Athletics sign Andy Laroche to minor league deal
by IChaseFrisbees on Jan 24, 2011 5:09 PM PST
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PrintHi all, I know this is just a minor league deal and that deals like this get made for depth all the time, but I believe LaRoche was once a fairly well regarded prospect. My question is what this means for Kevin Kouzmanoff? I don't expect LaRoche to take his starting job by any stretch, but between Encarnacion, Beltre and now LaRoche when is the poor guy going to get a break, and what do you think these moves will do to his confidence?
I also have another question, last year the A's had Dallas McPherson at triple A and he put up what looked like good numbers to me (22 HR's, .267/.339/.541.) If the A's are so desperate for third basemen for...whatever reason they seem to be, why let him go? Especially if they're going to sign people like LaRoche and Encarnacion.
Thanks for your insight!
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"Fairly well regarded prospect" is selling him short.
He was #19 overall twice. In 2007, for example:
15. Troy Tulowitzki
16. Yovani Gallardo
17. Reid Brignac
18. Carlos Gonzalez
19. Andy LaRoche
20. Mike Pelfrey
That’s some nice company. And I really like this move for that reason: he’s got lots of talent, and on the strong chance he doesn’t pan out, it’s just a minor league contract anyway.
"Did you want Freese with that?"
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
"Yes, and a cup for Wieters please."
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 24, 2011 9:07 PM PST up reply actions
"I'll tell your Wieters."
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 it really Matusz?
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 am the great Mickolio
Are you threatening me?
Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-
I love this as a minor league deal
As danmerqury mentions right above, he was considered a top prospect for a while. He was a career .295/.382/.517 minor league hitter who plays a decent 3B and 2B. While his 2010 hitting was terrible (.252 wOBA), his 2009 season wasn’t bad at all (.324 wOBA) considering his defensive value.
David Golebiewski discussed his future last summer over at the Hardball Times.
I also seem to remember that Beane has tried to trade for him, FWIW.
He also has his own unofficial fan site.
"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle
The rumor was the Pirates wanted Ryan Sweeney and Gio Gonzalez for him. Now he's free.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 24, 2011 5:33 PM PST up reply actions
He's a lot better than Ethan Hollingsworth.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
Meh as names go, neither is Wonderful Terrific Monds
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 24, 2011 6:58 PM PST up reply actions
And he's no Dick Pole!
Contributor for Big Cat Country
Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.
Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later
by CaliforniaJag on Jan 24, 2011 7:24 PM PST up reply actions
Dick Butkiss would like a word with you
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
by cityplANner on Jan 24, 2011 11:48 PM PST up reply actions
not Rosales?
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
Ooh that'd be awesome
A nice way to solve that “3 week problem” that could surface.
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
Slusser - 1.20.2011
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/athletics/detail?entry_id=81434
Assistant GM David Forst told me yesterday that Pennington will be fully ready for spring training, so his health isn’t a major concern for the team at this point.
by Colorado Fan on Jan 24, 2011 9:50 PM PST up reply actions
Ooh, nice
Thanks for the cite. This is very encouraging.
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 24, 2011 11:09 PM PST up reply actions
If I was kouz....
I would be roiding up like crazy and kick some ass this year then kick Beane in the balls. Kouz will have a nice year when its all said and done.
Lance "you sunk my" Blankenship
I guess this is the way to go
I can’t imagine any way for him to take this other than as motivation, but I do feel bad for the guy. 1 move looking for improvement, 2 moves adding for depth, 3 moves just seems like “I would give anything to have someone take this guy’s job!”
"The world is your oyster, but you're allergic to shellfish" -Apathy and Other Small Victories
by IChaseFrisbees on Jan 24, 2011 6:01 PM PST up reply actions
He makes several million dollars a year to play baseball, and his paycheck is guaranteed.
I don’t feel for sorry for him.
The Oakland A's: If you have a no-trade clause in your contract, we're in it.
by notsellingjeans on Jan 24, 2011 10:25 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
true
however, baseball players are people with insecurities and self-esteem just like the rest of us. since we don’t actually hang out with pro athletes it’s easy to dehumanize them in our minds, but they have the same chinks in their armor as the rest of society.
BK: This guy is on fire, he is really smokin'.
KenKo: Oh yeah, Bill? What's he smokin'?
This is just a minor league move.
We’re adding depth and LaRoche is a good guy to take a flier on. We signed Dallas McPherson in the same manner here and he never saw the light of day. If LaRoche catches fire, he’ll get a shot; Kouz’ job is not in jeopardy.
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 24, 2011 6:50 PM PST up reply actions
Yes, reserve IF was unacceptably thin
As a minor league deal, this is excellent. Maybe the guy figures things out late and lives up to his promise. Otherwise, he’s a stopgap/reserve for Pennington/Rosales. No harm, no foul.
Oops!
I hope MLBTR is an acceptable source…
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/01/athletics-sign-andy-laroche-to-minor-league-deal.html
On a related note, is anyone else curious to see if Dan Johnson will get anything done this year?
"The world is your oyster, but you're allergic to shellfish" -Apathy and Other Small Victories
Double Vision...
Song comes on every time I hear that name…
WHAT!??!?!?!?!?!?!
by true torture on Jan 24, 2011 6:53 PM PST up reply actions
That's actually from the team's
Twitter Feed. MLBTR is just reporting what the team announced.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 24, 2011 7:01 PM PST up reply actions
Should I have posted the original source?
I figured cause they cited it it was cool. Oh but I did say “MLBTR…Source” gotcha, sorry about that!
"The world is your oyster, but you're allergic to shellfish" -Apathy and Other Small Victories
by IChaseFrisbees on Jan 24, 2011 8:28 PM PST up reply actions
I don't think it really matters here, but in cases when they report a reporter's findings
I kinda think it’s right to credit the reporter
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 24, 2011 8:58 PM PST up reply actions
Wow there is 1 move this offseason I like.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on Jan 24, 2011 6:43 PM PST reply actions
Oh come on, you must have liked the exercising the Crisp option.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 24, 2011 7:00 PM PST up reply actions
Or at LEAST not exercising the Chavez option!
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
fair point
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on Jan 24, 2011 10:19 PM PST up reply actions
"So, too, did Eugene Debs Hartke choose...
for reasons unexplained to let numbers stand for themselves… rather than put them into words… He may have felt that numbers lost much of their potency when diluted by an alphabet.
“To virtually all of his idiosyncrasies, I after much thought, have applied what another author once told me was the most sacred word in a great editor’s vocabulary. That word is ‘stet.’”
(I’m re-reading my favoritest Vonnegut book, Hocus Pocus. And it just stood out for this reason that you used the number “1” instead of the word “one.”)
"As the tag line of my favorite dirty joke would have it: 'Keep your hat on. We could wind up miles from here.'" ~Kurt Vonnegut, Hocus Pocus
would you be happier with
Buck Sweeney and CoJack in the OF or Dejesus Crisp and willingham?
I dont mean to come of as rude but I do not see how you cannot feel this team is improved
WTF GEREN?!?!?!
Because it's not Beltre
That’s why.
Haters gonna hate.
by Colorado Fan on Jan 25, 2011 7:35 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Because it's not
Beltre Crawford
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 25, 2011 11:38 AM PST up reply actions
Do I have to get excited about this?
We do need a little depth with our lack of infielders at the moment, but his stats are positively Crosby-esque (and his career line against Righties is worse than Bobby’s)
Isn’t there a point in one’s evaluation of a player where the ancient minor league numbers go away and 1,200 major league plate appearances are taken as reality?
Yes, that's why he's going to AAA on a minor league deal
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 24, 2011 7:07 PM PST up reply actions
And to think...
that getting this guy 1.5/2 years ago would have made me sooooo happy.
Well I guess he’s worth a try
We also got Ethan Hollingsworth
In a minor league deal with the Rox for ClayMort. He looks like he’s just a younger Mortenson, actually. Scouting report?
If he is a young mortenson it is a great deal.
Rox get a pitcher who is near ML ready. We get a pitcher who doesn’t take a spot on the 40-man.
clearing out a few spots on the roster sounds good.
Weren’t we at 42 or 43 before the DFA and this deal?
I likes it
once upon a time they wanted a big return for this guy, now we stash him for free at AAA.
Poor Kouz must be throwing darts at a Billy Beane dartboard by now, as BB has tried to sign every 3bBexcept Brooks Robinson the whole time Kevin’s been with us.
Empires may crumble, FIP statistics may lose their meaning, but only a Keetsa mattress puts years back on your life while you're sleeping.
"every 3B"
Empires may crumble, FIP statistics may lose their meaning, but only a Keetsa mattress puts years back on your life while you're sleeping.
by emperor nobody on Jan 24, 2011 9:31 PM PST up reply actions
Considering that all except Beltre are not guys who would supplant Kouz,
you wonder if the continued search for depth suggests concern about Kouz’ back. More likely, though, they’re just generally looking to snatch up good “hey they’re available and it doesn’t cost us anything” diamonds in the rough, regardless of perceived need.
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
when I turn over in my head
what will have to happen for us to have a dream/miracle season like the Giants just had, the one critical ingredient I keep feeling is that Kouzmanoff somehow just explodes, and goes bonkers in a ridiculous, impossible career year that leaves even us scratching our heads about “how the F did he just do that?”
Empires may crumble, FIP statistics may lose their meaning, but only a Keetsa mattress puts years back on your life while you're sleeping.
by emperor nobody on Jan 24, 2011 10:29 PM PST up reply actions
that's what I mean
when last seen, Huff was kissing the WS trophy.
Empires may crumble, FIP statistics may lose their meaning, but only a Keetsa mattress puts years back on your life while you're sleeping.
by emperor nobody on Jan 24, 2011 10:36 PM PST up reply actions
It sounds weird...
but I’m looking forward to having a “good” team with some players that have room for improvement. Kouz and Suzuki especially. It won’t take a huge outburst by Kouz to hit .270 with 20 homers. I’ll take that from him in a second.
even then
he’d still OBP .295 =(
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
by cityplANner on Jan 24, 2011 11:51 PM PST up reply actions
That's fine...
I’ll take a .270 Batting Average and 20 HR’s + Very Solid 3B Defense from the 6th or 7th Hole of the 2011 Batting Order…
1. Coco
2/3. Dejesus/Barton
4/5. Willingham/Matsui
6/7. Suzuki/Kouz
8/9. Ellis Pennington
by Colorado Fan on Jan 25, 2011 7:40 AM PST up reply actions
Maybe from the 9th hole
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 25, 2011 11:38 AM PST up reply actions
Sounds like Scott Brosius.
hehehe!
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
Nico must be stockpiling good posts with all the new posters here, too.
Who knows when someone will replace him as the Blogfather?
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 24, 2011 11:11 PM PST up reply actions
Wait..."Rebuilding" or ... "Coup"?
I won’t panic. After all, your user name isn’t Coup Season.
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 the OP you asked about McPherson...
His contact rate and OBP were not impressive last year. That .335 OBP…keep in mind, when Cust spends time in AAA over the last 4 years, he’s a true-talent .450+ OBP in Sac. So there’s a wide gulf between Cust and McPherson’s on-base skills. Plus McPherson wasn’t healthy at times last year.
LaRoche is young enough that he might have some upside remaining.
Now they should trade Tolleson for a non-roster minor leaguer, sign Nick Johnson to a $1M minor-league deal if they can, and then call it an offseason.
The Oakland A's: If you have a no-trade clause in your contract, we're in it.
by notsellingjeans on Jan 24, 2011 10:29 PM PST reply actions
It's too bad he's not right-handed
"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle
by ArunisArun on Jan 24, 2011 10:59 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Who's the DH right now in AAA?
Or would he play 1B?
I bleed green and gold!!! (my doctor is worried)
if you're going to sign NJ why have him risk injury by playing anywhere on the field in meaningless AAA games?
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones."
-BB 07/27/05
I assume Carter will DH in AAA
I can’t really see him cracking the MLB roster as is.
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 25, 2011 12:10 AM PST up reply actions
The A's want him to be able to play OF and 1B if they need to call him up
He will play OF and 1B in AAA.
I would hope he'll play LF each and every day.
It’s the thing he’s never had a chance to do, that he should have been doing long before now to see if he can become serviceable there.
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
It's a rigorous application process.
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 see your point
So for power alone, with the health risks he just wasn’t worth putting stock into?
"The world is your oyster, but you're allergic to shellfish" -Apathy and Other Small Victories
by IChaseFrisbees on Jan 25, 2011 10:11 AM PST up reply actions
Didn't an injury kind of derail LaRoche?
I feel like he broke his wrist, maybe, years ago, and since then, his offense just never came back. Anyway, I have no problem with the deal since it’s only a minor league contract, but I don’t think its reasonable to think he might be able to get back to where he was pre-injury. Seems like that completely messed him up offensively.
Troy Glaus
Glaus would be nice addition — could provide some power as back-up 3b, 1b, DH. Still only 34.
Is Glaus really going to take a Minor League deal?
There’s almost no playing time for him here after the Laroche signing. And Glaus would only get in the way of Chris Carter.
"Today, I am the greatest of all time" - Rickey Henderson
I think Carter comes up when he's ready no matter who else is there.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 25, 2011 11:39 AM PST up reply actions
All the more reason to not sign Glaus.
BTW assuming health (I know, I know) and the truthfulness of your statement, who do you think Carter steals playing time from? You’ve got 5 options: Willingham, Crisp, DeJesus, Barton, Matsui.
"Today, I am the greatest of all time" - Rickey Henderson
Whoever is the worst of those -- probably Willingham
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 25, 2011 12:59 PM PST up reply actions
Really? I have DDJ at 3 WAR, Willingham 2.5 in OF
Matsui and Willingham 1.5-2 WAR each at DH. Where am I wrong?
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 25, 2011 5:22 PM PST up reply actions
I don't why everyone thinks Kouz has a target on his back now
There are two potential reasons for this move:
1. (Most likely) Having ML-quality infield depth, where we currently have virtually nothing with Rosales hurt and Sogard as the other option.
2. (Far less likely) Packaging Kouz and other dudes for a 3Bman who is better than Kouz.
Unless we’re acquiring David Wright or someone else as good (again, very doubtful), Kouz isn’t going anywhere.
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
"A source with knowledge of the situation said the A's are trying to trade for Seattle infielder Chone Figgins"
http://www.contracostatimes.com/athletics/ci_17223316?source=rss&nclick_check=1
"The world is your oyster, but you're allergic to shellfish" -Apathy and Other Small Victories
by IChaseFrisbees on Jan 28, 2011 9:09 AM PST up reply actions
like the move for depth
dont think it will do anything to kouz’s status on the team
The A's are absolutely NOT "desperate for a third baseman".
The A’s are looking to upgrade wherever possible. Kouzmanoff was the 12th best 3B in MLB last year, so if we could get an improvement (like Beltre) we should.
LaRoche failed as a starter but probably has a nice career as a utilityman ahead of him. While Pennington is 100% healthy and will be our SS on opening day, it appears Rosales won’t be. LaRoche has a chance to elbow Rosales out of the picture if Sogard doesn’t beat the world in spring training. Overall LaRoche is a nice signing, he’s a little big more than just roster filler at AAA, but the odds are he will be at AAA for a large portion of 2011.
Buy some class, act like you've been there before.
*a little bit more than roster filler
I am still hoping for the David Wright miracle trade, or Jose Bautista. Both those guys are better than Kouz, but in terms of possible availability, only them.
Buy some class, act like you've been there before.
I'd put money down that Sogard gets a roster spot before LaRoche does.
Sogard is ready to take a stab at the MLB and to see what he can do; LaRoche has had plenty of opportunities and failed in the past.
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 25, 2011 10:40 AM PST up reply actions
Not to mention Sogard is on the 40 and LaRoche isn't. Also Sogard can play SS
in an emergency
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 25, 2011 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
I thought Sogard could play SS everyday if needed
not like a really good one, but passable?
Buy some class, act like you've been there before.
Does he have the arm?
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
Maybe passable to you, but I'm not sure Cahill and Anderson would approve.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 25, 2011 10:41 PM PST up reply actions
I've always figured that if his 2B defense reports are mixed
than his SS ones will surely be suspect.
by Rebuilding Season on Jan 26, 2011 9:56 AM PST up reply actions
I agree that the A's aren't desperate for a third baseman
This is a savvy move if for no other reason than you might catch lightning in a bottle while the guy is stashed in AAA. Still, if it’s a question of Rosales or LaRoche, I don’t see how LaRoche wins out as Rosales is the primary shortstop backup. Yes?
I love green because money be green.
Kouz is good...
Kouz is not elite by any stretch on either side of the ball. However he is good at both. He had a TON of pressure on him with our horrible offense and the role he was expected to fill (our RBI guy), along with changing leagues. He would prematurely attack pitches because he felt if he didn’t who would (as our primary power guy). Kouz is more than serviceable at 3B, and can improve to being a great asset. Even in Chavy’s prime he wasn’t all that terrifying at the plate. Constantly striking out, or popping out in RBI situations. While I don’t think Kouz will hit 35+ HRs, I can easily see him jumping to around .280 with around 25 bombs this season.
Laroche was taken simply as a great insurance policy in the minors when inevitably an injury happens. If he is called upon he will be in an ideal situation for a player on the fringe of fading into obscurity, surrounded by a strong IF D and a great 1B. I like the signing a lot, I think he will play a part on our team either this year or next. At worse he is a AAA+ hitter that can help Carter and Taylor put up big numbers.
A's will win the division by 5+ games...
A new dynA'sty is about to emerge
by I Miss Matt Stairs on Jan 25, 2011 11:22 PM PST reply actions
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