Help spread the word and join our Facebook group to keep the A's in Oakland where they belong. We are now at over 10,000 members and counting!!

http://www.facebook.com/letsgooakland?ref=ts

Please don't forget to click on the link to sign the petition at either the FB page or the link provided below and remember to PASS IT ON by clicking the "Suggest to Friends" link at left, and invite everyone you know to join us. Help us keep the A's in Oakland! This information will be used to present to MLB and Commissioner Bud Selig through Oakland City Officials and their new Ballpark Committee to show that we still have the great fan base that we once had.

http://letsgooakland.com/

Thank you so much for the support and Go A's!!!

OKLND. It wouldn't be the same without the A's.

Fellow ANers,

MLB.com compiles all statistics from the Winter Leagues (AFL and the Three Caribbean Leagues), and compiles them organizationally.  They seem to keep it updated everyday, and its a great one stop shop to see how the A's prospects are doing.  Its been especially fun watching Desme's AFL line, and box scores recently.  Anywho, here's the link.....

http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/org.jsp?id=oak

Keep it, save it, love it...... at least until the end of winter ball.....

Here are some updated stats for some key prospects as of 11/5/09.......

Should the A's spend this offseason, or save?  Should the team sign a few established veterans with question marks, or simply let the kids play?

AN seems divided.  The community is struggling to reconcile its desire to be competitive and spend an available $10-15M, with the painful realization that a.) much of the organization's best internal talent is still 1-2 years away, b.) the team had the worst attendance in baseball last year, and c.) the team, as presently constructed, will not make the playoffs in '10.

There's one very unique way, and one very unique target, who allows the A's to reconcile those two stances. This post will discuss that offseason strategy after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

Due to demand, I have removed much of the introductory text from the threads, as well as the stats for those whom have been voted onto the list already, in order to make it easier for people to scroll all the way down.

If you have any cases for prospects, keep them coming!

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	76.2	5	4	1	0	2.70
STO (oak)	A+	21	5-4	3.52	3.1	64	32	111	1	1.25

 

Anthony Capra, SP, Age 22

2009 Stats		G	W-L	ERA	IP	H	BB	K	SV	WHIP
STO (oak)	A+	9	2-2	3.12	52	42	21	67	0	1.21
KAN (oak)	A	18	4-7	3.24	100	70	40	103	0	1.10

 

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)

 (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!

So the evil empire did it again huh?  Bought themselves another World Series ring while MLB continues to sit back and allow the uncapped structure to ruin interest in at least 1/3 of the leagues cities. Once it became apparent that the 49ers "bought' a championship in 1994 and a year later the Cowboys did the same.  What did the NFL do?  Change the structure and invoke a salary cap.  Why is it that both sides,  the players and owners,  can't get together and come up with some type of agreement?  It is the only major sport without a cap and the interest in the league continues to slide partly due to it.

                          Let's breakdown the Yankees roster for a second shall we?

3B- Alex Rodriguez                           33 Million                                         Trade with Texas

SS- Derek Jeter                                21.6 Million                                       Drafted By Yankees

1B- Mark Teixeira                             20.6 Million                                       Signed As Free Agent

SP- AJ Burnett                                  16.5 Million                                       Signed As Free Agent

SP- CC Sabathia                             15.3 Million                                       Signed As Free Agent

RP- Mariano Rivera                         15 Million                                          Signed As International Free Agent

C- Jorge Posada                             13.5 Million                                       Signed As International Free Agent

OF- Johnny Damon                        13 Million                                           Signed As Free Agent

DH- Hideke Matsui                         13 Million                                           Signed As Free Agent

Total Team Salary: 208.4 Million

Only other players that came up through the Yankees system are Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera, Joba Chamberlin, Brett Gardner and Phil Hughes.  Combined their 2009 salaries were 8.3 million,  less then 1/4 of Alex Rodriguez's salary.  Of the highest paid Yankees only Derek Jeter was originally drafted by the team. 

                                          In comparison let's look at other teams payrolls and highest paid players

                                                               Payroll                                   Highest Paid                               Salary

32. Pittsburgh Pirates                        25.2                                      SP- Paul Maholm                          2.5

31. Florida Marlins                              31                                         1B- Nick Johnson                         5.5

30. San Diego Padres                       37.8                                      OF- Brian Giles                             9.0

29. Oakland Athletics                         56.1                                      3B- Eric Chavez                           11.5

The bottom four teams in terms of payroll  combined payroll was 58 million less then the Yankees in 2009.  Even more astonishing the salary of Alex Rodriguez was more then the entire rosters of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Florida Marlins,  and only 5 million less then that of the entire San Diego Padres team. The Yankees payroll was 63 million more then the closest competitor,  yet another New York team.  

                           Even fans in cities like New York,  Chicago and Boston cannot claim this to be fair.  I wouldn't be complaining if i was a fan of the Yankees,  but as a observer of all four major sports i see this as an issue MLB must deal with soon.  Of course there are teams that break the mold and win despite a low payroll.  Our very own A's come to mind earlier this decade as do the Florida Marlins and Minnesota Twins today.  But that is the obvious minority in terms of success in MLB.  While teams in smaller in the NFL like Green Bay,  Indianapolis,  New Orleans and Arizona can be successful it just doesn't happen as much in MLB,  this soley due to the fact that baseball continues to deny it's differential between large and small markets.  Do you find it odd that all four of the teams that played in the LCS were top 10 in payroll?  It is time that MLB does something about this sooner rather then later

VIncente Padilla shot by his shooting instuctor. What is not clear is how much Michael Young and Ian Kinsler paid the instructor, or if VIncente was just trying to learn how to be more menacing.

Bobby Abreu and the Angels decide to play 2 more (plus an option). With any luck, the Angels will think he is still an outfielder. $19 million.

"Here is $7 million, Chad Tracy, please don't play for us."

Mr. Williams, you have a diabolical plan right? Cuz how Mark Teehan improves your club s a mystery.

Continue reading this post »

Hello. I was just wondering if someone who remembers the contracts of recent players can help me out.

In 2007 the A's traded Nick Swisher and Esteban Loaiza. I was wondering if anyone could tell me their contract status?

Was Swisher about to be a free-agent? If not does anyone know how many seasons he was under club control? If he stayed on the A's in 2008 wouold he have been a free agent in 2009?

Same with Loaiza. Was his contract with the A's due to expire at the end of the 2007 season. (I do remember he was traded before the season ended).

I know they traded Kendall and Kotsay who were still due big money from the A's during that year but I couldn't recall the contract status of Swisher or Loaiza.

No agenda or point of view from me. I just couldn't remember.

Thanks

GO A's!!

As we all know, the A's farm system is loaded with minor league talent. My question is how do you judge that talent? I enjoy reading John Sickles minor league blog, Keith Law, Baseball america, etc.... But everyone on the world wide web chimes in and would give their opinion whether they like the player or not. But do they just follow the player via the computer? Or do they go out and watch minor league games and see each player personally. Or are they just making crap up because they don't like the parent clubs.  I'm not talking about the pro's like Keith Law or John Sickles, but just baseball fans around the world. I personally like to watch the young guys play personally and then judge their talent. Numbers are great but they do not tell the whole story. IMO, when I go to minor league game, you can tell who are more talented players and have a chance at bigs. Reading all the other websites gives some info, but some of the chuckleheads that chimes in bugs me and makes me wonder, "How the frak do you know??

Grover's recent post really got my mind churning over the direction to take this offseason, and what I have concluded is as follows.......

First, I totally appreciate Grover doing all the contractual work for us, as I'm lazy with numbers, and totally accept his findings.  Billy likely has, if he chooses to use it, ~$13 million after arbitration for FA acquisitions.  This is where I begin to disagree with Grovers assessments, though I give props for a well thought out post.  I believe that the only two FAs the A's need pursue are already on their 40 man roster, but I will get into AK and Tomko later.  For now, they will be off the 40 man when the deadline passes, and its likely (GUARANTEED!!!) Billy will wait till after the Rule 5 draft in December to resign them, thus leaving open space on the 40 man roster to secure the organization's young talent.  So, for now, w/o those two, Bobby, Nomar and Duke off the list, the A's would have 36 players on the 40 man roster.

Next, protecting all young talent is a must for a young rebuilding team, and losing Wimberly in the Rule 5 is unacceptable in my view.  At the least, he's a good trade chip, but IMO he's our future utility/PH/PR guy.  Thus, I add Wimberly to Grover's list of Carter, FLDS, Figueroa, Recker, and Lansford.  ALL 6 MUST BE PROTECTED, especially given whose currently on the 40 man roster.   It might be different if the A's were closer to being a good team, but the A's have expendable folks on the 40 man roster; Namely, Denorfia, Petit, Marshall, and Casilla.   Releasing/Trading these players (presumably for younger/minor level prospects) leaves the A's with 8 open spots on the 40 Man roster.

Much like Grover, I believe Marshall will resign to a AAA contract, and if not, its not that big a loss considering the plethora of young talent the A's have waiting for their shot in the pen.   Unlike Grover, I feel Tommy Time has more value to the A's than Petit, thus I keep Tommy and make Petit expendable.  Neither are MLB starters, but Tommy provides a RH power bat in a PH role, or as a 1B/DH Sub, and that holds value.  Petit is easily replaceable by comparison.

Moving on, with all 6 prospects (Carter, FLDS, Figueroa, Recker, Lansford, and Wimberly) included, the A's would have 38 players on the 40 man roster, leaving two spots open for the rule 5 draft.  After the Rule 5 Draft Billy can reorder his rosters without the risk of losing young talent.  Billy can option the likes of Carter, Wallace, or Tommy back to AAA, thus opening up a couple spots for FAs Kennedy and Tomko.

Bringing AK back, after the Rule 5, gives the A's the flexibility they need if Wallace is not ready to play 3B.  However, I believe Cardenas will get his shot at 3B if Wallace can't get the job done.  But, if neither is quite ready, AK provides flexibility at a decent price.  Of course, with 13+ million to spend, Billy could forgo the AK option, and sign Mora or Beltre to one year deals if possible, with the caveat that they will not play ahead of Wallace when Wallace is ready.

Assuming the AK option, that leaves the opening day lineup like this.

1. Davis CF - Great holdover till Desme in 2011 or 2010 Sept callups, then some value in trade depending on production

2. Sweeney RF - Billy loves him, he's our RF for some time, hope the power comes.....

3. Zukes C - Most valuable player on the team by far, best 3 hole option until Wallace or Carter take it from him.

4. Cust DH - One more season as the starting DH.  

5. Hairston LF - Sink or Swim.  If he sinks, there are plenty of others waiting in the wings for their shot.

6. Barton 1B - If he can start strong, he will last, and Cust will be let go when Carter arrives.

7. Pennington SS - Play better than BoCro and this job is yours till Green or Ladendorf are ready.

8. Ellis 2B - One more season (2011 is team option) until Weeks takes over in 2011 or Sept 2010

9. AK 3B - Starts until Wallace is ready, PH and 2B/3B sub once Wallace arrives.

As for the pitching, I believe Tomko is a great option to bring back to fill the veteran role while the A's staff solidifies. Bringing Tomko back, after the Rule 5, leaves the rotation as follows for the start of the season........

1. Anderson

2. Cahill

3. Braden

4. Tomko

5. Gonzalez/Mazarro

Tomko allows the A's the flexibility to pick and choose the better guy at the start of the season between Gio and Vin.  He also gives the A's flexibility should Outman take a long time to recover next season.

In the end, the A's protect all valuable young talent, while not signing any FAs that would block the advancement of younger better talent.  Many are predicting a better than average Rule 5 draft, and signing Tomko and AK after December will allow the A's to reap the rewards of said draft w/o jeopardizing young talent of their own.

Again, Billy has plenty of financial flexibility under this plan, and it is totally possible he could forgo the AK/Tomko options for more expensive slightly better options.  My only grip here is that I dont want said FAs to block a young guy from playing, and AK and Tomko wont do that.

OK Fire Away.......

If you’re a lot like me you should probably seek a mental health professional.

Wait… wrong website.

If you’re a lot like me the 2009 baseball season is dead to you, the post-season and the World Series a mere footnote in your existence. The A’s are sitting at home after their third straight losing season and you want to know what Billy Beane and Co. are going to do to make the 2010 season a more enjoyable experience for you. Winning more than half their games would be a good start and I’d like to tell you how the A’s can make that happen.

Only one must learn to walk before they can run.

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