SB Nation User Blog: Bud Light

Javon Done for the Season, and beyond?

Bud Light — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:45:56 -0000

Javon Walker said he is done for the season needed surgery on his injured ankle.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/archives/017008.html

Does this mean Al won't pony up 9 million in bonuses for him next year? I hope not. If we are going to be bad lets at least let some young guys play and see what we got.

Here is to a lot of Chaz and Higgans the rest of the way.

2008 a lost cause, but maybe not all ...

Bud Light — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:14:05 -0000

Well the off season spending spree appears to be a bust !! Al is fed up and looking to release players with high salaries and low performance (seems smart on the surface). First on Al's list DeAngelo Hall and his 7yr / 70 contract was cut today. According to the media as many as 15 more players are on the chopping block, some I think we all wouldn't mind turning in their jerseys and never hearing from again. Some however I personally don't want to see released only to come back and haunt the Raiders for years.

Before I get into the players I would like to "officially" say I was opposed to firing Kiffin and Ryan. I believed the team needed a direction and by keeping the coaching staff intact was the biggest thing to help the young talent develop. Now that Kiffin is gone and the team is even more tailspin than the weekly is Kiffin going to be fired saga I am for cleaning house. Rob Ryan Defense looks horrible so I hope he is part of the purge. I hope but seriously doubt it will happen that Tom Cable is retained as offensive line coach moving forward. Pay the man for taking on this mess, plus I think he is a top notch assistant coach.

Now to the players possibly on the list I would like to see retained.

1. Michael Huff - Yes the same Michael Huff we picked #7 who has done nothing special. When the scouting report came out on him everyone was divided if he was a safety or if he could be a cornerback with his size and speed(which is faster than the "other" corner on the roster). At last glance the safety portion hasnt worked out that great. It also just so happens we now have an opening at cornerback for the next 8 games. Michael Huff welcome to an Island. You are now going to be thrown on all game as the "other" cornerback just runs around hoping to be noticed. maybe just MAYBE Huff can become a defensive force. He may not be an all-pro like the "other" corner but like Gallery maybe he can find his niche and become a solid member of the team, just not the all-pro they were drafted to be. That would be fine with me at this point. So here is to Michael Huff the cornerback immediately. Let's see what we got going into 2009.

2. Kwame Harris - Yes the same guy who's pass blocking reminds some of a matador as he just waives a flag and allows people the size of bull's to just run by him and sack a QB almost his size. Kwame is NOT a starting left tackle in the NFL, but provides depth at one of the hardest positions to find. The Raiders have a young player they drafted that ended up costing them a top pick in the 3rd round this year. Mario Henderson was the guy they moved up in the draft to get 2 years ago. Let's see if he can protect the blindside of our 60 Million dollar man. He has 8 games to prove what he is made of. I was a HUGE skeptic of him but will say in his 2 games this year he made me believe he could have been worth the pick. So back to why I keep Kwame. Well I think he provides depth and may be an upgrade at the RT so keep him around and his salary wasn't horrible.

3. Gabril Wilson - Now I hope he isnt on the list because he was THE ONLY big offseason signing that has worked out. Plays hard and really seems pissed that this team isn't doing it's job. KEEP him around hopefully his attitude will rub off. Worst case we just have a really good safety.

There is also the young "cast of characters" that I believe this team should retain to move forward like McFadden, Bush, O'Neill, Gallery, Grove, Shillens, Higgins, Miller etc from the offensive side of the ball. On the Defense Scott, Warren, Howard, Morrison, Routt, Branch, Ekejiuba, etc.

If the next 8 games can at least give us player evaluations of the young guys especially at key positions LT, DE, DT, WR we can hopefully fill a NEED in next years draft with a player who can help take us to the next level.

To the rest of overpaid/underperforming players I hope you don't have furniture on order for the new house cause you may just lose your deposit on that.

BTW: Please lets keep this on the players, Al Davis is the owner and you can like him or hate him, but reality is he isn''t going anywhere. So lets focus on what we have. Not replacing Al Davis. I am sure multiple threads will be written about that subject.

Raiders to release DeAngelo Hall

Bud Light — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:23:59 -0000

http://blogs.nfl.com/2008/11/04/raiders-to-release-cb-hall/

Unbelievable if it happens. The Raiders are truly in a state of dysfunctionality.

If they perge the roster that is fine but giving up a 2nd rounder plus basically giving away Washington makes zero sense. I would guess Javon is next.

Hopefully it means Chaz and big Mario get reps to see what we got to figure out our 2009 pick.

THEY BETTER SIGN NMANDI WITH THE $$$$$ SAVED

Bud Light's Sobering Off Season suggested moves

Bud Light — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:49:38 -0000

First, I would like to say I really enjoy everyone's ideas. We all know the current state of affairs isn't working. While I like the idea of getting a Zimmerman, I am opposed to giving up the farm to get him. Anybody like a Holliday who would also require a bounty isn't worth the short term few extra wins IMO. So all the moves I suggest have a eye on the rebuild that is built towards 2011.Nothing drastic to deplete the farm or change the plans just add a few bats.

So here are the moves and reasons behind them again working within the framework of players "expected" to be part of that future "core".

1. Trade Huston Street & Travis Buck to St. Louis for Ryan Ludwick. Why would St. Louis do this? There best prospect is ready to take an OF job and the bullpen needs help at the back end. Huston is cheaper than signing Fuentes/K-Rod and Buck replaces Ludwick in LF w Rasmus manning CF and Ankiel the RF. This is a lot to give up but it gives the A's a RH hitting OF w power who has 5 years left before FA. Plus it saves the A's roughly 5 million.

2. Trade Vince Mazzaro and Matt Murton to SD for Kevin Kouzmanoff. Why would SD do this? SD clears 3rd base for top prospect while gaining a solid young starter along with OF depth. A's get a middle of the pack 3rd baseman who will be around when they start getting competitive and provides DECENT power from the right side. A good 6th hole type. I like Mazzaro but the pitching and OF depth won't hurt the A's long term.

3. Sign Rafael Furcal to a 3 year 40 million dollar free agent deal. Structured at 10/13/17. Why this helps the A's? They have no "legit" shortstop prospects in the upper minors and IF healthy Furcal gives the A's not only a legit leadoff guy but a fantastic defensive shortstop allowing the young guys to be brought along slowly. Hopefully he is healthy, but it is a 40 million dollar gamble.

4. Sign John Patterson to a minimal contract with incentives and HOPE his forearm is back to form after a couple years off. Buy Low / High Reward type. If he is back to form he could be a top of the rotation guy. If not plug in one of the many #5(or should I say #7 types) on the roster and move on.

Some will ask what about Crosby? Well he is my 1 year stopgap at 2nd base until Adrian Cardenas is ready to hold down the fort in 2010. Crosby can't be moved with his salary so let him know 2nd base will help his "value" for FA. He don't like it, tough shit, he is being paid 5.25 million. I see Cardenas as the long term answer as a gap to gap hitter with a solid average and decent defensive skills. He is NOT a shortstop defensively or 3rd baseman where he will lack the power needed.

I send Cunningham or Gonzalez back to AAA to hone their swings as they are part of the future and don't need to be rushed when the A's aren't looking to make the playoffs in 2009. Getting regular AB's will only help long term.

I believe these moves make the A's a move entertaining team offensively and still provide the young arms a decent defensive team to aide their development allowing the younger "core"guys move time to season themselves in a low pressure situation.

Here is the Roster after the moves w/ projected salaries:

SS - Rafael Furcal -10 Million (true lead off the A's have lacked since Rickey)

C- Kurt Suzuki - 400K (takes pitches allowing Furcal to get in scoring position)

LF - Jack Cust - 3 Million (not my ideal #3 hitter, hopefully Chavy can retake)

RF - Ryan Ludwick - 400K (RH power bat A's lack)

DH - Eric Chavez - 11 Million (please be able to hit since you can't field anymore)

3rd - Kevin Kouzmanoff - 400K (like I said #6 hitter w pop)

CF - Gonzalez/Cunningham - 400K (low pressure spot)

2nd - Bobby Crosby - 5.25 Million (162 games till FA)

1st - Daric Barton - 400K (see #7 hitters)

Bench - Ryan Sweeney - 400K (a true 4th OF until power arrives)

Bench - Raj Davis - 400K (earned his spot, and is a great DEF replacement w blazing speed)

Bench - Rob Bowen - 650K (Powell can't be counted on to stay healthy, although since he only plays 20 games maybe bring him up and save 200K)

Bench - Eric Patterson - 400K (another guy can play a lot of positions, w speed)

Bench - Jack Hanahan -400K (Puke, I know but can play plenty of positions and won't be counted on HOPEFULLY)

The Pitchers:

SP: The Duke - 3 Million (Hope for a repeat of 2008)

SP: Sean Gallagher - 400K (Hope for Haren like strides between 1st and 2nd years)

SP: John Patterson - 500K (plus incentives based on games started) (?????)

SP: Greg Smith/Dana Eveland/Dallas Braden - 400K (ST will win the job, keeping spot till warm till Anderson or Cahill take over for long term)

SP: Gio Gonzalez - 400K (bring him along slowly and expect speed bumps but has stuff to be part of rotation in 2011)

Pen: Braden/Eveland/Smith - 400K (nothing exciting here except eating innings)

Pen: Andrew Brown - 400K (power arm for 5th -6th inning)

Pen: Jerry Blevins - 400K (getting groomed by grandpa for his role in 2010)

Pen: Santiago Casilla - 400K (power arm for 6-7th inning)

Pen: Alan Embree - 3 Million (Grandpa helps the kids through long season)

Pen: Ziggy - 400K (can do it all in any situation)

Closer: Joey Devine - 400K (takes over as closer w Ziggy mixed in depending on situations)

As you can tell this ISN't a world series team in the making but IF the prospects continue their growth and the younger guys continue to improve there is no reason to believe the A's can't compete with the largest payroll teams in 2011 for a ring. Yes - for the next couple years we may be looking up at the Angels but shouldn't be fighting for a top 5 pick either with improved offense.

These moves could realistically happen this offseason and the payroll is also low enough the A's can continue spending on the international scene and over slotting bonuses in the draft to continue having a top minor league system to give them the parts needed to make a move later on when they are truly competing for a CHAMPIONSHIP.

So those are my hopes for 2009 since tonights game was an utter disgust.

Thoughts????? I am sure people will rip it apart but the farm is intact and the power is sprinkled the line up.

Carter & O'Neal KO'd

Bud Light — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:10:30 -0000

Not only did the raiders forget to show up Saturday against the Cards they lost 2 players for the season in Drew Carter and Oren O'Neil.

This really hurts the WR as we are pretty thin to start out with and Javon needs to step up his play.

Let's hope we get through the next game with the rest of the squad intact and we can get off to a 1-0 start against the Donk's

http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/2008/08/23/oneal-carter-out-for-the-season/

Nmandi signed and ready to roll

Bud Light — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:19:01 -0000

All good news out of Raider camp today as Nmandi signed his tender offer of 9.7 million and will be in camp on time. What a "true" professional. Hopefully the Raiders will do him right and get him locked up long term this year.

The Raiders told LaMont Jordan not to show up to camp, and will try to get his situation resolved soon.

Lastly Lane Kiffin believes our #1 wide out will also be ready to participate immediately after his late night Vegas affair.

Looks like everything might start coming together in 2008 !!!!

A's reach deal for Michel Inoa for 4.25 Million

Bud Light — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:07:38 -0000

According to Baseball America the agent for the Dominican pitcher has told teams deal is place and no need to contact him anymore as signing will be announced this week.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2008/266411.html

Definetely a BIG signing for the "rebuilding" of the farm system and puts the A's as major players in the international market.

Will this kid duplicate the success of King Felix or fall like many other young players? Only time will tell

International Signings will it effect the draft picks

Bud Light — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:37:35 -0000

With the international signing period 3 days away we will soon see if the A's will outspend the big boys and sign the #1 prize Michel Inoa along with some other talented guys.

However that got me thinking. The A's took some high upside guys with signability concerns. They have already gone against MLB guidelines by signing 10th rounder Rashon Dixon for $600,000 at least half a million over slot.

If they shell out the dough for Inoa(which I am all for btw) will they pull in the reins on the other upside guys like Brett Hunter, Brett Warren, Dusty Coleman, Nick Maronde, etc. I hope the A's put both feet (and wallet) forward to really restock the farm.

That would give them the extra chips to go after that extra bat. I know everyone would love to see Jason Bay in green and gold for the next year and a half.

Going to be an interesting week. Hopefully Beane buys 1st class tickets to the Dominican with an extra ticket coming back to show everyone in Oakland the newest member of the A's organization Michel Inoa !!

A's ready to open up checkbook for Michel Inoa???

Bud Light — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:01:12 -0000

According to multiple reports the A's are the leading team to sign 16 year old phenom from the Dominican republic for excess 3 million.

This would be groundbreaking for the A's organization and if it becomes reality will be a huge boost for the organization.

They are already seeing dividends by the larger bonuses in a smaller signing of Arnold Leon who as a 19 yr old is more than holding his own in Stockton.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Arnold%20Leon&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=504186

Plus soon the 350,000 Robin Rosorio should be making his US debut.

In my opinion outbidding the big boys for some young talent re enforces the ownerships true commitment to winning.

Here are the links on the Inoa signings:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3433834

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2008/266316.html

3 players I want on Day 2

Bud Light — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:44:16 -0000

1. Brett Hunter -SP Pepperdine rated by BA as 51st best prospect and was a guy who may have been pick #12 had he not hurt himself this year.

2. Harold Martinez -3rd baseman FL HS Another "potential" top pick coming into this year who has fallen off the map.

3. Kyle Long SP/1st baseman Virg HS Well the raiders didn't get Howie's boy whay not the A's. Again loaded w power potentail and has a cannon for an arm.

Let's open the checkbook go above slot $$$ and really make a statement. I know it won't happen as Lew won't upset his frat buddy by opposing his recommendations but one can dream and get some serious high upside guys on day 2 and really rebuild this system.

Thoughts of guys others like for day 2?