Pitchers and Catchers Report Today!
by danmerqury on Feb 15, 2011 7:01 AM PST
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PrintHere we are, folks. The offseason? All gone. Spring Training is here...and that means baseball!
Feel free to use the comments below to post pictures, tweets, and all of the rest of that good stuff we'll get throughout the day. In the meantime, I wanted to run through a list of some of the under-the-radar stories we'll see play out in the next month.
Is Andy LaRoche's talent really gone for good?
Do slick-fielding third basemen with a career .900 minor league OPS grow on trees? Not exactly. There's a reason LaRoche was named on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list four years in a row, including two years in the top twenty. So what happened? The Dodgers gave him a shot in 2007 and 2008, where he proceeded to OPS .664. He was then included in the three-way Manny Ramirez trade, where he was sent to Pittsburgh. With the Pirates, he got over 1000 plate appearances, putting up an abysmal .637 OPS. He clearly had talent in the minors, but it seemed to all vanish on the biggest stage. The A's signed him this offseason to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Kevin Kouzmanoff clearly has the 3B job locked up, but what would happen if LaRoche had a stellar spring?
How is Bobby Cramer's new changeup?
Flashfire snagged a fantastic interview with Bobby Cramer, which ran on this site last week. (Drop whatever you're doing and read it now, if you haven't yet. Part 1. Part 2.) One of the interesting revelations that came up was that Cramer had finally figured out how to throw a quality changeup, which, if successful, would expand his repertoire from two pitches to a three-pitch arsenal. Is that enough to take the fifth starter job away from Brandon McCarthy, Rich Harden, Tyson Ross, and company?
Who is the odd man out in the bullpen?
Assuming everybody's healthy (a freak chance, I know), we've got spots guaranteed to Andrew Bailey, Brian Fuentes, Grant Balfour, Michael Wuertz, and Craig Breslow. With a twelve-man pitching staff, that leaves two spots for Brad Ziegler, Jerry Blevins, Joey Devine, and the runner-up of the fifth starter competition as the long relief guy. Who stays? Who goes?
Is Fautino de los Santos going to be a household name by this time next year?
Believe it or not, Gio Gonzalez wasn't necessarily the crown jewel of the Nick Swisher trade. A sizable amount of White Sox fans were more upset about losing Fautino de los Santos. At the time of the trade, Fautino was a starting pitcher in high-A ball, coming off of a season where he struck out 11.3 batters per nine innings, split between single-A Kannapolis and high-A Winston-Salem. That season earned him the 60th spot on Baseball America's 2008 Top Prospects list, and a solid B+ from John Sickels. Upon arriving in Oakland's system, he was placed at high-A Stockton...where he lasted only five games before being sidelined, eventually needing Tommy John surgery. He's finally back, this time as a reliever. By being taken out of the starting role, he managed to up his strikeout rate to 13.9, which is more than a third of the batters he faced. The A's have a strong track record of pulling top-notch relievers seemingly out of thin air (see: Andrew Bailey). Could de los Santos be next in line?
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YAY
1) LaRoche will earn a utility job if he has a good ST with the absence of Rosy.
2) Cramer is most likely the sixth or seventh starter on the team.
3) If healthy, Devine will earn a spot since he is out of options. I see Blevins going back to AAA.
4) I hope FDLS is force to be reckoned with out of the bullpen later this year.
LaRoche
He’d require an injury or something cuz he isn’t on the 40-man. He’d need a hell of a spring…
Visit my blog the Todd Van Poppel Rookie Card Retirement Plan!!
and what are the odds...
of there being an injury? Oh yeah, pretty damn near 100%. Anyway, trying to find a way to fit a performing LaRoche on the roster would be a great problem to have.
I may be wrong
But wouldn;t it require a 60-day DL variety injury? Which while its certainly possible isn’t as likely as a 15-day one.
Visit my blog the Todd Van Poppel Rookie Card Retirement Plan!!
1-2-3-4
1) LaRoche won’t earn an opening day roster spot. Even if Rosales can’t start the season, they’ll need to replace him on the roster with someone who can also play both middle infield positions, most likely Tolleson. Only way LaRoche makes the roster is if Kouz breaks a leg.
2) Regardless of Cramer’s new changeup, he ends up starting the season in the middle of the Rivercats’ rotation…probably with McCarthy, Outman, Ross and Moscoso.
3) If everyone’s healthy (I know, I know), Blevins is the odd man out in the ’pen.
4) The ‘pen is packed…no way we’ll see FDLS before September at the earliest.
I would have posted all of this...
but, you did it first!
"... and A-Rod is forced to admit that Dallas got to the Hall of Fame before he did." - en
by FoolshGame22 on Feb 15, 2011 10:40 PM PST up reply actions
Tolleson isn't on the 40-man roster anymore either
Assuming Rosales goes onto the 15-day DL, the most likely backup infielder is Eric Sogard. If Pennington also can’t go to start the season, which since it’s an injury that’s been dismissed by the A’s as a nonissue is probably at least a two-to-one favorite, then I’d think Adrian Cardenas would get called up.
"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.
I think they might call up LaRoche before Cardenas
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 16, 2011 4:16 PM PST up reply actions
BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
Waiting for mikev to write my new sigline
by OptimistPrime on Feb 15, 2011 7:20 AM PST reply actions 30 recs
This
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Feb 15, 2011 7:33 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
rec
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
Agreed
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 15, 2011 7:46 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
rec
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
How can you not rec that!
by OnlybuyBeaneJerseys on Feb 15, 2011 7:56 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
rec
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
w00t!
Visit my blog the Todd Van Poppel Rookie Card Retirement Plan!!
by dwishinsky on Feb 15, 2011 8:11 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
rec
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
Si.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Feb 15, 2011 9:01 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
rec
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:16 AM PST up reply actions
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Feb 15, 2011 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
rec
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:17 AM PST up reply actions
rec rec
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:17 AM PST up reply actions
FLAGGED
for blatant rec. collecting
(not really) :)
"If you choose to question my fandom based on games I attend, you can f*** right off." - mikev
by Gaijin_Suketto on Feb 15, 2011 1:02 PM PST up reply actions
BASEBALL!!!!!!!
Waiting for mikev to write my new sigline
by OptimistPrime on Feb 15, 2011 1:17 PM PST up reply actions 4 recs
Wuertz
As long as he is healthy, Mike Wuertz should be guaranteed a spot in the pen
Agree
Zeigler, Blevins, Devine, 5th starter runner-up, and any others will have to compete for two spots.
Its hard to imagine Ziegler and Blevins having to compete for a bullpen spot.
I guess we are just that good.
C'mon Beane! Close off the bottom deck and reopen the top!
The A's 2nd and 4th most used relievers last year have to win their spot this year.
This really illustrates how deep the bullpen is. Especially since they are both coming off a solid year, and one of the A’s up-and-coming relievers (Henry Rodriguez) has already been traded.
excited baby
depth is everywhere
really love it in the bullpen
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:18 AM PST up reply actions
PITCHERS AND CATCHERS!
Sun is shining, bird is chirping right outside my window, pitchers and catchers are reporting to ST — it’s going to be a good day.
unless you're the clubhouse assistant's assistant
"If you choose to question my fandom based on games I attend, you can f*** right off." - mikev
by Gaijin_Suketto on Feb 15, 2011 1:03 PM PST up reply actions
unless you work for the Slegna
Waiting for mikev to write my new sigline
by OptimistPrime on Feb 15, 2011 1:18 PM PST up reply actions
Thank god it's ST!
LaRoche-This won’t be the year he figures it out. He’s too old. If Kouz goes down, I think the send up Eric Sogard. Probably start Rosie at 3rd. (Just my guess)
Cramer-Thanks for doing the interview but he’s only shot rests on health….So he’s got a pretty good of seeing time.
Bullpen-Gotta be Blevins right, if Devine is completely healthy and has a good spring. You don’t send down Ziggy right? Even he has an option. Did anyone figure out if he’s got one?
Fautino “of the saints”-Will never be a household name, but it will be the name of a City in the Bay Area. I’ll nominate Livermore.
by OnlybuyBeaneJerseys on Feb 15, 2011 7:56 AM PST reply actions
Correcting errors
think the=Think they
He’s only=His only
by OnlybuyBeaneJerseys on Feb 15, 2011 8:30 AM PST up reply actions
Blevins is out of options?
How so? I thought each player only received 3 option years? Could someone explain how this works to me? I thought I knew. But apparently not :(
this should make it clear as mud.................
If a player is on the 40-man roster but not on the active major league roster, he is said to be on optional assignment—his organization may freely move him between the major league club and the minor league club. If a player is on the 40-man roster and not the active 25 man roster for any part of more than three seasons (in which he spent 20 or more total days of service in the minors), he is out of options and may not be assigned to the minors without first clearing waivers. However, if a player has less than 5 years of professional experience, he may be optioned to the minors in a fourth season without being subject to waivers. If a major league player is ineligible for free agency and “has options” remaining, his team may option him to a minor league team without consequence. This is usually what is meant when players are “sent down” to the minors. Likewise, when a player on the 40-man roster is added to the active major league roster, he is “called up” to the majors.
by heartstopper on Feb 16, 2011 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
One more thing you can see from space...
MY SMILE! :)
LET’S GO A’s!!!
OOPS
My last comment should have read “Blevins still has options?”
How so, if a player only gets three option years?
Blevins does have an option year left, as does ziegler
It’s so loud inside my head, with words that I should have said.
As I drown in my regrets, I can’t take back the words I never said...
Obviously he's only used two of them...
"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.
Apparently my last post disappeared
danmerqury, I have a question for you (or anyone else with sure knowledge of the subject). Are you certain that Blevins still has an option year left? I thought 2009 was his last option year (or 2010, at the latest).
I’m puzzled.
My guess is Ziggy or Wuertz get traded
Hopefully for someone who can fill in at short/2B.
on that note
I’m glad you brought up short/2b as a concern. It seems like all the attention is on 3B. I don’t see any scenario in which Penny and Ellis are healthy all year. We do need depth at those positions.
by OnlybuyBeaneJerseys on Feb 15, 2011 12:02 PM PST up reply actions
Thanks Dan. You just made me drop my kid to read Cramer's interview.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
Who needs kids when you have baseball?
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Feb 15, 2011 8:40 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Unless you really are right here, here.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
Well, it is hard to play catch with the TV.
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.
Not if you do it right
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Feb 15, 2011 10:44 AM PST up reply actions
Well, I also like my kids.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
Especially the smile on their face when they catch the TV.
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.
Brings back good memories of me & my old man playing catch with the TV... sigh...
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
Playing catch with the TV has changed too much over the years.
Now it’s more like frisbee, what with these plasmas, and LCDs, and LEDs and such.
by chrisatsac on Feb 15, 2011 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I know.
I still remember the first time I throw CRT through a window. Those were the days.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
Can you even buy new CRTs anymore?
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 12:17 PM PST up reply actions
Yes.
They’re just harder to find now. I don’t think they produce them anymore.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
I had a 20" CRT monitor for awhile
That thing was awesome except for its 50 lb heft.
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 12:40 PM PST up reply actions
someday, I'm going to tell my kids that and they're gonna be like
Dang, you’re ancient
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 12:41 PM PST up reply actions
And the 2sq. ft. footprint
Man, those things were huge. And MUCH harder to catch.
Fan: "Yeah, whatever. You’re wrong." Stat guy: "No, you’re wrong." Fan: "Cool. Pass me a beer." Stat guy: "Here you go." Sigh, if only it was this easy.
I should have kept it and made some radiation vests out of it
With the 20 lbs of lead shielding in there, I’d have enough for several.
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 12:47 PM PST up reply actions
You must have been a Boy Scout
Be Prepared!
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.
The big mistake is trying to start out with a 40"er.
Start out with a watch TV, then move up to a little portable, and so on.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
Eric Patterson OPSed like .850 in AAA ball
Hopefully he isn’t a comp for LaRoche.
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
BOOM!
get it started. Just decided on my new office moblie: iPhone 4 and looks like MLB.tv will be viewable.
Oh yeah, it’s baseball time.
It's just more exciting with Billy Beane running the team.
LaRoche
I’ve always been really intrigued by Andy LaRoche. I definitely don’t think he’ll ever be a stud like all the prospect literature said he’d be, but even after all of his past false starts and jerking around, he managed to put up a pretty respectable 2009 at 2.6 WAR which is basically Kouzmanoff territory.
I don’t think he’ll win the 3B job outright from Kouz to start the season, but I think he’ll definitely be one to watch. If Kouz continues to struggle offensively, while LaRoche shows good leather and respectable numbers at Sactown, I could see LaRoche getting a chance with the big club at some point during the season.
If he were to settle in to his 2009 form – roughly average offense and a bit better than average defense – he’d probably make Kouzmanoff superflous going forward, being 2 years younger than Kouz and a whole lot cheaper.
He could end up being a nifty, league-average stop-gap until one of Cardenas/Parker/Green prove to be the long-term answer at the position, basically at little or no risk to the team.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
Tweets!
susanslusser
Landon Powell says he’s lost 15 pounds, and he looks like he’s in good shape. #Athletics 21 minutes ago via Twittelator
Tyson Ross did the full offseason throwing program so he’s also ready to go. #Athletics 42 minutes ago via Twittelator
Full house here at Papago Park already; lots of players working out incl Ryan Sweeney, who is 100 percent after patella surgery. #Athletics
here's hoping he's ready for CF if/when Coco breaks something.
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 9:35 AM PST up reply actions
Powell? Yeah, that would be pretty funny
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
LOL
yeah, seeing him out there would be awesome
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 10:54 AM PST up reply actions
Time to play the Spring Training Quotes drinking game.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
I'm surprised we haven't seen "best shape of his life!" yet.
by whiteshoes40 on Feb 15, 2011 10:01 AM PST up reply actions
We got just Michael Ynoa "looking strong"....so it's coming
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Feb 15, 2011 10:01 AM PST up reply actions
That would be because Chavvy is no longer with the team.
If anybody asks, I'm not here.
I'm never here.
by harensheir15 on Feb 15, 2011 10:01 AM PST up reply actions
I know, I know.
I will go stand in the corner now.
If anybody asks, I'm not here.
I'm never here.
by harensheir15 on Feb 15, 2011 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
You forgot "officially" in there.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
You're right.
This is just not a good week for you, is it?
If anybody asks, I'm not here.
I'm never here.
by harensheir15 on Feb 15, 2011 10:59 AM PST up reply actions
nah. I loved Chavy, but I wrote him off a couple seasons ago
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
Same.
Still sucks to see him in another uniform.
If anybody asks, I'm not here.
I'm never here.
by harensheir15 on Feb 15, 2011 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
Please, he'll get hurt trying to put it on and we'll never have to see him in another uniform.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
"I'm just getting my work in."
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Feb 15, 2011 7:53 PM PST up reply actions
Oh SuSlu, how we missed you.....
BASEBALL TIME!!!!!
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Feb 15, 2011 10:04 AM PST up reply actions
From Slusser
Bailey’s first bullpen was yesterday, 20 fastballs. “It felt like a normal first bullpen The elbow issue is behind me”
Bring back Hammer.
awesome.
rangers spent all that money and yet they are not going to be in first place this year.
what a pity***sarcasm
"You know whats funny? I always thought uhm dogs lay eggs and I learned something new today" Peter Griffin
by HUNGRY HUNTER on Feb 15, 2011 10:21 AM PST up reply actions
And Jane Lee...
A healthy Joey Devine just threw his fourth bullpen today. He’s all smiles and ready to win bullpen spot.
Bring back Hammer.
Dad!!
Nice to see Scott Hatteberg heading into meetings with the rest of the A’s brain trust. Seems right. #Athletics
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Feb 15, 2011 10:58 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
YAY!
I was just about to post that, as well as her next tweet:
Hatteberg is doing some special assistant type work for the front office. No one will be surprised if he’s a GM one day. #Athletics
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Feb 15, 2011 10:59 AM PST up reply actions
.
If anybody asks, I'm not here.
I'm never here.
by harensheir15 on Feb 15, 2011 11:13 AM PST up reply actions 7 recs
Dude, HH, I love you
Maybe I’m just dumb, but I had yet to find the BK call of the streak until you just posted it. Thanks man!
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 12:01 PM PST up reply actions
Hah! Sure thing, Cupp.
Glad to help.
His call itself is as enthralling as the play.
Unparalleled.
If anybody asks, I'm not here.
I'm never here.
by harensheir15 on Feb 15, 2011 4:15 PM PST up reply actions
he is the king of call
sucker BC’s must call he Sire
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot"
I just got chills
""Expelliarmus!" said Eckstein, attempting to knock the bat out of Matt Kemp's hands, just before Kemp laced a single to center." -Ken Tremendous
Are they multiplying?
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 15, 2011 7:13 PM PST up reply actions
Only because the power you're supplying is electrifying
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 15, 2011 8:39 PM PST up reply actions
You better shape up.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Behold the power of the English major!
It's the fans that make the game fun. -- Rickey Henderson, July 26, 2009.
by Englishmajor on Feb 15, 2011 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
The English language has no approximation of the loud, keening/squeeing sound I just made in PURE JOY.
No words for how happy I am about having Front Office Hatty. NO WORDS.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
Id love to see him as our maneger.
"Carter's 25-game hitting streak isn't any normal streak. He's 46 for 97 (.474 average) during the run, adding 16 walks and compiling 81 total bases in the process. I'm out of superlatives for what he's doing." - Kevin Goldstein
wow andy dick has not aged gracefully
lay off the drugs dude
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
Is LaRoche's deal...
… one o’ them things where he competes for a major league spot in the spring, and if it doesn’t work out the A’s cut him so he can try to catch on elsewhere? Or would he actually go ahead and play in Sacto, lying in wait for injury or suckitude?
I love green because money be green.
I suspect the latter.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
I can't wait..
to see Barton do the splits and Brett throw himself around the infield and Ellis make crazy plays like it’s nothing and Coco to rob some homeruns and Rosy run as fast as possible when he gets a walk and check out the new guys and to meet all you crazy people. I can’t wait for baseball.
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
There must be something wrong with me.
I heard: “I can’t wait to see Barton pull his groin, Brett have a seizure, Ellis fall apart while standing there, Coco get a concussion crashing into the wall, Rosy pull a hammy on a walk…”
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
by DMOAS on Feb 15, 2011 12:18 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
And hey. You. No.
Stop.
:(
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
I laughed and rec'd it
and then I cried
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Feb 15, 2011 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
It's okay, we can cry together.
I cried and cringed as I was writing it.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
I hope you knocked wood
after posting it
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
by MissOakland on Feb 15, 2011 12:35 PM PST up reply actions
Yes... yes I did...
Oh. You mean… Nope. Never mind. No, I didn’t.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
I got something equally depressing out of this
The only thing we’ve had to be excited about is a walk.
I can’t wait to see Willingham and Matsui hit some friggin home runs.
Solar Panels - PVPower.com
BASEBALL BASEBALL BASEBALL
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
Love the gold jersey on Harden
Is this the A’s new uni in 2011?
by RickeyIsTheGreatest on Feb 15, 2011 11:51 AM PST reply actions
It's the new alt, replacing the black ones
I love the arrow pointing to his dreamy eyes, too!
It's the fans that make the game fun. -- Rickey Henderson, July 26, 2009.
by Englishmajor on Feb 15, 2011 12:10 PM PST up reply actions
Sorry, but he doesn't do a thing for me.
However , if we can get a photo of all of you hottie AN ladies in the new gold jerseys… NOW we’re talking!
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.
An AN calendar!
there’s an idea
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 1:02 PM PST up reply actions
Okay, I get Rich's jersey
can I have a jersey-less Rich in the photo with me?
There's no crying in baseball!
I've got noooo problem with that.
I’m pretty sure that Miss Oakland will ask the same of Daric.
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.
I would like to reserve the right to refuse...
if a lady requests a photo beside a shirtless David Wells. Ugh!
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.
Great ad opportunity....
“Body by Budweiser”.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Not Bud Light
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 15, 2011 8:40 PM PST up reply actions
I was more afraid of Butt Light
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.
WAIT A MINUTE!!!!
Forget the guys. Lets get back to all the AN Hotties in the new jerseys!!!!!
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.
I'm praying Ynoa will be fine and have successful rehab from the TJ surgery....
(fingers crossed)
Go A’s!!!
Every man for himself...
YESSSS!!!!
I have a special interest in this year’s season. My son is due April 5th. Can’t wait to get an A’s onsie on him!
FINALLY!!!
Work as if everything depends on you and Pray knowing that everything depends on God. - Michael Taylor
the new jerseys I mean
Work as if everything depends on you and Pray knowing that everything depends on God. - Michael Taylor
by supermarc589 on Feb 15, 2011 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
damn link isnt working
Work as if everything depends on you and Pray knowing that everything depends on God. - Michael Taylor
by supermarc589 on Feb 15, 2011 1:27 PM PST up reply actions
Note (only because I see it alot)
You can’t link in headlines
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
Fearless predictions:
- LaRoche makes the team.
- Breslow won’t make it out of spring healthy.
- Harden and McCarthy will both be in the rotation to start the season.
- Every year, the A’s make one inexplicable roster move that pisses a whole bunch of people off. This year, it’ll be Carter making the roster — as a bench player.
- We don’t see Rosales until the end of April.
Ok, happier predictions:
- Coco Crisp will make it through spring completely healthy.
- Taylor and will have a great spring.
- Choice will have an even better spring — hitting > 7 homers (leaving some to wildly call for him to make the team).
- The predicted starting nine will have nagging injuries throughout March — but will all be on the field come Opening Day.
- Geren gets canned two weeks into March — giving me the best after-finals gift the A’s could possibly give in March.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
If Harden AND McCarthy make the rotation
Whose arm will have fallen off? Anderson’s?
And oh man, how awesome would Geren getting canned be!
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 1:48 PM PST up reply actions
Whose arm will have fallen off? Anderson’s?
If history is any indication, YES…most likely. However, I’d rather see Outman and Harden in the rotation rather than McCarthy and Harden. I don’t like a lot about McCarthy other than his curveball and his ability to occasionally get guys to swing and miss with it. Otherwise, I think he’s a pretty one dimensional pitcher who, if his fastball command isn’t spot on, gets into big trouble, very quickly. Plus, I just don’t think he’ll be healthy for any prolonged stretch of time.
I think it's a pretty safe bet that one of Anderson, Cahill, Gonzalez, and Braden have some sort of issue.
Anderson and Braden being the primary culprits.
My other prediction for Anderson is that we find out he needs TJS by July. But no one wants to hear that in February. The problem is that forearm tightness and ligament damage doesn’t heal through rest; it’s just delaying the inevitable.
Actually, Harden and McCarthy both being healthy enough to make the rotation is a stretch by itself. More likely it’s Cramer and Harden, or McCarthy and Cramer, or god forbid, Cramer and Ross (which incidentally is a great name for a buddy cop serial).
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Feb 15, 2011 2:07 PM PST up reply actions
And to add,
I also predict hope the A’s work on a 2+1 extension with DeJesus, and contracts with Cahill and Gio during spring as well.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Feb 15, 2011 2:09 PM PST up reply actions
I think I wrote on ML's blog that I thought Anderson was out for TJS after 10 starts
I’m sticking to that.
!#%&$#@&%&% antioxidants! - pam
needs moar bacon
by cuppingmaster on Feb 15, 2011 2:22 PM PST up reply actions
Carter on the roster and the pine would piss me off.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Feb 15, 2011 1:58 PM PST up reply actions
I hear everyone is in the best shape of their lives.
"Some of us know him as the a-hole who piled into Ray Fosse in an All-Star game (it's why Ray is the way he is folks)" - OptimistPrime
by travdog6 on Feb 15, 2011 1:51 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
round is a shape
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
yes it is
and I don’t ascribe to it just because I am that shape
Zooey Deschanel!
Cluck 'em all and let the Chick sort 'em out - DMOAS
You're worried that you'll come off as nerdy as frack? On AN? That’s like being ashamed of your alcohol use at a meth convention. - danmerqury
by ChickenStanley on Feb 15, 2011 3:27 PM PST up reply actions
I wish I was.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Feb 15, 2011 2:10 PM PST up reply actions
Honestly
I don’t care about anything – I’m just so FREAKIN happy baseball is starting and I will be able to see some games being played soon.
the whosas, whatfores, whenhos, whysis and howcans I’ll think about later ;)
Zooey Deschanel!
Cluck 'em all and let the Chick sort 'em out - DMOAS
You're worried that you'll come off as nerdy as frack? On AN? That’s like being ashamed of your alcohol use at a meth convention. - danmerqury
Me too!
The two week dead period is officially over
It’s so loud inside my head, with words that I should have said.
As I drown in my regrets, I can’t take back the words I never said...
Now it's more a 6 week dead period.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
You mean sweeney wasn't the prize of that trade?
dang.
It’s so loud inside my head, with words that I should have said.
As I drown in my regrets, I can’t take back the words I never said...
So psyched. Just got a 22-game pack and ready to soak it up?
Is it weird that I’m already excited about that doubleheader?
Although not techincally a's news
the cardinals offer Pujols an 8 year deal according to Jon Heyman. I think if we throw a beat up volvo and a few cracker jack boxes he’ll come play for us right?
It’s so loud inside my head, with words that I should have said.
As I drown in my regrets, I can’t take back the words I never said...
He'll want a tour of Oakland too
preferably done in one of those red double decker buses
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
It's also said that the offer is for "south of" $30mm annually.
I personally think an 8 year, $200+ million dollar contract offer from St. Louis should be enough to get it done. That’s also assuming staying in St. Louis means something to Pujols, since he could likely get a contract worth more then that (How much is debatable) in free agency, which may not be the case.
I was hoping to see Pujols take a hometown discount and stay in St. Louis, mainly to keep him out of the AL and because my NL team is the Cards, but maybe he wants the biggest contract he can get and staying in St. Louis just isn’t a priority. It’s gonna be interesting to see where he ends up in 2012 and beyond if St. Louis doesn’t pull off a miracle real damn soon.
I hope he becomes a FA and goes to the highest bidder. The Cards have been idiots.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 15, 2011 7:13 PM PST up reply actions
Hometown discount?
It’s more likely his agents ask for the entire town.
There’s serious talk about him getting an ownership stake.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Feb 15, 2011 7:21 PM PST up reply actions
That would be awesome.
I’d love for an end to rules prohibiting players from owning a piece of the club while they’re active.
"If you choose to question my fandom based on games I attend, you can f*** right off." - mikev
by Gaijin_Suketto on Feb 15, 2011 8:38 PM PST up reply actions
That is an idiotic rule
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 15, 2011 8:38 PM PST up reply actions
Whoa, there's actually a rule prohibting that?
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Feb 15, 2011 8:40 PM PST up reply actions
There is no limit to the stupidity and arrogance of baseball owners
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 15, 2011 8:43 PM PST up reply actions
Seems like a pretty standard ethical rule to me
Owning a piece of your own action creates all kinds of conflicts of interest. Just look at all those corporate directors who just so happen to think their services are worth zillions of dollars a year and that the company ought to pay for it.
I have serious trouble getting bent out of shape about those conflicts NOT arising in baseball.
"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.
This is a topic for a different time and place.
Also it’s my job to advise investors about issues such as the one you brought up so I really want to respond, but I don’t think this is the place for it.
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 16, 2011 4:15 PM PST up reply actions
Which makes sense.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
So yeah
Waffles gave me two opening night tix for Valentines day =)
Zooey Deschanel!
Cluck 'em all and let the Chick sort 'em out - DMOAS
You're worried that you'll come off as nerdy as frack? On AN? That’s like being ashamed of your alcohol use at a meth convention. - danmerqury
She's a keeper
(and obviously an A’s fan)
"You ain't got nothin to say, it was perfect" -Dallas Braden, 05/09/10
hell hath no fury like a Cowboys fan scorned. -Leopold Bloom
She's actually an Angels fan.
This just proves she luvs Chickie.
Choosy Feebas choose Leopold Bloom nipples
Daring. Sensual. Invigorating. Squirrel.
BLOOM. For men.
If the eggs actually hatch I made more than a mistake, I made some scientifically impossible crime.
Yay Lynn!
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 16, 2011 1:48 AM PST up reply actions
I kinda of hope he actually falls back to Earth this coming season.
But we’ll see. Meh.
GO A’S.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
It's okay.
At least we had Ken Macha doing old Nation’s Hamburgers commercials.
Stay local.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Feb 15, 2011 7:57 PM PST up reply actions
Very excited about the upcomming Oakland Athletics SEASON!
Football was a downer in Norcal this season no matter who your team was. Stanford did ok but in the pro ranks it was a horrible year. Basketball similarly has been a disappointment. Unless you like college ball like St Mary’s or Santa Clara, basketball has sucked out loud in Norcal again this season. SO it is BASEBALL SEASON! Pitchers and Catchers are REPORTING! There is much to be excited about if you are an A’s fan! The Rotation is the best in the AL. Our Bullpen is an embarrassment of riches! In fact, I can still see Beane working his magic and parleying one or more bullpen arms into a decent hitting and fielding 3rd baseman. Sorry, but Kousmanoff is a terrible hitter in Oakland, and there are no young prospects poised to take his place. I have every confidence that LaRoache will take Kousmanoff’s job easily, because Kouse starts off every season very slow and usually achieves mediocrity by mid season. A’s need more from that position to be competitive on offense. All the Bats the A’s brought in to help are outfielders with the exception of a aging Godzilla. If they can get that 3rd base issues resolved either by trade or by free agent signing, the A’s will be heavy favorites to win the west this season. But pitching and defense will only get you so far. This team needs to scratch out runs! There are no real home run threats on the roster with the exception of an aging Matsui. We can only hope that Beane is still looking for ways to improve the 3rd base dilemma. One more power bat in the lineup would work wonders in helping to win all the 2-3 run losses from last season. Texas is a great hitting team with ok pitching. Without Lee, their rotation is just average. And the Angels are looking pretty thin in all areas. I dont thing Seattle did enough to improve. So that leaves our beloved A’s to move in and take up shop as the AL West leaders! I feel comfortable going into a game with our starters, bullpen, and one of the premier closers in Bailey when he is healthy. It would have been nice to bring back the Duke, but he is too often injured to be an help. So hopefully during spring training, Beans concocts a trade to swing a reliable 3rd baseman to flesh out the roster for a pennant race. Seems that Lew Wolff finally cracked open his wallet and intends to fight the G-Men for dominance in the Bay Area Baseball Scene. I believe that if the A’s can address the 3rd base problem they have, they will be the offseason favorites in the AL Worst. The A’s would certainly not be an easy out for anyone in the playoffs. But this good mix of savvy vets and good young talent will carry this team to a 90+ win season. I am going to go to several games this year because I really have a lot of confidence that this team will be a very good home team! The pitching is tailored to use the advantages of the Colosseum. If they can scratch across one or two more runs a game, that will go a long way toward winning 85-95 games this year. Optimistic you think? If Beane can get a good player at 3rd who can field AND hit, I think the A’s are gonna be awesome! GO A’s !!
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
Holy crud
That is the most solid block of text I’ve ever seen. Iron may float in it.
by Pop N' Locktapus on Feb 15, 2011 10:38 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with 4 of your points and disagree with 7
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 16, 2011 1:47 AM PST up reply actions
In baseball, that's considered good.
by Pop N' Locktapus on Feb 16, 2011 2:42 AM PST up reply actions
You could go to the Hall of Fame!
It's because he derived his torque from the buttocks -- cityplANner
by WaddellCanseco on Feb 16, 2011 2:48 AM PST up reply actions
Let's Go Gaels!
SMC – WCC Reg Season Champions (clinch share of title after tonight). Go Gaels! I wish the Bay Area would start showing this team some love.
by Colorado Fan on Feb 16, 2011 6:55 AM PST up reply actions
I think I have excellent timing
I just got back today from 6 weeks at the South Pole. So I’m skipping right past the January doldrums and on to the unlimited optimism of pitchers+catchers!
were you really at the South Pole? That's awesome.
You weren’t dirty drillin’ with them Russkies, were ya?
"If you choose to question my fandom based on games I attend, you can f*** right off." - mikev
by Gaijin_Suketto on Feb 16, 2011 11:12 PM PST up reply actions
drilling is finished
at South Pole station, now that Ice Cube is completed.
Are you talking about the Russian project to carefully drill into that sub-glacial lake? (I forget the name) I don’t think that has started yet, and it’s not at the south pole. But it sounds pretty cool.
If you’re talking about drilling holes in the ice to store urine and feces, well everyone does that. They were drilling a new one towards the end of the season, so everyone was encouraged to use extra hot water for a few hours one afternoon.
Slusser says Suzuki, Gio, and Donaldson didn't show on the first day.
Suzuki is the one that surprised me. Doesn’t it seem important for the starting catcher to be there with his pitchers?
One of the best one liners from AN history....
“Bitcher’s and Kevetchers report today”.
Such an AN call to arms.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
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