An Important Reminder As Brandon McCarthy Is Named 5th Starter
by Nico on Mar 26, 2011 5:01 PM PDT
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PrintWith just 6 days left until Opening Night, and Brandon McCarthy named 5th starter, I want to remind everyone that the A's might know how they want their roster to look April 10th -- and it might not look that way on April 1st.
Remember last year, when Landon Powell was sent down? He was the "Opening Day" backup catcher but the A's figured they wouldn't need one right away and Powell had an option left. So Jake Fox, who was out of options, served as the emergency backup catcher while the A's bought themselves more time to see Fox, Patterson, Chavez, and to see if an injury might make a decision for them before they needed to make one to get Powell back up.
The A's like to stall decisions as long as possible and for good reason -- injuries often don't announce themselves before they happen and premature decisions are often punished by unforeseen circumstance. How does that affect 2011? ...
This year, note that following their opening series with Seattle the A's have an off-day on Monday, April 4th. As a result they will not need a 5th starter until Sunday, April 10th. This means that the more "final" roster moves around Brandon McCarthy and Tyson Ross, both of whom have options, don't actually need to be made until then.
This creates a domino effect, as the A's could easily keep only 11 pitchers -- 4 starters, 6 short relievers, and either McCarthy or Ross, or even just a true "emergency mop up man" like Cramer or Moscoso -- and could thus keep an extra utility infielder, e.g., Eric Sogard and Andy LaRoche -- until forced on April 10th to make a roster move.
In baseball terms, April 10th is a long way from April 1st. I'm not saying the A's will play the system any different for having that April 4th off day, just that they can -- and historically have used those "buy a week" opportunities liberally to their advantage. So while it may be counter intuitive to think that Brandon McCarthy's status could impact Andy LaRoche's status, it could well be.
It could also well be that the A's try to bolster their short relief for the first 10 days. Remember that the A's enter the season with both Craig Breslow and Michael Wuertz struggling because both got a late start, and are now healthy but not yet effective. Putting Ross in the bullpen would help fortify the pen for the 10 days or so that Wuertz and Breslow have fallen behind pace.
In fact, that's probably how I'd play it if I were the A's. Even though he has won the 5th starter job, I'd open the season with McCarthy making one start at AAA (edit -- unless that would burn an option which would otherwise not be burned; this is unclear at the moment) and Ross in the bullpen to take pressure off of Wuertz and Breslow in the season's first week. On April 10th, I'd call up McCarthy to start and would option Ross to AAA to start every 5th day until needed -- unless one of the relievers got hurt between April 1st and April 10th, in which case you can keep Ross up. That actually makes more sense to me to any other option, and it's probably not the one most of us have considered. All thanks to no game on the season's fourth day.
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Before McCarthy was announced as 5th starter?
I am good.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Like when I was eating a bagel this morning.
by LoneStranger on Mar 26, 2011 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions
You expect me to believe you were eating a bagel?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
AND drinking coffee.
It was right before I went to the soon-to-be-shut down Borders and bought four graphic novels for 50% off each.
by LoneStranger on Mar 27, 2011 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Options
By sending McCarthy down at the start of the season and then bringing him up on the 10th, how does that affect his option situation? Does it affect his option situation?
I don't think it does, because he has an option which he burns this year no matter what.
Unless I’m mistaken on that, but that’s the premise of my suggested course of action.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I believe if he stays up the whole year it doesnt burn up an option.
So starting him in AAA would use it up.
Winning!
If that's true, it's a legitimate reason not to send him down for the first 10 days.
I don’t know his whole history in terms of service time because he’s been injured so much. I thought it was probably his last option year regardless.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
It's true.
You only use an option IF you are sent to the minors. Spending the full season the majors doesn’t burn 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.
Hmm...
He has 4.1 years service time. If he hits 5, that option left becomes mostly meaningless so I guess it doesn’t matter much.
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.
That's what I'm wondering --
sometimes it’s your last option year no matter what, just due to how long you’ve been in the league.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Here's from Baseball America:
When a player is added to a 40-man roster for the first time, the major league team is permitted three optional assignments of his contract, or three “option years.” This gives them the option to assign that player to the minor leagues without requiring him to clear waivers. For each season thereafter in which the player is assigned to a minor league team, one option is used up.
When a player is out of options, he can still be assigned to the minor leagues, but first he must clear waivers.
A player can receive a fourth option if he has less than five seasons of pro experience. Draftees who immediately sign a major league contract will qualify unless they reach the majors quickly and stick there. Otherwise, they’ll have their three options exhausted after their first three years in pro ball. A season is defined as any year in which the player spends 90 days on the active list. Short-season and Rookie leagues don’t last 90 calendar days, so a player assigned to those leagues for an entire year won’t accrue a season of pro experience. Also if a player has a long-term injury, he usually won’t be credited for a season that year. (The exception is if he goes on the disabled list after spending 60 days on an active list, in which case the DL time counts as service time.)
I thought the number of years McCarthy has been in the league since he first came up would mean this was his last option year no matter what. Am I mistaken on that?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
The only thing years of service means is that a player can refuse a demotion to the minors
after a certain number of years in the big leagues, regardless of option years.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
So does that mean there's no "time span limit"
on when the three options can occur? It doesn’t matter if the first one was burned two years ago, four years ago, or 10 years ago?
I thought there was a point where options became “use ’em or lose ’em” because a certain number of years had passed since the first option was burned. Is that not the case?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
It only matter in terms of active service time.
Once you hit five full season of service time, you can decline the option. Up to that point, it doesn’t matter when you use 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.
So guys who have been on the DL a ton, and missed seasons,
could potentially be optioned in seasons 8 years apart?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I believe that's possible.
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.
Joey Devine will, once he is formally optioned this year (I don't remember if he has been or not, yet)
optioned in 2005 and in 2011. And he hasn’t even amassed five years’ service time yet.
That’s not even getting into the possibility of optioning a guy who’s been around longer than that with his consent (while unusual, it’s not implausible, particularly if the guy is a pitcher with a long-term deal who’s really struggling— I actually thought the Giants might ask Zito to accept a AAA assignment when he was really sucking a couple seasons ago, just to work on his stuff in an environment where it wasn’t costing the MLB team games).
"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.
Thanks, interesting.
Options generally confuzzle the heck out of me.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Ian Snell is an example of this I believe
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on Mar 27, 2011 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
He's also a good example of someone with a silly name.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
After 5 years the player can decline the option.
BUT, based on reading that, if he spends enough time on the DL without using the option, it’ll still be available next year.
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.
That is incorrect.
If he spends the full year in the Majors he does not burn an option
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on Mar 26, 2011 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
reading the replies would be good
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on Mar 26, 2011 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
good policy.
It's tactical turtle neck...a tactilneck.
by Leopold Bloom on Mar 26, 2011 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Hey someone needs to read this Emmy award winning brilliant stuff I'm posting
But seriously, folks....
for sure
Alot can change
Join my Quest to bring Back Faith and Family Values in America!!! http://faithandvalues.blogspot.com/
by Athletic on Mar 26, 2011 5:10 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
yes we are still
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 Mar 26, 2011 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions
we're gonna desecrate it after you die, puppet lover.
It's tactical turtle neck...a tactilneck.
by Leopold Bloom on Mar 26, 2011 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions
at least it will be warm
and no rain
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 Mar 26, 2011 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Really, how heavy can a cloud be?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
perfect
kinda goth. I like it
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 Mar 26, 2011 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
no game today?
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
No, but there's a party going on in my pants
and I think the game starts at 9pm
But seriously, folks....
7:05pm PDT.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I like beds party more I think
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 Mar 26, 2011 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I love tuning into saturday nights for
Bed in Bed
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 Mar 26, 2011 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions
This will be last night sleeping in Arkansas
it feels like I should be with a second cousin or something.
But seriously, folks....
I'm sure there are a few first and seconds close by
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions
pics?
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I read that wrong and ended up at Arthur Rhodes' web site:
patheticcloser.com
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
hey! I'm on that site too!
whats your name there??
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions
cool!
I’ll friend you!
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions
WooHoo!....I finally have another friend.
I was able to eat off the last one for almost 6 months.
But seriously, folks....
you are hobbled
I’m not.
Think about it
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions
what's a
Patheti Closer?
Is it some kind of italian baseball relief pitcher?
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot," or "Gambit"
hope he throws left handed
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Breakfast for dinner
mm mm good
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
know what were good? DFA's muffin thingies. I could've eaten about a dozen of those.
It's tactical turtle neck...a tactilneck.
by Leopold Bloom on Mar 26, 2011 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions
if I wasn't so stuffed already
I would have tried one
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Is it "G-double O-G" good?
Because if so, you may be eating family.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I eat family all the time
and yes, my family IS g double o g good
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions
"Donner, party of 12, your table is ready. Donner, party of 12."
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
they were too stringy
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not really into frozen food anyway.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
too much freezer burn
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions
succulent long pig
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions
so, you can't hear the game unless you subscribe to mlb.com?
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
I'm fresh out of those
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I am pretty sure geren said that he was not skipping any 5th starter starts at the beginning of the year
I think that was on the bob geren show last weekend.
I don’t traditionally believe what people say with their mouths though.
I am only pretty on the outside
dannycakes can also be called "hipsterbot," or "Gambit"
not what I heard
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 Mar 26, 2011 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Interesting -- so an extra of rest for all starters from the git go?
Well spank my ass and call me Judy.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
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