Rosterbation Part 1
by Zonis on Jun 25, 2011 12:13 PM PDT
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We are mid way though the season, past the draft and close to the all star break, and unfortunately stick in a disappointing situation. Our pitching is injured (but perhaps returning), and our offense has a bad case of the shanks. With trade season upon us, it’s time we evaluated our chips, and cast off some of our deadweight. Thankfully, some of that has already happened with the promotion of Jemile Weeks and the acquisition of Scott Sizemore.
The first step, as always, is to figure out what exactly we have before we make any decisions.
Catcher:
Kurt Suzuki (.290 wOBA/1.1 WAR)
Landon Powell (.262/0.3 WAR)
Josh Donaldson [AAA] (.341 wOBA)
Anthony Recker [AAA] (.415 wOBA)
To sum up our catching situation thus far: disappointing. Suzuki has been declining for the last couple years. After his twin 3 WAR seasons, and 3 years in a row with a wOBA of .321, he has put out two straight seasons of sun .300 wOBA and sub 2 WAR. As a catcher, of course, Suzuki’s offensive tidings are to be seen only as a bonus, but the A’s still seem to view him as an offensive catcher, and he should not be viewed as such. If other teams view him in a very good light, and we believe that our pitchers skills, and not our catcher’s game calling, is what is driving our good pitching in recent years, then we should trade Suzuki if someone will overvalue him. Then again, he is the team’s leader in WAR, so he has that going for him. Which is nice. Waiting in the wings are the duo of offensively minded catching prospects Josh Donaldson and Anthony Recker, who might have climbed out of non-entity with this year’s amazing wOBA in Sacramento, but might be too old for it to matter. Then again, catchers mature later. Donaldson’s OPS has dropped back down to .775, but his wOBA is still holding his own. But can he become a good offensive catcher in the Majors while producing good results behind the plate? And do not think of putting Landon Powell as the starter. Powell has performed worse offensively than Suzuki, but more importantly, cannot handle a full season as a starter due to known health concerns.
First Base:
Daric Barton (.275 wOBA/-0.4 WAR)
Conor Jackson (.307 wOBA/0.7 WAR)
Chris Carter [AAA] (.368 wOBA)
In this case, I put only those who I believe should be at 1B. Notice that I did not put Mark Ellis as our first baseman. First base is pretty dismal for the A’s right not, and I am concerned that there is not a bright spot in sight. Daric Barton has faded off the map after posting a 5.1 WAR, .359 wOBA in the previous year. This year, Barton fell off a map, forgetting how to hit and field, destroying his main source of WAR from the previous year. Conor Jackson, for all he has done, is really a backup 1B/LF at this point, and should not be a starter on a good MLB team, which is what we want ourselves to be. That leaves Carter, who is the definition of iffy in the field, and may be suited to DH almost immediately. Then again, perhaps we can get Carter, if he can stay healthy and come through with the bat, to be a Prince Fielder or Ryan Howard at 1B, where we don’t notice the glove because the bat is so awesome. That day cannot come soon enough to me. Well, maybe if Sean Doolittle ever gets back on the field…
Second Base:
Jemile Weeks (.373 wOBA/0.7 WAR)
Mark Ellis (.244 wOBA/-0.1 WAR)
Scott Sizemore (.391 wOBA/0.5 WAR)
Adam Rosales
Adrian Cardenas [AAA] (.427 wOBA)
Eric Sogard [AAA] (.365 wOBA)
The second base situation is all but locked up by Jemile Weeks. In such a short time (16 games), he has essentially performed as a superstar. Meanwhile, Mark Ellis will have to view things from the bench until he is traded, after falling off a cliff. (Side note: Is this a team of lemurs, who all follow each other off the cliff? Thanks Disney!) Waiting behind him to back him up is a slew of potential replacements, including Sizemore, who’s natural position is 2B, but is holding his own at 3rd, Rosales, who might be better served as sticking to the super utility role, Cardenas, who’s only good infield position appears to be 2nd, but is blocked by Weeks, and Sogard, who is trying to become a shortstop at triple A.
Shortstop:
Cliff Pennington (.278 wOBA/-0.2 WAR)
Adam Rosales
Eric Sogard [AAA] (.365 wOBA)
Grant Green
Grant Green must be grinning right now, as his future looks clear if he can get things going in double A. Yes, Green is having a down year after his great year at Stockton, but he is still a top pick, and an offensive minded one at that (now if he could only learn to throw the ball correctly). Ahead of him on the depth chart are two utility men, one of whom really shouldn’t be at SS (Sogard), and a starting Shortstop who has forgotten how to field or get on base this year. Pennington needs to start getting on with both, or he risks losing his job in the next 18 months. That, or watch out for the free agent market. But hey, maybe he will be lucky and Green’s errors will force him to 2nd or 3rd.
Third Base:
Scott Sizemore (.391 wOBA/0.5 WAR)
Adam Rosales
Mark Ellis (.244 wOBA/-0.1 WAR)
Kevin Kouzmanoff [Redacted]
Adrian Cardenas [AAA] (.427 wOBA)
It’s amazing how this position has turned around with one trade. Sizemore is on fire, and if he can keep it up, has the position locked down, and Rosales is an able enough backup to support him. Mark Ellis at 3B would be an idea, albe a scary one as we have no clue if his arm can take it. Ignoring Kouzmanoff, Adrian Cardenas’ experiment at 3B seems to have failed, as the A’s are mainly playing him at LF at the moment.
Centerfield:
Coco Crisp (.303 wOBA/0.8 WAR)
Ryan Sweeney (.322 wOBA/0.2 WAR)
David DeJesus (.298 wOBA/-0.1 WAR)
Jai Miller [AAA] (.442 wOBA)
Centerfield has been a dilemma for the A’s for a while, with a lot of stop gap measures, including bringing back Crisp for another year. While Crisp should be far and away the best defensive centerfielder of the bunch, Ryan Sweeney is getting a fair amount of playing time in center these days, and DeJesus had the position in the past in Kansas City. Unfortunately, only Sweeney of those three are hitting, and he is starting to fade. Meanwhile, Jai Miller has put everything together in AAA somehow and is raking, trying to get himself a chance in Oakland. Should that be sooner or September, however?
Outfield:
Josh Willingham (.321 wOBA/0.3 WAR)
David DeJesus (.298 wOBA/-0.1 WAR)
Ryan Sweeney (.322 wOBA/0.2 WAR)
Conor Jackson (.307 wOBA/0.7 WAR)
Hideki Matsui (.291 wOBA/-0.2 WAR)
Chris Carter [AAA] (.368 wOBA)
Jai Miller [AAA] (.442 wOBA)
Adrian Cardenas [AAA] (.427 wOBA)
Michael Taylor [AAA] (.354 wOBA)
It looks somewhat like a log jam, but most of the guys here are only there for a year, and the rest will be scrambling to find a place. Willingham has been a fan favorite in Oakland, and might be worth extending, but I feel that his place as "Good Hitter on Horrible Team" is over doing his actual performance this year. If we can get a good return on him, it might be worth doing. Otherwise, he might still net us a Type A Draft Pick (and if he accepts arbitration, we’ll be happy anyways). DeJesus has worried me as he has fallen off the map this year, but in the long run, I would not mind having him return to Oakland next year. DeJesus is recovering from a wrist injury, in which it is not unusual to go a year before you regain your stroke (ask Michael Taylor) , and could explode again next year. Then again, Oakland is not really the place to explode offensively. Behind them are Ryan Sweeney, who is to me an enigma, sometimes good and sometimes bad, Conor Jackson, who should be backing up or backing out, Hideki Matsui who does not belong anywhere on the field, and Chris Carter, who belongs even farther off the field than Matsui. With so many free agents, though, it would not be surprising to see them shipped out this deadline, and replaced with prospects. Cardenas, Taylor, Miller and Carter are all no doubt waiting for that to happen, as they would be the first to come up and would have a chance to claim permanent starting jobs if they succeed.
Designated Hitter:
Hideki Matsui (.291 wOBA/-0.2 WAR)
Josh Willingham (.321 wOBA/0.3 WAR)
Chris Carter [AAA] (.368 wOBA)
Oh boy. Between the first base situation and the designated hitter, we might be in trouble next year. This year, it’s a bit of a question mark as well. Matsui has not performed well, though might be heating up. Willingham belongs in the outfield, but if his Achilles cannot handle it, what do you do with Matsui and who do you put in the outfield? And then there is Carter, the heir apparent to the DH role. I would aim for Carter at 1B for the time being until a better replacement is found, and then slipping Carter to the DH role. Help us Billy Beane Kenobi, you’re our only hope!
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LEMURCONKERS!
Help the A's help Japan. www.oaklandathletics.com/japan
by Englishmajor on Jun 25, 2011 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
one might think from the way fans stay away
that the team has leprosy
by heartstopper on Jun 28, 2011 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Willingham will probably be traded
I would still give Suzuki a chance to turn it around, Weeks has been awesome! Scott Sizemore at third has been great but we should wait and see what kind of adjustments teams make to get these guys out and how they counter that. I would like to see an outfield of Sweeney, Crisp and Dejesus for the time being. It would be nice to see Carter and Taylor develop into everyday players with their power potentials! As far as SS its not looking so good right now but things can change. I would like to see Carter play at 1b (I really don’t understand how he can suck so much on defense though) with his power potential. I guess we will see what happens
Join my Quest to bring Back Faith and Family Values in America!!! http://faithandvalues.blogspot.com/
I think the A's ultimately hold onto Willingham.
He’s hurt, isn’t hitting well, and won’t get back more value than the 2 draft picks the A’s will get for letting him walk.
by Brett Narloch on Jun 25, 2011 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh I'm sure they're actively figuring that out...
It would be irresponsible not to.
by Brett Narloch on Jun 25, 2011 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I would rather another team
give him a chance to turn it around.
by sf drift king on Jun 25, 2011 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Dismal. There are no good choices anywhere except maybe Weeks, Carter, Green and Suzuki.
And those are big maybes. The real question is whether to stick with the good pitching/crappy offense plan or trade everyone and rebuild.
I vibrated with joy that join A's. -- Kim Seong-min
by WaddellCanseco on Jun 25, 2011 12:31 PM PDT reply actions
This lineup sucks balls
Susan Slusser
#Athletics at #Phillies via SF Chronicle: Weeks 2b, Ellis 1b, Crisp cf, Matsui lf, Jackson rf, Sizemore 3b, Suzuki c, Rosales ss, Cahill p
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Let me get this straight:
We’re putting a guy with an OPS that’s 18 points higher than Jeff Mathis’s in the 2 spot?
Yeah, but Ellis' GRIT is off the charts
I would predict high throws to firstbase that won’t be caught because Ellis is only 5’10’’ (yeah right).
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess Melvin's new strategy is to get our worst hitters the most at bats possible in a game, Jemile excepting.
Bold move. I hope it works.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Management are Morons
Trevor Cahill needs to throw a perfect game or a shutout to win.
Mark Ellis should not be in the lineup period.
After last night I have determined that Bob Melvin is as bad as Geren in the management of pitching department.
If you're going to have both Ellis and Sizemore in the lineup like this, at least bat Sizemore second instead of Ellis
I still maintain Carter should have started at 1B last night.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on Jun 25, 2011 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Is there one guy in that lineup that the Phillies would play over one of their starters?
Maybe Weeks?
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
over Utley?
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
We could get Cahill in there over Worley but positions players?
definitely not.
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
by MissOakland on Jun 25, 2011 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Who's their 3b?
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
Placido Polanco
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
by MissOakland on Jun 25, 2011 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmm,
well maybe longterm they’d take Sizemore.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
I don't think I fully trust Sizemore quite yet
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
by MissOakland on Jun 25, 2011 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, but he used to be a top prospect,
so he’s got potential.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
Jeremy Hermida
ruined all my hope in former top prospects
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
by MissOakland on Jun 25, 2011 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmm?
He was never a top prospect. Never once made the BA Top 100 list. He’s always been decent, until he turned on the jets this year in AAA.
He was a pick for AL ROY 2 years back.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
Yep.
Preseason favorite.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
That doesn't really make you a top prospect, does it?
I’d think it makes you ppossibly good rookie
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
I'm not finding anything on him getting any votes for the ROY.
And frankly, why would he? Until now, he’s never OPS’d over .700 at the major league level.
Preseason.
I’m not saying he received a ton of accolades, but a lot of people were high on him as a player.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
omg
Why is Ellis playing over DeJesus? Actually, why isn’t DeJesus playing over Jackson? Or Crisp? That lineup is horrendous.
He should be playing way more often than he is
He has a better track record than anyone on the roster.
Jeebus! Mark Ellis!
Trade the guy already for a grab bag of nothingness. This is stupid
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Pennington is in a slump
A day off is needed for him
Why would we give a prospect a chance?!
That never works! Oh, Jemile?
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
by MissOakland on Jun 25, 2011 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
The A's will carry Chris Carter along as a inanimate backdrop character
Sort of like what Black Vulcan was to the Super Friends
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
He has minimal value
And I doubt flashing his first base skills will be the catalyst for any potential trade
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
This, all that needs to be shown is that he isn't broken which could be
showcased once or twice a week at 2B
I don't get it, either
This park seems well suited to his skills, and with Willingham out it would be nice to have at least the potential for a little power in the lineup. Instead we’re getting a .200 hitter who doesn’t play the position. Amazing.
by coffee roaster on Jun 25, 2011 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow
Not only playing Ellis at 1st but batting him second? What an awful lineup.
by coffee roaster on Jun 25, 2011 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Nominee for the "Most Laughable First Baseman to Start in 2011"
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions
In 2008, the Mariners started Miguel Cairo at 1B 37 times.
His OPS was .631 on the year.
I came to sympathetically relay this information before seeing that Ellis’ 2011 OPS of .532 is almost a hundred points lower than Cairo’s that year. The disgust I felt seeing Miguel starting at 1B was almost too much to bear.
Still, looks like he’s only started there once so far. So at least you have that going for you. My condolences, in any event.
I like that Melvin is creative with his line-ups
but this may be a little too creative.
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
by MissOakland on Jun 25, 2011 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
literally picking names out of a hat
Crisp should never be a #3 hitter on any team. Awful, awful lineup.
Why did they even bother calling Carter up to sit?
Wouldn’t he be better off playing every day in AAA?
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Jun 25, 2011 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe part of the move was to clear ABs/PT at 1B for Barton which is dumb
I really hope that didn’t factor in.
Ugh, you could be right
But that is horrible.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Jun 25, 2011 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes. Especially when I'm pretty sure SAC uses a DH as well.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Recker is catching, Donaldson is playing third, Cardenas is playing left field, no?
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Shrug....none of those guys are good enough or should be considered good enough to block Carter at DH.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Well Carter missed what 6 weeks or so, but when he got healthy
it seemed that they made the push to move him back to 1B, so DH wasn’t in the equation. Also, he only had 3 starts at DH in Sac this year too.
Well he sure ain't playing first up here either....
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Coupled with the fact that he coming off a thumb injury
one would assume you would want him getting regular ABs to get his timing and feel back.
Except that Barton is not listed A's "active"
On the Rivercats’ roster. He’s listed as “reassigned to minors.” Unless the Rivercats activate him he can’t play 1B for them.
by OaklandSi on Jun 25, 2011 2:04 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Slusser tweeted about Carter's call up:
“That’s what was indicated when Carter was called up, that it was to fill out the bench with Willingham on the DL”
by OaklandSi on Jun 25, 2011 2:02 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Sit down Jackson and hope for Carter to play passable first base defense
Watching Valley Fever start over someone who the A’s are “high on” is crazy (almost as crazy as thinking that this team still has a chance at the playoffs). This team sacrificed nearly a half season of Barton underperforming, so it would be nice to see the team have the same patience for Carter at first.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
Stats or otherwise,
I’ve been pretty happy with Pennington this season. Yes, he’s a streaky hitter. But when’s he on, he’s good.
Also, Jai Miller needs to improve his K rate to warrant a call up. This season, other than maybe a september call up if he’s on the 40 man roster, just doesn’t make sense for him to be called up.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
this.
Unless we get a trade for a better SS, I love Pennington.
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
by MissOakland on Jun 25, 2011 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Plus, his defense is valuable.
He still makes a few errors, but he’s got range and a gun for an arm. I don’t see him being a problem. Good Shortstops are hard to come by today, and Penny’s better than most, imo.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
this and this.
We’d have to get a sure upgrade to get anybody better than him.
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
by MissOakland on Jun 25, 2011 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Pennington has a career -3 UZR/150.
That’s not awful but his value is dependent on defense as his bat sure isn’t providing any value.
All in all, he seems to be as good as Crosby. I consider him to be one of the numerous problems on the team, and I’m not sure why people like him when they’ve hated Crosby for performing just about the same.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I think you're right.
Crosby got a lot of accolades early on and we expected him to become a very good hitter. It didn’t happen, plus Scutaro outplayed him as a backup.
But he flails at high fastballs and pop them up.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions
And less often
It’s the difference between batting .220 and .260.
Yes.
Unfortunately, while it’s nice when the dumbest kid in your class gets a D on a test when you expect him to get Fs, and disappointing when the smartest kid in your class gets a D when you expect him to get As, in the end, you still end up with a kid getting a D on a test.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I disagree.
Pennington takes a hit on defense because he makes errors on either balls other players wouldn’t be able to get to or the occasional routine play, but the latter he’s cut down on.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
From what I've observed he has REALLY cut down
on going as hard on balls as he used to. I actually commented at the game that it didn’t look like he was trying when in reality he just wasn’t crazy going for plays anymore.
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
Nope.
UZR doesn’t consider that. If he doesn’t make a play on a ball other players wouldn’t make, even if it’s an error, it wouldn’t be dinged on his UZR.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Wait, what?
That doesn’t make sense.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
It makes perfect sense.
It takes the whole arbitrary “error” stat out of the equation.
Example: Pennington ranges far up the middle, makes a diving play on a ball 95% of other shortstops don’t get to. But he ends up throwing it away. He’d get an “error” on the play but it wouldn’t hurt his UZR because UZR didn’t expect him to make that play in the first place. But if he did make the play, it’d show up very positively on his UZR.
Similarly, if Pennington muffs a play 95% of shortstops make, and gets an error for it, UZR wouldn’t care if an error was prescribed to the play or not, it only cares that Pennington didn’t record an out on that ball when 95% of other shortstops did. Therefore, it would dinge him.
Unfortunately, it appears that the latter is happening more than the former. Therefore, Pennington is a bad defensive shortstop.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Would love to trade for Swisher
I’d like to see the A’s make a play for Swisher…he’s having a down year for the Yanks, but he’s still got a great eye and would probably be the second or third best power source on the roster if acquired. He can play solid defense at either outfield corner and at first base. He can be retained for about 10 mil next year so he could potentially be an 1.5 year answer at 3 different positions, offering the A’s some flexibility.
Plus, bringing him back on the eve of the Moneyball movie release would be awesome…
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
Taj, no.
Swish isn’t the answer. He’s just another so-so guy. Besides I like Nick. Why wish him away from the fame and money team/city?
I feel like his numbers are slightly inflated by playing in Yankee Stadium too.
His numbers would no doubt take a huge hit coming to oakland
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
I would love to have Swisher back,
whether he’s good or not.
Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; / Our meddling intellect
Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things:— / We murder to dissect.
I don't have the stats in front of me but can't Taylor be a stopgap in CF
If I remember they gave him quite a few starts there post ASB I think.
Zonis, great write-up, great stuff!
Is that really todays lineup?! Is today April 1st? There is no way that can be our starting lineup for todays game. What is the point of having Carter on this roster? Ellis hasn’t exactly earned his place in this lineup, let alone playing 1B. This is disgusting. I really hope Cahill pitches as well as Costco last night, but then again, what will it matter when it takes our lineup a miracle to get 2 or more runs.
My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time
by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jun 25, 2011 12:54 PM PDT reply actions
The A's couldn't scratch out a run in last night's game...
And now with this craptastic lineup plus going against a better starter! I’d rather field the Rivercats over this.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
You mean the one with Barton and Kouzmanoff?
Sure…
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
You mean like how the Mets ran into that ball for a win?
Because that’s the only way i can see Kouz getting on base.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
I think todays lineup is so pathetic that Halmes might just take it for granted
and not be on his “A” game, with lots of controls problems. Meaning of course we will score 2 runs.
My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time
by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jun 25, 2011 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm going to preemptively jinx his bid for a no-hitter
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
It's funny we're complaining about the lineup,
when just from this post we can see that our team is devoid of talent. Personally, i think the a’s are just giving ellis one last chance to either redeem himself or build up his trade value.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
In a lost season, it's difficult as a fan to watch a player with no future for their team
…play instead of someone who may have a bright future (although being defensively-challenged). Not to mention the fact that Carter brings offensive numbers to a team that is devoid of that.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I DEMAND this be the starting lineup for the forseeable future!
2B: Weeks
3B: Sizemore
LF: Willingham
DH: Matsui
1B: Carter
RF: Sweeney
CF: Crisp
C: Suzuki
SS: Pennington
Seriously, is it really that hard? This is far and away the best team we can put on the field right now, anyone with half a brain can see this….except our manager?
Is DeJesus really bad now and I just haven't been paying attention?
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
Hmm.
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
He's been his usual very solid self against righties.
But he’s been TERRIBLE against lefties. Not sure why.
I'm on FanGraphs now (WTF, I know)
and I obviously hadn’t been paying attention looking at the numbers now
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
It's strange.
Can you spot the outlier?
Career:
8.6% BB 14.6% K .136 ISO .317 BABIP
This season:
8.6% BB 15% K .124 ISO .245 BABIP
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd like to answer C please
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
because we can't have nice things
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
Johnny Damon
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Is Billy Beane writing this lineup
I wonder how much control Bob Melvin has over the lineup, because he told Chris Townsend that each lineup is checked over by Beane before its released.
The A's are a fairly quiet team, and then there's Ben Sheets. Sheets, as a kid, must have been thrown out of every library in Baton Rouge. ~ Scott Ostler
really? No way.
My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time
by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jun 25, 2011 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
If there's actually a reason to why they're not playing Carter and we're not just blowing things out of proportion,
I kind of wish they had called up Shane Peterson instead of sending him down. He’d be a decent backup option at 1B right?
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
[cries]
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
It's okay.
I get to see him play tonight :)
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
Yes!
I get to see him pitch for my first time. Pretty excited.
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
I once saw him take a perfect game into the 8th inning.
he’s exciting to watch.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
I've heard nothing but good things about (healthy) Harden
and we are sitting close to home so I’m VERY excited to watch him pitch
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
He was scary good when he was healthy.
That’s why everyone keeps signing him because of the big IF ONLY…
If any of you people going to Sacramento tonight want to let me know what his fastball velocity looked like,
that’d be awesome.
they show speed on the left field wall.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
I will!
because I going to be looking at that anyway, you know me…
If you'll excuse me, all of you, I'm going to go tearily spill my heart out to my only friend, the water heater. --danmerqury
Awesome! Thanks.
He used to average 94, and now he’s at 89-90. Really curious if he’s still down there, or is more towards his old self.
I like Peterson.
Depending on his defense at first, it might have made more sense to call him up instead of Carter.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions
he looked fine there when i saw him
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
Why is Sean Doolittle still on the 40 man?
I doubt there’s a team out there willing to exercise this much patience on a guy with ground beef knees.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jun 25, 2011 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I never did get a definitive answer from Melissa Lockard about
removing DL’d MiLBs from the 40 man (she said she thinks you can but wasn’t 100% sure). Otherwise Figueroa and Doolittle are prime options for room.
Not the first time the A's mistakenly believe the rest of the league overvalue the A's mediocre crap as much as they do.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Beane usually sneaks players through waivers we are sure find a willing taker.
Thats why I would give him the benefit of the doubt.
Mets score three in the first, woohoo!
That Carlos Beltran guy seems pretty good.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
To comment on the Rosterbation
Here is my personal thought on the state of our Roster, and our escape plan. 1st off, we are still only 7 games out of 1st place and it is only June 25th. That alone is scary for 2 reasons. 1.) We are still in the race despite how awful we have been this year, and 2.) We are still in the race….Which may result in Beane actually thinking, “Hey, we are still in the race” I think I’ll stand pat with this lineup. That, of course, would be the worst thing possible. This team, as currently assembled, has to business being in any race , save maybe the race up the freeway to Sacramento. Though, the irony is, with 1 good hitter in this lineup, which could be acquired by the deadline, and with the returning of our starting pitching, 7 games back could happen. So we are in quite a predicament here.
In regards to the Roster, I love Kurt Suzuki for how hard he plays and his attitude. However he simply has no offensive value.
C: I AGREE with Zonis; if a team views Suzuki in a higher light than he is actually worth, we should make that move. If not, perhaps give Donaldson/Recker a chance in July, August, Sept., and see what they got.
At 1B, YIKES. If there is any possible way Beane could package CoJax and Rosales (I know Rosales isn’t a 1B, just saying), along with Barton down in Sac for a C prospect I would be ecstatic. I think Chris Carter should get everyday 1B duties for the rest of the season — with occasional appearances by CoJax if he stays on the roster.
2B has turned into a real position of strength. I know it’s a SSS, but it’s hard not to believe in Jemile Weeks — he really seems to have “it.” Also, Cardenas in the farm, we are set at 2B.
SS: Cliff has had small flashes. On this roster, he is an above average hitter. But, he can’t be the long term solution. Grant Green doesn’t figure to be up in the Majors until what, 2012-13? If we must have Cliff hold it down until then I guess we have no other choice.
3B: Sizemore has been very good; however, I’m not quite sold yet. I say we see how he plays this season out (but yeah, 3B is finally the least of our problems).
OF: excuse me for one second…………….Ok, sorry, I just fell asleep as low-lights of our current Outfielders fleshed through my mind. CoCo is a pretty good player, and I really like him, BUT, Michael Taylor needs to be up in the show by July. Though, CoCo is the everyday CF on this roster, no doubt about it. Josh Willingham has been good for us, and I wouldn’t mind watching him play again next year. I’d like him to platoon at DH with Matsui for the rest of this season, which occasional OF starts for each. Matsui seems to be heating up a bit, but if this is just a quick flash, then he shouldn’t be playing. If he is heating up, then we need his bat in the lineup, and at this point we must trade any offensive value for defensive value; So, Matsui would get OF starts, unless Willingham is healthy enough to play OF, then Matsui would get DH duties. Ryan Sweeney has also been playing better, but he is simply a good backup OF in the Majors. DDJ has left me completely confused as to how he was ever a commodity during every trade deadline over the last 4 seasons. I’d love us to shop DDJ heavily during this deadline, and see what we can get in return. Ideally, this is the OF I’d move forward with for the rest of the year: LF Willingham, CF Coco Crisp, RF Michael Taylor: with occasional looks from Matsui (when not at DH), Sweeney, and Cardenas.
1.) 2B Jemile Weeks
2.) CF Coco Crisp
3.) LF Josh Willingham
4.) DH Matsui
5.) 1B Chris Carter
6.) 3B Sizemore
7.) RF Michael Taylor
8.) C Donaldson/Recker
9.) SS Penny
Bench: C Suzuki; OF Sweeney; UTL: Cardenas; OF: CoJax
Roster Moves: Hopefully by the deadline, with a few trades and with a few call-ups, the following players will not be on the MLB roster: Rosales, Powell, DDJ, and, sadly, one of my favorite A’s ever: Mark Ellis. I’d like to see Powell sent down. DDJ, Rosales, and Ellis traded. Also, if possible, CoJax traded. If the above mentioned 5 are traded simply for prospects, then I’d also like to see either Recker or Jai getting a look on our team.
Dream: I still have the strong belief that Hunter Pence would be a good hitter at the Coliseum. I’m convinced. If there is any package we could make to obtain him, I’m down (save the following: Cahill, Gio, Anderson, Bailey, Weeks, Carter). In a fantasy world I’d assume the following trade happens with no complications: The Oakland A’s trade David DeJesus, Adam Rosales, Tyson Ross (or Ian Krol), Michael Wuertz, and Eric Sogard to the Houston Astros for Hunter Pence and Mike Kvasnicka.
Conclusion: Go A’s?!
My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time
by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jun 25, 2011 1:52 PM PDT reply actions
Jackson, Rosales, AND Barton for ONE "C" prospect?
"I heard the reason Geren never played Powell was so he could have someone around to fetch him a cushion."- UrgentMirth
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 25, 2011 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
You think we could get more for a combo of CoJax, Rosales, and Daric Barton?
I’d like a C+ to a B- prospect or two for that combo. However, I think we could get more out of packaging CoJax and Rosales in separate deals; CoJax with Krol, Rosales with Ross, etc. etc.
My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time
by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jun 25, 2011 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions
"In the race"
This is the part I disagree with:
… Which may result in Beane actually thinking, "Hey, we are still in the race" I think I’ll stand pat with this lineup.
There is a long and established history showing that Beane is not going to let the current standings dictate whether he is a “buyer”, a “seller”, or neither. In 2008, we were much more “in the race” than we are this year — through early July we were in second place only 4 or 5 games out, and well over 500 — and that didn’t stop him from being a “seller” at the trade deadline. In other years we’ve acted like a “buyer” even while behind, and some years we’ve done nothing at all.
Beane might well end up standing pat with the lineup this year, as you seem to fear, but if he does it won’t be because of how many games out of first place we are.
Sweet is the lore which Nature brings; / Our meddling intellect
Mis-shapes the beauteous forms of things:— / We murder to dissect.
Melvin is kidding, right?
Hamels must be happier than a porcupine in a balloon factory to be facing tonight’s lineup.
At least Jeff Mathis is not the A's catcher
"If you wrote something for which someone sent you a check, if you cashed the check and it didn't bounce, and if you then paid the light bill with the money, I consider you talented." —Stephen King
hahaha I was watching when that happened
Vin Scully – the Dodgers legendary announcer, was having a good time with it. That dude can do play-by-play like no other.
My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time
by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jun 25, 2011 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions
this is an absolute travesty.
This is clearly billy beane pulling the strings again. How else do you explain continuously throwing a poor hitting second baseman in at a position he is absolutely unqualified to play?? I’m sorry but this reeks of sabotage in the name of moving the team. I never wanted to believe it, but starting ellis at first is absolutely criminal. I mean, how dumb does management think we are. Would any other team even consider this as a viable option??? Answer: no.
by jsnraider on Jun 25, 2011 2:22 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
.
Joe Stiglich
Melvin says he’ll try to get Carter DH start at home. Considers him pinch-hit option rest of this series.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Melvin
is clearly making the decisions, not Beane. Otherwise, Carter would be playing.
by sf drift king on Jun 25, 2011 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions
I would read it the other way around.
Why would a manager have to “try” to put a guy in a lineup if he didn’t have to clear it with a higher authority?
"I heard the reason Geren never played Powell was so he could have someone around to fetch him a cushion."- UrgentMirth
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 25, 2011 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I find it telling that he lets people like Powell and Rosales know they're going to start a couple days later
But with Carter it’s “I’ll try to DH him against a lefty soon.”
Last of the Ninth - Photography
but this is the same crap geren did.
What is our fascination with ellis. This is a prime example of loyalty to a fault. What team actively seeks out a position for a guy hitting .200? It is ridiculous. Our problem is scoring runs. Why start a guy out of position when he’s the worst hitter on the team. It’s like bizzaro world!
by jsnraider on Jun 25, 2011 2:44 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Deferring to your vets is a good way to build a rep as a "player's manager".
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
what if
the management is just trying to “showcase” Ellis? And this might mean that the management has already given up on the team for this year.
how is putting a guy at a position he has no clue how to play showcasing?
Besides that, it downgrades us both offensively and defensively.
by jsnraider on Jun 25, 2011 3:09 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree about the defensive downgrading
but perhaps the front office wants to show potential trade partners that Ellis is still a serviceable ML player
The fascination is...
that Ellis is a longtime veteran and has been a very good team player with a great attitude that has earned him respect all over the league. Maybe that’s why they work so hard to give him every opportunity to prove that he still has value to the team.
.
Jane Lee
Balfour likely unavailable tonight because of right oblique issue.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
This explains a lot.
@susanslusser
Balfour day to day with oblique and might not be a available tonight. #Athletics
Ooh, now he's giving false hopes
Susan Slusser
Melvin says Carter might get a start at DH vs a LH starter when team gets home.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Yeah, it's hard to find room for him with Jackson, Matsui, Ellis, DDJ all hitting so well.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
They should never have called him up
The clowns that own or manage this team in the front office are really stupid.
Ellis? 1B? Really?
REALLY?
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
we were just texting
and I was likening Beane’s stewardship to that of the old Soviet Union.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on Jun 25, 2011 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
yes ma'am
They should change their name to the Oakland Politburo.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on Jun 25, 2011 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Tear down this wall!!!
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on Jun 25, 2011 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
The problem with this team is that aside from Weeks & Sizemore and by rep, Matsui, every hitter is a fine 7-9 hitter.
But not very good 4-6 and awful 1-3. We simply need better players.
.
Susan Slusser
For those confused about Carter’s lack of use, indications when he got called up were that he mostly would be on the bench.
Me
I don’t get their logic in calling up a guy who should be playing daily esp. after coming back from injury & not playing him
Last of the Ninth - Photography
But SuSlu, that just leads to more confusion.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Jun 25, 2011 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
uh huh
Other than to say that this has become, by all appearances, the worst-run organization is MLB.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on Jun 25, 2011 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
in MLB
I need a drink and I don’t even drink.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on Jun 25, 2011 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Have some champagne
New York, New York, a wonderful state. California, meh.
will you marry me?
I mean, it’s convenient now, anyways.
Seriously rich, the idea that exactly 42 years after the Stonewall Uprising, we can marry in NY, it astounds me on some level.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on Jun 25, 2011 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Consider This....
Seven years after Gavin Newsom allowed gay marriage in San Francisco - at a time when it wasn’t even on the political table anywhere - New York State votes to allow it. That’s really astounding.
And I’d insist on a pre-nup. I get the A’s memorabilia. But you can have the Geren bobblehead.
Mets? Cubs? Dodgers?
"If you wrote something for which someone sent you a check, if you cashed the check and it didn't bounce, and if you then paid the light bill with the money, I consider you talented." —Stephen King
it's not confusion, it's concern
that the A’s apparently feel it’s better to sit Carter on the bench on a temporary MLB visit, than to play him every day at AAA. He was supposedly a top prospect, who was just reactivated following an injury and rehab. Seems he might need to play every day….
Fun with Mark Ellis' numbers
He sucked last year too! Sure, his 3+ WAR and 102 OPS+ could fool some, but in 93 games from Opening Day until August 31st, he hit .250/.324/.325
Then, as soon as September rolled around and a bunch of AAAA pitchers got called up, he hit .405/.453/.534 (with a .433 BABIP [!]) to raise his season numbers to league average. His option probably shouldn’t have even been picked up. He shouldn’t be on a major league lineup card anymore. Especially in the 2-hole.
That hurts me to say, since I love Ellis. But he’s done.
he's not even qualified at second base.
Throwing him in at first when there’s a far better option is worse.
by jsnraider on Jun 25, 2011 3:12 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Well I was close on my 72 hr guess upstream not totally shocked they said Barton
could get there late, with all the available options there.
Think Beane is trying to increase the trade value of Ellis
Still that makes no sense. He cant play 2b with good defense and not turn a positive WAR. If defense is his value, and it is, then why the fuck is he allowed to play 1b on a MLB roster.
It is not like he is just filling in for someone. Carter, Jackson, Powell, Rosales can all probably play a passable 1b.
At some fucking point we are going to have to give up some defense at some position for a guy that can hit. What happens when we are back to to AL only? Matsui is a DH and not going to stick in LF. Are they really making Carter a backup DH only against lefties? Is he already relegated to Johnny Gomes duty? And we give LaRoche a good amount of ABs/
Everyday that passes makes us look like the Royals. Maybe I should say Royals of old. Now they are coming up. And we sit turning one oar in a sinking boat.
The Royals may indeed be "coming up", but not this year: They are 32-45 vs. our craptastic 35-43
"Feel so bad, feel like a ballgame on a rainy day"-Lightnin' Hopkins
by justANotherAsFan on Jun 26, 2011 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Random thoughts
Trade:
Balfour, Crisp to ATL for Mike Minor, and C+ prospect
Gio, Pennington to CIN for Yonder Alonso, Zack Cosart, Devin Mesoraco, Travis Wood, and Donnie Joseph
You want to trade our one starter who hasn't had an injury issue yet?
Last of the Ninth - Photography
ATL would laugh in your face.
Would you take on a decent reliever (who was freely available until the last minute last offseason) and a all-glove meh-bat CF without an arm for one of the best prospects in the game?
i dont think its as hyberbolic as you make it
Venters is on pace for the Pedro Feliciano award, and taking on a very good setup man wouldn’t be a bad idea. And the reason Balfour was on the market so long was because of his type a/b status (I forget which it was). And Schafer/McLouth have been absolutely brutal in Center. They also have Teheran, Hoover, Delgado, etc… still in their back pocket. Not to mention, their already insanely good Major League rotation.
As an aside, we gotta stop giving Crisp shit for having no arm. Noone signing him, or trading for him, or talking about him gives a shit. He plays insanely good defense, with about as good first step instincts that I have ever seen. He’s not playing RF, he’s not Paul O’neill, we just need to accept his t-rex arm.
note on sweeney...
please look at his BA… he is NOT falling off. he had a few 0fers but has since rebounded nicely and is 320+ i believe.
coco is also NOT the CF supreme you seem to make him out to be. he has cost us several runs because of his wimpy arm. good speed and okay at the plate (hot and cold anyway) but as far as defense i think i might want sweeney there .. though allround i prefer coco
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