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Around SBN: The MMA Hour Is Back

Roster "Fun" - If The Season Started Today

Okay, everyone!

Here is the A's current 40 man roster. If the season started today, what do the field, lineup, starting five, and bullpen roles look like?

Pitchers
Brett Anderson **
Grant Balfour
Jerry Blevins
Dallas Braden
Andrew Carignan
Ryan Cook
Fautino De Los Santos
Joey Devine
Sean Doolittle
Pedro Figueroa
Brian Fuentes
Graham Godfrey
Brandon McCarthy
Tom Milone
Guillermo Moscoso
Jordan Norberto
Josh Outman
Jarrod Parker
Brad Peacock
Tyson Ross
Neil Wagner


Catchers
Josh Donaldson
Derek Norris
Anthony Recker
Kurt Suzuki


Infielders
Brandon Allen
Daric Barton
Adrian Cardenas
Chris Carter
Kila Ka'aihue
Cliff Pennington
Adam Rosales
Scott Sizemore
Eric Sogard
Jemile Weeks


Outfielders

Collin Cowgill
Jermaine Mitchell
Josh Reddick
Michael Taylor

Go!

Comment 286 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Brett Anderson

Would he start on the 60 day DL because hes not expected back till midseason?

by Sniff009 on Dec 30, 2011 11:26 AM PST reply actions  

Probably. I think we'd have to leave him off the opening day roster.

He can be part of our midseason starting 5.

This is like the worst video game ever.

"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez

by baseballgirl on Dec 30, 2011 11:27 AM PST up reply actions  

So, it's A's 'Pong' but with a random delay on any action?

"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins

by justANotherAsFan on Dec 31, 2011 11:15 PM PST up reply actions  

I askterisked him for you.

"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez

by baseballgirl on Dec 30, 2011 11:28 AM PST up reply actions  

Aaaaand...I can't spell.

asterisked

"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez

by baseballgirl on Dec 30, 2011 11:28 AM PST up reply actions  

Asksteriskeded

grammer poleece at yer survice

"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins

by justANotherAsFan on Dec 31, 2011 11:17 PM PST up reply actions  

McCarthy-Braden-Moscoso-Ross-Parker/Milone starting rotation.

C-Suzuki, but i think he’ll get traded so I’m gunna guess Donaldson.
1B-Barton/Allen
2B-Weeks
3B-Sizemore
SS- Pennington
Infield i think is the most set we have.
OF-Cowgill, Reddick, Allen/Taylor
DH-Carter
Bench-Recker/Norris, Rosales, Mitchell, TBD, Sogard
Closer-Balfour.

Rest of the bullpen is too much up in the air to really predict who’ll make the club.

"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."

by thewhizkid on Dec 30, 2011 11:34 AM PST reply actions  

I hope Parker doesn't start the year on the A's.

Keep him down in AAA for a little bit. And will Barton be ready by opening day?

by Cartwright on Dec 30, 2011 11:37 AM PST up reply actions  

agreed on parker

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 11:38 AM PST up reply actions  

I have Parker making the rotation because he's probably the most talented out of all of them

and he already got a september call up. If he has a great spring I can’t see them stashing him. Haven’t heard otherwise about Barton.

"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."

by thewhizkid on Dec 30, 2011 11:40 AM PST up reply actions  

The Nats stashed Strasburg even though he was their best pitcher in ST

Parker is no Stephen Strasburg.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:43 AM PST up reply actions  

True, but the Nats are willing to game service time and the A's, for whatever reason, are not

"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.

by PaulThomas on Dec 30, 2011 4:48 PM PST up reply actions  

I think they haven't because they were trying to compete.

Now that they have no chance to compete, they might change.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 31, 2011 1:26 AM PST up reply actions  

Well your reasons make sense.

And I could easily see the A’s doing this, I just think they ought to conserve his service time by keeping him down. It won’t hurt him any.

by Cartwright on Dec 30, 2011 11:43 AM PST up reply actions  

Good point.

For some reason I didn’t even think of the money. It is shrewd but it just isn’t necessary to have him starting the year in our rotation. Let him continue to prove he is back from surgery.

by Cartwright on Dec 30, 2011 11:45 AM PST up reply actions  

Yes we should bring him along slowly, nurture him under our wing.

Delay paying him as long as possible.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:48 AM PST up reply actions  

It might hurt him financially in the short run ....

but since player salaries seem to keep accellerating, in an ironic way, waiting a year or two might actually mean a windfall for him. Sans injury, of course.

by BoyHowdee on Dec 31, 2011 9:02 AM PST up reply actions  

Actually, salaries have been pretty flat for several years now, thanks to the recession

"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.

by PaulThomas on Dec 31, 2011 9:09 AM PST up reply actions  

Also Norris would be wasted on the bench

better for him to start in AAA and shuffle either Recker or Donaldson around the diamond there for playing time behind him

by Copenhagen on Dec 30, 2011 11:56 AM PST up reply actions  

Norris batted .210 in AA last season

Start him in AA . If he shows improvement (and only if) over the first two months of the season, then promote him to AAA.

by BatDay on Dec 30, 2011 4:46 PM PST up reply actions  

Ugh

What a depressing list…and if Daric Barton starts at first base next year it’s going to be like a bucket of cold sick.

The bullpen doesn’t look like a disaster and the starting rotation won’t be great but it could be adequate. That infield is just a killer, though. Other than Weeks none of them can really hit with consistency, although Allen could be a wildcard.

Throw names in a hat and pick the lineup – other than Weeks at leadoff and the heavy competition for 7-8-9 hitters there’s no true placement for 2-3-4-5.

by coffee roaster on Dec 30, 2011 11:37 AM PST reply actions  

No.

No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 11:49 AM PST up reply actions  

So you're undecided?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:49 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Ha.

Jai Miller… oh how I hope and pray he doesn’t clear waivers…

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 11:50 AM PST up reply actions  

Though part of me wants him to be at fanfest if I go so I can

ask him about how he feels his absurdly high K rate will translate into the pros

by Copenhagen on Dec 30, 2011 11:52 AM PST up reply actions  

Jai, have you ever thought about just not swinging?

Do you think that you K% would increase or decrease with that strategy?

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 11:53 AM PST up reply actions  

At a certain point it can't get any higher.

What’s he gonna do? Strike out 500 times?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:54 AM PST up reply actions  

he's not the best defensive fit?

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 11:52 AM PST up reply actions  

I'm fine with giving Cowgill center.

Shit, I am fine with giving Adam Rosales freaking center so I don’t have to watch 493 K’s a year.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 11:54 AM PST up reply actions  

They'd be swinging Ks. He's not like Cust.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:55 AM PST up reply actions  

i'll take the under on the 493 K's

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 11:56 AM PST up reply actions  

How about 393?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:56 AM PST up reply actions  

i'll take the under on 393

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 11:57 AM PST up reply actions  

Because he'll get waived after 392?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:59 AM PST up reply actions  

293?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 12:00 PM PST up reply actions  

That's true. He could. But to me a .240 hitter is a .240

hitter no matter how many times he strikes out. Something like a .240/.310/.440 with plus CF defense would be a pretty OK player for the minimum. Now if he hits .190 he’s probably useless. He’s not Mark McGwire.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 12:04 PM PST up reply actions  

Miller isn't a part of the future of this team

Like him or not Cowgill is possibly. Why waste time with Miller?

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 12:05 PM PST up reply actions  

you could. in right field.

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 12:09 PM PST up reply actions  

I'd like to see Reddick there.

(you could. in left field.)

I’d like to see Allen there cuz I’d like Barton at first.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 12:10 PM PST up reply actions  

all fair points

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 12:12 PM PST up reply actions  

If Miller hits .240 with 35 HR

He puts himself into the conversation.

I think he’s just another door Matt, so it won’t matter. But I think he should be given a shot.

by richwol1 on Dec 30, 2011 5:27 PM PST up reply actions  

Game 7 of the World Series for me please

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 31, 2011 1:26 AM PST up reply actions  

What's funny

Is the idea that this is impossible. Highly unlikely, of course, but not impossible.

The problem with throwing a bunch of Jai Millers to a wall and seeing if they stick is that most of the time, none do. But occasionally one does.

My fear is that all the prospects - Miller, Carter, Allen, Cowgill, Hawaiian guy with a K, etc - don’t stick. Then we’re left with Reddick and zotz.

by richwol1 on Dec 31, 2011 9:31 AM PST up reply actions  

if we're following Reddick so closely

Could it be called “the chronicles of Reddick”?

Not as buff as Vin Disel, but close enough.

by rollierollieOxenfree on Dec 30, 2011 6:51 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions  

I hear ya

You are being fair in your assessment. That is his one true quality (the power argument lacks gravitas to me) and it is a fair question to say does his defense make up for his other liabilities.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 12:13 PM PST up reply actions  

yeah, he'd have to make contact for the power to be useful.

and i’m asking only because the game is going to lose a ton of games. his skill might be useful for a team with a young pitching staff.

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 12:16 PM PST up reply actions  

D

So is an outfield of Taylor, Cowgill and Reddich, that much worse than an outfield of Willingham, Crisp and DeJesus. Who ever is in left, is way better than Willingham, and all three of the young new outfield can out throw any of the old crew. So a few of the doubles and extra bases given up to runners, will go away with the new arms.

by dougald1 on Dec 30, 2011 4:24 PM PST up reply actions  

I think the diff in CF will be noticable

And DeJesus too is was a good fielder with a very underrated arm.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 4:32 PM PST up reply actions  

I wasn't so impressed with his arm

as with his range and routes.

Don't you realise you'll find next monday or next Tuesday/Your golden shoes day

by PDXAthleticsfan on Dec 30, 2011 4:34 PM PST up reply actions  

Runners didn't test DeJesus

He had a good arm and importantly accuracy. I have nothing other than the eyeball to back this up – though doesn’t fangraphs have an arm metric somewhere.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 4:37 PM PST up reply actions  

Yeah, I think it was slightly negative

[Looks it up]

-1.0, so about average.

Don't you realise you'll find next monday or next Tuesday/Your golden shoes day

by PDXAthleticsfan on Dec 30, 2011 4:45 PM PST up reply actions  

This is how I see it

LF – offensive downgrade, but defensive upgrade compared to Willingham.
CF – offensive downgrade, defense about the same.
RF – defensive downgrade, offense about the same as we had last year.

Overall, I would say it’s a downgrade. However, given our OF was cumulatively ~6 fWAR, there’s not much room to go down.

Don't you realise you'll find next monday or next Tuesday/Your golden shoes day

by PDXAthleticsfan on Dec 30, 2011 4:33 PM PST up reply actions  

It all depends

I want Barton at 1B, Carter to get a real shot at DH, thereby Allen goes to LF. Offense is down (who knows by how much?) defense is equal to slightly better.

CF – I see Cowgill. Therefore defense suffers, but I think offense goes up (Coco’s terrible OBP shoudl be relatively easy to replace – his baserunning is not)

RF – Talent-wise DDJ is great, but performance wise he was not. I think Reddick is an upgrade from him last year offensive (though not necessarily a better player) and defense is even to slightly worse.

But any assumptions on the OF come with the very big assumptions of who is there which will change from person to person.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 4:44 PM PST up reply actions  

Whither Taylor?

If he’s back at Sacramento, the team has essentially given up on him. Either that, or he gets flipped for a couple of lower level prospects.

Don't you realise you'll find next monday or next Tuesday/Your golden shoes day

by PDXAthleticsfan on Dec 30, 2011 4:49 PM PST up reply actions  

I think Taylor can be the 4th OF/DH/Etc

Guy. You can get a lot of at bats doing that (see: CoJax)

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 5:31 PM PST up reply actions  

Will he suck as badly as Conor?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 31, 2011 1:28 AM PST up reply actions  

There will always be room to go down

as long as there are negative numbers

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 31, 2011 1:27 AM PST up reply actions  

Maybe

He might such as bad as Conor did last year, but at 15% the cost and maybe he will start to get better

by dougald1 on Dec 31, 2011 6:40 AM PST up reply actions  

i think they have an equal chance of having a future with the team.

"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."

by thewhizkid on Dec 30, 2011 12:08 PM PST up reply actions  

Really?

Miller isn’t Nelson Cruz here…

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 12:09 PM PST up reply actions  

Cowgill isn't Carlos Gonzalez or something

he’s a mediocre prospect too.

"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."

by thewhizkid on Dec 30, 2011 12:16 PM PST up reply actions  

Neither are Cowgill or Reddick for me

I consider them both 4th OF and Miller a 5th OF. The tradeoff is do we want to pump and dump Cowgill and Reddick for 4 C+ prospects more than we want to limit pitches on the staff?

I compromised in my 25 man roster by making Miller a bench player. That way he can play whenever a young pitcher is out there or we want defense for some reason. In my rotation that would just be Ross and maybe Milone.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 12:33 PM PST up reply actions  

starting outfield

The A’s can run Taylor, Reddick and Cowgill out there for a month or two. Then Mitchell will be healthy (hope) and he can take over for the one that has done the worst. And if not Mitchell, maybe Shane Peterson.

Ok maybe all these guys are 4th outfielders, but maybe one or two of these guys will step up and show they are more than a 4th. If by the end season the A’s have two starting outfielders out of this group, that would be great.

by dougald1 on Dec 31, 2011 6:48 AM PST up reply actions  

I'd expect him to hit like .167

"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.

by PaulThomas on Dec 30, 2011 4:50 PM PST up reply actions  

one for six?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 31, 2011 1:28 AM PST up reply actions  

hee

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 12:03 PM PST up reply actions  

It should be, but the other priority is to pump and dump, and that may be easier with

Cowgill and Reddick.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:49 AM PST up reply actions  

Is it just me, or is our team thus far shockingly similar to Major League.....

SP
T-Ross
Moscosco
McCarthy
Milone
Godfrey
(BA49, and Braden start year on 60 day DL stints)

C-Suzuki/Donaldson.
1B-Barton
2B-Weeks
3B-Sizemore
SS- Pennington

OF-Cowgill, Allen, Reddick, M.Taylor
DH-Carter/Recker
Bench-Rosales, Sogard, Adrian Cardenas
Closer-FDLS.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 11:39 AM PST reply actions  

I was thinking the exact same thing

"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez

by baseballgirl on Dec 30, 2011 11:44 AM PST up reply actions  

Every infielder on that list is a defensive liability

Even if you swap Allen for Barton. (Please!) There will be a lot of 3 error games this coming season.

by BatDay on Dec 30, 2011 4:50 PM PST up reply actions  

Wait, Barton isn't a defensive liability.

Not even close. And I wouldn’t call Pennington one either.

by danmerqury on Dec 30, 2011 4:51 PM PST up reply actions  

Pennington's errors to me are like Kenny Lofton's errors

He gets so far out there, then screws up a throw or boots it, whereas the other guy wouldn’t have even been able to touch the ball.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 5:32 PM PST up reply actions  

His range doesn't impress me either.

He has 2B range playing SS. Nice arm though.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 31, 2011 1:29 AM PST up reply actions  

He was last year

Together with no offense. Guess all things considered!, he will fit right in to the starting line up

by Alvin Dark on Dec 30, 2011 6:19 PM PST up reply actions  

Thanks for hanging in there BBG. You shouldn't let this place get to you. Just do what you enjoy and leave the rest. Being a Front Page writer shouldn't be a burden.

2B Weeks
RF Reddick
1B Barton
C Suzuki
3B Sizemore
LF Allen
DH Carter
CF Cowgill
SS Pennington

P McCarthy
P Moscoso
P Outman
P Milone
P Ross

RP Balfour
RP Devine
RHP de los Santos
LHP Fuentes
MR Wagner
MR Cook
LR Godfrey

Bench — Donaldson, Rosales, Sogard, Miller (or Fiorentino)

I think Taylor, Mitchell and Green are the Sacramento OF. Moss might not stay if he doesn’t make the major league team. Peacock and Parker are in the Sacramento rotation. Anderson and Braden will hopefully make the team midseason. Harden could replace Ross as 5th starter.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:42 AM PST reply actions  

Beane seems pretty high on Taylor

I think he’ll be thrown on the roster, at the very least, for evaluation purposes.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 11:43 AM PST up reply actions  

You think he'd make the roster as a bench player? Maybe. In that case Moss is the

starting LF in Sacramento

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:47 AM PST up reply actions  

Thanks :-)

"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez

by baseballgirl on Dec 30, 2011 11:44 AM PST up reply actions  

we all love you BBG

You have helped me retain my fandom with your hard work on this blog!

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 11:45 AM PST up reply actions  

You're most welcome!

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:46 AM PST up reply actions  

I can see this

and call me crazy but I think Cardenas makes the bench out of ST perhaps at the expense of Rosales

by Copenhagen on Dec 30, 2011 11:50 AM PST up reply actions  

Rec'd

For the headline, although the roster projection seems reasonable. God Save The BBG.

"Hello and welcome to another wonderful and frightening night of A's baseball." - Gaijin_Suketto

by EddieVegas_NRAF on Dec 30, 2011 12:18 PM PST up reply actions  

Your projected line-up is staggeringly similar to mine.

Although mine’s a bit more hopeful.

2B: Weeks
RF: Reddick
1B: Allen/Kila
DH: Carter/Kila
LF: Taylor/Allen
C: Zook
3B: Not currently on roster
CF: Cowgill
SS: Pennington

by ErikFanClubPres on Dec 30, 2011 2:47 PM PST up reply actions  

Nothing in particular.

I just want to see a team full of unproven and unknown commodities so that we can begin seeing what we have.

So I guess I’d like to see SS and C replaced as well. What sort of haul could we get for Zook and/or Pennington? Shoot, toss in Fuentes and Balfour!

Would asking for a B- prospect be asking for too much?

by ErikFanClubPres on Dec 30, 2011 3:03 PM PST up reply actions  

Sizemore's about as unknown as Weeks is.

There are really no other internal options. Sizemore deserves a full year at 3B. He’s probably one of the A’s best players right now, anyway.

by NateHST on Dec 30, 2011 3:33 PM PST up reply actions  

Its nice to see a 3B throw straight

Kouz had such an awkward throw. For some reason Sizemore reminds me a little of Hannahan at 3B last year….at least trending towards Hannahan.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 3:54 PM PST up reply actions  

Kouz may be awkward, but he is very effective.

"Trying not to rec a "F**k the Giants" post is like trying not to look at boobs."-anonymous
"i guess i just like beer"-stm

by Tutu-late on Dec 30, 2011 4:01 PM PST up reply actions  

KOOOOUUUUZZZZZZZZZ

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 4:40 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

REC'D!

hehehe

"Trying not to rec a "F**k the Giants" post is like trying not to look at boobs."-anonymous
"i guess i just like beer"-stm

by Tutu-late on Dec 30, 2011 5:37 PM PST up reply actions  

Celebs? On this team? Where?

As of right now, I don’t even know who these players are. All kidding aside, my remark was not in support of Kouz. Rather, it was pointed at the observation that because he is awkward, he somehow isn’t a good defender. If I had tried this type of comment, but in support of Kouz, others would jump all over me. I did not deny his awkwardness, rather, I pointed to his performance. Sort of like saying that Vlad isn’t very good, because he swings at pitches in the dirt, without acknowledging that he also hits those balls over the fence.

"Trying not to rec a "F**k the Giants" post is like trying not to look at boobs."-anonymous
"i guess i just like beer"-stm

by Tutu-late on Dec 31, 2011 7:29 AM PST up reply actions  

I'll always be fond of Hannahan

He was especially dirty and nasty on the swisher/padilla brawl in 2006. I was sitting in the front row of sec 126 and had a great angle on his WWE esque pile driver.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 4:02 PM PST up reply actions  

He's on the roster

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 3:05 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm not sure if I've missed anything about Braden,

but everything i’ve heard is that he’ll be ready by opening day.

"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."

by thewhizkid on Dec 30, 2011 11:45 AM PST reply actions  

I think I have read that he believes he is ahead of schedule.

But I’d rather not make it even more likely that he gets injured by listening to him. To me it just feels like he would say just about anything to go out and pitch again.

by Cartwright on Dec 30, 2011 11:48 AM PST up reply actions  

ask Santana how long his recovery was

No way Braden is back before Brett Anderson IMO.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 11:55 AM PST up reply actions  

Has Santana actually recovered yet?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:56 AM PST up reply actions  

*delete the word 'last'*

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 11:57 AM PST up reply actions  

Yes but those were basically rehab starts, right? It's not even a given that he'll

be good enough for the Mets rotation in April

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 11:58 AM PST up reply actions  

yes, it was low minors. a fair point.

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 11:58 AM PST up reply actions  

DIdn't they have almost identical surgeries?

I don’t think its very realistic to expect Braden to have a different time-table to return if so.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 12:00 PM PST up reply actions  

Ehhhh. ST will tell a lot.

My money’s on him being back in May.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 30, 2011 3:27 PM PST up reply actions  

send up the suslu signal!

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 12:05 PM PST up reply actions  

Looks to me like he used options in 2009, 2010 and 2011. So that's three.

He was drafted in 2002, so that’s not fewer than five years before he used the three options. I vote no. Final answer.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 12:43 PM PST up reply actions  

Call me crazy . . .

But I think Matsui will come back on a one-year/$1.75 mill-ish deal, and will be an everyday DH. (Until he’s traded/waived in July.)

It’s too cute for the opener in Japan not to have him.

I have zero evidence for this happening, by the way.

"Hello and welcome to another wonderful and frightening night of A's baseball." - Gaijin_Suketto

by EddieVegas_NRAF on Dec 30, 2011 12:08 PM PST reply actions  

I was thinking the same thing actually

A’s want to make MLB happy right now with the decision coming, and a Matsui v Ichiro Farewell opening day in Japan would be PR and media gold for the league.

by athletics68 on Dec 30, 2011 12:13 PM PST up reply actions  

I think they will almost certainly sign a cheap veteran OF

My guess is Jonny Gomes. I also assume Balfour is going to get traded.

SP: McCarthy, Moscoso, Braden, Outman, Milone

RP: Devine, DLS, Fuentes, Cook, Wagner, Godfrey, Ross (yes, 2 long guys)

C: Suzuki, Recker

IF: Barton, Allen, Weeks, Pennington, Sizemore, Cardenas

OF: Gomes, Reddick, Cowgill, Gomes

DH: Carter

by ILuvBiscuit on Dec 30, 2011 12:20 PM PST reply actions  

I wish it were going to be Gomes

but I imagine it will be someone cheaper, and more cringe-worthy, a la Jeremy Hermida.

"Hello and welcome to another wonderful and frightening night of A's baseball." - Gaijin_Suketto

by EddieVegas_NRAF on Dec 30, 2011 12:38 PM PST up reply actions  

He can pich, too? Just like he can hit???

"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins

by justANotherAsFan on Dec 31, 2011 11:40 PM PST up reply actions  

I basically agree with the above projections, except one difference

I like Waddell’s projection, although I would like anything in the World over Barton/Suzuki at 3 and 4 (despite the fact they are likely our best options at 3/4) so I’m just gonna change it up a tiny bit. I also think Michael Taylor will make the MLB roser as well as Cowgill, giving us the incredibly deep and talented OF POOL of: REDDICK, ALLEN, TAYLOR AND COWGILL (sigh). I’m also hoping Cardenas gets one last chance this spring to make the roster over Sogard. I want to see what he can do with some actual MLB ABs. Then I take a bit of a leap with my SP projections, but hell, I want to see Parker in the Majors, so I’ll have him at 5 and Milone at 4. With McCarthy, Moscoso, and Ross rounding out the 1,2, and 3 spots and with Outman ready for long relief (I don’t think Rich Harden will be around). Then we have Peacock and Godfrey up in Sacramento.

1.) Jemile Weeks (2B)
2.) Daric Barton (1B)
3.) Josh Reddick (RF)
4.) Brandon Allen (LF)
5.) Chris Carter (DH)
6.) Scott Sizemore (3B)
7.) Kurt Suzuki, C
8.) Cliff Pennington (SS)
9.) Michael Taylor (CF)

Bench: DH, Ka’aihue; C, Donaldson; INF, Cardenas; OF, Cowgill; Util, Rosales

SP1: McCarthy
SP2: Moscoso
SP3: Ross
SP4: Milone
SP5: Parker
(SPS: if Healthy: Braden/Anderson)

LRP: Outman
RP: Balfour
RP: Fuentes
RP: Noberto
RP: Cook or Wagner
RP: Devine
CP: FDLS

My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time

by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Dec 30, 2011 12:35 PM PST reply actions  

oh woops! So I'd cut a Relief Pitching Spot

The Noberto roster spot. And yes, STM72, if Carter is at DH, no need for Ka’aihue, but I didn’t want to throw another utility player on the bench in Sogard, who I think is next in line to make the roster, because that’d give us, well give me and my current assembly of the roster, 3 INF on the bench, and I’ve never been in favor of that.

I’d put Reddick anywhere in our OF and I’d assume — without knowing anything about his defense — that he is better defensively than Allen. But I just thought Taylor would be a better start in CF, just to start the season, despite his lack of showing his worth last year. You are right though, Reddick will probably start in CF.

My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time

by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Dec 30, 2011 12:54 PM PST up reply actions  

So everyone expects A's to spend any $$ on outside talent?

Jeff Fletcher seems to be hyping a signing of ryan ludwick or cody ross for 1 yr band aid fixes. We’ve heard those seth smith trade rumors, please no. I’d still be interested in iwakuma. Maybe Jeff Francis on a 1 yr deal.

I’ve wondered why do free agent pitchers looking to rebuild value always consider san diego an ideal place, but not oakland?

by J.J. Miller on Dec 30, 2011 12:52 PM PST reply actions  

Yikes

Good luck with Ludwick. Talk about overhyped and overrated. The guy is awful.

by athletics68 on Dec 30, 2011 12:54 PM PST up reply actions  

I wouldn't be excited about Ludwick or Ross at all. They're even worse than Willingham and Matsui.

I’d be fine with Jeff Francis I guess.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 1:00 PM PST up reply actions  

Seth Smith is a good player

I can’t figure out why he doesn’t have a starting job, or at the very least a guaranteed “play every day against righthanders” job.

"We don't want our people to be preoccupied with seminude, crazy men jumping up and down who are chasing an inflated object," said Sheik Mohamed Osman Arus, head of operations for the Hizbul Islam insurgent group.

by PaulThomas on Dec 30, 2011 4:55 PM PST up reply actions  

Is he not their starting RF vs righties?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 31, 2011 1:31 AM PST up reply actions  

100 wins!!!!!

A Kouzmanoff for the rest of us!

by OptimistPrime on Dec 30, 2011 12:57 PM PST reply actions  

Between now and July 10, 2013

That’s my guess.

"Hello and welcome to another wonderful and frightening night of A's baseball." - Gaijin_Suketto

by EddieVegas_NRAF on Dec 30, 2011 1:04 PM PST up reply actions  

Outman is the man

Him, moscoso, and mcarthy are our top three pitchers

by Bender Bending Rodriguez on Dec 30, 2011 1:03 PM PST reply actions  

That's pretty sad

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 2:00 PM PST up reply actions  

Ugh

SP:
McCarthy
Jamie Moyer
Moscoso
Outman
Ross
RP:
Balfour
De Los Santos
Devine
Fuentes
Godfrey
Wagner
Blevins
Offense:
2B Jemile Weeks
SS Cliff Pennington
1B Daric Barton
DH Chris Carter
LF Brandon Allen
3B Scott Sizemore
RF Josh Reddick
C Kurt Suzuki
CF Colin Cowgill
Bench: Donaldson, Rosales, Jai Miller (he clears), Kila Monster, Chris Carter’s dick

Also, secretly, Beane is tapping Walter Bishop to break into an alternate universe and steal bizzaro Albert Pujols.

by sourstuff on Dec 30, 2011 1:07 PM PST reply actions  

i just assumed

Reddick has a better arm because Cowgill is part o the lollipop guild, but yeah, either way doesnt matter to me.

by sourstuff on Dec 30, 2011 1:11 PM PST up reply actions  

They're both basically right fielders with decent range.

Reddick has a better reputation as a defender. MLB.com’s depth chart has Reddick in CF and Cowgill in RF, if that means anything to you.

by NateHST on Dec 30, 2011 1:15 PM PST up reply actions  

Jamie Moyer

Is an interesting suggestion.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 1:34 PM PST up reply actions  

I still like

him playing Tom Milone’s dad in ST.

by sourstuff on Dec 30, 2011 1:37 PM PST up reply actions  

we need something to watch as fans

I am actually sorta regretting my 1 year renewal to MLB.tv……I’ll most likely be watching Cahill and Gio pitch elsewhere than the A’s this year.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 3:46 PM PST up reply actions  

id actually DFA rosales

and use sogard on the bench, when I think about this a little more

by sourstuff on Dec 30, 2011 1:43 PM PST up reply actions  

Is Rosales out of options?

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 2:00 PM PST up reply actions  

Heh. QOTM

"Oh who am I kidding? The A's and Giants could stage a pillow fight, and I'd still care who wins." -67Marquez

by baseballgirl on Dec 30, 2011 5:12 PM PST up reply actions  

Agree

Rosie was horrible last year.

Baja been here

by bajablue on Dec 30, 2011 8:26 PM PST up reply actions  

I'll be really surprised if Ross makes the rotation out of ST.

He’s been lit up every single place he’s pitched, including the AFL against much younger competition, since he was injured last season. He has to prove he’s healthy before he even gets a rosterbation spot in my rotation.

by NateHST on Dec 30, 2011 1:12 PM PST reply actions  

I'd prefer a healthy Braden/Ross so that Parker and Peacock can both get AAA time,

but I don’t want to see Graham Godfrey at all. Prospects are exciting. Graham Godfrey is not.

by NateHST on Dec 30, 2011 3:35 PM PST up reply actions  

he did have the great game against SF last year.....

I think we are all having a hard time embracing the suckitude this year will bring…But really we have a roster that requires us to get excited about guys like Godfrey…

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 3:48 PM PST up reply actions  

Jordan Norberto

He’s a starter now, correct? Sounds like he’s pitching well in Venezuela (?)

McCarthy
Moscoso
Outman
Milone
Norberto

2B: Weeks
RF: Reddick
LF: Ludwick, Ryan
DH: Brandon Allen
1B: Nady, Xavier
3B: Sizemore
C: Suzuki
CF: Cowgill, Reverse
SS: Pennington

by Colorado Fan on Dec 30, 2011 1:12 PM PST reply actions  

I'd be surprised. He's been awful in the majors as a reliever, so I don't think they'd throw him out

there to get eaten alive as a starter. If he can actually make that transition, then the Ziegler trade looks like a straight steal, but color me skeptical until he actually puts up some decent data in something other than the Dominican Winter League. He has less control than Gio Gonzalez at his worst.

by NateHST on Dec 30, 2011 1:18 PM PST up reply actions  

Yep

I hear ya… sometimes something clicks for people though?

http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=l131&t=p_pbp&pid=467099

Just please keep Parker and Peacock in Sacramento until June 1. That is all.

by Colorado Fan on Dec 30, 2011 1:41 PM PST up reply actions  

assuming Anderson and Braden

Can get back to being healthy enough to perform at the level they did prior to their current injuries, I would think they go on the trading block immediately. It makes little sense to trade Cahill and Gio and hold onto Braden and Anderson. Braden perhaps, because he’s not likely to become overly pricey and even though he’s physically a mess, he does provide the type of up beat outspoken veteran presence that clubs are always looking for to help guide the younger players.

by oakballnack on Dec 30, 2011 2:01 PM PST reply actions  

Yes, it would be cool to have a rotation with Moyer, Braden and Milone.

It’s like three generations of the same family

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 2:03 PM PST up reply actions  

Bring back

DiNardo and Hallama and we’re REALLY talking!

by oakballnack on Dec 30, 2011 2:05 PM PST up reply actions  

Saar-loos! Saar-loos! Saar-loos!

"Hello and welcome to another wonderful and frightening night of A's baseball." - Gaijin_Suketto

by EddieVegas_NRAF on Dec 30, 2011 2:06 PM PST up reply actions  

yeah

we would need a righty in there to break up all those lefty flamethrowers.

by oakballnack on Dec 30, 2011 2:07 PM PST up reply actions  

you're likely right

it’s not as if Anderson will be able to do much to reestablish his trade value much before next offseason, other than prove he’s healthy and has his velocity back. Even then, he could probably fetch a few decent prospects a year from now.

by oakballnack on Dec 30, 2011 2:07 PM PST up reply actions  

Billy will be sentimental with BA49

My money is on Brett being the the next Chavez, sticking around for the duration of his contract, with article after article by the beat writers on his health status.

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 2:21 PM PST up reply actions  

how long is Doolittle's leash

as a pitcher? I can’t imagine they’ll let him take up a valuable 40 man spot for too long if he isn’t successful somewhat quickly. Marcus Macbeth had his chance – think we actually traded him as PTBNL

by oakballnack on Dec 30, 2011 2:04 PM PST reply actions  

Doolittle could be the next Alexi Ogando

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 30, 2011 2:30 PM PST up reply actions  

Ogando

with two artificial knees, a nagging back, and and a sore shoulder. More like Ogando’s grandmother, healthwise, but yes, I see your reasoning, he could have some value. I just wonder how much, and how soon.

by oakballnack on Dec 31, 2011 8:46 AM PST up reply actions  

Just took a look at the MiLB numbers on Cardenas and Rosales

And I’m considerably higher on Rosales now. Cardenas is really not that impressive. I think Rosales’s 2010 for the A’s was almost as good as Cardenas’s 2011 in AAA.

John 3:16
"If they want to pay me like Mike Gallego, I’ll play like Gallego." - Rickey Henderson

by A'sFanDFW on Dec 30, 2011 2:14 PM PST reply actions  

So. Does alcohol come in IV form?

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 30, 2011 3:28 PM PST reply actions  

I'm sure it does.

Chocolate Chip ice cream does.

"Trying not to rec a "F**k the Giants" post is like trying not to look at boobs."-anonymous
"i guess i just like beer"-stm

by Tutu-late on Dec 30, 2011 3:47 PM PST up reply actions  

I do believe this is going to be our Opening Day Roster

SP1: Brandon McCarthy
SP2: Guillermo Moscoso
SP3: Tom Milone
SP4: Graham Godfrey
SP5: Josh Outman

MR1: Ryan Cook
MR2: Jerry Blevins
MR3: Faustino de los Santos
MR4: Brian Fuentes
LR1: Tyson Ross
Setup: Grant Balfour
CL: Joey Devine

Lineup:
2B: Jemile Weeks
CF: Josh Reddick
RF: Michael Taylor
1B: Brandon Allen
DH: Chris Carter
C: Kurt Suzuki
3B: Scott Sizemore
LF: Collin Cowgill
SS: Cliff Pennington

Bench

C: Anthony Recker
INF: Adrian Cardenas
UTIL: Adam Rosales
OF: Brandon Moss

Moss, Rosales and Cardenas can play the outfield. I do believe we’ll end up signing a cheap high risk OF like Ankiel or Hairston and in that case, Moss won’t make the team. I also see the same happening with a similar profile SP, thinking on trades by July.

by crfan2010 on Dec 30, 2011 3:32 PM PST reply actions  

lunch tastes better the second time down

"Trying not to rec a "F**k the Giants" post is like trying not to look at boobs."-anonymous
"i guess i just like beer"-stm

by Tutu-late on Dec 30, 2011 4:02 PM PST up reply actions  

Dan, I wonder when you will

Embrace the suckitude of the 2012 A’s

by hishnik on Dec 30, 2011 4:05 PM PST up reply actions  

Oh, I've embraced it.

But there’s a level of suckitude that’s so vast…you can’t possibly prepare yourself for it. SP2: Guillermo Moscoso is that suckitude.

by danmerqury on Dec 30, 2011 4:07 PM PST up reply actions  

Guillermo Moscoso...

The three above dots represent all I have to say about him… there I said it again… and again

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 4:33 PM PST up reply actions  

Bad Offense & Pitching Questions

C – Suzuki
1B – Barton
2B – Weeks
SS – Pennington
3B – Sizemore
LF – Taylor
CF – Cowgill
RF – Reddick
DH – Allen
BENCH – Recker© / Rosales (IF) / Carter (1B-DH) / Fiorentino (OF)

SP – McCarthy
SP – Moscoso
SP – Braden
SP – Outman
SP – Godfrey

RP – DeLosSantos
RP – Balfour
RP – Devine
RP – Cook
RP – Fuentes
RP – Blevins
RP – Norberto

I think the starting rotation’s the biggest question mark here. Does the team push all the hot new prospects (Parker, Peacock, Milone) into the major league rotation as soon as possible and let them learn in the big leagues, or do they keep them down on the farm as long as possible and limit their major league service time and extend the team’s control over them? Since the team’s not expected to compete right now anyway, why rush them and expedite the arbitration and free agent clock?

On the offensive (or depressing) side of things, I still think there’s a chance Powell will be back as Suzuki’s backup rather than Recker. And the way the starting outfield currently shapes up, I’d expect the team to want to go with a versatile left-handed hitting outfielder on the bench who could play all three outfield positions and occasionally spell the right-handed hitting Taylor and Cowgill. Of everyone currently in the fold, Fiorentino fits that profile best – and also tends to be a relatively high on base percentage guy. But I’d still expect the team to sign some cheap, versatile, veteran, left-handed hitting outfielder before the offseason’s through to back up all the rookie outfielders and serve as a left-handed bat off the bench – someone like Rick Ankiel or Willie Harris. Carter could serve as a right-handed bat off the bench and spell the left-handed hitting Barton and Allen at 1B and DH – with plenty more playing time coming his way should that big bat of his suddenly come to life! The bad news is this still looks to potentially be the lowest scoring offense in the league…

http://athleticsfarm.com

by wcmori on Dec 30, 2011 3:33 PM PST reply actions  

Waaaaah? Starting Roster?

Waited almost 10 years for the A’s to finally move to a location where they can compete with other teams in terms of Revenue and team salary. (San Jose !!)

FINALLY, baseball noticed the A’s finished milking the Oakland Cow-seum.

Simply put, Gnats are greedy b@stards, we gave them SJ when they were in dire need in the first place so they can stay in the bay area. and in return… when the A’s are in dire need, they don’t want to give it back… Or if they do, they want a big check for it. While their stadium is super sold out and have probably more than 2x the A’s revenue. Someone please bomb the stadium that Barroids built. Go A’s!!

by MathJock on Dec 30, 2011 4:16 PM PST reply actions  

In fairness

The ownership that received the rights isn’t the same one that have the team now and bought the team with those rights in place… BUT… I agree entirely with your sentiment. Its just nonsensical that it is divided into areas anyhow. Like the a person can’t cross the Bay Bridge to watch another team. NYC isn’t divided, nor is Chicago.

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 4:36 PM PST up reply actions  

The Gnats want the A's out of the Bay Area

So the ownership or the “1%” can rake in the $$$

But F__K THE GIANTS. and if ownership is listening, Brian Sabean is a genius, you should keep him.

by MathJock on Dec 30, 2011 4:49 PM PST up reply actions  

I know. But you miss my point

They bought the team with the territorial rights to San Jose.

If you bought a car with a subwoofer.

Then someone else says, hey I gave the former owner of that car the subwoofer as an xmas gift. You aren’t under any obligation to give it back to them. Its likely been built into your purchase price.

Sucks, but… the bigger problem is MLB. Why is this not a shared market?

by dwishinsky on Dec 30, 2011 5:34 PM PST up reply actions  

They bought the team with the territorial rights to San Jose subject to the whim of MLB

They knew what they were getting.

tko bira, masturbira -- Croatian proverb quoted by elcroata

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 31, 2011 1:33 AM PST up reply actions  

Jason Pridie...

makes this team as an extra OF. Check some of the NRIs, some interesting names who could surprise. Schlichting, Miller and Fabio Castro as BP possibilities.

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Dec 30, 2011 4:21 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions  

Fuck the Giants

And i like Allen at first.

by jeff-athletic on Dec 30, 2011 4:32 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions   4 recs

REC'D!

"Trying not to rec a "F**k the Giants" post is like trying not to look at boobs."-anonymous
"i guess i just like beer"-stm

by Tutu-late on Dec 30, 2011 4:34 PM PST up reply actions   2 recs

rec'd

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 4:41 PM PST up reply actions  

rec'd

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 30, 2011 4:41 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

REC'D!

"Trying not to rec a "F**k the Giants" post is like trying not to look at boobs."-anonymous
"i guess i just like beer"-stm

by Tutu-late on Dec 30, 2011 5:38 PM PST up reply actions  

What is the total payroll for this roster that you are all proposing on here...

I just cant believe MLB or the players union is going to let the A’s field a team with a payroll around 20 Million dollars. There must be some moves that the A’s are going to make to acquire some other players, or will they just be allowed to have a payroll that is not even close to any other team in baseball?

There is no A in OFFENSE!!

by wacchampions on Dec 30, 2011 4:41 PM PST reply actions  

Lineup

Rodney Scott 2b
Manny Sanguillen c
Mitchell Page lf
Rich McKinney 1b
Wayne Gross 3b
Jim Tyrone DH
Tony Armas rf
Larry Murray
Rob Picciolo ss

What you might get if you went to an A’s game about half way into the 1977 season. Scott, Picciolo, Gross, Page, Murray and Armas combined had about 70 AB going into the season. ….. Almost makes you wish for the 2012 A’s lineup

by dougald1 on Dec 30, 2011 4:46 PM PST reply actions  

That ugly lineup hurt me personally more than the 2012 miserable excuse for a lineup...

…because at that time, we fell so far, so fast…
This time around we have been prepared for an extended period of abject suckitude by an extended period of mediocrity and irrelevance…

by kitoko on Dec 30, 2011 5:56 PM PST up reply actions  

funny

The other funny thing about that 1977 team, is that about half the hitters used that season were out of baseball in the next 12 months (Allen, Williams, Crawford, Perez, Mallory, Tabb, Lintz, Tyrone and Williams)

by dougald1 on Dec 30, 2011 6:44 PM PST up reply actions  

Parker and Milone

I expect Parker and Milone will both make the rotation.

People talk about keeping prospects down until June and saving that year of service time but that’s not usually how the A’s work. The A’s let players come up when they’re ready, and I think Parker is ready. They’ll still have Gray, Peacock, Cole in the minors. Krol too. No way Godfrey or Ross is in the rotation.

So SP:

McCarthy
Moscoso
Outman
Milone
Parker

Outfield will be Taylor, Cowgill, Reddick, Allen. Cowgill & Reddick will alternate center until that’s sorted out. God that’s a terrible outfield without much offense or defense. Pfeh. I guess Reddick will be better than average in RF. They’ll probably pick up Conor Jackson. Bleh. Oh well, he can sub at 3b.

I don’t really want to see Barton at first, but I guess they’ll let him take a shot at it. Tired of his punchless bat.

I think first is open competition. It Carter looks bad in ST they’ll send him down again. Then they’ll work some combination of Kila/Allen/Barton at 1b/DH/LF. If Carter hits he’ll be the DH then it’s Kila v. Barton for a roster spot and 1b. Unless they love Brandon there best.

This will be the worst offense I’ve ever had to watch. And the A’s have already been pretty shitty for the last several years. But now I don’t even have Gio’s bender to enjoy.

Donaldson is the backup catcher, probably. Unless Recker completely shows him up on defense in spring training. I’d rather have Donaldson.

Closing will be some combo of Balfour/Devine/FDLS. I expect Balfour to close early and Devine to take the job until his shoulder makes a funny popping noise and then they’ll ease in FDLS. And trade Balfour.

by DavidS on Dec 30, 2011 5:21 PM PST reply actions  

Nope

That’s too much pressure on Milone and Parker to succeed in spring training, and Outman hasn’t fully recovered from TJ, if he ever does. I don’t think Godfrey or Ross will start the year in the rotation, which means that Beane will make a couple of late spring signings to fill out the bottom of the rotation until Braden and Anderson are back, and then Milone, Parker, Outman, Peacock, etc would come up when the injury bug hits.

by richwol1 on Dec 31, 2011 9:47 AM PST up reply actions  

Happy Old Year everyone

I’d like to start off by giving thanks for at least one ray of hope going into 2012: Bob Melvin. That alone puts us ahead of where we were this time last year. Hopefully, if nothing else, he will motivate the players to play instead of scratch their heads and yawn. We were at a huge disadvantage coming out of spring training last year as evidenced by boneheaded defense…the team simply wasn’t prepared to play. I’m hopeful that BoMel alone can gain us 5-10 wins as I think back to the early part of last season when WhizKid and I counted the games we felt were lost by poor managing. (I think I lost count around 12 by the end of May…many of these related to mis-using Fuentes.)

As for starting roster, I envision a triad of Barton, Allen and Carter between 1B, DH and bench with a platoon/rotation. I think Sizemore will rock (relatively speaking) hitting around .260 with 20 HRs (which just may lead the team).

I will assume that the roster remains intact, though I expect Balfour and possibly Suzuki will be gone and someone not on the 40 or NRI list will be added but…

1B: Barton
2B: Weeks
SS: Pennington
3B: Sizemore
OF: Cowgill, Reddick, Taylor
C: Suzuki
DH: Allen
B: Recker (His FB page may be our biggest ad campaign), Sogard, Choice, Carter
SP: McCarthy, Godfrey, Moscoso, Ross, Parker
MR: Blevins, Carignan, Devine, FDLS, Fuentes, Wagner
Closer: Balfour

I would give the odds that Matsui is back at roughly 1/100. And I pray that the odds of “Him Who Shall Not Be Named” are about 1/1000000000.

Happy New Year everyone.

PS: I bought our spring training tickets today so I’m in.

Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?

by WhizDad on Dec 30, 2011 5:41 PM PST reply actions  

I'm glad we gave Melvin a contract, people can say managers have little effect but i disagree.

Then I remembered wasn’t it not 3 months ago Beane essentially told the media he wouldn’t blow up the team out of respect for Melvin?

Wonder what changed his mind, or if its only a formality in waiting till February to announce the ‘settlement’.

by brian.only on Dec 30, 2011 6:04 PM PST up reply actions  

Re: Barton

I don’t think anyone would complain about a rerun of Barton c. 2010. Punch or not, 4 WAR is nothing to sneeze at. Replacement level Barton of 2011 no one wants, of course.

But we now know he was hurt. If he can return to his old self then great. I imagine he’ll be on a short leash though considering the injury shenanigans from last year.

I don’t see how anyone can predict it one way or the other. We just have to wait and see.

The only locks for the roster right now are Zooks, Penny, Weeks, Balfour, and McCarthy. Everybody else is in play so I’m not making any predictions that I know will be wrong.

Cardenas!!!! WoooooooooooooHOOOOOOOOO

by Mattel on Dec 30, 2011 6:30 PM PST reply actions  

Sizemore?

Who else are they going to put at 3b? Rosales? Sogard?

I think Sizemore’s a lock.

by DavidS on Dec 30, 2011 6:32 PM PST up reply actions  

Looks at list....

This guy is dead

Well, cross him off then.

But seriously, folks....

by Bed. on Dec 30, 2011 7:04 PM PST reply actions   1 recs

A's will want Reddick to win the job in CF

it will make is easy for everything to set up
LF B. Allen (with a rotation with Carter)
CF Reddick
RF Taylor
DH Carter
C. Kurt
1B. D Barton
2B Weeks
SS Cliff
3B Seizmore

Lance "you sunk my" Blankenship

by ryanmoser on Dec 30, 2011 8:27 PM PST up reply actions  

So at some point Sean Doolittle has to go

Wasn’t he supposed to pitch in the AFL?

No mikev, no peace
Know mikev, know peace

by Mike Garza on Dec 30, 2011 8:33 PM PST reply actions  

Pitchers
1. Starter (opening night) – Brandon McCarthy
2. Starter – Dallas Braden – No. 2
3. Starter – Tom Milone – No. 3
4. Starter – Guillermo Moscoso – No. 4
5. Starter – Josh Outman – No. 5

6. Bullpen Closer – Fautino De Los Santos
7. Bullpen setup – Grant Balfour
8. Bullpen – Ryan Cook
9. Bullpen – Joey Devine
10. Bullpen (long relief) – Graham Godfrey
11. Bullpen – AAA – Tyson Ross (long, middle and short relief!!)
12. Bullpen – TBD (waiver pickup, or from Fuentes trade)
Traded – Brian Fuentes (salary dump + make AN happy)

Catchers
13. Josh Donaldson
14. Anthony Recker
Traded – Kurt Suzuki (before Spring Training, for a major league ready outfielder)

Infielders
15. Daric Barton 1b
16. Jemile Weeks 2b
17. Cliff Pennington SS
18. Scott Sizemore 3B
19. Eric Sogard – Utilty
20. Adam Rosales – Utilty
21. Chris Carter – DH
Traded – Adrian Cardenas

Outfielders
22. Josh Reddick
23. Michael Taylor
24. Collin Cowgill or TBD from Suzuki trade

25. Brandon Allen – Super Utility: left handed DH + 1B + OF

by robertmelvin on Dec 30, 2011 8:36 PM PST reply actions  

but as BBG noted

this will only be starting day; except for extended playing time for Carter and Taylor even if either does not produce early on, I imagine Melvin will be under orders to keep playing them so that BB can finally decide once and for all, if they will fit into 2015.

by robertmelvin on Dec 30, 2011 9:25 PM PST reply actions  

Spring Training invite

Does anyone have a list yet of pring Training invites? There might be a player or two that fill out the 25 man

by dougald1 on Dec 31, 2011 6:32 AM PST reply actions  

If you ain't first you're last

Beane has adopted the wisdom of Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights, “If you ain’t 1st you’re last”.

All of the projected rosters above are pretty awful, but who cares if you can’t beat the Angels or Rangers. Team will actually finish last. Should earn top 3 draft pick.

by BlueMoon on Dec 31, 2011 7:34 AM PST reply actions  

Reddick

Can reddick be an above-average fielder in center? He was primarily used in right field last year…

by sam8235 on Jan 2, 2012 3:48 AM PST via mobile reply actions  

Reddick

Can reddick be an above-average fielder in center? He was primarily used in right field last year…

by sam8235 on Jan 2, 2012 3:49 AM PST via mobile reply actions  

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