 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Russian judge?
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
Gah. Macbooks and their sharp edges.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
Just read Slusser's latest sfgate blog
She mentions this morning that scouts are wondering why Tyson Ross is in the majors, not getting much playing time - and suddenly he’s sent down.
It could be coincidence, that this was something in the works for a while, or that the trade winds are starting to blow for Ben Sheets and the A’s want Ross to be ready, or that they want Ross back if Anderson or Braden isn’t ready….but if Ms. Slusser actually made a difference, then there’s something VERY wrong about the A’s front office because it means that NO ONE IS PAYING ATTENTION. A reporter should never be required to ask an obvious question in order for a front office to take action.
ROSS SENT DOWN
ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN ROSS SENT DOWN
SOMEBODY CARES!!!!!!!!
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
I hope Ross Wolf uses the Wolfpack theme as his walkup/bullpen change music
@MAD_Marvin
The FairWeather Channel - Sports Comics and Bandwagon Forecast
I hope Ross Wolf doesn't suck.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
I wouldn't mind The Wolf is Loose by Mastodon.
She lives by the wall, and waits by the door.
She walks in the sun, to me.
I'd suggest "Wolfpack" by DYS,
but that’s a very obscure old punk song, and even the best recording of it is too low-fi for stadium speakers.
New mind-warping, stomach-churning Pilots songs are now online... follow the link if you dare (don't say you weren't warned!) NSFW!!!
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 7, 2010 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions
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