2006: The ANtics Take On the Off-Season

by louismg on Jan 1, 2006 12:54 AM PST in News

It was only a few months ago that the A's promising 2005 season came to a close in remarkably familiar fashion - but AN is very excited about the 2006 season, and the last few months have seen a great number of changes - with the additions of Esteban Loaiza and Milton Bradley, and the hard, but understandable, losses of Hatteberg and others.

We checked in with a few of the A's to see if they believe the change has been for change's sake or for the better - and when is it enough? Read on in the ANtics - 2006 style!

Is this year's roster set? Vote in the poll!

Click to See Larger Comic

ANtics Archive: 2005 Season ANtics

Poll

What Does Beane Have Left Up His Sleeve?

Bobby Kielty and Marco Scutaro to Milwaukee for Ben Sheets

6 votes

Charles Thomas, Juan Cruz, Dan Meyer to Atlanta for Tim Hudson

25 votes

Ken Macha to be 3rd Base Coach, Ron Washington to be Manager

16 votes

(Other - Write In Below)

3 votes

Troy Glaus and Lyle Overbay from Toronto for Stomper and Brandon Buckley

4 votes

Frank Thomas Signs Two-Year Deal as DH

37 votes

91 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 31 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Yay! ANtics!!!

I've missed these! Awesome!

by Squeaky on Jan 1, 2006 12:59 AM PST reply actions

Terrific!

You have a talent !

by IM4Oakgal on Jan 1, 2006 1:09 AM PST reply actions

Albert Pujols

for Kieth Ginter and AN poster to be named later.

Knowledge is Power, Ignorance is Bliss. But I have Blissful Power, because I have a lot of knowledge, I just forgot it all

by Zonis on Jan 1, 2006 10:27 AM PST reply actions

Can't be me...

I have a no-trade clause :-)

"You don't make a burger to make it look pretty." - Nick Swisher... RIP Richard Pryor

by JLaff on Jan 1, 2006 10:51 AM PST up reply actions

and you're an AN photographer

AN stats people, poets and photographers are trade-untouchable...

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me," Beane told Forst.

by Poppy on Jan 1, 2006 11:21 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah, right

If the Blue Jays dangled a 2006 Kids Club Membership, monkeyball and Secret ASian Man would be toast.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Jan 1, 2006 12:14 PM PST up reply actions

Can't be me,

as I'm incredibly over-valued.

by Nico on Jan 1, 2006 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

hopefully, I'm secure...

...here on the bench. I mean... my stats stink, my lame puns & haikus take an inordinately long time to hone into something postable, and my seats are too far away (and my camera too small) for decent photos... but I post for free (thus fitting AN's budget perfectly) and I'm relatively non-cancerous in the clubhouse...

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me," Beane told Forst.

by Poppy on Jan 1, 2006 1:05 PM PST up reply actions

Could be worse.....

I am AN's very own T-Long. I fooled Blez into thinking I had potential in my first few posts, worked a three-year deal, and now just stink the place up. In fact, I'll probably pinch-post for Nico soon, crushing our chances of winning any "Best BLog" awards.

"I have nothing against the bunt - in it's place. But most of the time that place is in the bottom of a long-forgotten closet." - Earl Weaver

by PosterNutbag44 on Jan 1, 2006 10:57 PM PST up reply actions

I can't reveal my sources...

but the Jays are VERY interested in a package deal for oaktoon and Apricot. Apparently, they want to duplicate the Moneybutt phenomenon that is sweeping the nation. (The nation being the US, not Canada, making my comment moot)

by louismg on Jan 1, 2006 11:39 AM PST up reply actions

It can not be me

I have already been named.

Kendall Haiku by FormerHuntsvilleStar, " Ball in hand, a leap,--- a veteran catcher blocks--- and secures a win"

by Athletics fan and runner on Jan 1, 2006 4:14 PM PST up reply actions

Good stuff!

glad to see these back

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Jan 1, 2006 12:45 PM PST reply actions

I heart DJ...

by high street on Jan 1, 2006 3:00 PM PST reply actions

Warms my winter heart to see ANtics back

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005.

by ak_A on Jan 1, 2006 5:49 PM PST reply actions

Louis rocks!

I heart the ANtics. They're AWESOME!!! And this one is probably one of my all time favorites (I say that after every one). Awesome job, louis. But we CAN'T trade Stomper!!!

"I like Band Camp. He hits things." ~ Kyli (9/24/05)

by AsGirl on Jan 1, 2006 6:00 PM PST reply actions

Oh yes we can.

I still hold Stomper responsible for the mysterious "disappearance" of Harry Elefante. We'll probably never know the truth until they tear down Mt. Davis, where I'm guessing he's doing his best Jimmy Hoffa.

"I'm a lexicon devil with a battered brain."--Darby Crash

by lexdevil on Jan 1, 2006 6:09 PM PST up reply actions

The Jays Are Taking Everyone!

It's clear that somebody is smoking some good Canadian reefer up there in Toronto, with all the off-season's acquisitions. I don't know that an acquisition of Stomper is that far out of left field.

Besides, doesn't Stomper have enough years behind him to demand a serious contract? And I haven't heard anything about ongoing negotiations, so...

by louismg on Jan 1, 2006 6:15 PM PST up reply actions

Actually

Stomper is a 10-5 guy, so he can veto any trade...

by LoveDemAs on Jan 1, 2006 6:26 PM PST up reply actions

Stomper was introduced in 1996

So... according to anybody's calendar, Stomper has participated in parts of 10 individual seasons, but not 10 FULL seasons. In fact, his 10-year anniversary should be partway through the upcoming season.

As I read it, Billy's got precious seconds to trade the guy - I swear he's never hit his weight.

by louismg on Jan 1, 2006 11:23 PM PST up reply actions

I'm pretty sure Stomper's a 10-and-5 guy

So he'll be demanding many bushels of peanuts to consent to any deal.

Costly Seat Downgrade

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 1, 2006 6:27 PM PST up reply actions

Jinx!

Costly Seat Downgrade

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 1, 2006 6:28 PM PST up reply actions

<Sobs>

Miggy and Huddy were my two favorite A's and they left us. And now Stomper?! <SOBS> Oh well. At least he's not going to the Yankees, Red Sox, or Anaheim! I will root for Stomper FOREVER to entertain people all over the world. <Sobs> I LOVE Stomper.

"I like Band Camp. He hits things." ~ Kyli (9/24/05)

by AsGirl on Jan 1, 2006 10:26 PM PST up reply actions

Maybe we'll get Ace in return...

Um...what are those things on his arms?

BLOCK THIS DEAL!!!

AN Member Location Surveys: Results | Take part

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jan 2, 2006 5:43 AM PST up reply actions

You mean,

next to those malignant tumors?

by Nico on Jan 2, 2006 10:34 AM PST up reply actions

My god

Look at his head. Total juicer.

Ace just two years ago:
Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Do you really want him representing our team?

"You don't make a burger to make it look pretty." - Nick Swisher... RIP Richard Pryor

by JLaff on Jan 2, 2006 11:13 AM PST up reply actions

Is it me or does

Macha look like Peter Gammons right there.

by SanTropez on Jan 1, 2006 8:46 PM PST reply actions

I love these!!

And Wash as manager? I wish!!

by anomaly_kat on Jan 2, 2006 12:23 AM PST reply actions

There's no link dump

but i thought i'd post this on the front page article. Dayn Perry released a new article on foxsports.com and in it he not only thinks the Yankees will sweep the A's in the first round of next years playoffs, but will go on to beat the Braves in 6 in the WS. But, what really shows his stupidity is that he calls it the Yanks first WS title of the millenium. 2000 says Hi.

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners

by Helloooo 1st on Jan 2, 2006 2:55 AM PST reply actions