Piazza Official; $8.5 Million for 2007

a's have to make another move

the offense still isn't complete. whether it's floyd for a thomas-style contract, barry (i really think that would pay for itself), or trading for a huff or burrell.

at the very least, we can get rid or melhuse now, right?
we have kendall, jeremy brown, and piazza, so there's no need to keep melhuse around to put up a .250 obp.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 6, 2006 5:07 PM PST reply actions

I do think they need to

but I also don't think that it's necessary that they do it now. I keep hearing that there's a mystery team bidding for Barry Bonds. I keep wondering if it's the A's.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 6, 2006 5:10 PM PST up reply actions

A Mystery Team?

I think it could be the Springfield Isotopes. Do you think the A's need another 40+ DH type?

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Dec 6, 2006 5:14 PM PST up reply actions

bonds was playing a decent LF by the end of the year, and running well. even if he was below average out there, his offensive production would more than make up for it. plus, he wouldn't even have to be in the outfield very often, we'd just have to put the better of the two (bonds and piazza) at first base.

i think people don't realize how good bonds still is. he was recovering from injuries last year and still put up a .999 ops. frank "mvp" thomas had a .926 ops last year.

the spike in attendance and media coverage as he goes for the home run record would cover at least part of the salary. maybe the media circus would be a distraction to the team, but without another big bat, it won't matter because this team isn't going back to the playoffs.

last year looks nice: 93 wins, winning the AL West and sweeping in the ALDS, but the a's only scored 44 more runs than they allowed and they're losing zito and thomas while other teams in the division are getting much better.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 6, 2006 5:56 PM PST up reply actions

Payroll

We'll need to get rid of 15-Million is payroll in order to land Bonds. With the way things stand, the payroll is going to be 70-Million w/ the additions of Embree & Piazza.

What is the Payroll number going to be this season?

by Colorado Fan on Dec 6, 2006 8:20 PM PST up reply actions

A gift from St. Nick?

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 8:31 PM PST up reply actions

Other Teams getting much better????

I don't really see it, yet...At least not with the Rangers and Seattle. The Angels have probably gotten better, but not much.

Matthews (2007) greater than Figgins (2006)? Yes.
Figgins (2207) greater than Izturis (2007)? No.
Kotchman/Kendrick (2007) greater than Kendrick/Kennedy (2006)? Close.
GA declining / Vlad staying the same (no injuries) / Rivera staying the same - Will be a downgrade from 2006, IMO
Saunders & Weaver throwing a full season being better than 1/2 Season of Each + Colon/Weaver? I don't know.

As for run differential: I would like to see how things look if you take out the A's 10 worse losses (by deficit), and then take out the A's 10 largest wins...what's the difference then?

by Colorado Fan on Dec 6, 2006 8:32 PM PST up reply actions

Agree 100%

The offense isn't good enough. Kotsay, Bradley, Chavez and Crosby are massive question marks. Bonds pays for himself with additional ticket sales and concessions, not to mention he can actually help the team win and take the pressure off the other guys.

If they tank they can always dump salary in July.

by WaddellCanseco on Dec 7, 2006 1:01 AM PST up reply actions

Yarky can dream

That would make this the best Christmas ever. Barry in left/at DH would make Oakland Yarky's pick to win the West.

by yarky on Dec 6, 2006 5:30 PM PST up reply actions

Eric Karros just said

On a radio interview with Mason and Ireland that the mystery team could be the Texas Rangers. He did say that Bonds was most likely to end up back with the Giants though

by apilgrim on Dec 6, 2006 5:38 PM PST up reply actions

I've heard that Tom Hicks has said

no way that Bonds will be in a Texas uni.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 6, 2006 5:58 PM PST up reply actions

I saw the same quote

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Dec 6, 2006 5:59 PM PST up reply actions

yeah

the rangers fan base won't accept it. there's no way the rangers bring in bonds after hicks made that public statement.

i think a's fans will still go to games and root for the team if they're doing well, even if they don't like bonds. plus, unlike many other teams, beane is more concerned about winning than about what the fan base thinks of his moves (trading hudson and mulder in the same week).
and there are so many bonds fans and giants fans in the area who will go to games just to see bonds. when the giants win 70 games in the mediocre NL West again, many of them may become a's fans and stick around even after bonds is gone.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 6, 2006 6:12 PM PST up reply actions

I'm not a Bonds fan

but it seems worth an extra 2 mil (above market value) just to piss off the Giants' fan base and get him signed.

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Dec 6, 2006 6:16 PM PST up reply actions

Maybe he'll play naked

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 6, 2006 6:31 PM PST up reply actions

Great line

Amphetamine ban notwitstanding, I still don't think the fans see many guys playing naked these days.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Dec 6, 2006 9:39 PM PST up reply actions

Maybe if the Bonds market collapses

Sabean must realize there's at least a chance he's just negotiating against himself here. If the Giants continue to be ambivalent, or even spend some money elsewhere, Bonds' asking price could drop fast.

BTW, it is greatly to your credit that you can both want Bonds on the roster while also taking a hard line on testing, HOF, etc. Seriously.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Dec 6, 2006 9:42 PM PST up reply actions

bonds

i hate steroids, i hate bonds, and i hate the idea of bonds and other juicers being in the HoF... but i also hate losing baseball games.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 7, 2006 2:08 PM PST up reply actions

Melhuse??

Can anyone offer some insight into why the A's would actually keep Melhuse?? ESPN and others are reporting Piazza will be #3 behind Kendall and Melhuse. I don't understand the allure of this guy. He's 35, with a weak BA/OBP and average defensive skills. Why not give Brown a shot as a backup if you don't want Piazza playing catcher?

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser"

by HugeAthleticSupporter on Dec 7, 2006 9:29 AM PST up reply actions

Defense

From what I understand, Brown is a defensive zero. That said, whoever the backup is will play so little that the A's may as well not give Melhuse an arby salary (and Brown should definitely not be given an Arby's salary.)

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 7, 2006 9:33 AM PST up reply actions

Kurt Suzuki

I think kurt suzuki could make a good defensive/backup catcher. He's already stated to be the best defensive guy we have and he's probably provide around melhuse-like offense, with higher obp and lower power.

by tomoyo on Dec 7, 2006 1:17 PM PST up reply actions

The thing I was scared most about

Was the rumor of a two year, $10 mil + contract. A one year contract from such a good hitter (even if he is on the downward slope) who proved he could hit off of some down years is much more agreeable to my sanity.

It's a bit of money, but Piazza is a player that can hit well enough to make a strong case that he deserves it.

by RenoTy on Dec 6, 2006 5:10 PM PST reply actions

I love the fact that it's a one-year deal

and I do think that's the major reason we have Piazza right now and not Frank Thomas. As I said, Piazza should be a lot less of an injury risk than Thomas will be.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 6, 2006 5:13 PM PST up reply actions

Very interesting...

I want to point out that AN is where I learned about this being official first. Nice going, Blez.

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Dec 6, 2006 5:13 PM PST reply actions

I Wish the A's would resign Payton

I really like him.

by SwisherMan on Dec 6, 2006 5:18 PM PST reply actions

I'm guessing here...

That Payton will get more than Beane will offer him from somewhere else. It's kind of odd, but you might say that he's "overvalued" now... it's hard to guess at the production difference between Payton and Floyd, but I'd guess they'll be about the same (barring injury) and the price for Floyd will be less.

I like Payton a lot too - I'm not sure why anyone thinks he should be the fourth outfielder. He'll do well to go to a team that is looking for his numbers everyday.

With 21 bombs in his rookie year, look for 42 jacks in '06, and 105 round trippers by 2009. - Baseball-Reference.Com

by NicksDreamy on Dec 6, 2006 6:50 PM PST up reply actions

No,no ,no

Payton had his best year ever, but his average and OBP was almost equal which is awful. If he doesn't play every day he pouts, or throws a tantrum, never sign a guy coming off his best year at age 34 or something.

by china bob on Dec 6, 2006 7:36 PM PST up reply actions

Thank you

Seriously, what is the allure of this guy? He had a decent average, but that was about it. He hits like a weak center fielder, which is not something I want in left. Swish is much more the prototypical corner outfielder offensively. And his defense isn't that bad, either. If we can get a decent hitting first baseman, I think we're set.

Zito: I would never bet against this team. First of all because it's against the rules...

by Joey C. on Dec 6, 2006 7:47 PM PST up reply actions

Allure of Payton

Besides Big Frank, Payton was the only consistent guy we had last season. You knew what you were getting with him, .290 Hitter, very few walks, etc...

I like Payton for 4-Million per season, but we are out of cash unless we trade a player or two.

by Colorado Fan on Dec 6, 2006 8:36 PM PST up reply actions

You won't get Payton for $4 million

That's what he made in 2006.

Every player in MLB gets a raise except for Payton? Time for a new agent!

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 8:45 PM PST up reply actions

Side Note:

Am I Way Off Here?

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/12/6/18714/9003/71#71

by Colorado Fan on Dec 6, 2006 9:36 PM PST up reply actions

Saw the comment

Tempting...

Still leaves the problem of who is playing CF in 2007. I know the A's could get a replacement if they dealt either Duke or Calero but I'd be seriously less willing to do that with Street gone.

I like Ellsbury, I like getting rid of Kotsay's contract, I'm indifferent to Youkilis and losing Street would hurt but that's sometimes the price of doing business.

I don't think you're way off but something is still missing.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 9:45 PM PST up reply actions

strange coincidence

i was thinking the about something similar earlier today when i read that boston was looking for a closer:
huston street and mark kotsay for kevin youkilis and wily mo pena.

i don't think boston would go for it when they could just sign gagne or dotel.

(i'll post this in the other thread as well)

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 7, 2006 12:57 AM PST up reply actions

Right

Piazza made 1.25 million in '06. Based on his raise Payton should make $20 mill a year or more....

This is a game to be savored, not gulped. There's time to discuss everything between pitches or between innings. ~Bill Veeck

by Steve in Napa on Dec 7, 2006 11:46 AM PST up reply actions

Solid Signing.

Piazza and the A's know darn well that he wont match Thomas' numbers from '06. However, the A's are banking on the idea that the offensive supporting cast cant be as bad as it was, either. Plus, the guy has hit well for his career with RISP, which we all know has been a weakness for the A's.

by nfadil4 on Dec 6, 2006 5:32 PM PST reply actions

Sad thing is...

...I don't think Thomas will match Thomas' numbers from last year.

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Dec 6, 2006 6:02 PM PST up reply actions

Sad?

Or Reason #456 why Billy Beane didn't re-sign him?

With 21 bombs in his rookie year, look for 42 jacks in '06, and 105 round trippers by 2009. - Baseball-Reference.Com

by NicksDreamy on Dec 6, 2006 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

I like our offense as composed

I'm way out of the swing of things and I don't have time to go back look for posts, but we were pretty confident about the 2006 A's going into the season. No one expected what we got from Frank Thomas, but the idea was that he was purely extra on an already-good lineup. I know 2006 looked pretty bleak at times, but it was definitely a down year for many players.

I'm excited, I think a veteran hitter like Piazza paired with a healthy middle infield will definitely make up for the loss of Thomas.

by dscel on Dec 6, 2006 5:32 PM PST reply actions

Blez

the A's now have one of the greatest hitting catchers of all time.

Please delete "one of" from your post. He has no serious competitor in that category.

by danielj on Dec 6, 2006 5:33 PM PST reply actions

Pudge and Bench, to name a couple, say hi

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

by Helloooo 1st on Dec 6, 2006 6:19 PM PST up reply actions

AJ Hinch says hi

but doesn't know why he entered the conversation.

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Dec 6, 2006 6:21 PM PST up reply actions

nope

no contest. look at the career numbers here:

        AVG  OBP  SLG  HR

Pudge  .304 .342 .483 277

Bench  .267 .342 .476 389

Piazza .309 .379 .551 419

Speaking only of their offensive numbers, it's no contest. Piazza may have a wet noodle arm and can't hold a candle to Bench and Pudge defensively, but he's in another class on offense. Most of those numbers came when he was catching, with only a few HR as a DH or 1B.

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Dec 6, 2006 6:37 PM PST up reply actions

There was a Josh Gibson arguement earlier

"One of" could be in deference to that idea.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 7:27 PM PST up reply actions

Word.

by Philip Christy on Dec 6, 2006 11:25 PM PST up reply actions

Uhhh...

Careers:

Bench: .267/.342/.476 126 OPS+ .292 EQA
Pudge: .304/.342/.483 113 OPS+ .284 EQA
Piazza: .309/.379/.551 145 OPS+ .315 EQA

Yup, his defense sucks (as you can see by his lower WARP3 numbers... and also with your EYES!) but I think its safe to say he's the best hitter by a pretty good margin.

by SuperBean on Dec 6, 2006 6:42 PM PST up reply actions

Kids these days...

He probably meant
Pudge: .269/.341/.457 117 OPS+ .285 EQA
Still not close. Someone in another thread also mentioned former Athletic Mickey Cochrane: .320/.419/.478 128 OPS+ .295 EQA
Again not as good as Piazza but pretty damn impressive.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Dec 6, 2006 6:53 PM PST up reply actions

We'll just leave Josh Gibson entirely out of it.

Good pitching beats good hitting. And vice versa.

by TheBigO on Dec 6, 2006 7:26 PM PST up reply actions

Why Not?

MLB did for all those years.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Dec 6, 2006 7:34 PM PST up reply actions

I'm not going to argue against Josh Gibson

'Cuz Buck O'Neil says he was the best, so that's about all I need. But in the interest of fairness, let's keep in mind that Gibson played against a lot of low-level talent... they'd often barnstorm and play whatever crap team was thrown together locally. Not saying he wasn't a great hitter, just saying his ridiculous numbers (and by all accounts, they were amazingly ridiculous) need to be adjusted.

Zito: I would never bet against this team. First of all because it's against the rules...

by Joey C. on Dec 6, 2006 7:55 PM PST up reply actions

All good points.

But Gibson was also known to hit monster homers off major league pitchers in those barnstorming games. I will say that I can't think of a major league catcher that hit as well as Piazza ...I just hope he can handle the league switch, as Blez mentioned earlier. At least he seems like a cool guy, and he can still mash lefties at the very least.

Good pitching beats good hitting. And vice versa.

by TheBigO on Dec 6, 2006 9:18 PM PST up reply actions

Hmmm.

That picture is the first time I've ever looked at Piazza and thought, "Hmm. I'd hit that."

I've now creeped myself out. :-(

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 6, 2006 5:56 PM PST reply actions

You should make T-shirts.

I'm sure Mike would appreciate not having to call another press conference. Here, I'll give you a head start:

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 7:54 PM PST up reply actions

you never cease to crack me up

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Dec 7, 2006 12:31 PM PST up reply actions

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Dec 6, 2006 6:02 PM PST reply actions

Hmm.

For some reason, i'm not as excited about this signing as I was abouout Frank. Today's news reminds me of Eric Karros a couple years ago.

"I guess more players lick themselves than are ever licked by an opposing team." ~ Connie Mack

by Flyin As on Dec 6, 2006 6:05 PM PST reply actions

That's so funny...

...that you would invoke Karros' name because that is all I have been thinking today. I can't help but feel an Eric Karros-esque season coming on...ugh! I hope I'm wrong.

by willcmatthews on Dec 6, 2006 6:18 PM PST up reply actions

lol

I thought the same thing when I saw karros quoted

by 3Chavy3 on Dec 6, 2006 6:35 PM PST up reply actions

Piazza is a solid deal at 8.5 mil

If it was more than a one year deal then it really would have scared me. Both deals made today were "B" trades from a financial and a team improvement standpoint IMHO.

Lilly for 40 million is a joke. I bet the Mets are wishing they would have given up Milledge and Pelfrey (or Heilman) because Zito's going to command at least 16 mil per. He was much cheaper in a trade last year with several teams acting like he wasn't a very good pitcher and now TED LILLY is getting paid 10 mil a year x 4.

This made me think-- the NFL sure knows what they are doing with the salary cap and the competition it allows. However, they need to ban players such as Ray Lewis for having blood on his clothes at a murder scene and Ricky Manning, Jr. for his "beatdown" of a geeky A's-type fan who was working on his laptop while blogging at Denny's.

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Dec 6, 2006 6:09 PM PST reply actions

Apparently from what I've read

Piazza was the one that turned down the two-year deal because he wanted to make sure he liked DHing before committing two seasons to it.

I can't believe none of us are talking about the real victim in all of this...poor Juan Dominguez. Heh.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 6, 2006 6:16 PM PST up reply actions

Good for us

errr... him, whichever way he wants to call it. The guy is a risk at 2 years and we really need to bridge the gap until Barton is fully ready (as opposed to Carlos Pena ready) next year.

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Dec 6, 2006 6:18 PM PST up reply actions

one year contracts are good

in the sense you know the player will stay motivated but bad in the sense if he has a great year he leaves again a la Thomas. I was disappointed in Dominquez, I thought he might be a good pick up, my bad.

by china bob on Dec 6, 2006 7:40 PM PST up reply actions

That's not a pizza.......

There is no pepperoni!

by Force on Dec 6, 2006 6:19 PM PST reply actions

As long as

the cast on his left wrist doesn't affect his swing too much, sounds good to me.

"Oakland has a way of bringing out the joy in the game." NYT, 9/22/06

by SportySpice @ Athletics Nation on Dec 6, 2006 6:29 PM PST reply actions

Thanks for clearing up

that Piazza/Pizza confusion there, Blez.

Now, here's my question.

Which one is cheesier?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 6, 2006 6:33 PM PST reply actions

re cheesier

The difference could be an "A"!

"Two wrongs are only the beginning" - Kohn

by ABY on Dec 8, 2006 10:38 AM PST up reply actions

And best of all about the signing...

NO BONDS

Morada Mudshark

by Morada Mudshark on Dec 6, 2006 6:39 PM PST reply actions

this one

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Dec 6, 2006 6:42 PM PST up reply actions

whoops

that was meant as a reply to "which one is cheesier"...

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Dec 6, 2006 6:43 PM PST up reply actions

Not In Love

With the deal, but what kind of deal are you going to get in this marketplace. You listen to smart commentators (like Neyer) and they keep saying its the length of these bloated contracts that makes them so egregious. I happen to agree. Thus, even if Piazza turns Karrosesque on us (which I doubt) he won't be a serious anchor.

As for Beane doing another deal... I kinda doubt it'll happen unless something falls in his lap. I think he always wanted Kennedy to take Barry's spot in the rotation (he was miscast as a LOOGY), and replacing Frank was the only other major need. The offense does look weak, but I'm sure that Billy is counting on some mean reversion.

The pitching staff does look a little weak - it would be my primary concern. But we're not getting involved in the outrageous contract game, and we don't have great trading chips.

So I bet we stand pat (except for one minor, seemingly irrelevant deal that makes us subtlely better).

by shmik on Dec 6, 2006 6:42 PM PST reply actions

so

the offense "does look weak", and the pitching staff "looks a little weak", but we stand pat? what else is there besides offense and the pitching staff, relief pitching and defense i guess, but is that ever enough?

why even sign piazza, then? just go with barton if we're not going to compete this year.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 6, 2006 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

Here's why

Good points, but here is the counterpoint BB would probably say if you could catch him in a candid moment: The A's offense is weak if everyone performs as they did last year, but the hope is that they perform better next year, and the pitching is not weak if Harden is healthy. The A's may not compete next year as the roster now stands, but they certainly have a chance to compete in 2007, and I would not expect Beane to give up on a season where the A's have a chance to compete. This is especially true given that at this point in the offseason no other AL West team is particularly frightening since the Angels seem to be spinning their wheels once again.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Dec 6, 2006 7:39 PM PST up reply actions

It seems every year

some people on this site suggests that BB is cashing in the year for the year after, when will they ever understand that BB never cashes in a year. He is the most competitive GM around, there are no rebuilding years in Oakland under BB. You don't pay a guy $8 million as a stop gap fill in on a .500 year. The A's have averaged 94 wins a year since 2000, so give him a little credit for a change.
I heard this same stuff the year Miggy left, Hudson/Mulder left, before that Giambi. Now all of a sudden FT is the irreplaceable God, or Zito cannot be replaced, woe is us. With Zito we are talking about a guy who won 11 games, walked the 2nd most batters in the league with an 84 mph fastball. I have to think we have a chance of replacing him.
All I hear is that Kennedy is a guy who is always injured, or worst yet, they go back 3 years when he was 24 and dig up a poor record.
There is an excellent chance that Kennedy will be a better pitcher than Zito was last year. Or that Jerome Williams comes back and performs like scouts thought he could, who knows, that is the great thing about baseball, no body ever knows from year to year. Boras is running around talking about how Zito is never hurt, but just like that, a guy can hurt his elbow and a $100 million investment goes down the drain.

by china bob on Dec 6, 2006 7:52 PM PST up reply actions

Well said china bob,

Beane ain't perfect (Arthur Rhoades anyone?) but the record speaks for itself. We're lucky to have him.

Good pitching beats good hitting. And vice versa.

by TheBigO on Dec 6, 2006 9:20 PM PST up reply actions

AAAAACKKK!!! Pet peeve alert!

It always bugs me when someone cites the Arthur Rhodes signing as one of Beane's mistakes. Beane never wanted Rhodes. He wanted Keith Foulke. Then he wanted Eddie Guardado. Then he was willing to settle for LaTroy Hawkins. Only when all three turned him down did Billy decide he would rather try Rhodes than commit to going with Jim Mecir. I would have done the same thing. And I would have hoped it would work while expecting it would probably fail. As I'm sure Beane did.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 6, 2006 9:40 PM PST up reply actions

Nico

Very good point. I always thought of Rhodes as a huge failure, but you're right, BB was out of choices.

But what about Dotel?

by ChucklesSD on Dec 6, 2006 10:27 PM PST up reply actions

Don't forget Flash

He was the real Plan B if Beane couldn't keep Foulke but Cashman moved in quick before Boston and Oakland finished haggling.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 10:29 PM PST up reply actions

Our Special Teams unit is amazing

by asfan777 on Dec 7, 2006 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

Rumor has it

That the A's may trade one of their starting Pitchers for the Mets outfielder Milledge.

by Smartball on Dec 6, 2006 6:56 PM PST reply actions

Also

If it hasn't been Mentioned Jay Payton was not offered Arbitration because there was a clause in his contract that prevented the A's from doing so. The A's may re-sign Payton.

by Smartball on Dec 6, 2006 6:59 PM PST up reply actions

I hope not

by china bob on Dec 6, 2006 7:52 PM PST up reply actions

Payton was the last Athletic in '06.

To score a run.

Bill (Beane) is like the dog, he going to the bathroom. -Tony LaRussa on Billy Beane and a lost dog at the Coliseum on CBS 5 News story.

by pachydermOAFC on Dec 7, 2006 9:44 AM PST up reply actions

And Steve Phillips says it isn't Harden

* The Mets are interested in an A's starter, but it's not Rich Harden. Outfielder Lastings Milledge is the bait.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove06/news/story?id=2688380

by theblackpearl on Dec 6, 2006 7:00 PM PST up reply actions

Susan Slusser says it's Haren

The Mets have inquired about Haren, according to the source, but the right hander would be difficult to obtain unless the A's are overwhelmed by the offer. The Mets have less interest in Harden because of his injury history.

link

by gotgreen on Dec 6, 2006 7:13 PM PST up reply actions

NOOOO!

Dear Mets,

STEP OFF BITCHES.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 6, 2006 7:23 PM PST up reply actions

LOL

ditto

"No one really knows whether Geren is a Yes-man. I have a sneaking suspicion he's more of an Anderson Wakeman Bruford and Howe-man." ~ monkeyball

by Poppy on Dec 7, 2006 9:02 AM PST up reply actions

Unless Macha burned up Haren's arm last year

There isn't a deal to be had from the Mets that would make me like a Dan Haren trade.

A realisitic deal, people.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 6, 2006 7:25 PM PST up reply actions

geesh

in one day i've now read the mets are "interested" in blanton and harden and haren for that numbskull milledge. i just can't think of a reason why beane would want this guy.unless he plans on flippin' him to COL for jennings and someone else. but that seems a crazy-eventhough COL seems to be in love with the guy too.

i'm thinkin' some front office type is screwing with boras and zito's head to get them to capitulate to a price and term more to their liking.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Dec 6, 2006 7:59 PM PST up reply actions

As long as it is not Haren

or Harden I don't care. It is strange that the Mets have soured on Milledge so fast, going from a sure fire can't miss, untouchable prospect, they are now trying to get rid of him, strange, beware buyer.

by china bob on Dec 6, 2006 7:54 PM PST up reply actions

mets. blah.

they've asked about all our 2006 starting pitchers EXCEPT for loaiza!

they should inquire about loaiza! =P

by gotgreen on Dec 6, 2006 7:56 PM PST up reply actions

Milledge must have whiplash

...from all the constant trade rumors surrounding him.

If nothing else, he knew how to chew a stick of gum.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Dec 7, 2006 6:12 AM PST up reply actions

Piazza plus Swisher

= some serious facial hair next summer. Let the Moustache Wars begin!

by schnucken on Dec 6, 2006 7:03 PM PST reply actions

Maybe he'll grow that sleazy mullet back

by kvn on Dec 6, 2006 7:17 PM PST reply actions

Thus starting a mullet explosion in Oaktown

Always liked this guy. If the A's clubhouse is as loose as it's been over the years, I think Piazza will thrive.

by DiegoSegui on Dec 7, 2006 12:35 AM PST up reply actions

Bingo!

Piazza will fit in right well around here. Who knows, maybe he'll be a fish in water as a DH, and hit .300 with 30 dingers? Probably not, but a man can dream, right?

"I ain't ever had a job. I just always played baseball."- former A's pitcher Satchel Paige

by The Pilots Dared Me To Die on Dec 7, 2006 11:59 AM PST up reply actions

I'm frosting my hair

in preparation for the Piazza

by slobberknocker on Dec 7, 2006 10:44 AM PST up reply actions

I wish you could get pizza that good

on the West Coast.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 7:47 PM PST reply actions

uhhh...

http://www.zacharys.com/

by kvn on Dec 6, 2006 8:23 PM PST up reply actions

Different beast

Their spinach and mozzarella deep dish is good in its own right, but it isn't that classic, East Coast blend of modest crust, romano/parmesan cheese, and cooking on the well done side (just so it's starting to get a couple of black spots on top.)

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 9:08 PM PST up reply actions

oooooh...

That reminds me of this tiny little hole-in-the-wall pizza joint in Queens called Rizzo's. The best Sicilian ON THE PLANET!

But my favorite is still Zachary's deep dish. Of course I've never been to Chicago. Yeah... I could talk pizza all day.

by kvn on Dec 6, 2006 10:21 PM PST up reply actions

gioia pizza in berkeley

it is on hopkins at monterey. so goood. cept no requests on styles. rediculously good tho.

"If a tie is like kissing your sister, losing is like kissing your grandmother with all her teeth out." - George Brett

by burnone on Dec 6, 2006 11:20 PM PST up reply actions

Zachary's is the best in the Bay

In Sacramento, it's Zelda's on 21st St. for deep dish, and Pieces one block up for New York style by the slice... Pesto with sundried tomatoes, feta, and fresh garlic.. mouthgasm!

"I ain't ever had a job. I just always played baseball."- former A's pitcher Satchel Paige

by The Pilots Dared Me To Die on Dec 7, 2006 12:13 PM PST up reply actions

Nah.

Pieces is California pizza--crust too thick, and undercooked. I have found one place in Sac that's decent (Giovanna's, on Folsom near 65th), but that's about it.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 7, 2006 12:56 PM PST up reply actions

Thank God it's a one-year deal

Thank you, Texas Rangers, for bowing out, and thank you Mike Piazza for only wanting 1 year. This couldn't have worked out better, and really, it was the only semi-decent bat we had a strong chance of signing. One more piece of the puzzle (power corner outfielder/first baseman), and I think we're in serious contention. I just hope that piece isn't 48-year-old Cliff Floyd.

Zito: I would never bet against this team. First of all because it's against the rules...

by Joey C. on Dec 6, 2006 8:03 PM PST reply actions

We already have that piece.

His name is Daric Barton.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 8:03 PM PST up reply actions

This coming year ?

After missing so much of last year ? Seems optimistic (certainly re. the power - 2 HR in his 147 AB in '06).

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Dec 6, 2006 8:21 PM PST up reply actions

Milledge

IF the A's trade for him, there's no way they keep him.
Trading for Milledge would makes us worse in '07, because he's not quite MLB-ready (he proved that in September), and the players we gave up WOULD be major league contributors. It would be step back for '07...which is a direct contradiction to signing Piazza for 8.5 million - a clear "we want to win next year" signing.
I'm telling you, if we acquire Milledge, he's being flipped to someone who needs a CF and covets him (Marlins?) for their MLB-ready players.
Acquiring and keeping Milledge just doesn't compute with the other offseason moves we're making.

by notsellingjeans on Dec 6, 2006 8:34 PM PST reply actions

A's acquired first pick in Thursday's Rule 5 draft

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered?p=59

by liemster on Dec 6, 2006 8:43 PM PST reply actions

I wonder what the arrangements

made with Tampa Bay are ?

This is where we miss Frank. Sent into the DRays suite with his reebar I'm sure he would make favourable "arrangements" for us.

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Dec 6, 2006 8:48 PM PST up reply actions

Wow.

He's a stropping young lad.

I didn't even know you could trade Rule 5 picks--you can't trade regular picks.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 6, 2006 9:09 PM PST up reply actions

I would love to see beane pick up gio gonzalez...

from the rule 5 draft if he's still available by then. According to rotoworld:
"White Sox acquired RHP Gavin Floyd and a player to be named from the Phillies for RHP Freddy Garcia.
Gio Gonzalez isn't on the 40-man roster, so he can't be traded until Thursday's Rule 5 draft is complete."

Gonzalez was a top prospect in the CWS system before being traded to the Phillies in the Thome deal.

by liemster on Dec 6, 2006 9:26 PM PST up reply actions

Count our blessings

Any time I start to worry that maybe Beane's trades or signings aren't as good as they could be, all I have to do it take a look at what the Mariners are doing. Today they traded Kiko Calero for Kirk Saarloos. Well, not quite, but they did give up one of their best trading chip for a meh #4 starter who wasn't a hot commodity at all.

Poor Mariners fans. Any time there's a deal, they all flinch and just hope it isn't too big a disaster.

Next time you're at Lookout Landing, check out the front-page poll. Hilarious.

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Dec 7, 2006 12:32 AM PST reply actions

Sign Mulder!!!

For 500K with incentives!! Other than that, I think this team just needs a third base coach and thats all folks.

Let's GO OAKLAND!!!

by OaktownRajah on Dec 7, 2006 1:07 AM PST reply actions

First Base

I actually saw Piazza try and play first.... Do not do this. Bad. BAAAAD!!!

by Bronx A's Fan on Dec 7, 2006 7:14 AM PST reply actions

As Bad as Kotsay playing First

Bill (Beane) is like the dog, he going to the bathroom. -Tony LaRussa on Billy Beane and a lost dog at the Coliseum on CBS 5 News story.

by pachydermOAFC on Dec 7, 2006 9:46 AM PST up reply actions

rule 5

The A's picked up OF Ryan Goleski from the indians Tampa for 100,000 dollars

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=4104

by sctr76 on Dec 7, 2006 8:55 AM PST reply actions

sorry should say through tampa

by sctr76 on Dec 7, 2006 8:58 AM PST up reply actions

I thought THIS was Mike Piazza

http://www.nysportsexpress.com/2/14/columns/wildcard2.jpg

(Sorry, I don't know how to put images in a post.)

by EddieVegas_NRAF on Dec 7, 2006 9:06 AM PST reply actions

snerk

Like this:

"No one really knows whether Geren is a Yes-man. I have a sneaking suspicion he's more of an Anderson Wakeman Bruford and Howe-man." ~ monkeyball

by Poppy on Dec 7, 2006 9:08 AM PST up reply actions

And Piazza won on "Jeopardy!"

Okay, so it was only "Celebrity Jeopardy," but hey!

"No one really knows whether Geren is a Yes-man. I have a sneaking suspicion he's more of an Anderson Wakeman Bruford and Howe-man." ~ monkeyball

by Poppy on Dec 7, 2006 9:07 AM PST reply actions

I'll take Anal Bum Cover for 7000, Alex.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 7, 2006 9:20 AM PST up reply actions

That's an ALBUM cover.

It'll take the rapists for 400.

It's a shame that families get torn apart by something as simple as wild dogs. -Jack Handey

by JediLeroy on Dec 7, 2006 9:22 AM PST up reply actions

Funny name

I can't wait for all the great headlines from the local 'papes next season.

Piazza Party: A's Win on Walk Off
Piazza Delivers in the 9th
Cold Piazza Leaves Bad Taste In A's Mouth

Speaking of funny names, I can't believe nobody ever touches this guy:

Proper Name: Jose Alberto Pujols
Born: January 16, 1980
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Height: 6-3
Weight: 225 lbs.
Age: 26
Pronounced: POO-holes

That's just funny. Lucky for him, he's good. Otherwise, we'd be seeing headlines like:

Pujols Stinks Up Joint

It's a shame that families get torn apart by something as simple as wild dogs. -Jack Handey

by JediLeroy on Dec 7, 2006 9:21 AM PST reply actions

Because I have the mind of a 10-yr-old sometimes..

...I do snicker a little every time I say or hear "Pujols"...

"No one really knows whether Geren is a Yes-man. I have a sneaking suspicion he's more of an Anderson Wakeman Bruford and Howe-man." ~ monkeyball

by Poppy on Dec 7, 2006 9:28 AM PST up reply actions

Explosive Pujols delivers winning runs

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 7, 2006 9:34 AM PST up reply actions

pujols

launches impressive bomb.

by Backspin on Dec 7, 2006 9:55 AM PST up reply actions

Explosive Pujols delivers nacho runs

"San Jose A's of Fremont" is embarassing

by ArakSOT on Dec 7, 2006 9:56 AM PST up reply actions

So Piazza got $8.5mil and Thomas got ~$9mil

I know Thomas got a 2 year contract worth a little over $18 mil, but Piazza for one year and $8.5 mil leads me to believe: why didn't the A's spring for about $500K more for Thomas, who hit almost twice as many home runs and drove in 114 vs Piazza's 68.

Was it soley for the second year that Thomas wanted? If so, then why did the A's allegedly offer Piazza an initial $14 mil 2 year contract?

Piazza will probably be more durable than Thomas, but the return you would probably get with Thomas is well worth the gamble over Piazza.

I'm glad we got Piazza, although I'm a little disappointed that Thomas left. He was great and he carried the team during some stretches in 2006.

I agree with everyone else who says we need another bat in our lineup as insurance against Chavez and Crosby having another subpar year.

If Chavvy and Crosby both rebound from their disappointing offensive numbers & injuries in 2006, then we should be okay. But if either one of them has another injury plagued season (and we don't get another bat), then we may be on a little shaky ground.

I'm wondering why the A's didn't match or even attempt to come close to Toronto's offer to the Big Hurt if they ended up paying $8.5 mil to Piazza anyways.

by Athletics78 on Dec 7, 2006 10:10 AM PST reply actions

Two years plus a vesting option

That's a lot different than just two years.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Dec 7, 2006 11:00 AM PST up reply actions

Not familiar with Piazza's injury history...

...but I don't think there's anything there (other than general "old catcher slowness") that will send up a big obvious flare to opposing teams that no matter what, he's only allowed to go one base at a time (like Thomas, usually). I'm a lot more comfortable with one year of Piazza than two years of Thomas.

"No one really knows whether Geren is a Yes-man. I have a sneaking suspicion he's more of an Anderson Wakeman Bruford and Howe-man." ~ monkeyball

by Poppy on Dec 7, 2006 11:33 AM PST up reply actions

ATHLETICS78

I totally agree and have been wondering the same myself. I really doubt Piazza will produce Thomas numbers. And as far as everyone saying Thomas is such a huge injury risk he seemed to do just fine last year. Maybe it will take Big Frank coming into our house next year and wopping a couple dingers to make management see he should have been resigned.

by ASFANATIC on Dec 7, 2006 1:01 PM PST up reply actions