http://www.rivercats.com/team/transactions/

Fiorentino is off the DL, and the Rivercats needed a spot.  Buck, CarGon, and Fiorentino are the outfield in Sacto, Gaetti punished the ball in his shot, Cunningham is right behind these guys, Putnam is hitting well, and Denorfia is going to need a place to play too.  Linden go bye-bye.  He had an out clause so he was probably on his way out anyway, but with the outfield talent the A's have, no real reason to carry a malcontent journeyman.

...without significantly altering our current roster.  We need a quality replacement for Payton.  Kotsay and Bradley are both likely to spend some time on the DL, and Johnson may not hit (forcing Swisher back to first.)  Kielty is so useless vs righties that he's not suitable to move up to Payton's role.  Goleski can't be counted on.  So, Beane needs one more quality player.  Here are some decent choices.

1 Geoff Jenkins: If you've read a diary from me, you've seen this before.  He still batters righties and plays great defense.  Milwaukee wants to move hiim.  Would make a great platoon partner with Kielty.  I view this as the ideal.  Could probably be had in exchange for Kurt Suzuki, or possibly Saarloos or Halsey.

2 Kenny Lofton: Lofton has been replaced in LA by Juan Pierre, but he's still a solid player (probably better than $9m/yr Pierre.)  He put up a .763 ops in Dodger Stadium and plays at least average defense.  He would obviously be especially useful for us since he plays centerfield.  IIRC, he's a free agent.  Would likely command a $4 million or so salary, and may not be willing to sign on without a sure starting gig.

3 Emil Brown: Very underrated player who doesn't seemed to be valued by his own team.  Put up consecutive .800 ops seasons, and plays excellent defense per the metrics.  A bit stretched as a starter, but would make a very fine 400 AB fill-in.  Not sure who we'd have to trade, somebody toolsy like Santiago Casilla (plus).  Dayton Moore is a scout first.

Those are three good ones.  Beyond them, it's going to be hard without giving up a significant piece in return.  Any ideas?

Here's mine.  Post yours.

I'm going under the assumption that there isn't actually much money coming free.  Lots of guys are due raises, already contracted or not.

1. Pencil in Jason Windsor as the 5th starter.  It's a hell of a lot cheaper than singing a replacement 5th starter and we can't get a premium talent for the price we're willing to pay anyway.  Windsor is likely to be as good as any reclamation project, and he may well be better.  Saarloos is insurance if necessary (or Halsey if we let Los Kirk go.)
2. Immediately record Dan Johnson's bench press, deadlift, and squat pundages, and tell him to increase those numbers by 40, 60, and 80 lbs respectively, by spring training.  It's for his own good.  DJ needs an edge.  The roid heads didn't increase their games for no reason.  I'm not at all advocating steroid use by DJ, but he can definitely make improvements.  He needs to do something if he wants to have a major league career.  
3. Trade for Geoff Jenkins.  I'm sure many of you will hate this idea, but Jenkins is the best defensive leftfielder in baseball, and he still hits righties very well (.871 OPS against, .877 over the past three years).  The Brewers are desperate to trade him, and will almost surely eat at least $2 million off his $7 million contract, and will likely only require a Kurt Suzuki or Brad Halsey type in return.  A platoon with Kielty would be adding an All-Star level player to the lineup for far less than an All-Star would cost.
4. Sign Kennedy to a two year deal for $4-5 million.  He was balls when healthy.
5. Trade Duke for Kevin Kouzmanoff plus an A baller.  Another unpopular notion, but Duke is about to get expensive, has tremendous trade value, and is mostly replaceable.  Kennedy is nearly as reliable.  Gaudin and Calero can take Kennedy's spot. The bullpen will remain stacked. You have to give to get.  The A's need another big bat.  We all know this.  Duke can fetch us a potential impact bat.  A Kouzmanoff trade would be a fine match for both teams. They need pen help bad and are willing to deal prospects.  Kouzmanoff can get 400 ABs easy with a little shuffling, more if he works out well.
6. Let Payton go.  Obviously.
7. Re-sign Big Hurt.  I don't think this is an absolute, and don't want the A's to make a large committment, but he is the greatest hitter the A's can afford to have, and hugely valuable.

http://sports.myway.com/news/09052006/v0395.html

[b]The Oakland Athletics claimed right-hander Jerome Williams off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, though he wasn't scheduled to immediately join the major league roster.

The A's also brought up infielder D'Angelo Jimenez from Triple-A Sacramento, to give them added depth with shortstop Bobby Crosby on the disabled list, and designated right-hander Matt Roney and infielder Mike Rouse for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster.

http://sports.myway.com/news/08062006/v3592.html

Edinson Volquez.  Kip Wells is being skipped and sent to his doctor to check out some shoulder soreness.  Volquez is a top 50 prospect and one of the DVD trio.  He's been pretty good in AAA.  120 innings with 130 Ks, but 72 BBs (9 HR).  He's got a great live arm, and swing and miss stuff, but he's lacking command.

Seems the kind of guy the A's have trouble with sometimes, but if they stay patient, there is a good chance Volquez will get himself into trouble.  He shouldn't last more than 5 innings either way, and the Rangers' pen is fairly chewed up after Eaton being ejected in the 1st today.  Should be interesting.

What do you think?

1  Daric Barton B+
2  Travis Buck B
3  Jason Windsor B
4  Kurt Suzuki B/B-
5  Jason Ray B-
6  Jared Lansford B-
7  Jeff Baisley B-
8  Kevin Mellilo C+
9  Cliff Pennington C+
10 Javier Herrera C+
11 Thomas Italiano C+/C
12 Vincent Mazzaro C
13 Shane Komine C
14 Anthony Recker C
15 Landon Powell C
16 Jimmy Schull C
17 Richie Robnett C
18 Vasili Spanos C
19 Danny Putnam C
20 Jeremy Brown C

A bit bleak.  Where am I off?

1  Is Brad Sullivan released, or just hurt again?
2  When are our catchers at every level being promoted?  Brown, Recker, Suzuki, Powell, and even Morris are all playing well, but they are all blocked from moving up this year and next, unless a couple guys change position or significantly split time.  Not so much a problem this year (though I'd definitely like to see Recker and Powell moved up), but next year it's an issue.  
3  When does Richie Robnett get promoted?  His numbers have come around to decent levels.
4  How is Baisley's defense?
5  Bocachica or Jay Payton?

How great has this fucking guy been this year?  Yeah he had a couple baserunners on today, but he pushed on through like he didn't even notice.  13 games, 0 runs. Ok, that's great, but what I really can't get over is that the dude is throwing 93 f'n mph (he even hit 94 twice today.)  Joe Kennedy lived at 88 last year, even in relief.  Five extra ticks on the fastball and this dude has gone from effective (in relief) to something a lot more than that. It's a very very exciting start to his season.  He's done a great job.  I always feel safe and secure when Huston or Duke come into the game.  Joe Kennedy is closing in on that territory also.

If Barry Zito is to be traded, flat out, Billy may not be able to get a better deal than what he could get from the Astros right now.

Brandon Backe can't throw a baseball for a minimum of six weeks.  So, the Astros now have two rookies in the rotation (Fernando Nieve and Taylor Buchholz), and one of the worst #3s in baseball (Wandy Rodriguez).  The Astros also have something very valuable: top tier minor league pitching prospects, specifically Jason Hirsch and Troy Patton.  Astros also have a good major league team, and a desperate need for good p.r. after the Bagwell and Clemens debacles.

Barry Zito for Jason Hirsch, Fernando Nieve, and  OF prospect Hunter Pence.  I think it's within reach, and if so, I think Billy ought to look very fricken hard at it.  

We have to be realistic about what Z has given us the past two years.  Solid seasons, but not irreplaceable.  With $7 million to spend on it, Billy can find us another pitcher, at midseason or sooner, without the resume maybe, but who can replace most of what Z gives us on the field (off the field, not so much, granted).

I'm not in love with idea, and I realize that at some point a line does have to be drawn in the sand, and with Thomas this year, it looks like the time to do that, but, if BB can move Z without significantly hurting this year's team, and at the same tim significantly improve the outlook of the next few teams, it may be too prudent to pass up.

"Athletics prospect Dallas Braden won't be ready for the start of the season following offseason shoulder surgery.
Braden, who used his screwball to win 15 games between Single-A Stockton and Double-A Midland last season, is expected to miss the first couple of monthsat. He'll probably head back to Midland once healthy."

Was this known and I just forgot?  Or did the A's keep it under the radar?  Either way, that's not an encouraging sign at all.  There's a good reason why not many guys use a screwball, but I imagine the guy has little value without it.

http://www.halosheaven.com/story/2006/2/4/3125/34708

That's what our sportsbook compaptriots are reporting.

Solidifies the Angels rotation, at worst, (200 innings of league average pitching).  And Weaver is a guy who can have a very nice year at any time.  The Angels rotation had big time collapse potential with Escobar (injury) and Carrasco (shitty).  Now Carrasco goes to the pen, and the Angels have a decent replacement if Escobar goes down.

Gonna be a dogfight again.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brew/jan06/384521.asp

Could have been had for $20,000 (plus be on the hook for his $800,000 contract). Now he's available for $1 on release waivers (and on the hook for contract; contract not fully guaranteed.  He could be cut in spring training, but the team would have to pay $160,000 (20%) of his deal.)

BB must not be interested.  I assume roster space would be the deterrent.  

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5158632

Rosenthal is reporting that Thomas showed up at the winter meetings and made a great impression on several clubs with his shape and attitude.  We actually heard something very similar from Billy on the first day of the meetings.  Rosenthal mentions the A's, Orioles, and Twins, and we know the mfing Angels are desperate for a right handed bat.  I hate to say (write) this, but at this point, I think we have to assume that the A's (we) are not the favorites to land Thomas.  I pray to the MUs that I'm wrong, but it's not often we get a guy that lots of teams want.

However, there is an upside.  Mike Piazza is being slept on.  Other than possibly the Twins, the other teams all seem to favor Frank Thomas.  And, even better than that, Piazza wants to play catcher.  The other teams that have interest can't or won't let him play catcher.  But, for us, there really isn't much downside (if any) to allowing Piazza to play catcher 25-40% of the time.  Mike Piazza obviously has a terrible reputation as a catcher, but that's mostly because he can't throw (to a much lesser degree his immobility is an issue).  The good news is that Piazza has always been an excellent handler of pitchers and game caller.  The other good news is that our current catcher is aging, and, more importantly, he can't throw either.  If Piazza were to catch in place of Kendall, the only things we lose are a little familiarity with the staff, and a little bit of ball blocking ability.  The first is easily remedied.  The second is very rarely relevant.  Piazza can step right in for Kendall 2-3 times a week, with very little negative effect.

Anyway.  The first paragraph here is obviously speculative.  Beane may be about to wrap up Thomas right now.  Personally, I just don't expect that.  And if that's true, I hope we move on Piazza very hard and very fast.  We have a big advantage (for once), because we can offer him something the other teams can't.  Mike Piazza is a hall of fame hitter, just like Thomas.  Lesser and probably declining quicker, but still something we very dearly need.  Thomas is the priority, but if we can't get him, let's not waste time and miss out on both of them.

Or, "expendable" according to Rotoworld.  He's the world's greatest Nick Swisher (even with the off year).  Would you want him?  What would you give up for him?  Jim Bowden is still the Washington GM for now.  He really likes toolsy guys.  Would you do Javier Herrera and Jairo Garcia?  Andre Ethier and Ron Flores?  Jay Payton and Cliff Pennington?  More?  Less?

We should get him. DePodesta has to dump him.  It's mandate from McCourt.  Milton embarassed ownership with the Jeff Kent comments.  

Yeah, the guy has major attitude and temper issues.  But (but), he's worked hard on those issues, he's improved tenfold, and he had the issues almost completely under control last year (and only had the one incident the year before).  And his Dodgers teammates love him (they put him up for both of those citizen of the year awards).  I think that's the most important part.  His issues haven't ever affected morale in the locker room.

Anyway, he should be cheap and he's very very good.  There probably isn't another offensive player as good we could acquire without giving up something big.  And his attitude may actually be a positive in ways for the A's.  He's a tough guy.  The A's have some hard nosed players but don't seem to have guys who thrive on pressure like Bradley does.  

Anyway, the guy has to go, and you've got to figure that most teams aren't going to want any part of him.  I don't believe there will be big demand.  So, what would do it?  I can think of a couple possibilities.  Jairo straight up might get it done.  Calero might be enough (Dodgers need bullpen help bad).  Joe Kennedy + Ginter may do it.  Saarloos + Ginter.  We could probably come up with 20 other combos if we thought about it (using the guys in the system; things like Saarloos plus Putnam).

What do you guys think?  Are you willing to risk inserting that combustible personality into the mix.  He's a big talent, run out of everywhere he's been, but is he big enough?

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/home_MLB.asp?sport=MLB

The A's have reportedly had conversations with the Marlins regarding A.J. Burnett.
The feeling now is that Burnett will likely stay with the Marlins, and a trade to Oakland has to be considered extremely unlikely. Still, it wouldn't be a trade deadline if Billy Beane didn't make one significant pickup.

Now that the A's are leading the WC, this seems like the move to make.  Florida overplayed their hand with Burnett, and he's probably cheaper than he would have been a week ago.  Maybe Blanton and Garcia could get him.  That would be a Fuckin A trade.  What team would want to look down the barrel of Harden, Zito, and Burnett come postseason?  That's just frightening.

http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&did=milb&t=g_box&gid=20 05_07_16_cspaaa_srcaaa_1

13 Ks in 7 innings (vs 1 BB). Set a RiverCats record.  1 earned run.

I wouldn't trust Juan Cruz as far as I can throw him.  Two weeks ago I didn't think the A's should even entertain the thought of giving him a start.  But this is just too much.  He's been the best pitcher in minor league baseball since he went down.  He's forcing the A's hand, and pretty soon I'd say they have to give him an opportunity.  

At the very least, isn't it time to put him back in the bullpen?  Joe Kennedy could use schooling in the A's ways, and that can be done in AAA. He could get regular work in Sacramento, instead of being the last guy in the MLB pen and pitching once a week.

If you're worried about screwing up Cruz by putting him in the pen, wouldn't it be okay for him to take Blanton's spot in the rotation once or twice?  Just to see what happens.  Saarloos is pitching too well to be benched right now, I think (2.77 ERA over his last six starts).  And  Blanton is still pitching pretty well, but there is room for a better pitcher to do more.  It's a risk, but at some point don't you have to reward a guy pitching like Cruz?

Sean McAdam is reporting it definitively.

http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/projo_20050708_08payton.22f9127.html

After a late-inning dugout confrontation with manager Terry Francona Wednesday night forced their hand, the Red Sox designated outfielder Jay Payton for assignment yesterday and have a deal in place to send him to the Oakland A's for reliever Chad Bradford.

It's tough to lose Bradford.  He's been a great warrior for us.  But Payton, if his attitude is positive, should be a good fit with the A's.  A's do need to carry another outfielder (they've been playing with fire) and it was especially important to find one who can competently play centerfield (and also the other two spots).

Given the current market, you'd figure Beane might be able to get back a player who is better overall for Bradford, but it probably would have been tough to find one who fit as well.

JD Drew broke his wrist tonight.  The Dodgers are having a historic season when it comes to injuries.  Their three best players are currently out, and about seven other key guys have missed major time.  Dodgers' injuries make the A's look like the picture of health this season.

Too bad the idiots in the LA papers won't cut DePo a break over this.  In fact, they will surely blame him for the injuries.  I'm starting to really worry over his job security in general.  For purely selfish reasons, it would be nice to have him back with Beane, but I'd feel terrible for him if the dumbass LA writers ran him out of town because they were too stupid to follow along with what he's done.