Top 10 Favorite Current A's Players (May '07)
by louismg on May 20, 2007 12:45 AM PDT
26 comments
A player's popularity can rise and fall as quickly as his batting average or ERA. While as A's fans, we remain loyal to our team, our loyalty to individuals can sometimes be as fleeting as a single at-bat or one relief appearance. We've all seen Top Ten lists, and I thought it'd be a fun practice to post my top ten favorite current A's players (including position players and pitchers) as they stand right now.
Please do add on your list as well, and if this gains interest, we can do it with something resembling frequency. Please be as detailed with your descriptions as you like. You can vote players up or down based on long-term success or potential, how good they look in a uniform, or whatever you please. Nobody will be graded for right or wrong answers. (Possible exceptions: Grover and Poppy)
With any luck, we can be amused by changes over time or can get a collective view of AN's leanings...
And before anybody asks, yes, it is okay to include players on the DL or in the minors, if you must. But if they are traded, or waived, they cannot be listed. So please, no Todd Walker votes.
My Top 10 Favorite Current A's Players (May '07)
- Jack Cust
Reasons: Seeming invincibility. The threat of a big home run or a walk in nearly every at bat. The story about rising from obscurity, yet the knowledge that AN knew about him "all along".
- Travis Buck
Reasons: More extra base hits than singles. Excitement and hustle of a rookie, yet fits in extremely well with the rest of the A's squad. Looks "happy to be here". A feel good story after Spring Training success.
- Nick Swisher
Reasons: Provides good power, plate discipline and plays well in the outfield and at 1st. A team leader despite young age, who always seems like he's having the time of his life. Gets along great with others like Bradley and Buck.
- Milton Bradley
Reasons: Plays the game hard. Aside from Cust, Bradley is the guy I want at the plate with the game on the line. Puts fear into the hearts of the opposing pitcher and umpiring crew at the same time.
- Dan Haren
Reasons: One of the world's best pitchers right now, period. Quietly goes about his game and somehow always keeps the opposition below 3 runs. Makes Billy Beane look like a genius for trading Mulder.
- Eric Chavez
Reasons: Plays every single day at one of the most challenging positions on the field, and excels at it. Hits for power and functions as the team leader by example. Stayed in through 2006 despite injuries, at Beane's behest.
- Joe Blanton
Reasons: One of the "true A's" character-wise, Blanton is a pitcher that can be counted on to go deep into a game every start, and keep his team in the game, with or without run support. Doesn't get excited when he does well or is in trouble, but remains steady.
- Dan Johnson
Reasons: Figured out seeing one ball is better than two. After I was ready to run him out of the game last year, he is working the count, hitting for power, and causing trouble for opposing pitchers. Will probably move up if this continues.
- Jay Marshall
Reasons: I dig the underhand style. Seeing him in Spring Training made him one to watch for me, and though his approach is unorthodox, it'll enable him to confuse batters just about every game.
- Adam Melhuse
Reasons: Melhuse may be a surprise pick, but I can't help but root for the guy. Anytime Kendall comes up in late innings or with runners on, we're calling out for Melhuse. Seeing him at home games warming up a pitcher and quietly trotting back to the dugout is all too common. Melhuse is a guy I'm always pulling for, as a hard luck story.
So there you have it. Not always rational, but that's part of being a fan. My guess is you'll likely take issue with some of my suggestions, and have your own. Go to it, and give us what you've got.
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Love Cust (who doesn't?),
hate Marshall. Or, at least the way he's being used. Geren puts him in to pitch to way too many RH-batters when they light him up with regularity. Just the opposite with lefties, so he should be used strictly as a LOOGY. Why he hasn't been is beyond me.
by Qwerty75 on May 20, 2007 1:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Today: 3 pitches, 2 outs
I can't say it will always be that easy, but I'm more comfortable when he comes in than I am with Calero, Witasick, DiNardo or Embree right now. I can't say that's rational.
And some might think I'm a heathen because Street's not on the list, but right now, this second, he doesn't make the list. Maybe I'm spoiled.
by louismg on May 20, 2007 1:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the real miracle
is that it came against 2 righties
i'd be more confortable with dinardo up there
by J Rod on May 20, 2007 1:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good list!
1)Beane-With any of the 29 other GM's in baseball the A's are 7 games under .500 with their injuries.
2) Swisher-Finally one of our power hitters agrees to stay for his free agent years! (Sorry Chavez, you'll have to hit over 30 home runs in a year before I consider you a power hitter)
3)Gaudin-Right now I think he's Dan Haren circa 2005,2006. I can't wait to see what happens once he develops as a starter and gains more control.
4)Cust-Boom!
5)Haren-The 2 runs he gave up raised his ERA yet he still pulled even further into the AL ERA lead today.
6)Bradley-I hope we sign him to an extension this year. He can replace Kotsay as our token easily injured center fielder--except when healthy he's an ACTUAL number 2/3 hitter.
7)DJ-Exciting to watch.
8)Street-I never appreciated him more then during the Royals series last week.
9)Duke-See above.
10)Buck-Would be higher but so far he seems to be devoid of any personality. Perhaps it's just that he plays next to people like Swisher, Bradley, Kielty, Cust, Piazza, and the other dominant personalitys. Attack an umpire or create a crazy handshake and I could be persuaded to change my mind.
by Threepwood XX on May 20, 2007 1:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
about number 2
swish signed through his arby years,and only one FA year,and chavez had 2 30HR seasons when he resigned.
by J Rod on May 20, 2007 1:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Swish
Swisher is a Switch hitting, gold glove D playing, 40 home run potential hitter with a marketable personality. By the time he hits free agency player with his skills could very easily be making 18 to 20M a year. There is no way...short of Swisher's legs being chopped off...this option doesn't get picked up.
by Threepwood XX on May 20, 2007 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll keep it simple...
- Dan Haren
- Dan Johnson
- Jack Cust
- Nick Swisher
- Bobby Crosby
- Joe Blanton
- Chad Gaudin
- Joe Kennedy
- Mark Ellis
- Eric Chavez
by jdub69 on May 20, 2007 1:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
DH asked for my .02 which he nows regrets.
- Huston Street-Any man who looks that good while holding a white foo-foo dog for a calender and still oozes "babe" energy is ok in my book.
- Marco Scuturo- 3 words: Venezuelan Man Candy
- Rich Harden-Just your good looking, all American(I mean Canadian) pitcher
- Nick Swisher: This is the guy who you would want to run away and spend a weekend in Mexico with. Not so much in the romantic sense but the guy that would be a blast doing all the fun activities like parasailing, jet skiing, late night dancing on bars, tequila shots, etc.
- Jack Cust- No only does he look like a big teddy bear, but what a great break out story.
- Adam Melhuse- How can you not like the guy? Works hard, supports his teammates, doesn't give up, and dang cute.
- Travis Buck- Dude, like he is so totally hot!
- Joe Blanton- Cupcakes!
- Bobby Kielty/DJ Johson- Redheads rule!!!!
- Eric Chavez- Awesome infielder and always does it with style.
by wifethereof on May 20, 2007 1:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My up-to-the-minute picks:
2. Cust. What a fairy tale. Right now, I actually take note of when he's about to come up and start anticipating two batters ahead.
3. Swish. How can you not love the guy? His personality is so infectious that even Milty is forgetting to be angry.
4. Chavy. He's not as good as he should be but a lot better than his critics think. And his glove is amazing on a daily basis.
5. Haren. Or we wouldn't be in the race, period.
6. Ellis. The thinking man's player. Does more with a weak arm than you would think possible.
7. Street. Anyone that dedicated to researching storage space during such a busy time in his career gets my respect.
8. Gaudin. I love the under the radar Beane's a genius guys.
9. Johnson. I have this thing about guys who are helping to carry the team I love.
10. Blanton. The guy eats half our team and still gets the win.
by Nico on May 20, 2007 9:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oops, I forgot Travis Buck
by Nico on May 20, 2007 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
infectious personality?
Shit, that's probably another five guys going to the DL right there.
Also, if his personality is infectious, is it really such a good idea for him to donate his hair (which is a big part of his personality) to immunocompromised cancer patients?
by monkeyball on May 20, 2007 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a super great journal!
1. Medium hottie Nate Swisher. Omigod, the hair!
2. Super hottie Trevor Buck. Yay, Trevor!!!!
3. Not so hottie Jim Blanton. Sympathy vote!
4. Super hottie Dan Harden. Omigod, talk about a hottie!
5. Super hottie Rich Haren. Omigod, talk about a hottie!
6. Super hottie Mark Piazza. Get well soon, Mark!
7. Medium hottie Mike Kotsay. By the way, did he even play last week?
8. Not so hottie Jake Cust. Omigod, the guy is like a total point-making machine!!!!!
9. Medium hottie Don Johnson. For having the same name as a great actor!
10. wifethereof. Sympathy vote (I've seen the hair).
-Cindi.
by Nico on May 20, 2007 10:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
my list
- billy beane
- swisher
- huston - a lot based on where he played college and hs ball
- scutaro - liked him from his mets days
- blanton
- jeremy brown - based on moneyball
- cust - is he going to turn out to be kevin maas, shane spencer, benny agbayani, or jim thome, david ortiz
- kendall - he's washed up but he was a really good player for a looooong time
- go dan
- duke
with a big drop off from 6 and 7. And kotsay, crosby, chavez are near the bottom of the list
by closetasfan on May 20, 2007 10:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, geez, then I just won't BOTHER... ;)
I'm either offended, or I actually can't pick only ten... unless I can sentimentally lump all the inconsistent, fragile and allegedly fragile players into one entry, and then pick nine more who are actually playing well or wellish, or would play better than the guy they're backing up if they actually got more playing time (hmm, who could I be referring to there?).
In some order or none at all:
- Harden/Bradley/Kotsay/Street/Duchscherer/Chavez/Crosby/ELLIS :P~~~
- Haren
- Swish
- DJ
- Cust
- Buck
- Gaudin
- Blanton
- Melhuse
- Ellis again just to annoy you
by Poppy on May 20, 2007 11:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Poppy's Grade: B+
Missed an A due to a lack of true 1-10 order and missing descriptions. Extra pointage given for correct spelling of Duchscherer and inclusion of Melhuse.
Now where's Grover? :-)
by louismg on May 20, 2007 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's writing angry notes about capitalization...
to LouisMG.
by Poppy on May 20, 2007 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My list is basically louisng's ...
... except I'd probably squeeze Duke in there somewhere.
Cust definitely #1, though.
by monkeyball on May 20, 2007 1:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My picks...
- Jack Cust. Nothing more need be said.
- Nick Swisher. The guys looks and acts like every major leaguer should look and act. He's making millions playing a game and having the time of his life. He knows excactly how lucky he is without being arrogant or pretentious.
- Marco Scutaro. A feel good story, he plays regularly for two seasons and goes back to the bench this year without making a scene.
- Danny Haren. He has assumed the ace role by deeds. He shows up everday and goes about his business, even though support from his teammates is often lacking.
- Joe Blanton. Another guy who gets the job done. He may not have the most natural talent, but he works hard and gets the job done.
- Chad Guadin. When he got the opportunity, he made the most of it. I think his days in the bullpen are over.
- Travis Buck. A player who was destined for AA ball at the beginning of spring training, he played his tail off and forced the A's to give him a big league job. He epitomizes the A's fan experience in my mind. We cant go out on the market and snatch away everyone else's talent so we grow our own. The best part of being an A's fan is watching superstars make their bones.
- Dan Johnson. See above. After many setbacks he is finally proving that he belongs on the team as a legit offensive threat.
- Milton Bradley. I would say more, but he would have to play more. He could be money for the A's if he would stay in one piece for a while.
- Rich Harden. See above.
by alox on May 20, 2007 4:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Top 10
1 Melhuse- He is my number one. He's lovely and a team player despite being number 2 behind My Least Favorite A.
- Scutaro- 1. He's half Italian and that gets him half a vote and also he is so self-effacing.
- Piazza- A full vote for being Italian. Also he's a legend.
- Duke-He's a great reliever and a has a good sense of humor.
- Chavez-Powerhouse defense.
- Swisher- Personality plus everytime and seems to really enjoy the game.
- Blanton- Cool under pressure and a sweet southern drawl.
- Haren-He's pitching this year has been a wonder. He's also classy.
- Bradley- I love that he has been able to do well and really relax in Oakland and I love that he is so passionate about being in the game.
- Embree- I just like him.
by mlleaimee on May 20, 2007 10:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Swisher:
Also half Italian. Don't ask me to find a link, I'm too tired...
by Poppy on May 20, 2007 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Now I'm going to have to move him up my list. Italia!
by mlleaimee on May 20, 2007 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aha!
I had to find a link anyway, because I'm half Italian and 100% obsessive/compulsive.
Swisher, who is half Italian, said he wished he had learned more of the language than "mangia."
by Poppy on May 20, 2007 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ohh Ohh
My Noni taught me lots of "helpful" Italian phrases such as "pina del culo" "zee zee pe pe con con e chechemezzi" "cha drole sin sensemin". I also have many hand gestures.
by mlleaimee on May 20, 2007 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My top 10
- Mark Ellis - Best defensive second baseman EVER. And that homer off Eddie Guardado in 2002.
- Jason Kendall - He's a real man: You can use his beard stubble to file down rebar, he always has some "chewing gum" going, he could beat you up, and his wife is hot.
- Milton Bradley - Another real man, and he is eerily similar to Baron Davis: both have dramatically helped their teams, both are injury-prone, and both have killer beards.
- Huston Street - He's like your goofy younger brother or something. You can't dislike him.
- Marco Scutaro - Same as above, except replace "goofy younger brother" with "goofy Venezuelan exchange student"
- Mark Kotsay - I can't really put my finger down on why I like him. Sweet sunglasses? Exciting facial hair? Very fast runner? Hit 120 HR when I played all 162 games in MVP 2004?
- Jack Cust - Offense.
- Eric Chavez - Defense.
- Brandon Buckley - Saw playing time vs. Yale in 2005; enjoys fishing, water skiing, snowboarding, and ceramics.
- Clay Wood - From April to August, the field is perfect. No annoying mowing patterns either * cough* Shea Stadium * cough*
by senork on May 20, 2007 11:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Jason Kendall's Wife
Is a hottie if you think porn stars make suitable mates. Plus, I'm pretty sure that Bradley could take him in a street fight.
by mlleaimee on May 20, 2007 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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