Sorry, I'm Having An Off-Day
by Nico on Apr 28, 2011 7:47 PM PDT
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PrintThanks, 67MARQUEZ, for getting my psychic message that someone should put up a post today! A few random thoughts on this off-day, before the A's start a surprisingly important April series with the Texas Rangers...
* It's rather remarkable that if the A's do something relatively ordinary -- win three out of four at home in a series -- they will end the month just a game out of first place. I, for one, would even highly recommend doing exactly this. It really hasn't felt like the A's are a "series win" away from being neck and neck with Texas. Yet they are.
* I am officially sick of the meme "Wait until the weather warms up" in regards to the A's disappointing offensive showing. No, I will not wait until the weather warms up. I would like, please, for you to hit somewhere close to your capabilities amidst a wide range of barometric readings -- I'm funny that way. If you can only lay off slider in the dirt when the sun is shining, then please don't apply for the job of "hitting for my favorite team," and if you intend to start your "real" season in June then could you make yourself useful in April and May and at least get me a latte?
* I'm baffled by -- and hoping someone might have some actual insights on this -- why the have been A's playing Adrian Cardenas mostly at DH, and then in LF, the past two weeks.
The explanation that the A's "have too many infielders at AAA" makes no sense, in that the guys actually playing there are Steve Tolleson (a 27-year old journeyman who couldn't even make the team as backup SS despite being the only candidate who actually plays SS), and Josh Horton, an "all glove no hit" infielder who is currently batting .190/.306/.286 for the Rivercats.
Meanwhile, 3B is a real concern in the organization starting right at the top and the scouting report on Cardenas defensively has generally been that he didn't have the arm for SS, might lack the range to make it at 2B, and as a result was likely to wind up at 3B. How is he not the guy to play every day at 3B right now? He's batting .394/.463/.479, by the way and was described after the draft as someone who could "hit .300 in his sleep". He is still only 23, so he's not thriving at the plate just because he's "old for his league". He is exactly the kind of actual prospect you play where he needs to play -- unlike Tolleson, for example.
When I saw Cardenas was DHing for several games, I thought perhaps he had some minor injury that allowed him to hit and run but not field -- though I couldn't quite figure out what kind of injury that might be. Then he played LF and I'm thinking "what the huh"? I really don't get it. Does anyone know something I don't about what might be motivating the A's to DH Cardenas and play him in LF, when 3B has been identified as likely his best position, is certainly one of his most familiar positions, no real prospect is blocking him there, and the A's have such a pressing need at 3B right now?
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Maybe, Nico
we’re rooting for an organization that’s just stupid. We alway thought they were smart; we prided ourselves that they were smart, in fact. But turns out they were and are stupid.
Just a theory.
by RLangford on Apr 28, 2011 7:55 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs
And bullpen management
You’d think Beane, being the ahead of the curve thinker he supposedly is, would instruct Bob to use a bullpen full of extreme splits not so stubbornly traditional. You’d think this especially when the “8th inning” and “closer” guys aren’t really that, for us until Bailey gets back. No reason to be stubborn (as if those traditional “reasons” are either.)
Pitching is #1 in importance, and Beane and the boys excel there, so hey, let’s not get carried away with how stupid The A’s are (plus, excuses aren’t that when the A’s really do have less margin for error salaries/park bringing guys in-wise. You can spout off about how bull that is, but it isn’t, at least to some degree.) Put ourselves in the shoes of many a teams fans and we’d find The A’s are still likely fairly smart. Maybe just not as much as we thought or hoped.
And yes, please Billy, let someone else make the final decisions on O.
by supersugarCrisp on Apr 29, 2011 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Normally, I'd say that expecting 3 out of 4 is rather silly.
But…have you seen the pitching matchups? Tell me which one of these looks unwinnable.
Wilson vs. Cahill
Lewis vs. Anderson
Harrison vs. Gonzalez
Holland vs. McCarthy
Exactly. Plus, aiming for 3 out of 4 is never really silly, especially at home.
It’s just winning a regular series and then winning a game. Winning 30 out of 40? Very hard. Winning 3 out of 4? Sure!
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 ones where we have to score 3
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
If I were a Rangers fan I'd put up the lineups that will be featured in those games...
and say “Tell me which one of these looks winnable for the A’s.”
But I’m an A’s fan, so I won’t.
by Brett Narloch on Apr 29, 2011 6:57 AM PDT up reply actions
correct me if I'm wrong
But with few exceptions the A’s have done fairly well against average pitching.
Most of our runs have come in the few games where we score 6 or more runs, while we’ve only had a handful of these wins, every other game we’re only scoring 0 or 1.
These pitchers with the exception of Wilson shouldn’t hold us to 1 run, which means, in my book there’s a decent chance for the offense to break out in any game.
by Oaktown Shutout on Apr 29, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
The only thing that I can even postulate
is that Beane has already decided that regardless of whether we’re in contention at the deadline he’s going to move Willingham either as part of a larger deal and they want Cardenas to get some time in LF because that’s the position he’ll vacate when he’s moved. If Carter is the full-time DH in 2012 and Cardenas is the starting LF that means we make a move to resign Crisp and maybe DeJesus. I hope if they move Josh Willingham it’s for a David Wright. If Ross has a couple more good stars his value will jump. It’s an explanation, but I doubt the right one.
The worst person to run from is yourself.
Yeah, I doubt they're "sure" they're going to move player x in 3 months.
You’re constantly having conversations with teams about lots of players, but little is known for sure because circumstances keep changing.
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
solid comment
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
Well...As a LFer he's Shannon Stewart
As a 3Bman, he’s Polanco or Callaspo. As a DH, he’s (brace yourself)…Jose Vidro!!!
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
He's defensively more Callaspo than Polanco supposedly
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
I thought we decided he was Bill Mueller?
"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.
Sold!
I wish. You’re right, WC, Polanco is too good a defensive player to be a comp. Callaspo is more apt.
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 would imagine that it's the opposite.
If Cardenas is not playing 3B due to a planned trade at the MLB level, I would think that the trade in the works is for a 3B, and the organization thinks highly enough of Cardenas to want him to change positions rather than be blocked down at AAA.
Planned trade?
I don’t think various teams have trade deals just sitting around waiting to be executed.
In fact, if you had a deal in the making, you would rather not improve the other team’s leverage. If they know you have no decent 3Ber ready, they can extract a higher price for providing you one.
Well I meant planned trade in the sense of a trade in the works right now
I’m not saying it’s likely, just that if they were moving Cardenas around due to the happenings at the MLB level, that’s what I would guess the reason to be.
by UrgentMirth on Apr 29, 2011 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
The lack of arm is a concern, but what have we got to lose?
He’s got to be an overall upgrade over Louzmanoff if he’s swinging the bat like that. Teach Cardenas to one-hop it to third and let Barton dig it out. That’s provided Barton isn’t trying to simultaneously play first and second base as he is often want to do.
I don't think his arm is supposed to be nearly that bad anyway.
I think the concerns are more about his range, which is why 3B makes more sense than 2B. He played SS in college (but who didn’t?).
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
Didn't he get drafted out of HS
Thought he was the HS player of the year
Sorry, yes, I meant HS.
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
He was a high school shortstop and was drafted out of high school.
His range at 2b wasn’t a problem. His range at SS was. His arm wasn’t an issue.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on Apr 29, 2011 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Cardenas is being moved around
Because when Rosales gets back Kouzmanoff is gone. DFA or traded for next-to-nothing or something. He is done. That means that Cardenas is available as a potential backup if LaRoche goes down. Also, I think it is a decent idea because there is a good chance in 2012 we have absolutely no outfield with everyone being FA’s, and the free agent market pretty barren.
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Really? Rosales has played hardly any 3B,
plus he’ll be coming back from a significant injury. I don’t see him stepping off the DL to replace Kouzmanoff. It would make more sense to put Cardenas at 3B (where he could replace Kouz as soon as now) and have Rosales — who has played some LF in Oakland — be the utility guy.
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 I STILL don't know what the obsession with Rosales is all about,,,
He has done nothing in his MLB career to make me think he’s an everyday player. If we’re hanging our hats on Rosales coming back and playing well… then it’s going to be a very long season.
by Brett Narloch on Apr 29, 2011 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Or, we can hang out hats on the unholy combination of Kouz/LaRoche
Or the admittedly unlikely prospect of us acquiring David Wright for a reasonable price. Count me as “on the fence” about Rosales — he’s never been an everyday player, you’re right, and playing everyday might expose his defensive shortcomings and hackiness at the plate. That said, after those potential problems, he has things going for him: not a huge FB%, decent power, and did play 3B for the Reds in 2009 for 50 or so games.
My point is this: Isn’t it worth a shot if Kouz keeps playing like crap?
"Hey anyone can join in...as long as they talk about me." - Mr. Bed
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by cuppingmaster on Apr 29, 2011 8:05 AM PDT up reply actions
At least we'll think the team is better then
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions
But does he also make people think he's happier than he actually is?
"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 the orginization knows what they have with Cardenas at 3rd base.
So with this influx of IFer on Sacramento they might as well give him some time on LF just to see if he can hack it.
"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
Maybe - if that's the case, though, I'd argue that
they are not properly valuing repetition. To become a better and better 3Bman you need to field 1,000 more ground balls there. You don’t “become what they’ve got” and stay static.
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
Certainly not to the extent of giving him maybe 7 games there so far out of 20
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Eh...
I mean hes played a TON of 3rd base vs LF in his minors league career.
"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
Tuesday and tonight are the first two times he's ever played LF, from what I understand
But Nico’s right. If 3B is where Cardenas has the best chance to stick, that’s where he ought to be over people like Tolleson and Horton. Tolleson and Horton have little to no upside, little to no chance of doing anything at all in the bigs. As long as Cardenas does, he should get the majority of the time at 3B.
Here’s the breakdown so far of where Cardenas, Sogard, Tolleson, Weeks and Horton have played this year, counting tonight’s game:
Weeks: 2B (18)
Sogard: SS (18), DH (3)
Cardenas: DH (12), 3B (5), LF (2)
Tolleson: LF (9), 3B (4), DH (3), 2B (2) – he played LF for a while immediately after Carter was hurt
Horton: 3B (8), SS (3), 2B (1), DH (1)
Even Donaldson has 4 games at 3B.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
"Tolleson and Horton have little to no upside, little to no chance of doing anything at all in the bigs. As long as Cardenas does, he should get the majority of the time at 3B."
I totally agree. But it cant hurt to give him a little time out there, just to see. Now if hes out there a lot this year then Id be like WTF! But its only a small sample ATM.
"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
Well, first things first: they need to stop DHing Cardenas 60% of the time
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Seriously, it's a "Jose Vidro level" bad idea
And that’s bad.
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 Carter likely goes right back to LF once he's playing again
Then you have Weeks and Sogard locked in at 2B and SS the way it’s been going, and 3B and DH to go between Cardenas, Tolleson and Sogard.
When Taylor gets back in the mix, you probably don’t have room for Adam Heether, who’s been playing OF but is more of an IF already, as you’ll have guys like Carter, Miller, Carson and Taylor as your first four OF.
They’ve also given Recker a few starts at 1B when Donaldson’s catching, too.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Whereas IMO, it should be mostly:
Cardenas – 3B
Sogard/Horton – SS
Weeks – 2B
Carter – DH
Taylor – LF
Put guys where they’ll actually have a chance to be useful and successful if they progress.
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
Suggesting they should, not that they will.
They have yet to put Carter at the one position where he is likely to make it in the major leagues, and that’s DH.
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
Probably going to end up being right on that one
Not that I have to like it.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Thing is, I get the whole "positional penalty" for DHs
but the reality is that if Carter has the hitting ability to become a Travis Hafner/David Ortiz type — to hit .250/.350 with 30+ HRs — his presence in the lineup (for 6 prime years) will allow the A’s to carry more defensive players like Pennington and Suzuki, or non power hitters like Barton and Sweeney. A DH who belongs in the clean up spot is worth something, especially if cost-controlled for years.
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
This is true
Especially if he produces like that…especially with the offense the way it is.
I’ll just probably never like the idea of moving someone to DH at such a young age, even if it makes sense in a case like this.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I held out until he was 24
When he was 22 I wanted him to get tons of reps somewhere to see what was possible. Now I feel like we’ve seen enough, and he’s old enough, that it’s time to figure out his capabilities and train him to be great at them. I think that’s DH.
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'm actually excited about his potential as a DH,
and think the timing is perfect for him to replace Matsui in 2012 and anchor the spot through 2017. Assuming his thumb grows back and all.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Do we know the nature or extent of his injury?
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'm not sure exactly how he hurt the thumb
It’s the left one, and he played 1B for a game or two before going on their 7-day DL. He was wearing a brace around the hand/wrist/forearm when I saw him.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Left is bad -- it's the hand he swings with.
Growl.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I see my bandwagon finally has another resident
Anyone else feel like hopping on board?
"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'm on board, with a Clipper card!
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
People, the PCL title is on the line!
Remember Beane is a competitor! win baby win, get all the bats in the lineup
by Oaktown Shutout on Apr 29, 2011 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions
This may make sense if LF
was a huge position of need and we were solid at 3B. But, that is clearly not the case. Offensively, Cardenas is closest to being ready for the majors in the system and he plays a position where we could really use an upgrade right now – not the time to screw around with that but instead get him plenty of time at 3B so that if they make the call he can fill right in.
by longtimeasfan on Apr 29, 2011 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll share a little something I was listening to a scout say when I was there a couple nights ago
Not naming the organization he scouts for, or anything like that.
Basically he’s not sold on Cardenas amounting to much anywhere. The question was, “How many hits does he have this year?” (28)
“How many homers?” (0)
“How many extra base hits?” (5)
“How many stolen bases?” (1)
The not-so-subtle point there is he doesn’t see Cardenas as anything more than a singles hitter at this point. He also doesn’t see much in Cardenas’ glove. Doesn’t think he has the arm for short, doesn’t like him at second or third either.
More talk was brought up about others in the infield and he goes, “Let me throw a potential infield out at you for the A’s in a year or two. Barton at first. Sogard at short. Horton at third.”
Scary? I don’t remember specifically who he’d mentioned at second – might have been Weeks, who he also wasn’t very high on overall – and I don’t think he’s factoring in what may happen with Green at this point, but when you add in Tolleson, right now he’s convinced Sacramento is stocked with nothing more than utility infielders and if they’re slid into starting roles with the A’s you’re looking at a team that’s in deep trouble.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Yikes, that is scary.
But presumably Pennington is better than Sogard, so I don’t know why he would be gone so soon. But yeah, the farm is looking pretty barren these days
Unless Weeks, Green, and Parker thrive.
Best case scenario, obviously.
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
Yeah. Horton at 3B is a disaster, and Sogard is not a SS -- he just doesn't have the arm for it.
I can see the concern — a corner infield of Barton and Cardenas is fine if you also have Chase Utley and Hanley Ramirez, but in general you hope to get more than about 5-10 HRs from your corner infield combined.
Perhaps Cardenas’ future is in a RosalesScutaro role: A super utility guy who slots in to hit (in Cardenas’ case) .300 in random places. Kind of like Santiago in Detroit and (what was his name – was it Vasquez?) in Texas.
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 one of those things where for the A's to have a decent infield, they're either going to have to get lucky with all three...
…of the guys you just mentioned above or build it through picking up people outside the organization. At this point the question marks are still large.
You may be right on where Cardenas could end up. Interestingly enough, Scutaro’s name did come up in the conversation with one of the other scouts there, as some kind of comparison, but even then the point was basically “You’d rather have someone else as your main starter instead of Scutaro.”
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Cardenas OPSed .906 last year at AA, and is at .941 this year at AAA. He is younger than Sogard, Green, Weeks and Horton,
and has hit better than any of them, and is as far along in the minors as any of them. His TZ is a scoche negative, but except for Horton, who can’t hit, none of those guys are real noteworthy defenders. I don’t get why your Scout is so down on Cardenas.
This
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 28, 2011 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions
One thing helping Cardenas so far this year is 8 walks to go with the hits
But he’s only getting an XBH about 18% of his hits so far. Last year it was about 23% of the time, about 32% the year before that.
Maybe that’s just the way it’s going so far but Cardenas won’t keep hitting around .400 and he’s going to need to start doing more than just hitting singles most of the time to be seen as more of a threat with the bat.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
So he says Cardenas doesn't have the bat for the majors
basically because he can’t hit for power. Then he anoints Sogard the starting SS? How does Sogard and his complete absence of power stick in the show if Cardenas can’t?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 28, 2011 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Because he'll be flanked by Josh Horton's incredible bat.
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
Must be it
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 28, 2011 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions
He didn't anoint anyone anything. It was a hypothetical
More to show the point that their infield prospects, at least in Sacramento right now, are unimpressive. In general, he’s probably right.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
what if it's barton, weeks, green, and cardenas
that might be a bit nicer.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
That would be terrible, but I'm thinking more along the lines of
1B – Barton
2B – Weeks
SS – Pennington
3B – Cardenas/Green
I’m not that worried about the IF. I’m more worried about a potential OF of:
LF – Carter
CF – Sweeney
RF – Jackson
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Cardingles?
I’m not sold on that nick name, so he’s got to be more than a singles hitter. That’s my official evaluation on the subject.
by Oaktown Shutout on Apr 29, 2011 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe it is like how Brandon Inge started hitting better when he moved to 3B from Catcher.
Maybe by moving to LF Cardenas is going to start developing his much anticipated power. I can’t imagine any sort of explanation for this that isn’t ridiculously stupid. Slusser, please help!
The weird thing is, if the organization were being overly knee-jerk (like fans are),
they’d be moving in the opposite direction: They’d be pushing Cardenas TO 3B because they’re so frustrated with Kouz et al. But…?
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
why would changing your defensive position create ability to hit HRs?
Sure, OF players might hit more HRs than IF players – that does not prove causation at all though.
by MobiusKlein on Apr 29, 2011 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Because catching is hard on the body
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Ok, agreed on C
but I was speaking of OF vs IF
by MobiusKlein on Apr 29, 2011 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Or not to be -- that is the question.
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
whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the ground balls and inflief pop-ups of an outrageous position
Or, to take bats against a sea of scouting reports. And in opposing them, to end it. To retire. To kick back and watch TV. No more.
Whoops. "inflied"
Meant to write “platypus,” but I guess you already figured that out.
Prob not.
Hasnt played much of anything that wasnt 1B.
"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
News to me.
"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
...it is?
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
NM..
Got him mixed up with Spina.
"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
Got him mized up with Spina. By bad.
"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
Keep and Eye on Midland.
Their lineup has a lot of guys who could have break out year and not be far from helping the big club.
Paker: Well all know about him. And hes currently OPSing 900+. Could be an answer at 1B.
Spina: Hit 25 Hrs last year Stockton. OPSing 1.000+ Now and could be answer at 3rd base.
Jermaine Mitchell: Always been a high upside tools guy. OPSing 1.000+. 18:18 K:BB Ratio.
Jeremy Barfield: Another high upside tools guy. 6’5 240lbs with a rocket arm from RF. Finally health OPSing 900+ with 11:12 BB:K Ratio
Grant Green: We all know him.. started hot.. cooled off.. now starting to hit again.
"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
Jermaine Mitchell is definitely forcing people to notice him.
Then again, so is Jai Miller and he sucks.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
But Jermaine is 26 and in AA still...
So I’m not sold. But hes battled a lot of injuries.
"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
Nelson Cruz!
Tommy Ever-who?
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
Suggestion to AN at large:
Before referencing Nelson Cruz (or Jack Cust) in connection with any prospect, please refresh your memory of exactly what Nelson Cruz’s AAA statline looked like prior to receiving an extended shot with the Rangers a few years back. Then ask yourself whether the too-old-to-be-a-true-prospect to whom you are referring went similarly apeshit on the minor leagues for multiple consecutive seasons.
That is all.
"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 Apr 29, 2011 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'm really rooting for Jai Miller
But only because my name is Josh Miller and my son’s name is Kai Miller. Together, we are: Jai Miller!
by Technotofu on Apr 28, 2011 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's usually a solid indicator for a prospect, actually.
Guys whose names are a combination of two people you know — huge success rate.
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
Case in point:
I don’t know any two people whose named could be smushed to make Brandon Wood.
Road Pictures! (shakes fist)
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Road to Nico's house
speeding cross country with angry father to pay a visit.
alaska A in northern idaho
Spina in particular intrigues me
If the dude can continue to show power (HR power in particular) in Midland then I’ll definitely be excited.
Barfield would have to put together a truly great season for me to consider him a prospect. Same goes for Mitchell.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 28, 2011 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Spina in my mind.. is a solid prospect.
Im higher on Barfield than I am Mitchell. But both have been derailed by injuries. So need to cut some slack.
"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
Add the Cardenas situation to the long list of minor league "WTF!?!?!?!?"s
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
just out of curiosity, how much of an influence on a daily basis does billy have on the minor league teams and what they do on a daily basis with who plays and where.
by Slide Giambi on Apr 28, 2011 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Probably not a whole lot
It’s a largely delegated area for guys like Keith Leipmann, Billy Owens et al to manage.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Maybe those guys should be worrying about their jobs
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 29, 2011 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
And looking at the roster
The Rivercats are very short on outfielders right now with Carter and Taylor injured so that is probably why they are forced to put an IF into the of – though I would say put Tolleson there instead of Cardenas.
by longtimeasfan on Apr 29, 2011 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Weeks just hit his 2nd HR of the year...
Now batting 330 and OPSing 950.
"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
Him becoming what he's capable of becoming would be so huuuuge
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 29, 2011 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Man.. Just looked at Ryan Doolittle's Stats..
18IP 21Ks:1BB….
The only run hes given up is a 1R HR. Now thats impressive on Stockton.
"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
The Other Doolittle
Sean, was a good pitcher at Virginia. If I were him, I’d really start to consider becoming a Pitcher again. If you can’t stay healthy for 2+ seasons as a 1B/RF, it’s time to do something else.
2014: Doolittle/Doolittle in the bullpen
by Colorado Fan on Apr 29, 2011 7:09 AM PDT up reply actions
I asked Lockard on Twitter about Cardenas
her response:
there are a lot of important IFs on #Athletics depth chart in Sac., but Cardenas has also struggled at 3b when he’s been there.
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
Which is true
Partly because he’s not getting consistent time there, I’d say.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Yeah
I replied asking why they wouldn’t try to give him more time there so he can learn, but haven’t gotten a response and don’t really expect one
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
My lack of faith is misplaced
There is work going on before the games at 3B. Perhaps they are looking for improvement in practice before he gets regular time.
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
More
Unfortunately I don’t have a definitive answer. For the record, I think 2B is his best spot, but Weeks is a better defender there
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
Hmm, that's too bad.
Really his bat plays best at 2B, so 3B was already a stretch. Unless he plans to hit .330, he won’t be much use as a “singles hitter who doesn’t steal 80 bases a year.”
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
.300 hitter that walks 50-60 times per season
Would be drastic offensive improvement over the production that A’s have been getting from third base since Chavez broke. I understand Cardenas is a pretty boring player with one unsexy tool, but if he can play acceptable defense, he could still be a pretty solid regular. If he can’t, he’s a pinch-hitter in NL.
A .300 hitter who walks 60 times per season
would have led all MLB 3rd basemen in OBP last year
2011 Oakland Athletics: We have Cy Young pitchers and make yours look like it, too
Not really
Cardenas is pretty damn unlikely to match Kouz’s 2.5 WAR season even if he does hit .300 and walk 60 times. With his utter lack of power, Cardenas would have to hit .300 with 60 walks to be an average major league hitter (if he hit 25 doubles, and five home runs, he would end up something like .300/.370/.360). Couple that with weak defense, and you really don’t have a viable option. Even it you give him more credit with the bat, and squeeze a .400 slugging season out of him (which would require 40 doubles to go with the five home runs), you still don’t have much of a player if he’s -10 at 3B. And that would be one hell of a season with the bat.
His batting average is pretty, but his lack of power is a major flaw.
by AgitationStation on Apr 29, 2011 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions
In 2009 between Midland and Sacramento, he did combine to hit 41 doubles, 4 triples and 4 homers
152 hits in 130 games. He also walked 55 times and struck out 73 times.
In 2010 it was 23 doubles, 1 triple and 4 homers, 123 hits in 109 games, 50 walks and 51 strikeouts.
This year it’s been mostly singles so far, as noted higher up.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
right, but here's the thing...
if he can’t maintain his minor league numbers, if he hits .280 for example, he’s absolutely useless. And I’m talking step right in and immediately hit like he has in the minors. There’s not much time for learning on the job right now.
by AgitationStation on Apr 29, 2011 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Your math doesn't add up
Assuming a 630 PA season (a pretty educated guess unless he is a leadoff and plays every single game), 60 walks, 25 doubles and 5 home runs would give him a .300/.397/.403 line.
That’s good for a wOBA of around .370, which in turn is better than what roughly 80% of MLB players manage. He would be an exceptional batter if he were to manage such numbers.
2011 Oakland Athletics: We have Cy Young pitchers and make yours look like it, too
Yes, that's a Bartonesque line with more singles and less walks
It’s not very unrealistic. Scouts have been calling Cardenas “.300 hitter” since he was drafted. His walk rates have also been solid and gradually improving, suggesting 50-60 walks wouldn’t be a stretch. Even if ends up more like .285/.370/.385 it’s still all good. At this point, defense is obviously what’s dragging Cardenas down. A’s basically gave up on him at SS or 2B and don’t seem very optimistic about him playing third base well either. Jim Callis called him “an offensive minded utilityman” in a recent Baseball America chat.
I've been thinking of him as Dave Magadan
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll be damned. was off a lot, but you are too
630 PAs, 231 on base (171 hits plus 60 walks) = .367 obp
211 bases in 570 at bats = .370 slugging
by AgitationStation on Apr 29, 2011 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions
FWIW, .300/.370/.360 would be significantly above average for Oakland if it actually happened
Probably about 10 BRAA.
"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.
the question is less
‘does he compare to our dream 3rd baseman’ but rather,
would he be better than Kouz (or whoever we get from the bucket we have now)
by MobiusKlein on Apr 29, 2011 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Clearing the way for Parker, perhaps?
I wonder if they’re thinking that Cardenas’s upside is a better Marco Scutaro, and that Parker has overtaken Cardenas on the organizational depth chart at third.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
It would be great news if Parker can stick at 3B
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm having an off-day too
If you’ve already filled out the latest GOG, I updated one of the questions. It probably isn’t going to change any answers, but thought I would post it here so that more folks noticed.
by PDXAthleticsfan on Apr 29, 2011 8:31 AM PDT reply actions
I've waited 8 years to say this
Derek Lowe, you are an idiot and a scumbag
by SantaCruzSurfer on Apr 29, 2011 10:09 AM PDT reply actions
This picture
is why he, along with AJ, are high on my most-hated players list. I will never forget that reaction and then seeing people having to hold Tejada back! Lowe is a total scumbag!
by longtimeasfan on Apr 29, 2011 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
believe it or not jack hannahahanahan is having a pretty good year
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3692&position=3B
When we played softball, I’d steal second base, feel guilty and go back.
- Woody Allen
by rhymeswithelephant on Apr 29, 2011 10:49 AM PDT reply actions
Yes he's off to a much better start than Kouzmanoff
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
no infield fly balls, an unusually high hr/fb rate and an unusual number of infield hits
good luck sustaining that
the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust
there you go, looking further down the page again
Still, though, GO JACK! have a career year!
Put a bird on it
I remember when he hit that HR in Japan on opening day he had a great April that year also
He lead the team in HR for a couple weeks. Then crashed down to the mendoza line.
That being said maybe he puts it all together this year. Difficult to say at this point.
by Oaktown Shutout on Apr 29, 2011 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
It's not that difficult for me to say that he's not going to be a good hitter ever, but I'm pulling for him
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 29, 2011 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions
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