SB Nation - Jermaine Dye

Oakland A's 2000-2009: All-Decade Team and Best Moments

baseballgirl — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:16 -0000

Interested in the Warriors? Golden State of Mind is holding one of their huge events on Friday January 8th. There's a rumor of a great special guest. Thought I'd pass it along...

via farm1.static.flickr.com

Decade posts are all the rage lately, so we're going to do our own. You may have seen this post from Big League Stew on Yahoo, naming their MLB All-Decade team. It is pretty much what one would expect; Posada (C), Pujols (1B), Kent (2B), Jeter (SS), A-Rod (3B), Bonds (LF), Ichiro (CF), Vlad (RF), Manny (DH), Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson (SP), Rivera (Closer). I can't really argue those names, but I thought we could make up an all-decade A's team, and share favorite moments of 2000-2009.

To refresh your memory:

2000 Roster
2001 Roster
2002 Roster
2003 Roster
2004 Roster
2005 Roster
2006 Roster
2007 Roster
2008 Roster
2009 Roster

My Picks:

Catcher:

Ramon Hernandez - He was the catcher during the A's golden years of 2000-2004; he caught Mulder, Hudson, and Zito, and was a big part of getting the A's to the playoffs.

First Base:

Jason Giambi - Need I say more? Not only was Giambi one of the best players in the league during his heyday, but he has had less than zero competition the in years since he left.

Second Base:

Mark Ellis - Ellis started in 2002 for the A's, and played the rest of the decade, with the exception of 2004. A tremendous defensive player, with some good offensive years, Ellis is the only player to really choose in this category.

Shortstop:

Miguel Tejada - Tejada, like Hernandez, played for the teams of 2000 to 2004, and his position on the A's has never been successfully replaced. This is a no-brainer call as well.

Third Base:

Eric Chavez - Like Ellis, Chavez has been the name filling the position for the entire decade, but over the last few years, it has literally been in name only. Still, when he was good, he was good, and a big part of the A's early 2000 playoff runs.

Outfield:

This was where my little experiment got really fun. Can you think of outfield stars on the Oakland A's from 2000-2009? Are we left with Terrence Long? Did Jermaine Dye play long enough--and was healthy enough--to count? What about Mark Kotsay? This was a struggle.

I've narrowed it down to: Mark Kotsay and Nick Swisher for sure. The third spot could go to either Jack Cust or Jermaine Dye, with an honorable mention to Eric Byrnes. What do you think?

Designated Hitter:

Frank Thomas - Yes, Thomas played one year of the 2000's with the A's. It was an awesome year. He wins my vote.

Starting Pitchers:

RHP: Tim Hudson - Hudson takes this for his years with the A's early in the decade. Honorable mention to Dan Haren.

LHP: Barry Zito - His Cy award and his victory against Johan Santana in 2006 seal this spot for me. Honorable mention to Mark Mulder.

Closer: Huston Street. I'll save Andrew Bailey for the next decade.

Manager:

Can I abstain from a vote? Of course I think Ken Macha made his share of mistakes, but Art Howe certainly made some questionable decisions (with much better teams) as well. To paraphrase a player on the Twins in 2002; "We (the Twins) couldn't beat lefties this year, why did Hudson start twice, when Mulder and Zito were in the series as well?" Match that series fail against Ken Macha's use of Mecir/Rincon in the infamous Zito game to lose the AL West to the Angels and Macha hitting Melhuse/Long against the Red Sox with the tying run on third and less than two outs, and it's a tough call. I pick...Stomper?

Worst Moment of the Decade:

I know there will be probably be votes for the Jeter flip, but on some level, I figure that was a one-in-a-million baseball play; it didn't make or break the series itself, and the run in question would have only tied the game. Far worse to me was watching Jermaine Dye break his leg, or Mecir and Rincon being chosen to relieve Zito, with Hudson waiting in the wings for a one-game winner-takes-all start. But the very worst back-to-back at-bats were turned in by Long and Melhuse against Derek Lowe and I pick those combined at-bats as the worst moment of the decade. I was there in person for all of the above events, and that one definitely hurt the most.

Best Moment of the Decade:

This was a really, really tough call. Apparently, I attended a lot of A's playoff games in this decade, since I was also there in person for both of these picks too. My runner-up award goes to the Ramon Hernandez two-out, bases-loaded bunt against the Red Sox in extra innings. Not only was it a complete surprise to everyone on the Red Sox and the fans in the park, but it won the first game of the series for the A's, and may have given them the momentum to take the subsequent day game, as well.

However, considering that the A's could not close out the series, it takes a little luster out of the moment looking back. Which is why my number one moment is this, which needs no introduction:

Strange, since this wasn't even a game-winning hit, but somehow it captured the moment when all of the A's fans in the park realized that this wasn't going to be another ALDS ending in heartbreak; that the A's were going to the ALCS for the first time in a decade and a half. Coupled with the goosebump-inducing cheer of "Marco" "Scutaro" from the entire stadium, this moment elicites warm and fuzzy feelings that can still be regenerated in the current tough times.

We continue the winter meetings all this week, but I thought we could share some A's moments of the decade as well. Best? Worst? What/who am I missing? What would you change?

The Most Depressing Quote of the Offseason

Adam J. Morris — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:47:47 -0000

From T.R. Sullivan's story tonight on the Rangers needs at the Winter Meetings:

The Rangers need a big hitter in the middle of the order. He could be an outfielder, designated hitter or occasional first baseman paired with Chris Davis. Among the possibilities are Vladimir Guerrero, Jermaine Dye, Troy Glaus, Gary Sheffield, Mike Cameron and Fernando Tatis.

So there you go, Rangers fans. Time to get fired up. The team's biggest need is a middle of the order hitter, and we're going to end up with Jermaine Dye or Gary Sheffield hitting cleanup.

Cameron and Glaus are the only players on that list who should even be everyday players anymore, and these are the guys we're looking at to hit cleanup for the Rangers in 2010.

I'm disgusted. At this point, if this is what we're dealing with, it makes me wonder if the Rangers wouldn't be better off just trading Kevin Millwood and Frankie Francisco, their two players who will be free agents after the season, and conceding that they aren't serious about contending this year.

Jermaine Dye bound for Texas?

Eli Greenspan — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:26:57 -0000

More photos » by Tom Olmscheid - AP

Browse more photos »

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com is reporting that Jermaine Dye is high on the Rangers wish list this offseason. Dye has stated his interest to go west, so it is possible the Rangers would fit the bill.

Dye's numbers fell in the second half, but he still put up pretty respectable numbers and is a natural leader in the clubhouse. He would give them an option at DH, outfield, and apparently first base, which is why the Rangers have interest in him.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Jermaine Dye	141	503	78	126	19	1	27	81	64	108	0	2	.250	.340	.453

One NL source says the Giants have had discussions about Jermaine Dye, but have not engaged in serious negotiations as of yet.

The Giants have holes at first and the outfield, and Dye could help at both areas next season.

Jermaine Dye open to switch to first base

Eli Greenspan — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:18:31 -0000

More photos » by Amy Sancetta - AP

Browse more photos »

Foxsports.com has a report out that free agent Jermaine Dye is willing to play first base next season, giving himself more options this season.

Dye hit .251 this season, a year after his .292 in 13 more games than this season. Dye still put up above average OBP and OPS, but it is certainly teams will consider when pursuing the soon-to-be 36 year old.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Jermaine Dye	141	503	78	126	19	1	27	81	64	108	0	2	.250	.340	.453

The Braves, Mets, Giants, and Orioles could take a look at Dye.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if he had some success over there," one executive says.

Dye is likely looking at a one to two year deal worth about 10-14 million dollars.

Braves Rumors for Monday

yondaime4 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:58:51 -0000

More photos » by Paul Abell - AP

6 months ago: Atlanta Braves' Jordan Schafer drives in two runs with a single to right field in the bottom of the third inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Atlanta, Tuesday, May 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)

Browse more photos »

There are some interesting tidbits floating around the internet today concerning the Braves, mostly coming out of Dave O'Brien and Mark Bowman.

Dave O'Brien speculates on who Atlanta might be interested in this off season. They are the usual suspects such as Josh Willingham, Carl Crawford, Mark Derosa, Mike Cameron and Jermaine Dye. One note that came through via MLB Trade Rumors is that Jermaine Dye would be open to playing first base. I think his bat could be a good fit with Atlanta if we don't resign Adam Laroche, and especially if he isn't the defensive liability at 1B that he is in the OF (which we honestly don't know if he would do well there). The problem would still be the same as with Laroche, however: how would we pay him?

Mark Bowman also weighs in on the closer situation, Adam Laroche, Adrian Gonzalez and Jordan Schafer's future with Atlanta via his weekly mailbag. I am a bit surprised to see him say that the Braves might trade Schafer in the offseason and I had fallen in love with the idea of a Heyward/Schafer/McLouth OF over the next 3 years, but if we are offered the right package I would be willing to move him. I hope they ask me.

2009 BCB Free Agent Frenzy Contest

Al — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:24 -0000

More photos » by Nam Y Huh - AP

Where will Mark DeRosa play baseball in 2010?

Browse more photos »

As I have done here each of the last four years, I'm going to run a contest, beginning today, matching the MLB.com Free Agent Frenzy contest.

The rules are pretty simple. You'll find, after the jump, the 15 free agents that MLB.com lists in its contest. Choose the team you think the free agent is going to sign with, and your "confidence" level expressed in a point value. In other words, if you are absolutely, positively certain that Mark DeRosa is going to return to the Cubs (NOTE! Joke! I'm not suggesting this, just using it as an example), you'd assign that pick 15 points. If you'd love to see Aroldis Chapman in a Cubs uniform, but you think that's extremely unlikely, give that pick one point.

Leave your picks in the comments to this post. We'll have the same deadline for picks as the MLB.com contest: one week from today, 4 pm CST on Monday, November 23. A winner will be chosen after all 15 free agents are signed. I'll need a volunteer to keep track of the entries -- and incidentally, because one of the players in last year's contest (Ben Sheets) never signed, we never did choose a winner. If someone wants to go through last year's entries and let me know who won, I'll send out the prize -- same prize this year as last, a copy of "The Cubs", a comprehensive history of the Cubs by Glenn Stout. Like the MLB.com contest, if any of these free agents remains unsigned on March 1, we'll declare the contest over and name a winner.

Here are the 15 players for this year's contest:

Jason Bay, OF Erik Bedard, SP Russell Branyan, 1B Aroldis Chapman, SP Johnny Damon, OF Mark DeRosa, 3B Jermaine Dye, OF Chone Figgins, 3B Vladimir Guerrero, DH Rich Harden, SP Matt Holliday, OF John Lackey, SP Hideki Matsui, DH Miguel Tejada, SS Jose Valverde, RP

And, I'll begin with my own picks (if, somehow, I win, the prize will go to the 2nd-place finisher).

15: Aroldis Chapman, Yankees
14: Chone Figgins, White Sox
13: Hideki Matsui, Yankees
12: John Lackey, Angels
11: Jermaine Dye, Rays
10: Jason Bay, Red Sox
9: Jose Valverde, Astros
8: Miguel Tejada, Mariners
7: Matt Holliday, Mariners
6: Rich Harden, Red Sox
5: Mark DeRosa, Cubs
4: Johnny Damon, Yankees
3: Russell Branyan, Rays
2: Vladimir Guerrero, White Sox
1: Erik Bedard, Brewers

Top 50 Free Agent Predictions: 21-30

Eli Greenspan — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:59:42 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

Browse more photos »

21. Johhny Damon, Yankees

- Damon has voiced his desire all season long to remain in New York. He may be asking for a multi-year deal, but expect the Bombers and Damon to work out a deal.

Prediction: Yankees

22. Jon Garland, Dodgers

- Garland pitched well after being acquired by the Dodgers, which should help him land a job this offseason. Teams in need of a middle of the rotation starter could benefit from Garland's ability to eat innings. The Rockies, who likely will seek a replacement for Marquis, were interested in Garland at the trade deadline.

Prediction: Rockies

23. Bengie Molina, Giants

- Molina did tremendous work in San Francisco, but his contract demands are out of the price range for the Giants. He may have a tough time finding a job being a Type-A free agent, especially if he is looking for a multiyear deal.

Prediction: Royals

24. Hideki Matsui, Yankees

- Matsui has also expressed a strong desire to remain in New York, and will likely be granted that wish if he is willing to take a pay cut.

Prediction: Yankees

25. Joel Pineiro, Cardinals

- Pineiro played very well for the Cardinals this season and will likely stick around to keep the bottom of their rotation strong.

Prediction: Cardinals

26. Jermaine Dye, White Sox

- Dye is a solid veteran who can still put up pretty good numbers, especially if he can find a DH role. The Orioles are in need of a veteran DH, and might be able to land Dye at a reduced price.

Prediction: Orioles

27. Billy Wagner, Red Sox

- Being a Type-A free agent definitely limits his options, but a team not a risk of losing of first round pick could easily target the veteran. The Orioles, geographically, make sense. But if Jose Valverde leaves the Astros, his return could create some buzz in Houston.

Prediction: Astros

28. Scott Podsednik, White Sox

- Podsednik put up solid numbers for the White Sox this past season, but is not expected to be retained. The Royals and Cubs could be options, but the Padres could sign him at a reduced price and let him compete with Tony Gwynn for the job in center.

Prediction: Padres

29. Doug Davis, Diamondbacks

- The Brewers have had interest in Davis for the entire 2009 season, and now that he is a free agent they should have little trouble luring him back to Milwaukee.

Prediction: Brewers

30. Mike Cameron, Brewers

- Cameron is likely looking at a one year deal this offseason, and could find himself in Chicago replacing Milton Bradley in the Cubs' outfield.

Prediction: Cubs

Pirates to pursue mid-tier free agents?

Eli Greenspan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:52:42 -0000

More photos » by John Bazemore - AP

Browse more photos »

The Hot Stove Blog is reporting that the Pirates will look into signing some of the available mid-level free agents this offseason. The Pirates addressed their hole at second baseman, and are expected to be players in the relief and corner outfield markets.

"We're not just going to go sign free agents because we have the money or because we want to make our fans or ourselves feel better," Huntington said. "We're going to sign the guys that we feel can help us and that we believe won't fall into that trap [of being washed up], but also for the right dollars and the right length and right fit.

With that said, let's take a look at some corner outfielders who could fit into the Pirates' price range:

Rick Ankiel, Cardinals: Next season will be Ankiel's third full season as an outfielder, but the veteran is a good clubhouse presence and should come at reduced price after hitting .231 last season.

Jermaine Dye, White Sox: It is dependent on the market, but if Dye's price falls to 8-10 million dollars, the Pirates could make a splash, at least in Pittsburgh.

Brian Giles, Padres: After hitting just .191 in 61 games this season, Giles could be had a reduced price. The career .291 hitter with a .400 on-base percentage spent five seasons in Pittsburgh between 1999-2003.

And some relievers:

Kevin Gregg, Cubs: Gregg struggled mightily in Chicago but that should take nothing away his numbers in 2007-2008, when he posted back-to-back sub-4.00 ERA.

Chad Cordero, Mariners: Cordero hasn't pitched since 2008, but his first two seasons in the big leagues were filled with promise. He certainly can be had at a reduced price.

Scott Eyre, Phillies: Eyre is a good clubhouse guy who can be pretty effective versus lefties. In 42 games in 2009, Eyre held lefties to a .210 average with a 1.13 WHIP.

It is a little early to start predicting where players will fall on the open market, but the Pirates would be smart to start keeping tabs on some of these guys.

Wrapping Up the GM Meetings

The Cheat — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:31:42 -0000

The GM Meetings wrapped up today, and the baseball writers kept churning out content...

Kenny Williams is busy being his usual brutally honest self

"It's the same thing every year at this time of year," White Sox general manager Ken Williams said. "There is nothing to report."
Williams also discussed the payroll, though without offering any specifics, sticking instead to the marketing and ticket sales side of things, and indicated that the Sox won't be players in free agency until later in the off-season.
The White Sox released their spring training schedule, including 5 games with the Cubs and a trip to Vegas.
Fangraphs uses UZR to rank Jermaine Dye as the 3rd-worst fielder over the last three years. Just think how much worse that would be if he played the wall like Podsednik, one of the few areas where Dye was actually pretty good.
Schadenfreude link of the day: Wilson Betemit will reportedly sign with the Royals.

White Sox Make "News" at GM Meetings

The Cheat — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:38:00 -0000

More photos » by M. Spencer Green - AP

Kenny Williams: The Newsmaker

Browse more photos »

Not much happens at the GM meetings. But this year those meetings are taking place in Chicago -- an unnamed hotel near O'hare, actually -- which means the local Chicago rags can afford to send their writers to cover the relative non-event. So we've got a lot to link to for a week after the World Series ended:

There was a reason I refused to put Scott Podsednik in the See Ya Later group and called him a cock-a-roach (in my best Tony Montana voice) on Facebook, he's not going to go away that easily. Those talks that seemed to be dead last week, have, according to the ubiquitous sources, "heated up."
One player who will be gone, is Jermaine Dye. Some speculated that he might be brought back on the cheap to play DH, but JD, while not specifically ruling out the Sox, insists on ruining some as-yet-to-be-determined team's defense.

"There are a number of teams I've heard already that would love to have me,'' Dye said. "I know one thing, I will not be DHing. You can put that down. If a team wants to try me out at first base on an every day basis I'll do that. That's something I feel will be easy to learn. But as far as DHing that's not for me. Teams shouldn't call if that's their plan.''
Bruce Levine seems to think the Sox are going to hang on to Bobby Jenks, and gets the Chicago GMs on the record about instant replay.
Kenny Williams echoed my sentiment about Alexei Ramirez:

"I personally thought it was terribly unfair, the criticism (Ramirez) got," Williams said. "Of course, the lapses are somewhat frustrating, but I expect those as a young player. I expect those coming from young players. That's part of the development."
Williams also joined in raising concerns about the leaking of players names who've been placed on the waiver wire.
And Joe Crede still wants to play for half a season.