Inspired by Sunday's release of the New Super Mario Bros. Wii, I will continue in my "series" of Nintendo console DLD's.  If you didn't see in the last DLD, here was the "premiere" of the game in NYC.  BUT I will save the Wii for another Daily Dump, keep your Wii discussions to "should I buy one" only. We can go in depth IF you want later.

Next up is the Nintendo 64.  Ah 1996, such a good year :-)

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Link

The news Nico and his tin foil antenna have been waiting for: the A's have inked a deal with Xtra Sports 860 am to broadcast up to 20 spring training games, plus the entire 162 game season and any post season games, through 2019.

Let's hope Xtra Sports will sign Marty Lurie to 10 year deal also.

No word yet if Miller Genuine Draft has signed on to run it's jingle for the next 10 years also.

Fellow ANers,

It would appear, as a relatively new member of this community, that I have unknowingly stepped into the middle of an ongoing debate with regard to the legitimacy of Blown Saves.  Personally,  I am very interested in any and all reasonable arguments on either side of the spectrum, but currently I stand with the belief that blown saves are significant.  (By the way, some sites do track the stat, including YahooSports.) 

For my part, this whole conversation got started with this years ROY award going to Andrew Bailey.  Almost immediately, parallels were drawn between Bailey and former Oakland Athletic Huston Street.  I happen to feel that comparison is unfair to both players.  Its unfair to Street, because he has proven longevity at the closer position in the bigs, and thats no small feat.  It's unfair to Bailey, because he technically had a better rookie year than Street, and doesn't have a penchant for Blown Saves (and crucial ones at that).  And there in lies the controversy, at least for my part, that got this conversation going.

Some in this community believe "that blown saves are irrelevant", some in this community believe Huston Street was a good closer as an Athletic, and some in this community believe both of those things.  I, with no disrespect to anyone here, do not, on either account.  I don't even think he was average, and for me his penchant for Blown Saves bears that out.

Lets look at the facts, shall we?  During his time in Oakland, Huston Street had 27 blown saves in 121 regular season opportunities.  That means Huston only saved 77.69% of his opportunities; It also means he blew almost one fourth of his chances, depending on how you look at it.  IMO that is outrageous, and well, well below even average for the league.  Hence, my feelings on Street.

***UPDATE*** [Because Micdog wanted more stats] ***UPDATE***

Here are some other players to compare.  Players listed are those whose careers began after SVO becam a tracked stat.  Older players like Mariano don't have career SVO totals, but these are closers your all familiar with from across the spectrum.

Eric Gane: 187 SV, 204 SVO, 91.66%

Joe Nathan: 247 SV, 276 SVO, 89.49%

Francisco Rodriguez 243 SV, 283 SVO, 85.86%

Brad Lidge: 195 SV, 233 SVO, 83.69%

Francisco Cordero 250 SV, 306 SVO, 81.69%

Huston Street 129 SV 158 SVO, 81.65%  [In Oakland: 94 SV, 121 SVO, 77.69%]

***END OF UPDATE***

By the way, while Street did have one of his best years in the bigs with the Rockies last season, saving 35 and only blowing 2 regular season games, it seems he still cant hold/save the biggest games......

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/10/13/street.rockies.ap/

Sounds all to familiar doesn't it.  At least it wasn't another 'no doubter' into the stratosphere, right? (Ahem 2006!) That ball is still in the air somewhere over Eastern Europe I think.

As for the legitimacy of Blown Saves, I really am interested in arguments to the contrary.  IMO the legitimacy of a certain statistic should not be called into question simply because there are a few instances in which the accumulation of said stat may seem harsh or unfair.  Sure there are ridiculous ways that an individual pitcher can pick up a blown save, but IMO the vast majority of blown saves are just regular, run-of-the-mill, Brad Lidge type blown saves.  A closer comes in in the 9th inning with a three run or less lead, and just blows it.  Maybe he catches a bad bounce or two (these things happen), or maybe he gets shelled, either way the save is blown and its significant cause there is rarely recovery possible;  The game is usually over, and in the end thats what its all about (yes bbgirl), Ws and Ls, with blown saves most often leading directly to the latter.

Sure, Blown Saves may not be the "be-all-to-end-all" statistic for closers, but it certainly seems significant to me.  I really am interested in all opinions here, so open my eyes to your truth on this matter, and maybe we can all kick the ball forward in this debate.

Does a ballpark have a culture? If so is it an extension of the fanbase or is it somehow manufactured by the stadium atmosphere? Maybe a mix of both?

We have been to a few big league parks. We plan on adding a few to our list next season (see June trip to the Midwest inter-league style).

Before last season, when the frog in my pocket and I journeyed to Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium, I was not really sure that a ballpark had a culture.

But we now know that there are definitely some characteristics we would like to see in a new Bay Area ballpark. And we think those characteristics would go a long way towards creating the best culture in the big leagues.

Below the fold, we shall bloviate on how a new stadium should look and feel (special thanks to cityplANner and vertig0 for their assistance, even if they didn't know they were giving it).

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*There has been some discussion as to the status of Chris Denorfia after he was outrighted by the A's last week.  According to this LINK at the Game of Baseball.com, Denorfia's name appears on the list of A's players eligible for 6-year minor league free agency.*

Oakland (17)

Pitchers: RHP Daniel Barone, RHP Andrew Brown, RHP Shawn Chacon, RHP Dewon Day, RHP Leonardo Espinal, RHP Angel Garcia, RHP Chris Gissell, LHP Daniel Haigwood, LHP Justin Hampson, RHP Scott Mitchinson, RHP Scott Patterson, RHP Jerome Williams

Catchers: Raul Padron

Infielders: Carlos Arrieche, Frank Martinez

Outfielders: Chris Denorfia, Archie Gilbert 

In a move that we all expected, the A's outrighted Chris Denorfia to Sacramento and freed up another spot on the 40-man roster.

Official Release:

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Oakland A's outrighted outfielder Chris Denorfia to Triple-A Sacramento, the club announced today.

Denorfia spent most of the 2009 season at Sacramento where he batted .271 with nine home runs and 49 RBI in 107 games. He also went 0 for 2 with a run scored and RBI during a four-game stint with Oakland from June 9 to 17. Denorfia is a .279 career hitter with three home runs and 19 RBI in 100 games with the A's (2008-09) and Cincinnati (2005-06).

via media.scout.com

How about a little discussion on the direction of this team on and off the field since it appears to be the A's most monumental offseason in more than 40 years.  We are on the cusp of a new city, new ballpark perhaps as well as key decisions on free agents.

What are your opinions on San Jose being the A's new home?  Is it far enough away from San Francisco and the Giants' giant reach and marketing?  Is a 32,000 seat ballpark big enough?  (No).  What about a bigger ballpark?  Where else could the A's move to (Vancouver, New Jersey, Norfolk)?   Not since the A's moved to Oakland has there been a bigger offseason set of questions.  Actually, this move is even more crucial given the state of the lousy economy and Caifornia's particular economic challenges including its crowded baseball, sports and recreational offerings.  Personally, I think the A's are better off out of California.  The proposed 32,000 seat stadium is too small.  The whole decision to move to San Jose and into relatively small ballpark seems self-defeating and myopic.  This franchise deserves a grand slam approach, not some limited 'let's accomodate the Bay Area.'"  The Bay Area has never fully supported this grand franchise and team, save for a few years in the 1980's under Wally Haas.  This franchise has done the best job of developing players over the years.  How many of you ANer's keep saying look at the All-Star team we would have if we kept our players.  That has been the complaint for the last 40 years.  It is time to end this nonsense and move on literally.

If you are going to compete, then compete.  There is no model in baseball except the perpetual scouting, drafting and retaining.  We do well in the first two phases and then cannibalize ourselves in trying to retain and reinvent.

Stop the madness.  Move out of California altogether.  As far on the field, Miguel Tejeda should be brought back along with Jermaine Dye and a few others, so that the team can at least compete.

Any thoughts?

Note by baseballgirl: I LOVE this pick. I thought the voting was really reminiscent of when Street won, but I was worried about Andrus. Bailey took the award with 13 first place votes, 6 second place votes, and 5 third place votes. He won with 88, Andrus finished second with 65, and Porcello took third with 64. Didn't think it would be such a big gap.

I LOVE IT!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW BAILEY! (Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, and it's nice to see the A's get a little recognition.)

From the A's press release:

A’s reliever Andrew Bailey was named the American League Rookie of the Year on Monday, becoming the third A’s player in the last six years to earn the honor. Bailey, 25, posted an Oakland rookie-record 26 saves in 30 chances and a 6-3 record with a 1.84 ERA in his first full season as a closer. Named to the All-Star team in July, Bailey also delivered a 0.88 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) and 91 strikeouts against 24 walks in 83 1/3 innings over 68 appearances. Bailey, who was transformed from a starter to a closer in the summer of 2008, follows in the footsteps of A’s winners Huston Street (2005) and Bobby Crosby (2004) among the seven Oakland A’s to have won the award.

The A's and ESPN.com are reporting that Andrew Bailey has won the AL Rookie of the Year award.  Woot!  At least someone has been watching our boy(s).  Way to go, Drew!! 

Heard a rumor to this effect and tried to find it on MLB.tv but they weren't posting results yet.  Just saw it on Facebook and Twitter, though, so it must be true!   More words needed:  OK, let's say it again:   Way to go, Bailey!  Awesome way to finish your season.  Can't wait to see more next season.

Chicago Tribune mentions Beane's thoughts on seeing DLS pitching, mid-90's.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-16-rogers-whispers-nov16,0,4524518.column

In that same article, there's talk about the Brewers possibly making Gamel available; defense not that great, right? I bet he could be had for some pitching? I'm also guessing he might come cheaper than previously, but might be worth the risk for giving up maybe Eveland, Gray, and?

  Here I go doing a fan post where you can post all the rumors you hear daily about who the A's will trade or have been in trade talks with. 

First up..3b..So far I heard runmors about Alex Gordon, Chone Figgins,  Miguel tejada, Josh Fields, and Jamey Carrol.  Adam Kennedy is likely favorite here with rumors since the A's have talked to his agent.  I like the fact of Alex Gordon on the buy low high upside which would cost the A's 1 of their catching prospects and more.  Jamey Carrol has been consistent in numbers and is steady at third could be a good stop gap until Wallace is ready.  Figgins will be out of the A's price range and Tejada is still to early to figure out.

  SP..The A's still want the Duke back.  Looks like Tomko will walk.  One player that hit the market the other day is Braden Looper to me would be perfect fit for the A's.  Not a high cost FA and is a good innings eater pitcher who may need a park like Oakland to give him good numbers again but I have heard no word the A's are after him.  Mark Mulder is being pursued heavy by the Brewers so his return is less likely.

SS...Nothing looks like Pennington's job

OF..  Nothing been said but I would not rule out Beane bringing in a power hitter here.

DH..Thome rumor is here if the A's let go of Cust.  I wouldn't mind Matsui to get fans in the seats but he is rumored to want to comeback to the Yanks badly.

  Anybody else heard anything??  Post the rumors you hear here and we can create to talk in this slow time for baseball.

Finals Over. Back from Australia. Back in the US. 16 Hour Plane Rides Suck. My back hurts. I want to sleep.

But First, PROSPECTS!

For Reference: Scout's Mid-Season Top 50.

Prospects up for Vote:

Dustin Coleman, SS, Age 22

2009 Stats		G	Bavg	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	SB	R	2B
STO (oak)	A+	26	.220	.304	.330	1	8	2	14	4
KAN (oak)	A	93	.254	.345	.410	8	42	18	56	22

 

Pedro Figueroa, SP, Age  23

2009 Stats		G	W-L	ERA	IP	H	BB	K	SV	WHIP
KAN (oak)	A-	18	10-2	3.23	86.1	89	31	76	0	1.39
STO (oak)	A+	11	3-4	3.56	56.2	62	35	67	0	1.48

 

James Simmons, SP, Age 22 - Video

2009 Stats		G	W-L	ERA	IP	H	BB	K	SV	WHIP
SAC (oak)	AAA	23	7-7	5.72	119.2	139	47	81	0	1.55

 

 

Ben Hornbeck, SP, Age 21

2009 Stats		G	W-L	ERA	IP	H	BB	K	SV	WHIP
MID (oak)	AA	1	0-1	16.20	3.1	5	4	1	0	2.70
STO (oak)	A+	21	5-4	3.52	76.2	64	32	111	1	1.25

 

Shane Peterson, OF, Age 21

2009 Stats		G	Bavg	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	SB	R	2B
SFD (stl)	AA	18	.284	.338	.405	1	7	2	10	4
MID (oak)	AA	57	.276	.335	.399	4	24	6	26	14

 

Sam Demel, RP, Age - 23 - Video

2009 Stats		G	W-L	ERA	IP	H	BB	K	SV	WHIP
MID (oak)	AA	27	0-2	0.61	29.1	23	9	26	11	1.09
SAC (oak)	AAA	28	2-3	3.62	32.1	27	21	33	3	1.48

  

Brad Kilby, RP, Age 26 - Video

2009 Stats		G	W-L	ERA	IP	H	BB	K	SV	WHIP
OAK	MLB	11	1-0	0.53	17.0	10	4	10	0	0.82
SAC (oak)	AAA	45	4-2	2.13	63.1	40	24	77	2	1.01

 

Henry Rodriguez, RP, Age 22 - Video

2009 Stats		G	W-L	ERA	IP	H	BB	K	SV	WHIP
SAC (oak)	AAA	37	2-1	5.77	43.2	38	38	71	4	1.74
STO (oak)	A+	3	0-0	0.00	5	3	1	11	0	0.80

 The List Thus Far

A's Community Prospect List

1. Chris Carter, 1B, Age 22 - 76% (of 5) - Video

2. Brett Wallace, 3B, Age 22 - 79% (of 5) - Offense Video  / Defense Video

3. Adrian Cardenas, IF, Age 21 - 75% (of 5) - Video

4. Jemile Weeks, 2B, Age 22 - 36% (of 8) - Video

5. Grant Desme, OF, Age 23 - 29% (of 8) - Video - OmahaHi's case for Grant Desme

6. Grant Green, SS, Age 21 - 32% (of 7) - Video

7. Josh Donaldson, C, Age 23 - 31% (of 7) - Video - DesignatedForAssignment's case for Josh Donaldson

8. Corey Brown, CF, Age 23 - 37% (of 8) - Video

9. Michael Ynoa, SP, Age 17 -  40% (of 8) - Video

10. Sean Doolittle, 1B/OF, Age 22 - 41% (of 8) - Video

11. Arnold Leon, SP, Age 20 - 46% (of 8)

12. Tyson Ross, SP, Age 22 - 23% (of 8) / 42% (Runoff) - Cal Sports Profile Video

13. Fautino De Los Santos, SP, Age 23 - 34% (of 8)

14. Max Stassi, C, Age 18 - 45% (of 8)

15. Anthony Capra, SP, Age 22 - 41% (of 8)

 (Bonus video of Rashun Dixon)

 

Upcomming Potential Prospects for Voting (no order):
Mattl Sulentic, OF	Anthony Recker, C	Shane Peterson, OF	Alex Valdez
	Travis Banwart, SP	Matt Spencer, OF	Gregorio Petit, SS
	Graham Godfrey, SP	Robin Rosario, OF	Tommy Everidge, 1B
Clayton Mortensen, SP	Ronny Morla, SP	Wilfredo Solano	Joel Galarraga, C
Nino Leyja, 2B	Paul Smyth	Conner Crumbliss	Pedro Figueroade, SP
Rashun Dixon, CF	Julio Ramos	Daniel Straily
James Simmons, SP	Ian Krol, SP	Yusuf Carter	Ryan Ortiz, SP
Brett Hunter, SP	Anthony Huttenlocker	Carlos Hernandez, SP	Ben Hornbeck, SP
	Reynaldo Mateo	Tyler Ladendorff	Shawn Haviland, SP
Mickey Storey, SP	Chris Mederos	Jon Meloan	Josh Horton, SS
	Conner Hoehn	Corey Wimberly, UTL	Dan Thomas
	Josh Leyland, C	Justin Souza	Andrew Carignan, RP
Jermaine Mitchell, CF	Jared Lansford, RP	Justin Marks	Jason Christian, 3B

If you have a prospect you want to suggest, from this list or not on it, speak up in comments!