Worst. Rumor. Ever.

Haven't heard it

But why is it so bad? The guy consistently has high slugging percentages, he's right handed, and he is a consistent and solid glove.Can't we at leats throw in Byrnes?

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 11:20 AM PDT reply actions

Im just afraid.

Beane will give up too much because they know we are kind of desperate.

Joe Morgan smells bad and has poor english skills. Wait so do I.

by Ionnes on May 3, 2005 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions

If our GM

Was Kenny Williams i would be afraid. Beane knows what he is doing. It will only take average prospects.

I bet they want some mediocre outfield prospect and a reliever. Chris Mabeus and Brian Stavisky?

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions

It is a logical trade for a's but...

Not knowing enough about cards OF options not sure it is logical.

Clearly we would be looking for Sanders to bat 4th and I am not sure he has ever had that "responsibility"

Yes we are desperate.

by novaoakland on May 3, 2005 11:28 AM PDT reply actions

He has bat fourth beforee

When he was in SF, he used to bat behind Bonds sometimes as well as batting fourth in Pitt.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions

"responsibility"

I think this obsession on having a bonafide cleanup hitter is silly.

That being said, Sanders has 185 abs the last three+ years batting cleanup out of his 1404. He also posted the highest OPS (1.014) in that slot of any where he has had at least 2 plate appearances (1 single in 1 plate appearance batting 8th). For some strange reason, though, he seems to struggle batting 6th ...

I just needed something new here, since the season had started ...

by devo on May 3, 2005 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Ohad

thanks for clarification on the #4 thing. I do think it is valid as big difference in way pitchers pitch a number 6-9 guy than the pitch the top of the lineup.

by novaoakland on May 3, 2005 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions

psst ...

I'm not Ohad - though it's easy to mistake our strapping good looks ; )

I just needed something new here, since the season had started ...

by devo on May 3, 2005 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions

you got it lol

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions

right devo, it is silly...

....its about as silly as having hatteberg batting forth.....hahahahahah, all the way to 3.5 runs per game average.

The "Free Matt Watson from Sacramento" Committee is now taking new members. Membership is free.

by bigelephant on May 3, 2005 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Our measely run total

is not the result of lacking a quality cleanup hitter - it's the result of lacking a quality #2 hitter, combined with lacking a quality #3 hitter, as well as a #4 hitter, which is augmented by diminished production from our #5 hitter, who has lacked protection from our #6 hitter .... all the way down to our #8 hitter.

I just needed something new here, since the season had started ...

by devo on May 3, 2005 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions

aaaaaaaaa, now, if only the a's had...

a clean-up hitter...presto, problem resolved!

The "Free Matt Watson from Sacramento" Committee is now taking new members. Membership is free.

by bigelephant on May 3, 2005 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Big Elephant, That Made Me Think ...

What about Preston Wilson? The Rockies are going to try and get rid of him anyway.

"Presto," "Preston"

by Eck on May 3, 2005 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions

right idea eck, wrong application

"presto" wilson: .235 batting average, with a .284 obp @ 12.5 mil....presto...there goes that idea.

The "Free Matt Watson from Sacramento" Committee is now taking new members. Membership is free.

by bigelephant on May 3, 2005 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe I Should Look Up the Stats BEFORE I Post

Wow. At $12.5 million, the Rockies aren't getting a discount on the strikeouts even though they're buying in bulk.

That's why it's so hard to trade with some of the bad teams: their contracts are just plain stupid.

by Eck on May 3, 2005 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions

agreed,

i think wilson's contract is one of these crazy one's from the early 2000's.

The "Free Matt Watson from Sacramento" Committee is now taking new members. Membership is free.

by bigelephant on May 3, 2005 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions

That's all true, but ...

I beg to differ. A presence in the middle of the lineup would have won us 3-4 more games already. We've been close, and the middle of the order has been failing miserably AND regularly. If Chavez had another 12 rbi and Durazo had another 6, they would both be having decent but not stellar years to this point and the A's would have 3-4 more wins and sitting atop their division.

by iceplant on May 3, 2005 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions

yeah ... what's your point?

BigE says our O sucks because it lacks a cleanup hitter.
I say our O sucks beacuse, yes it lacks a cleanup hitter, but it also lacks succesful hitters batting in the 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 spots as well.

Yes, if our #3 and 5 hitters performed better, the team would have done better. You're agreeing with me.

I just needed something new here, since the season had started ...

by devo on May 3, 2005 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions

My point is

that with a good cleanup hitter our offense would still suck AND we'd have 3-4 more wins.

by iceplant on May 3, 2005 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions

My point is that

with a good ANYBODY our offense would still suck AND we'd have 3-4 more wins.

I just needed something new here, since the season had started ...

by devo on May 3, 2005 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions

me dinks we're saying da same dings

The "Free Matt Watson from Sacramento" Committee is now taking new members. Membership is free.

by bigelephant on May 3, 2005 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions

my point devo was:

if the a's had a player capable of filling the 4 hole chavy's numbers MIGHT be better than what they are now. its like miggy in bal with slammin' sammy batting behind him. one hitter CAN make a huge difference on the entire batting order.

The "Free Matt Watson from Sacramento" Committee is now taking new members. Membership is free.

by bigelephant on May 3, 2005 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions

You're that impressed

by Sosa's .788 OPS?

I just needed something new here, since the season had started ...

by devo on May 3, 2005 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I think its more of the intimidating factor.

The pitcher may have seen the stats, but up on the mound the head game starts.

"When you consider the other choices, manure is actually pretty refreshing." - George Costanza

by Awesomus on May 3, 2005 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions

True

but at this point in time, Miggy is a more intimidating hitter than Sosa. I would think pitchers would rather take their chances with Sammy.

by Eck on May 3, 2005 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions

But that is the point of "protection,"

if the other team walks your big bat there is a guy of somewhat equal ability that will make you pay for it.

"When you consider the other choices, manure is actually pretty refreshing." - George Costanza

by Awesomus on May 3, 2005 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions

True

and Sosa's reputation is good enough to protect Miggy. Nobody doubts that Sammy can make you pay for walking Miggy.

by Eck on May 3, 2005 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

nope

but if i'm miggy, i KNOW i'm lovin' batting in front of sammy.

perception is everything until proven otherwise. sammy's OPS is "small sample size".

The "Free Matt Watson from Sacramento" Committee is now taking new members. Membership is free.

by bigelephant on May 3, 2005 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

he already was

a guy named Rafael Palmero

by faninphilly on May 3, 2005 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions

but miggy hit well before sosa got there

Let's Go A's!

by AllThingsOakland on May 3, 2005 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions

But with a career 500 HR hitter behind him

it gives Miguel a few more pitches to hit

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

true, BUT this yr

we have national writers calling miggy "the best player in the game today". how many steak dinners does miggy pay for when he and sammy hit the town?

The "Free Matt Watson from Sacramento" Committee is now taking new members. Membership is free.

by bigelephant on May 3, 2005 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions

well

it's not like miggy struggled without Sammy in front of him last year. More like Sosa should be grateful to hit behind Miggy.

by Dog Days on May 3, 2005 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Trade

They won't bet Byrnes AND Durazo, they could get Byrnes, and maybe Colamarino, but not Johnson

by theblackpearl on May 3, 2005 11:34 AM PDT reply actions

What the hell?

That Radio Station=Smoking Crack.

Maybe Byrnes and some prospect, but not Durazo OR Dan Johnson. I was going to say Colamarino before, but they don't need a 1B/3B. I'd bet they would want Byrnes and Mabeus.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 11:38 AM PDT reply actions

hahahaha

Well they do say the cubs have "a decent bullpen that just needs one solid arm. They are still solid enough a team to take the division" lol
That might be the crack talking.

Joe Morgan smells bad and has poor english skills. Wait so do I.

by Ionnes on May 3, 2005 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

1 additional solid arm in the Cubs bullpen

would bring the total of solid arms in the Cubs bullpen to 1!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Why?

Why would the cards make this trade? They have pujols at first. Their outfield is producing runs, maybe they want speed in left since larry walker is in right. I cant figure out why they would pull this trigger. It must be BS.

Joe Morgan smells bad and has poor english skills. Wait so do I.

by Ionnes on May 3, 2005 11:38 AM PDT reply actions

They might want it

Because like you said: They want more speed... And they don't need Sanders so it's smart of them to utilize that..

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions

So Taguchi

is Byrnes faster than Taguchi? The Cards are giving Taguchi a little more PT this year

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Taguchi doesn't have Byrnes offense though.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

So is hitting worse than .180 1hr and 3 rbis?

Cause thats byrnes offense.

by robber23 on May 3, 2005 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Sanders

Always seems to me like a guy who has the talent to be one of the top outfielders in the game but somehow hasn't just lived up to it. Plus, he's at an age where, at this point, he probably won't ever live up to the talent.

So I say we pass on him this year and try for him in 2007, when, by the pattern, he is due for a big year! (j/k)

28 hrs, .975 OPS, 36 SB (12 CS)
26 hrs, .904 OPS, 36 SB (13 CS)
31 hrs, .913 OPS, 15 SB (5 CS)

His other years haven't been nearly as productive as those three, plus he K's every fourth at-bat. Seems to me that Reggie Sanders in actuality, not capability, is not a big enough upgrade from Eric Byrnes to give up the prospects that STL would likely demand.

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 11:39 AM PDT reply actions

Sanders

He hasn't had a sluggin lower then 455 since 200. So far it is .507. And he still stole 21 bases last year. The guy is old, but he's in great shape. And his defense is really good.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

.224

Do we need another guy who is hitting .224 with an OBP of .288? I think Sanders is/was an enormous talent whose time is fading. He won't put up numbers like 2003 or 2004 again, especially with the pressure of hitting cleanup.

Compare Jose Guillen's numbers with the A's last year (when he was supposed to be THE right-handed power) to his numbers with the Reds last year and Washington this year.

I would expect the same decline with Sanders

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions

oops, guillen in 2003

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Good point.

I am just worried about his age. I dont know how long he is signed for either.

Joe Morgan smells bad and has poor english skills. Wait so do I.

by Ionnes on May 3, 2005 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions

31 HR's

is not an upgrade. Who do you think we have in left field?

by theblackpearl on May 3, 2005 11:42 AM PDT reply actions

this was sarcastic right?

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions

I was

asking JJ the question of who he thought we had in left field.

by theblackpearl on May 3, 2005 11:46 AM PDT reply actions

I wish we had someone that could hit!

the situation in left is a bit embarassing right now, but I just don't think Sanders will improve it very much.

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Guillen

Did exactly what the A's needed. He provided power and a good arm. IF he wasn't playing with a broken, hand and not as much of a head case, he might still be here

by theblackpearl on May 3, 2005 11:49 AM PDT reply actions

Right he did, but...

Look at his numbers when he was expected to be THE source of right-handed power. In Cincinnati, Anaheim, and Washington, he had protection in the lineup (not that Terrmel Sledge is wonderful protection, but there are other hitters in the lineup).

I just think Sanders' numbers won't be as good as people hope and expect

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Well actually

Broken hand has nothing to do with it.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions

that's true

Guillen hit better in September with a broken hand than he did in August without it... that takes some guts!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Not Durazo

I have no problem dumping byrnes, but please, not Durazo.

"Put a Milo on him."
-Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on May 3, 2005 11:57 AM PDT reply actions

Sanders

I cant imagine giving up Byrnes AND Durazo for the old man, or DJ either. Byrnes and an average prospect for Sanders, sign me up.

Does it concern anyone though that Sanders has spent his entire career in the NL.

I still dont know if this is the right guy to cure the power outage, I think that some team will over pay for Dotel at some point. Thats seems to be the best time for BB to strike.

by pickinmachine on May 3, 2005 12:23 PM PDT reply actions

Who to get?

After Lees monstrous April combined with Garciaparra and Walkers injuries, there is no way we can get Derek Lee. I personally think Jason Dubois would be nice, but more prospects would haev to come our way if we were to give them Dotel. Besides, i don't want to trade Dotel unless we are out of the race.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Dotel

Isnt he a FA after this season, or is it after next season. At any rate, he will be traded at some point.

I dont think Beane feels that this team is built to win it all. I get the feeling that his strategy is to try and compete this year, hope for the best, but ultimately make this team championship caliber for '06. With that in mind, I think we try and maximize our return on Dotel, whatever the standings are.

As for who else? I have no idea, I'll let others including yourself come up with names.

by pickinmachine on May 3, 2005 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't fully buy the '06 argument.

If that were the case, I think we'd be playing a couple more rookies. Byrnes and/or Kielty would've been moved during the offseason to make room for another young OFer and the same for Hatteburg. If you are playing for the next year you want to get your young players some good MLB ABs so they can hit the ground running next year.

That being said, looking around the league, I don't see many OFers that we can get that we actually would want. I think we need to promote from within and see what kinda power we can generate from our AAA/AA guys.

"When you consider the other choices, manure is actually pretty refreshing." - George Costanza

by Awesomus on May 3, 2005 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions

re:

I wasnt saying give up on '05, just so thats clear.

Maybe the only reason we didnt move Byrnes or Hatteberg is because the right deal wasnt there.

You dont trade guys just so you can get young players experience for next year. Thats old school "rebuilding year" type firesale mentality.

by pickinmachine on May 3, 2005 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Sanders is also very streaky ...

he gets hot, but then he'll strike out every at bat for a month sometimes. I would trade him for Byrnes straight up in a heartbeat, but I don't really think he'll make this team much better. I do have a feeling Beane will trade Johnson - I don't think he believes that his ability is ML quality. It seems to me that this team needs one big bat, and it ain't gonna be cheap.

We need John Jaha - could we sweet talk Jesse James into making him a custom wheelchair?

How come the players we need (Guillen, Saenz) have burned bridges with our GM?

by iceplant on May 3, 2005 12:31 PM PDT reply actions

You know what

We might as well make a run at Aubrey Huff with Dan Johnson. Please?

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 3, 2005 12:40 PM PDT reply actions

now your talking

Huff is a great young player who can play 1B and OF. I dont think TB is shopping him yet, but Im sure it will be a sellers market with a lot of teams interested, Baltimore, Boston, NY. To name a couple.

I think we could do it because we are in the west and also have a well stocked farm system to go along with a byrnes.

Money will play into everything, I wonder what conversations BB has had with Wolff so far regarding potential deals and any salary increase

by pickinmachine on May 3, 2005 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Not that I'm against the idea

I just wish Huff was a righty! That way, we don't stack Chavvy, Huff, and Durazo together again.

There seems to be a lack of quality righties!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 3, 2005 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Huff suitors...

Ny won't go after huff. What would they do with him? And besides, any bargaining chips the Yanks have (very few) will go towards getting pitching. Baltimore doesn't need Huff. Boston on the other hand seems likely to be a Huff suitor. Kick Millar to the curb and Doug "the dirt devil" Menvoytanavmciech will be used as he is now, late innings with occassional start. I would love Huff, he can rake, but I don't think this is the year BB makes THE move, next year.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on May 3, 2005 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

teams

Why wouldnt Baltimore want Huff, they are already trying to pursue Helton. I would never discount NY if they want him, they usually get what they want. Huff can play anywhere. Minky is on the Mets not Boston, but anyway, I agree that Boston would push for Huff the most.

Huff to me is the only guy I have seen out there that checks all the boxes. POWER, Young, Cheap, plays on a loser, Non Division.

by pickinmachine on May 3, 2005 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd rather have Xavier Nady ...

who also fits all those criteria. Not a first baseman, but would have no trouble playing there. Now, how would we get him?

by iceplant on May 3, 2005 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions

I just don't think...

Baltimore would be smart to give up prospects to add more offense. They have plenty. And while I understand the Yanks usually get what they want, I don't think it is true this year. They seriously need pitching. What are they going to give up for pitching and then get Huff. Also, their lineup is stacked. I just don't think they will use what little they have to get another first baseman when they have giambi/tino. And I'm an idiot about Menchavidosivavcch. Yes, he is on the Mets. Sorry

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on May 3, 2005 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions

They're not going to give up Byrnes and Durazo

Cards wouldn't want Durazo anyway. Byrnes for Sanders straight up - maybe throw in a AA player. Put Sanders in the lineup every day. You get a huge defensive upgrade, a .500 slugger against LH pitching, and speed. So he's 37? So what, he's much better than what we have. May be the best we can get.

by boilerdan on May 3, 2005 12:41 PM PDT reply actions

please no reggie sanders, beane!

by xbhaskarx on May 3, 2005 1:14 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah, really

I wouldn't even give Byrnes for the guy. Anyone but Reggie Sanders.

by walk off bunt on May 3, 2005 2:18 PM PDT reply actions

In fact, forget Sanders entirely

Beane should be trying to snatch away Dubois (As someone, I think ohad, mentioned up there earlier.) If taking on Sanders' salary and giving up Byrnes and a useful spare part prospect (Colamarino, Mabeus, those types that have been thrown out earlier in the thread) nabs us Sanders who can potentially give us lightening in a bottle for a couple months, and Dubois, a legitimate prospect for becoming a future starting outfielder, then fine. But trading for Sanders as the centerpiece to any deal is taking a step backwards.

by walk off bunt on May 3, 2005 2:27 PM PDT reply actions

Huff, Gomes

I will like to have Huff in Green and Gold but that I think with Durazo, Hatty and Johnson that is not goin to happen, but and interesting player in Tampa Bay is JONNY GOMES, young, outfielder, right handed, good power, good OBP and CHEAP, , He's line this year in AAA was .315 AVG .391 OBP .667 SLG 5 HR 20 RBI in 14 G, and he is 7-for-23 with two homers, a double, five RBI and three walks since being called up, the Devil Rays has never show any interest in give him a chance, I think Beane could get him for a pitching prospect (Rheinecker?)

by Olijerez77 on May 3, 2005 8:57 PM PDT reply actions