Need an Attitiude Change...Mr. Henderson!!!

by Murph21 on May 26, 2005 11:11 AM PDT Comment 43 comments

This team is flat, with no personality and very little fight. BB won't trade for a big bat, and losing a top prospect is not worth it at this time. We need a lift, get the strut back into our stride. We need a bit of an attitude...WHO CAN YOU CALL===RICKEY HENDERSON!!!! Why not?? This team has lost all confidence, and are pouting like a bunch of school children. Bring Rickey in, let him jump on these guys, tell them how to play this game with pride and fun, let Rickey go on and on about the history of this franchise, hell, even show Swish how to snack his glove after catching a can of corn!!! Let this future hall of famer come in and talk trash, then let him retire in green and gold. Hey BB, YOU LISTENING!!!

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Please stop

these posts...Rickey lost his bat speed years ago...I love the past, but the past won't help the future..

by oakwin2004 on May 26, 2005 11:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you

and I've said so before, but most of the site disagrees. It's sad when we look to a 46-year old former great, who last played in the MLB (poorly, I should add) in 2003, for help. As a legitimate MLB player, Rickey is through, finished, long past his prime. I loved watching him play for over two decades but it's long past time to move on.

"Put a Milo on him."
-Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on May 26, 2005 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please keep

these posts, cuz this guy deserves to retire an Oakland Athletic

Now THIS is Billy Ball

by Masaryk on May 26, 2005 11:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Problem is...

he won't retire!

"First of all, I'm not calm about it. Every time they lose, I freak out." - Andy Painter

by secret ASian man on May 26, 2005 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You bet

he does..he can sign and retire..not play and retire...let's be serious about this...

by oakwin2004 on May 26, 2005 11:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Do we have anyone better??

If Rickey has lost his bat speed at his age, what is the excuse for Chavez, Durazo, Kendall, Ginter...you get my point. C'mon, you have CT on the bench, I think we could use Rickey for a short time. DH him, play an occasional left. What can it hurt?? The way this team is playing right now, Henderson sure wouldn't be the worst player out there.

by Murph21 on May 26, 2005 11:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

This season is cooked...

Why the hell would you take AB's from a Swisher, Byrnes, Thomas, etc etc to give AB's to a guy who is 45? What purpose does that serve? We are builing towards 2006, giving AB's to an old guy like this is counnter-productive.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on May 26, 2005 11:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not Cooked

This season is still salvagable. Everyone in our division is struggling, and we do have a habit of getting warmer with the weather. This team is not the Royals or D-Rays(despite the last two days). However, if we want something to cheer for at least until Sept., BB needs to make a move. Rickey, IMO would be a good one to make. And Cheap!!!

by Murph21 on May 26, 2005 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Half baked...

This season may still be salvageable, but we have maybe three, four weeks tops before we'll know for sure. I'll be a little optimistic and say that we haven't hit the point of no return yet... But we will know beyond a shadow of doubt if we're 110% out of the 2005 race by the next Bay Bridge Series, [June 24th-25th] and that's probably being generous.

And no, I'm not trying to be unrealistic or foolishly optimistic... We'll need to take about 18 of the next 27 games to stand a fighting chance. The longer we fall, the harder it is to get back. I can't really phantom a comeback past the All-Star break. And our team just honestly isn't very good this year - although you're right, no one else in the division is that great either. But the Angels and the Rangers both suffer unprecedented 10 game losing streaks, then I'll stand by what I said.

by Melody on May 26, 2005 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a waste of AB's....

Whether you think this seaosn is cooked or not, it is a waste. he's not good and he's old...so if youre playign for now, he sint good...and if youre playign for 06...he's old and stealing AB's. Horrible idea in my op.

And Im as big a fan as there is and love the team..but this season is cooked....You arent gonna go on a big run with Haren, Etherton and Saarloos on your rotations....Big runs are build on pitching getting very hot and rolling over the rotation 2-3 times thru...Those guys arent the type to do that....not to mention our O is far from explosive and figures to stay average at best even if it improves a lot.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on May 26, 2005 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is he still playing?

He was in indie ball a while back. If he's still playing, why not give it a shot? At worst, it puts bums on seats. At best, he draws some walks, maybe pinch-runs. Can't hurt.

Of course, if he's currently sitting on a La-Z-Boy watching golf on TV, forget I spoke.

by Ozzz on May 26, 2005 11:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He signed with

a brand new team in a brand new A-level independent league. He's the star of the San Diego Surf Dawgs. He also has a big marketing deal with the league that might get in the way of him leaving them.

The next time I slap a guy's ass, can we all just assume it's because I wish I was a baseball player?

by devo on May 26, 2005 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can promise any deal he signed...

Hs an out of an MLB team came calling.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on May 26, 2005 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably

but there is a chance that he'd be giving up more money and he'd certainly be giving up the chance to actually play.

The next time I slap a guy's ass, can we all just assume it's because I wish I was a baseball player?

by devo on May 26, 2005 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No way...

There's no way an A level Independant team with no MLB affiliation has him in a marketing deal that is anywhere even close to the MLB minimum.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on May 26, 2005 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

his marketing deal

is with the league, not the team - and, as it's a brand new league, based in souther california, I'd imagine they have some pretty decent seed money.

The next time I slap a guy's ass, can we all just assume it's because I wish I was a baseball player?

by devo on May 26, 2005 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Rickey can add to his records...

...Rickey will. No doubt.

by Ozzz on May 26, 2005 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Backing that up:

He spent the past two seasons with the Newark (N.J.) Bears in the independent Atlantic League, batting .339 with eight home runs and 33 RBI in 2003 before a midseason return to the major leagues for 30 games with the Dodgers. He stole 37 bases last season with Newark.

"Last year was the first year I didn't get a call, the only year that I didn't get a chance to play in the big leagues," Henderson said. "I thought I had a chance with a couple of teams, but they fell out of the race and wanted to give their younger guys a chance.

"But the disappointing thing was that I didn't even get invited to a camp as a nonroster player. I think some teams were scared that I would make the club. Tell me what it's going to take to make your club. I'll make it; I know I'll make it. If I was classified as a 'superstar' when I played the game, I know I could play right now with guys on the bench who aren't superstars.

link

by Ozzz on May 26, 2005 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rickey's deal is $3000/month - the league max.

and the league headquarters is in Pleasanton not southern California.
here is the link to the league - there was almost a team in Pleasanton - still maybe if the league succeeds.

http://www.goldenbaseball.com/

by Aparicio11 on May 26, 2005 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's super

by based I meant that's where most of the teams are.

By marketing deal I meant a marketing deal, seperate from his regular salary.

The next time I slap a guy's ass, can we all just assume it's because I wish I was a baseball player?

by devo on May 26, 2005 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, I'm glad your not a GM.

I'd fire you for even suggesting bringing back such a relic like Rickey "I need some Ben-gay for my aching joints" Henderson.

It was a nice thought 5 to 6 yrs ago.

The thing I hate most about San Francisco besides the Giants is their f'd up politics.

by sf drift king on May 26, 2005 11:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

what about Rickey is a Third base coach?

and let Wash Manage? that would give the team some style for sure....

Bring Back The Bash! Bring Back The Stash! Bring back Ricky one more time!!! Go A'S!!!!

by Shippee33 on May 26, 2005 11:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That would be awesome

The we could listen to Rickey explain why Rickey gave a baserunner the stop sign, "He was no Rickey, and that is why Rickey had to give him the stop sign. And trust Rickey, Rickey knows Rickey's Rickeys."

I own 2 Tony Armas jerseys! I am an A's fan for life.

by Athletics fan and runner on May 26, 2005 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

Rickey pioneered talking about myself in the third person. Rickey did everything Rickey could to further the cause of unintentional comedy in player statements. Rickey should always be remembered fondly for this.

by RickeySteals on May 26, 2005 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clearification

I'm not saying you sign Rickey to IMPROVE the team, I say sign Rickey to kickstart the team with his always arrogant attitude. He would be happy sitting on the bench, talking his smack during game time, and getting an occastional at-bat and field time. Let hime come in and work some of his "Rickey-isms" on the team. You cant tell me that Chavez cant use a bit of an attitude change.

by Murph21 on May 26, 2005 12:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rickey

was an awful teammate.

"Put a Milo on him."
-Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on May 26, 2005 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Were you his teammate?

How do you know? I've never heard anyone say they hated playing with Rickey and Rickey has been a great teacher for a lot of young guys the past few years. Read the interviews, they love him.

by RunRickeyRun on May 26, 2005 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

Do you mean the great teaching job he did by playing cards during the Mets playoff? That's not an example I'd like our young players to emulate. Lansford called him a cancer. Goose Gossage said he was a bad teammate. Usually, players don't dis other players without good reasons. If we are looking for reasons to sign Rickey, teaching/good example/likeability aren't very strong ones. Neither is his playing ability.

Come to think of it, why do people want to sign him?

"Put a Milo on him."
-Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on May 26, 2005 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If him playing cards in the clubhouse

during the playoffs is a problem for us this year, I think we'll be thanking or lucky Rickeys that Rickey Rickey Rickey Rickey Rickey.

The next time I slap a guy's ass, can we all just assume it's because I wish I was a baseball player?

by devo on May 26, 2005 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rickey as a teammate/teacher

First of all, I don't think we should sign Rickey. It's just pointless. At the same time, I think he could have some value to certain teams...consider how critical Dave Roberts was to the Red Sox championship run last year.

The card-playing incident with the Mets was obviously a mistake, and I'm not even going to bother defending Rickey on that one.

Going back to his tenure with the Mets, however, you can't tell me that Rickey didn't have some influence on Roger Cedeno for his career year in '99. Since then, Cedeno has regressed into being a bench player.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/players/playerpage/7510

As for Rickey being an 'awful teammate'...you cited Lansford and Gossage, but how about equally big name players like Molitor, Dave Stewart, Gwynn, or Mattingly, who have gone on record as calling Rickey a great teammate? Even La Russa has defended Rickey:

"I was just telling Mike Stanley that one of the biggest misconceptions that some people in the public have is of Rickey as a teammate," La Russa said. "Rickey is an outstanding teammate. You go back to the clubs he's been on, and almost without exception, his teammates always liked Rickey."

In the same article, La Russa goes on to say:

"He was the guy who was willing to help. We had a lot of young guys, like Walt Weiss, and Rickey was always helping."

Anyways, I guess my point is that just because some people didn't like him doesn't mean that it was the case for everyone.

by znk916 on May 26, 2005 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't know

he was a teammate of yours..lol

by oakwin2004 on May 26, 2005 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

From today's SignonSanDiego.com

"Even though I'd played against Rickey, I'd never known him personally," said Surf Dawgs manager Terry Kennedy, who spent 14 years in the majors, six as a catcher with the Padres. "I didn't know how things were going to work out with him being here, but my fears have been assuaged. He's had a real positive effect on the club."

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20050526-9999-1s26dawgs.html

by Ozzz on May 26, 2005 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Check my post about the same article

Also, look at articles written about the Newark Bears and Rickey the last two years.

It's amazing, maybe someone has changed a little.
Shocking concept that someone could mature. Maybe it came a little late for Rickey, but, hey, no one's perfect.

by RunRickeyRun on May 26, 2005 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt he's matured much.

But I think now, with the years rolling on, he's beginning to value the game more. I have to think that he'd be worth a gamble, even if only as a PR move. I'd love to see him move up that all-time hits list.

by Ozzz on May 27, 2005 12:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Be happy sitting on the bench?

This is Rickey Henderson we are talking about.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on May 26, 2005 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping...

That you were talking about DAVE Henderson...

by CyZito on May 26, 2005 12:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

#24 jersey

I's be happy if they signed him, then it'd be easier to get my hands on a #24 jersey. At the team store I can make one custom, but does anybody have a link/store that I can go to that will have a Rickey jersey?

by AllThingsOakland on May 26, 2005 2:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I ordered one

a few years ago form a place called Chicago sportslettering. It was actually pretty cheap considering it was custom. I think there web site is
www.chicagosportslettering.com,

I found there ad in Baseball Weekly a few years back.

by RunRickeyRun on May 26, 2005 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

why dont we bring back canseco...

he still wants to play, too.
it'll be 10+ years ago all over again.
and think of revenue he'd bring in.
he has a cocky-ass attitude, too.
great idea on paper...
a bunch of popular old guys.

like the giants.

Ganbatte Akiramenaide Oakland! Good luck and keep trying!

by ConditionOakland on May 26, 2005 3:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Is there really a need for 2 Ricky Henderson

diaries? "Ricky's Still Got His Confidence", posted after this one. C'mon people!

The thing I hate most about San Francisco besides the Giants is their f'd up politics.

by sf drift king on May 26, 2005 4:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I love this idea

And I'm on recoird here at AN in previous posts saying we should bring him in as a player-coach.

As for this season, it's over. We're playing for '06.

As for roster spots, Beane is in the habit of only having 22-23 usable/healthy players on the 25-man roster at any given time (cough*Duchscherer*cough), so what would it hurt to "waste" a spot with Rickey?

by monkeyball on May 26, 2005 4:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs