I did not see this coming. I guess I just expected Chavez to end up with a west coast team, most likely the Dodgers. With ARod's injury issues lately, I think Chavez has a solid chance at seeing a decent amount of playing time if he can  manage to stay healthy. Also, I could see him putting up some pretty respectable numbers playing in that bandbox. I hate to see him end up in pinstripes, just like several others, but I still wish him the best of luck.

http://twitter.com/YankeesWFAN/statuses/33683184168210432

According to Jon Morosi's twitter account the a's are close to locking up Grant Balfour to a multi-year deal. I like this move since our first rounder is protected, and we grabbed ourselves a pretty good reliever to put at the back end with Bailey and Breslow. I've actually been thinking for a couple weeks that Balfour would be a good target, and expected the A's to at least pursue him. Any guess's on the terms of the deal? Two years with an option would be my guess.

http://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/25940245224624128

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Los-Angeles-Angels-front-runners-to-land-free-agent-Adrian-Beltre-122910

A couple interesting tid-bits from Rosenthal, including him saying the A's improved their initial offer "at least once" but this week they finally said "enough" and pulled out of talks to pursue other players. He mentions Chad Qualls, and Hideki Okajima and also says they could pursue another hitter to share time with Kouz. Huh? A platoon?? And if so, who? What other 3B options are realistically available at this point? I just don't see the options being there. Thoughts?

According to Ken Rosenthal and Paul Morosi the A's are in on several bats still including Vlad, Matsui, Derek Lee and Nick Johnson (ewwwww). They are also looking at trading for Willingham, though the asking price is said to be "absurd" at this point. Links:

http://twitter.com/jonmorosi/statuses/12184558447366144

http://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/12187623900585984

Who does everyone like off of these lists? I personally would only want Matsui if we can't get Cust back, or one of the other DH's were supposedly looking into (aside from Nick Johnson). What is it gonna take to get Willingham and are we willing to give that up for a rental?? 

Sounds like the A's are about to offload some of there OF surplus in the form of Rajai Davis. Exact players not yet known but the A's are supposedly getting reliever trystan magnuson and possibly more. Wow Beane is a busy, busy man right now. I guess thats a good thing right?? Let's keep the wheeling and dealing going!! (As long as it makes us better)

http://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/5010162771304449

A couple weeks back John wrote a piece on Chris Carter's rough start to his MLB career. It sparked a lot of conversation, and many thought the slow start was evidence that he was going to struggle to handle MLB pitching. His 0-33 start to go with 13 K's against only 1 BB was obviously a small sample size, as was the .342/.422/.605 with 8 K's and 6 BB's that followed in the 38 AB's he got to end the season. I'm wondering if anyone has had a chance to see Carter hit either on T.V. or in person, and also if anyone's opinion might have changed some after the nice little run he had to end the season. I have seen Carter play several games while in the minors, but not until he reached Oakland did I actually get to see him on a regular basis. I'm just wondering what people think of him that have actually gotten to see him play over the past couple weeks. He looks like a different hitter to me then most of the big power, high K guys. Such a nice short, compact and powerful stroke with plenty of bat speed. Am I just being an overly optimistic A's fan by thinking he will become more then a low average power hitter? I've heard quite a few arguments on this before he accumulated any major league AB's, I guess i'm just wondering if people have changed their minds some after seeing him hit lately.

It's Monday, it's slow at work, and the fact that there will be no A's baseball again until february is depressing me so I wanna talk a little about Chris Carter and what he might add to the 2011 Offense. Let me go on record as saying I DO NOT in any way think Carter is going to come in next year and single handedly make this teams offense legitimate. However, I took a look at his numbers last night to see how he fared after opening the season 0-33 and liked what I saw. He was noticeably more comfortable at the plate, and that showed in the results.

It's never been a question of whether or not Carter was going to need some adjustment time at the Major League level, that has always been obvious. He has always needed a decent amount of at-bats to get going after a promotion to a new level so the fact that he started off slowly I really don't think suprised many people (although 0-33 definitely did suprise some people). A couple of games after his 2nd promotion to the bigs, and a few games prior to him actually collecting that first hit he started looking much better. He was working the count more, staying back and laying off more off-speed stuff, and putting some really good swings on the ball. Then he got his first hit, and just like I (and many others) expected, he got on a pretty good roll the next 38 AB's to end the season. A pretty good roll to the tune of a .342/.422/.605 slash line with 3 HR's and 7 RBI. He also cut down on the K's with 8 compared to 13 in his first 33 AB's. He also walked 6 times over this same period of time. Now obviously this was a small sample size, and when you stretch that line out to include his 0-33 prior, it doesnt look too nice (.186/.256/.329).

So, my question to AN is, what should we reasonably expect out of Carter in 2011 and beyond that over the course of his career? I realize that this season was such a small sample size so it's impossible to have a great idea of what he'll do, but many of us have seen and know more about him now then we did this time last year and personally, i'm quite encouraged after watching him lately. For such a big guy, he has such a nice and short, compact stroke to go along with a good amount of bat speed. He's always gonna be vulnerable to off-speed stuff, but I think he also showed he can lay off some pretty good breaking pitches. He just has that "look" at the plate like he belongs, and will be legit at the MLB level.

Can we count on him to bat in the 5 hole next year behind a nice, new # 3 and/or #4 hitter in the lineup? With some further development offensively from some of the other young guys on the team (Barton, Pennington, Suzuki) will this team be able to compete if Beane only manages to add one more bat to the current group? What's your thoughts folks??

http://www.csnbayarea.com/06/04/10/EXCLUSIVE-As-Fear-Anderson-Done-For-Seas/landing.html?blockID=247249&feedID=2539

I think we all figured that after Brett Anderson left yesterdays game prematurely, no good news was to follow. According to Urban, Anderson is likely done for the season and we probably all felt that was a likely scenario. So, now what? Were 1/3 of the way through the season and very much holding our own. We could attempt to add a pitcher via free agency or trade, but thats not this teams only need. We also need some more punch in the lineup as days like yesterday with this teams current roster will be few and far between. Taylor and Carter look like they need more time in AAA, and probably the entire season. So do we have a deep enough pool of young players, and enough payroll flexibility to add the 2-3 players its probably going to take to put up a good fight the rest of the season? I'd like to think the answer is yes, because i'd hate to waste such a good start to the season, but what's the most likely scenario at this point? Is Beane going to add to this team for 2010 or are we looking at another punt at mid-season like in 2008?

From MLBTraderumors:

Coco Crisp is nearing an agreement with the Athletics on a one-year deal in the $5MM range, MLBTR has learned.  The deal will include an option for 2011.  Crisp had been talking to the Padres as well, and his agent Steve Comte expected a decision before Christmas.    

Crisp, 30, tallied only 215 plate appearances with the Royals this year due to shoulder injuries.  He had surgery on both shoulders during the summer and plans to be ready for Spring Training.

Given his salary, Crisp figures to be penciled in as the starting center fielder in Oakland.  Scott Hairston, Rajai Davis, and Ryan Sweeney would battle for playing time in the other two spots, unless someone is traded. 

Huh?? My guess is one of the other OF's is on their way out for a 3B or SS, but at this point who the hell knows.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/

According to this article, Cust is expected to be dealt prior to December 12th. This is news to me, and i'm guessing most of us on AN. It's been known that Cust is a potential non-tender candidate, but this is the first I have heard of him drawing any interest on the trade market. Obviously this time of the year its expected of most teams to kick the tires on multiple opitions so to hear that a trade has been considered isn't too earth shattering, but to hear that he is actually expected to be dealt within the next 3 weeks comes as a bit of a suprise. It's also said in the article that any deal won't net much for the A's, so whats everyones opinions on this? Isn't this selling a bit low on Cust?? Yes he's likely to get a nice arbitration raise, but he still won't cost more then $4-5 million in 2010 and is currently our only lock to hit 20+ homeruns. It opens up other options for the OF/DH, but I don't see the A's getting anybody that will produce that much more then Cust likely will. Thoughts??

Not a whole lot of in-depth analysis, but has some interesting things to say about a few guys. One thing that really stands out to me is how under the radar Arnold Leon really is. Sickels had him as the A's #24 prospect entering the season. What the guy has done as a starter at AA this year, as a 20 year old is very impressive. You better believe that guy has opened some eyes this year.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/9/7/1014445/oakland-athletics-top-20-pre

I wanted to get some "updated" opinions on Oakland 1B prospect Chris Carter. Last season there was a lot of discussions about this guy and what type of player he might become. I've heard comp's from Ryan Howard to Russell Branyan and everything inbetween. For the most part it sounds like many people think because of the high K rate he has shown over his professional career, and especially last year in the CAL league, that he will end up a low average, solid power guy at best. It also seems that these opinions of Carter change year to year as I recall people being quite high on him after his 2007 SAL league season where he batted .291/.383/.522 with 25 HR and 93 RBI in 126 games. That season he had 112 K's in 467 AB's so it was obvious he struck out his fair share, but last season he K'd 156 times in just 39 more AB's and despite the huge power numbers he put up, many soured on him quite a bit as a result of the jump in K's.

This year, in his age 22 season at AA Midland he is hitting .301/.405/.515 with 9 HR and 46 RBI through 60 games. As expected with a departure from the CAL league his HR numbers have taken a dip, but with his 22 doubles its still obvious the guy has good power but may have changed his approach a little to raise his BA and cut down on his K rate. It seems to be working for Carter as his average is up quite a bit, and he has cut his K rate down with 57 K's in 239 AB's. His walk rate is also up as coming into today he already has 38 on the year. I personally expect him to start hitting for a little more power as we get deeper into summer and warmer weather, and if he maintains the rest of his numbers this will translate into quite a nice, and suprising (to many) season for the young man.

So my question to everyone is has Carter's season thus far increased his stock as a prospect?? If he is able to maintain his higher average, K rate and BB rate throughout the season and comes out with a slash line of something like .295/.400/.530 does he jump into top 50, or even top 25 territory? Obviously there are still questions about his defensive ability, but he has been playing 1B almost exclusively this season and may have found a defensive home there where he can turn himself into at least an average defender. What are peoples thoughts on him at this stage in the season??

Cahill was pretty lucky to get out of his first major league start with a 3.60 ERA. He was probably pretty nerved up, and it showed. He gave up 5 hits and 5 walks in 5 innings while only striking out 1. His sinker was solid, not great and his secondary stuff was inconsistent at best.

Today he started against Seattle and carried a no hitter through 6-1/3 before Beltre had a solid line drive single to CF. Sweeney ended up hitting a misplayed line drive to CF which ended up as a RBI double to give Cahill his first ER of the game. He ended up getting through 7 IP with 97 pitches, giving up 2 hits and 3 walks while striking out 3. His sinker looked much more lively today with great downward movement that sat 89-92 MPH and touched 94 more then once (with less movement). His changeup moves much like his sinker, but he also throws it 79-80 and was much more consistent with it today. He only through a few curve balls, but it looked much better as well. I'm sure Cahill will hit some bumps in the road, but all in all I think he's come out pretty well through his first two major league starts at barely 21 years old.

Just saw this piece posted by Jon Heyman regarding the A's and Orlando Cabrera. He says that the A's are looking to make an offer for one year, and no more then $5 million. I know some people are against a Cabrera signing, but at $5 million or less we would be getting him at a HUGE discount.

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/46942-as-could-take-final-shot-at-orlando-cabrera

Hey guys and gals, i've been in the middle of some pretty extensive arguments lately over on minorleagueball.com regarding Brett Anderson (among others) and his "stuff". I recall hearing more then a few times that Anderson's fastball velocity had improved since his 2007 season, and also that his secondary pitches are considered above average pitches. The problem i'm running into is that I don't have memberships/accounts/access to many of the sites and articles that present this kind of information on minor league players. I'm sure many here can relate as i'm a student and have to put my extra income (the little that I have) towards non-baseball related essenitals. I know there are some very insightful and baseball intelligent fans on this site so if anyone has any links or articles/info they can provide or argue over on Sickels site that would be awesome. I am a diehard A's fan and would like to show as much support as possible for our guys, so any info is much appreciated.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081117&content_id=3681955&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf&partnerId=rss_sf

MLBtraderumors.com posted this article from Michael Urban, of all people. It scares me a little to think that the Giants are going hard after him considering their history of FA signings. However $10mil a season is much more attractive then the $15mil a season we were looking at before. How about a 3/35 with an option for 2012? Also, Urban didn't really say how the A's were involved more-so then any of the other 4 supposed suitors so i'm not sure what to make of this. Either way this is the first we've heard about Furcal and the A's in nearly a week so it's a little action to get us through our monday.

So, leading up to the Holliday trade I honestly felt (whether I was willing to admit it or not) that us A's fans were likely in for another "meh" type offseason. A couple veteran additions that weren't really anything to get excited about, but that we A's fans would somehow find a way to squeeze some hope out of. I figured Street would be traded, but for a prospect or two and I was almost certain Beane would end up letting Crosby play out his last season before free agency in Oakland. I kept telling myself that one more year of mediocrity was it, then next offseason would be the time to make a move with the influx of talent from the farm. I was somewhat hoping Beane would make a play at it in 2009, but thought the chances were slim-to-none. Well, it looks like I was wrong and Beane suprised the hell out of me, and probably 95% of all A's fans. So this is my first fanpost and I know we have had a lot of Holliday threads since the news broke, but I want to take it beyond that and see what you folks think of my idea to maximize this teams potential for 2009, and hopefully beyond. Matt Holliday is now an Oakland Athletic, and unless Beane plans on flipping him before opening day the A's will try to compete in 2009. So, here's what i've come up with.

Next up it looks like the A's would like to solve the SS issue. Beane is likely looking to pull a Mark Kotsay with Crosby, and deal him to a team looking for a one year solution. His goal will be to get some kind of under the radar prospect, while unloading at least $2 million of the $5.25 million Crosby is owed in 2009. Essentially, he'll be "buying a prospect". As far as replacements go, Furcal has been a name that has come up frequently with substantial rumors to back it up. He's a solid leadoff hitter that plays above average defense at SS and has lots of speed. However, he's coming off a season in which he was off to an absurd start, then suffered a back injury that sidelined him most of the rest of the year. I personally only like signing Furcal to a shorter term deal, maybe a 2 year with an option. My main reasoning on this is probably about the same as everyone else. How bad would it suck to have $25 million, and the A's left side of the infield sitting at home watching because of injuries??  The problem is that he's rumored to be seeking at least four years, and I don't think Beane and Co. will want to take that big of a chance. I would have to agree with them on that. I think most of us can agree that Renteria doesn't exactly sound like a great option, but his name is starting to come up. My solution?? Trade Gio Gonzalez, Vince Mazzaro, Henry Rodriguez and Corey Brown to Milwuakee for JJ Hardy and minor league 3B Taylor Greene. This works for Milwuakee in many ways. They are looking for young pitching. We send Gonzalez who can be inserted directly into their rotation, and Mazzaro who isn't too far from being ready himself. They also get one of the more live arms in the minor leagues in Henry Rodriguez. The guy throws 100 MPH, and after his move to the bullpen showed that he's gonna be ready to close games in the big leagues in the near future. Mike Cameron's contract is up soon, and Corey Brown gives them a legit athletic CF prospect who might be ready by mid 2010. Hardy is set to make $2.65 million next season, and would be under team control through 2010. He's another solid RH bat who could hit in the top-middle of the order with 20+ HR's and good defense at SS. He's young, he's healthy, and would barely put a dent in next season's payroll. It would give time for one of our younger SS prospects like Coleman, Christian or Leyja to step up and be considered for a starting job in a couple years. We would definitely be giving up talent, but would still be holding onto our "elite" guys like Anderson/Cahill/Carter/Cardenas. Greene would add depth at a position that we are very thin at, and he happens to be a solid prospect himself.

Next up I think the A's have to add another starter. Behind Duke we have a bunch of solid guys, but none with much experience. Obviously guys like Sabathia and Burnett are gonna command too much, so the A's will have to set their sights a little lower. My solution?? Sign Brad Penny to a 2 year/$16 million dollar deal. He was hurt last season, so he should come at a discout. He has always reminded me of a harder throwing Joe Blanton, and would be a solid guy to have towards the top of the rotation. The rotation is one of the biggest questions for the A's, and the young guns are not quite ready so a solid veteran is needed IMO. A rotation of Duke, Penny, Eveland, Gallagher and Outman isn't going to set the world on fire, but backed with a solid bullpen the staff has a chance to be pretty good.

Don't worry, i'm almost done. After the Holldiay trade, with Street, Smith and Gonzalez coming off the books plus Crosby's part the payroll should be sitting at around $47-48 million give or take. I don't have the exact numbers, but it should be within a couple million. After adding Hardy and Brad Penny the A's would be adding about $11 million to 2009's payroll raising it to the neighborhood of $59 million. It's been said before that this years payroll could reach the $80 million mark, but i'm thinking it'll be closer to the $70-75 million mark leaving a little room for Int'l signings, draft picks ETC. So lastly, as far as major moves are concerned, I would sign Adam Dunn to a 4 year/$56 million dollar deal. I know all the arguements here, and yes we already have Jack Cust but there is nothing wrong with two Jack Cust's in the middle of a productive, solid hitting team. He brings big power and patience, and would bring better defense at 1B then Jason Giambi. He was tried there last season, and although he wasn't a gold glover he was far from a disaster. We would be taking a hit defensively at 1B, but it would be a HUGE offensive upgrade. Barton could be sent to AAA to work on playing 3B, and if Chavez isn't healthy at any point Barton can take his place.

Lineup:

1. Sweeney CF

2. Buck RF

3. Holliday LF

4. Dunn 1B

5. Hardy SS

6. Cust DH

7. Chavez 3B

8. Ellis 2B

9. Suzuki C

Bench:

IF Pennington

IF Baisely

OF Rajai

C Powell/Bowen

The payroll wouldn't be too high and not only is that a team that I would do battle with, it would be pretty solid post Matt Holliday. Thoughts??

I wanted to get everyone's thoughts on Aaron Cunningham. As most of you probably know, he went to Oakland in the 6 player return the A's got for Dan Haren. Of the 6 prospects, he and Greg Smith were probably the two least talked about players in the deal. I've been fortunate enough to watch him play a few times over the past couple years, and have been nothing but impressed. In fact, as an A's fan, when I heard Oakland recieved him along with 5 others I was very excited. I think he has been one of the more underrated prospects in recent years. The guy has really done nothing but hit in his minor league career, and has continued that with an impressive stint in AA with Midland this season. Coming off a broken wrist that he suffered right out of spring training, I have the guy at a line of .317/.384/.506 through 83 games. This goes along with a minor league career average of .305, and an .863 OPS. He's not the biggest guy there is, and doesn't have huge power but he looks to have 20-25 HR pop and great bat control sporting high averages all along the way. I have heard him compared to Aaron Rowand, and I have also heard people say he looks like a 4th outfielder. I personally am very excited to see him in Oakland as soon as next season, and want to get people's opinions on what type of player they see him becoming.