The Rumors are a Swirlin'

by OaktownIn06 on Jan 7, 2006 12:26 PM PST

There have been a lot of rumors posted about the A's that have gone slightly unnoticed. Maybe a post here, a diary there, but their is deffinetly something signifigant about these rumors. Now I know that they are called rumors for a reason, but consider this:

A couple of days ago, rumors of a three way deal between LA, OAK, and BOS were going around. Apparently, the deal would send David Wells to LA, an A's player to Boston, and a Prospect to the A's. This trade makes a lot of sense for all teams involved.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/01/05/red_sox_pitchers_eligible_for_arbit ration/

Yesterday, Susan Slusser comes out with an article about the A's chances with Frank Thomas. The Big Hurts agent, Arn Tellum, pointed to the A's as the probable destination for his client: "They have real interest, but at the same time, they are still evaluating things. We're all keeping our fingers crossed."
Slusser continues to discuss the fact that the feelings are mutual between FT and Oakland:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/01/06/SPGF7GIFJ11.DTL

Today, another article came out, with a blurb that the player that is being discussed going from Oakland to Boston in the three way deal is Jay Payton. Many of us counted this out from the beggining, especially with Payton's relationship with his former team. If you really think about it, this would not be that much of a stretch, considering the fact that Payton would be guaranteed playingtime, maybe even more then in Oakland.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/01/07/red_sox_complete_deal_for_snow/?pag e=2

So, what is the point of throwing all of these articles all together? Everyone already knows what is going on, plus, it is the Boston Globe after all. Well, consider this: If you piece all three articles together, you actually have more information then if you read them separatly. I'm deffinetly reading between the lines here. So the A's will probably sign Thomas, at least there is a more than likley chance. As you know, if Thomas is signed Payton moves right to the bench. He is the odd man out, Swisher and DJ play. I think that this three-way deal is to clear up that starting spot for the Big Hurt. We all know that Payton can't rot on the bench, for a number of reasons. He is too valuable, and he doesn't like to sit. Dejavu (sp?) all over again?? Anyway, you can assume that if any three way deal goes through, Saarloos and Kennedy won't be included, simply because that wouldn't clear up space for the DH. Saarloos and Kennedy both do not have enough trade value to make it worth Beane's while anyway. Payton makes a ton of sense in Boston, especially because his offensive talents are above average for a center fielder, not a corner OF. Beane can get a prospect, and use Payton's four million to sign Frankie T. I'm not saying he needs to free up payroll, but doesn't all of this just make sense? Something to think about...

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Comments

Yes, you are reading between the lines

but your logic makes excellent sense, in my opinion. In a perfect world, we keep Jay Pay as a valuable role/bench player who fills in for the unexpected back ache that sidelines Kotsay. But he doesn't like role playing, and we have Kielty who is cheaper and smashes lefties.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Jan 7, 2006 12:39 PM PST reply actions

for the umpteenth time

The logic makes no sense whatsoever--

Kotsay is bound to miss 15-20 games to his back;

Swisher can't hit lefties-- at least he hasn't proven it-- that might be another 20 starts or so;

DJ can't play 160 games-- chalk up another 10 starts;

Milton bradley has only played more than 110 games once-- there's another 20-30 starts;

And thomas?? Do you really believe he'll play 130+ games? Wouldn't 90-100 be more like it?

Add them all up and the next guy-- Jay payton-- plays as much as 150 games.

Payton's going nowhere.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jan 7, 2006 12:45 PM PST reply actions

what the hell

those are all possibilites, granted. But still, when you come at saying "the logic makes no sense whatsoever" it's as if he just said "Payton's going because he peed on Billy Beanes lawn".

RIP Bill King "By the Beard of Zeus!" "I don't know if you heard me counting. I did over a thousand"

by ohad on Jan 7, 2006 12:55 PM PST up reply actions

I agree with the toon

One of the biggest weaknesses of the team last year was a lack of depth. Even if the A's do land Thomas, it doesnt mean Payton is gone. It could, but I doubt it also.

Swisher and Johnson are bound to struggle again at some point next year. And its pretty unrealistic to think that Kotsay or/and Bradley wont get hurt at all.

Payton will get plenty of PT.

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

by pickinmachine on Jan 7, 2006 1:00 PM PST up reply actions

I'm tired of seeing the A's going

into the playoffs

1)hurt

2)exhausted

so let's keep the depth and tell Jay Pay to cork it.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Jan 7, 2006 1:05 PM PST up reply actions

yeah...I see what you mean

but what is it too much to hope for healthy Bradley and Thomas (120-140 games each)?

Swisher will play 1st against lefties, spelling for Johnson those games. Kielty will also get to play OF against lefties.

I think if Kielty gave up switch hitting, he could match Payton's offensive production.

I am actually in favor of keeping Jay Pay unless the prospect is a stud, I just don't want him to go nuts when he's not playing all that much.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Jan 7, 2006 1:02 PM PST up reply actions

The reason it's not

so obvious, oaktoon, is that Swisher is too young to become an official platoon player, DJ is too young and agile to become an official DH, and while Payton doesn't perform way better against LHP, Kielty does (so if Kielty stays, those Swisher-sits or DJ-sits ABs should go to Kielty first).

If you feel there is room for Payton to start 100+ games, I think you're more likely to be right than wrong, but I don't think it's obvious.

by Nico on Jan 7, 2006 2:38 PM PST up reply actions

I don't accept the...

"swisher too young to become a platoon player"-- if he can't hit lefties, he sits.

same for Johnson who hit them pretty well last year.

Kielty isn't as strong defensively as payton-- he can't play CF. In certain cases with Thomas hurt, he might DH, but I don't see him in the field that much.

It's really pretty basic--

810 starts at the 3 OF positions, DH and 1B.

Kotsay, DJ and Swish should average 140-145 starts a piece.

Bradley will be lucky to hit 120

Thomas lucky to hit 100

That's 650.

Where do the other 160 go?

All to Kielty??

Of course not-- Kielty might get 30-40 starts against lefties-- that still leaves 120-130 for Payton.

The only way this equation changes-- other than Thomas and Bradley being miraculously healthy-- is if and when Barton's ready to play.

Payton should be a very valuable player to have this year.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jan 7, 2006 6:23 PM PST up reply actions

Payton is also the A's healthiest and best

defensive OF. I'd like to see him play 130 games in CF, with Kotsay and Bradley filling in at times when there's a tough RHP starting. Defense is the strength of this team, not offense, and not even strikeout pitching (except Harden and Street).

There are a total of 810 starts available between the OF, 1B and DH. If you accept that Bradley, Kotsay and Thomas all have injury issues, then the best solution to me seems to be:

Payton -- 130
Kotsay -- 130
Bradley -- 130
Swisher -- 140
Johnson -- 130
Thomas -- 100
Kielty -- 50

If someone is unexpectedly healthy, I'd take the starts out of Johnson, since an .800 OPS 1B/DH is really nothing special, although it is useful in a pinch.

Also I never want to see Kielty start against a righty again. Ever.

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2006 6:47 PM PST up reply actions

Valid points

but Payton isn't close to being as good as Kotsay defensively.......

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Jan 7, 2006 7:23 PM PST up reply actions

Kotsay is better when healthy

but he hasn't been healthy.

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2006 7:28 PM PST up reply actions

That LA deal may work out though

I also think that LA might look to try to aquire Payton as well. Right now, the Dodgers OF looks like Werth, Lofton, and Cruz Jr. IMO Payton starts in that outfield and Lofton sits. I wouldn't be suprised to see something get done.

If Barry Zito ends up with the Angels, I will jump off the Bay Bridge in my Banjo man replica cape!

by haren4prez on Jan 7, 2006 12:55 PM PST reply actions

no

LA just signed Lofton to a 3.85 million dollar deal. They won't trade for Patyon who costs more and sit Lofton. Sitting Werth is the likely thing.

RIP Bill King "By the Beard of Zeus!" "I don't know if you heard me counting. I did over a thousand"

by ohad on Jan 7, 2006 12:56 PM PST up reply actions

dont forget the tin man

dont forget about J.D. Drew, as little as he played last year he's still in LA's starting outfield, leaving them with an additional oddman out in Cruz Jr. or Werth. I think the deal makes sense and it would make a better, well balanced team overall.

Everyone is cool in their own way--Chase d'Arnaud

by meaningfuljargon on Jan 7, 2006 1:03 PM PST up reply actions

listen

to have payton on the bench will be fine and dandy. Good insurance, good player. Look at Payton's history. HE WONT SIT QUIETLY. If Kotsay is hurting, you can either DH him and give FT a rest, or you can just bench him and play Kielty. Kielty was out starting LF last year! As a reserve, he is perfect. Payton will make four million next year. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Plus, the prospect that Payton will bring in will likely contribute in the Daric Barton era. 4 million + prospect + better chemisty=better then having Payton as insurance. Period. Bradley is not injury prone, just unlucky, and can fill in for Kotsay. The argument that his track record proves he is more than likley is bull shit, in my humble opinion.

by OaktownIn06 on Jan 7, 2006 1:42 PM PST reply actions

more than likely

to get injured...

by OaktownIn06 on Jan 7, 2006 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

Talking about Barton....

Is just me or Barton could be the key in the Hole "Payton, Swisher, DJ 1B/OF/DH" problem?

To me Barton is the answer, all depends in what position is he going to play, if he going to play LF, keep Payton makes sense because in 2007 he's gone and Barton is going to take his position...

BUT if Barton is going to play 1B/DH, Swisher will be in the OF in 2007 so to me isn't such a good idea for Swisher's development as an OF if he stays the 2006 season playing 1B...

If Barton is the 1B of the Future and Swisher the RF of the future don't waste Swisher's time at 1B, trade Payton and let Swisher play the OF, we still have some options at DH (Piazza, Craig Wilson, Thomas)

by Olijerez77 on Jan 7, 2006 3:30 PM PST up reply actions

Don't get me started...

...on how phenomenal Daric Barton is...

Already my favorite MLB player and he ain't even in MLB.

Also, you forgot that Barton might still see some time THIS year, even with our logjam. Worst comes to worst, we plug him in for a couple games a week at catcher simply because some PT is better than no PT (rather than bench him if we have a full roster in 2007, we let him play on an almost regular basis at diff positions -- LF, RF, 1b, DH, C -- together these would combine for around 450 AB's as a 20 year old rook... not bad)

by Alon on Jan 7, 2006 3:46 PM PST up reply actions

He's played more than 100 games

once in what? 5 seasons?

You have to be realistic here, folks.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jan 7, 2006 6:25 PM PST up reply actions

I love the depth

that the A's have, and I think everyone is going to have to put the team first, and playing time second. I would like to see Jay Pay embrace this and be a veteran leader.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Jan 7, 2006 2:51 PM PST reply actions

What makes you think he will like the bench more

in Oakland, than in boston. Is the bench heated better, or is it softer?

by theblackpearl on Jan 7, 2006 3:21 PM PST reply actions

Combination.

It's where Oakland spends the other $40 M of its payroll. All this premise of "small market" is BS, and everyone knows it. Everyone knows just as well that the bench in Oakland is better than anywhere else -- complete with a massager, heating/cooling controls, cushions, and wood taken straight from the Tree of Life.

I'm not even getting into our Fountain of Youth-filled water coolers, or the sexy female masseuses who hit on our players.

Oh wait, that last one actually happened...

by Alon on Jan 7, 2006 3:49 PM PST up reply actions

BECAUSE HE WON'T BE ON THE BENCH

Why can't people get this through your thick skulls?

He'll play 120+ games-- his average is 135 the past 6 years.

That's hardly becoming a bench player.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jan 7, 2006 6:27 PM PST up reply actions

So your now Mrs Cleo, you can tell, before the

season starts, before ANYONE gets hurt, how many games each person will play.

by theblackpearl on Jan 7, 2006 7:23 PM PST up reply actions

A's 2006 25 Man Roster

The past year's position depth might help.
Legend: (2005 Games per position - Last contract year)

C: Jason Kendall R (147 - '07), Adam Melhuse S (24 - '08)

1B: Dan Johnson L (101 - '10), Nick Swisher S (21 - '10),

2B: Mark Ellis R (115 - '08), Marco Scutaro R (30 - '09), Antonio Perez (29 - '10), Keith Ginter R (25 - '06)

3B: Eric Chavez L (153 - '11), Antonio Perez (35 - '10), Keith Ginter R (12 - '06), Marco Scutaro R (5 - '09),

SS: Bobby Crosby R (84 - '09), Marco Scutaro R (81 - '09), Antonio Perez (9 - '10), Mark Ellis R (7 - '08)

LF: Bobby Kielty S (58-2007), Jay Payton R (47-2006), Antonio Perez (1 - 2010)

CF: Mark Kotsay L (137- '08), Milton Bradley (72 - '07 or '08), Jay Payton R (25 - '06),

RF: Nick Swisher S (121- '10), Bobby Kielty S (42 - '07),

DH: Bobby Kielty S (15 - '07), Keith Ginter R (9 - '06), Adam Melhuse R (8 - '08), Antonio Perez (1 - '10)

by A s Eh on Jan 7, 2006 11:28 PM PST up reply actions

That's borderline CGV

Please try to get your point across without accusing everyone who has a different opinion than you that they have "thick skulls." I tend to agree with you, but with a wildcard like this, either outcome is very possible.

A Beane in the hand is worth $60M in payroll

by jeepers on Jan 8, 2006 12:52 AM PST up reply actions

lol

cmon-- let me have some frustration, OK?-- without doing a "borderline" CGV thing on me.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jan 8, 2006 7:56 AM PST up reply actions

I think jeepers is being

totally reasonable, 'toon. He's not reporting the comment or trying to be petty; he's pointing out that we're aiming to create a community where upon being frustrated, people don't lash out by insulting other individuals, or many individuals. FYI, I had exactly the same response to your post: I wouldn't report it but I noted it to myself as precisely the kind of response that I (speaking just as user #705) would prefer not to see. People who disagree aren't thick skulled--perhaps the key isn't to be right, but rather to be interested: interested in stating a POV and also interested in welcoming everyone else's POV.

by Nico on Jan 8, 2006 8:45 AM PST up reply actions

I had a POV but sold it

...the mileage sucked

"A's are just a Huff away"

by A s Eh on Jan 8, 2006 10:50 AM PST up reply actions

I'm still upset

that you aren't user #2

by Alon on Jan 8, 2006 11:32 AM PST up reply actions

These are great issues

to bring up with your analyst. They can't help unless they know what's really bothering you.

by Nico on Jan 8, 2006 12:08 PM PST up reply actions

whateve community we're trying to build...

get it through your "thick skulls" is hardly some horrendous insult.

When a comment like that gets flagged, some of us are repelled by the Big Brotherish element that seems to lurk around here and surface in moments like these.

I think "thick skulls" is a perfectly apt way for people who seem to be living under the belief that all the A's starters at OF, 1B and DH will play every day and payton will be relegated to the bunch, when the truth is so obviously different than that.

But in deference to you all I'll change it to this: "Can't you people see that you're dead wrong about the way Beane and Macha will use, or be forced to use this lineup? Payton will have ample opportunity to play-- why trade him when the A's have him for another year before barton and some other young outfielder might be fully ready??

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jan 8, 2006 5:58 PM PST up reply actions

For whatever it's worth,

I think your rephrase is much more appropriate and to me it does feel different. Personally, I don't see it as "big brotherish" for members of a huge (4,000 personish) discussion to say, "Hey, no need to talk to my homies that way." I imagine jeepers would interject the same way in some cafe discussion of good friends and casual acquaintances; I know I would.

As for admin's role in it, the community I think we're interested in creating is just one where people new to baseball would feel safe commenting. That's pretty much my goal, anyway, as user #705 and administrator #2.

My final comment on the matter is that I know I give someone's opinions far more weight when they're phrased the second way than the first, so toning down can be a win-win for everyone.

by Nico on Jan 8, 2006 6:58 PM PST up reply actions

A couple of things

Payton complained when he was getting absolutely no time. As long as he gets a chance to compete for a spot he'll be happy. That's the quote he gave us when he was first traded. In his past, the only incident I remember was in Boston. I will give him benefit of the doubt.

Also, no matter how big an increase in payroll we have, 4 mil on a bench player who's a hole on offense (and Payton is just look at his OBP) is not a luxury the A's have. Resign Bocachica to be backup backup CF if we need to.

We might want to also include the Craig Wilson rumors in this diary. Saarloos has some trade value and could net us value greater than his value to us out of the bullpen. I hope all these rumors turn out ot be true and we help out our minor leagues and get two more solid MLers. I went on the record and said we needed two or three more solid bats. Bradley is one, Thomas two, Wilson three. Get it done, BB!

Also, if we trade Saarloos we weakwn our bullpen you say. We still need another lefty past Kennedy and another solid pitcher to take over for Saarloos. My solution: call up Jairo and Rhino or Robertson or Komine or... well you get my drift. If these rumors are true the offseason grade is sneaking closer to a 9 or even a 10 (and I'm a tough grader).

"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra

by vignette17 on Jan 7, 2006 3:51 PM PST reply actions

Remember, too,

that when Payton complained, he was in a culture of complaining, a la Manny's "I have everything and I'm STILL not satisfied" and Foulke's "Why is the media treating me the way I heard it is here but signed here anyway? Stop it!"

The A's culture of not complaining will affect Payton just as much as the Red Sox culture of complaining probably affect Payton in Boston. I see this as a non-problem.

by Nico on Jan 7, 2006 4:59 PM PST up reply actions

culture of not complaining

Once again, you've succeeded in articulating a concept that I basically accuse others of being too blind or stupid to understand.

by kvn on Jan 7, 2006 5:59 PM PST up reply actions

I'd trade Kielty and replace him with Wilson

either in the same trade or separate trades before Payton. The Red Sox might want both Kielty (RH platoon for Nixon) in addition to Payton as CF. Although I guess Wilson's salary matches up better with Payton's than with Kielty's.

I'd only trade Payton if the Red Sox gave up something of real value -- at least two top 10 prospects, although I don't expect them to give up Marte, Hansen, Pedroia, Lester or Papelbon. Maybe Delcarmen plus Bowden or something.

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 7, 2006 7:01 PM PST up reply actions

Do you really think Boston

would give up David Wells and two top 10 prospects for Jay Payton and Bobby Kielty? Maybe one, in the form of Brandon Moss or even Shoppach. But not two.

by SuperDingus on Jan 8, 2006 12:18 AM PST up reply actions

A valid point about Boston getting hosed.

LA has to give up something here as well. So more likely Boston gives up one prospect and LA gives up one prospect.

by WaddellCanseco on Jan 8, 2006 1:41 AM PST up reply actions

quote copied and stashed for later display

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

by ak_A on Jan 7, 2006 5:17 PM PST reply actions

That quote is

property of its author and is intended solely for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Any publication, reproduction, or retransmission without the express written consent of Nico and of AN is strictly prohibited.

by Nico on Jan 7, 2006 5:52 PM PST up reply actions

I'm confused.

I think the Mexico effect is still on me. What quote?

"I'm just a knotch in your bedpost, but you're just a line in a song..."-Sugar We're Going Down

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2006 6:01 PM PST up reply actions

nico's about payton

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

by ak_A on Jan 7, 2006 6:05 PM PST up reply actions

Muchas gracias for the clarification.

This is the first time I've been on AN for longer than five minutes for like a month (depressing, I know). it's good to be back. =]

"I'm just a knotch in your bedpost, but you're just a line in a song..."-Sugar We're Going Down

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2006 6:16 PM PST up reply actions

Oh contrare,

that is a sign of mental health. Heck, I even logged on and posted while on vacation in New Zealand. sick, sick, sick. I should seek some help.

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

by ak_A on Jan 7, 2006 6:45 PM PST up reply actions

New Zealand?

Home of the Auckland O's?

by Ice Cream on Jan 7, 2006 7:45 PM PST up reply actions

and Bobby Kiwi (mee-meep-mee)

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

by ak_A on Jan 7, 2006 7:53 PM PST up reply actions

Ha!

Good one.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Jan 7, 2006 9:49 PM PST up reply actions

Ha !

We'll just head for international waters and re-broadcast it with implied oral consent.

by green star oakland on Jan 7, 2006 6:19 PM PST up reply actions

Unless you have

a signed document from Hershiser, that's not going to do the trick.

by Nico on Jan 7, 2006 6:26 PM PST up reply actions

House-ridden with the

flu that long weekend in January, his life slipped into oblivion through dull nfl playoff games, old rerun movies, and a nagging tendency to peruse ANation all the while with a pounding headache and aching joints.

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

by ak_A on Jan 7, 2006 9:25 PM PST reply actions

Man, I gotta tell you,

it seems like it's been a rough year for significant illness. From you and Blez, to other friends of mine and kids at our school, it just seems like it's been a bad year, especially for bronchial/pneumonia type flu. Hope you feel better soon.

by Nico on Jan 7, 2006 9:43 PM PST up reply actions

I don't know, maybe that side

trip I took to Thailand and when hanging out in the poultry market, to be social, I drank some raw duck blood.

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

by ak_A on Jan 8, 2006 9:10 AM PST up reply actions

Ah, that would

explain your mallardy.

by Nico on Jan 8, 2006 9:26 AM PST up reply actions

Feeling better this morning but

that comment ruffled my feathers to a relapse.

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

by ak_A on Jan 8, 2006 9:28 AM PST up reply actions

I hate to think of

how that will affect your bill.

by Nico on Jan 8, 2006 9:48 AM PST up reply actions

This might be the one time

you want to see a quack doctor

by green star oakland on Jan 8, 2006 10:24 AM PST up reply actions

stop the madness, i give up.

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

by ak_A on Jan 8, 2006 10:46 AM PST up reply actions

These posts are flocked

Time for this bird to flew

"A's are just a Huff away"

by A s Eh on Jan 8, 2006 10:57 AM PST up reply actions

go with the madness !

http://media.putfile.com/Rabbit-Fire

by green star oakland on Jan 8, 2006 11:08 AM PST up reply actions

ive been a big fan

of craig wilson for a long time. I really would like to see him rockin for the Green and Gold. too bad he cut his hair though... That dude had a rockin mane... Remember last year when all the A's were growing their hair long? they should do that again this season. As soon as everyone started getting hair cuts, they started losing. Also I think everyone should bring back the Mustache, like the 70's A's.... And bring back the Bash as well. You cant beat tradition like that!!!!

Sometimes you tell the day, by the bottle that you drink, sometimes when your in love, all you do is think...

by Shippee33 on Jan 8, 2006 12:08 PM PST reply actions

The real question is

even with a rotation where we have six people for five positions, no matter how you spin it, that is paying four million extra dollars. The funny thing is, nobody is complaining about not having insurance now. Everyone thinks that we overpaid for Loaiza. We are paying him five million this year! Seriously, as it is now, Kielty is our first bench player and nobody seems to care. With Thomas everyone goes crazy that Payton needs to be there. But right now, the bench is the same as it would be if we traded Payton and signed Thomas. Is it because Swisher can move to the outfield if needed? Or because Payton can play center? As I said before
4 million+Prospect+better chemistry does not=Payton as insurance.

by OaktownIn06 on Jan 8, 2006 1:10 PM PST reply actions

He's not insurance

A guy who will play at least 120 games and maybe more if Kotsay ever gets more seriously injured ot Thomas is less healthy than we hope is hardly insurance-- I'd call him a fairly integral part of the team.

We have Kotsay, Barton, Bradley and Swisher for next year-- that's when Payton may be insurance.

This year he's a valuable member of this team.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jan 8, 2006 6:00 PM PST up reply actions

FOUR

MILLION DOLLARS!!

by OaktownIn06 on Jan 8, 2006 6:38 PM PST up reply actions

your point is???

that Lew Wolff and Fisher can't afford it??

I mean we kind of know what happens to next year's payroll, when Zito leaves and Payton leaves, and Thomas either one-ups again or retires...

but what is the problem with paying 4 million dollars for a jack-of-all trades like Payton who will play more often than he sits??

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jan 8, 2006 9:02 PM PST up reply actions

4 Million Dollars!

How do we know if that means anything to the A's payroll this year?

Beane has been very coy about the money Oakland has to spend this year.

What if the new ownership gave him extra money to spend this year saying, "Give us the best possible team to a World Series, so we can really push for a new stadium. Winning is our only chance to get one in the city of Oakland. So we are going to be not strict on the budget"? So Beane is not sweating $4 million to Payton or $1.85 to Keilty because he thinks that team, with Thomas, gives him the best chance to win it all.

The team is still pretty easy to blow up if it does not work out with Zito & Payton off the books next year, probably Thomas too if he is signed, & Kotsay's blanket no trade going away.

I think that scenario makes sense too.

I just think talking about trading talent is something we can discuss, but since we really don't know much about this year's A's budget, it is hard to throw salary numbers in the mix.

by Athletics Central on Jan 10, 2006 1:37 PM PST up reply actions