Happy birthday Mr. Sickels!

Hope you have a great day today with you loving family. Try to take the day off of work and really enjoy those things that matter in life.

KBR and Friends

Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday Happy birthday

Hello fellow community members,

I must admit that I jumped on the statistical bandwagon many years ago. Even as kids my brothers and I would mention that Tony Phillips was underrated and would make a great leadoff hitter. When Moneyball came out it opened up my eyes to a new world of stats to analyze baseball players with.

That being said, I must admit that I am becoming increasingly confused by all the new stats out there. For example, when somebody says someone has a good wRC+ I really don't know what that is referring to, and what number is considered good.

Therefore in this thread I request that other community members can either:

A: Post a stat to get clarification of what it means and what is considered a normal and good number

B: Post why you think a certain stat is key to judge players on

All I would ask is to keep it civil as John is very busy and we don't really need people arguing in a rude manner about why one stat is better then another (besides it makes us look nerdier than we are which is actually hard to do).

KBR

The Christmas season is upon us, so I would like to remind everyone not to forget the charities that mean something to you. While many of us are lucky to have everything we need, there are many out there who are less fortunate. So this holiday season why don't you donate to a charity that means something important to you or give to a family that will wake up with nothing beneath their Christmas tree. Many of us on this site have been blessed with the gifts we have earned or been given so I urge you to give back.

Logan Morrison was sent down by the Marlins on Saturday. From Sports Illustrated:

MIAMI (AP) -- The Florida Marlins have optioned left fielder Logan Morrison to Triple-A New Orleans and released veteran Wes Helms.

The moves were announced following a 3-0 loss to San Francisco on Saturday night.

Morrison had been struggling offensively and defensively in recent weeks, hitting .230 in his last 38 games. Overall, Morrison is hitting .249 with 17 home runs and 60 RBI.

Following the resignation of manager Edwin Rodriguez in June, Morrison was reprimanded by the team for comments he posted on his Twitter account.

Morrison said he feels "resentment" and "anger" over the decision.

Helms was batting .191 overall. He had seven hits in 33 at-bats as a pinch hitter.

The Marlins said they will announce moves Sunday to fill the open roster spots.

Personally I think this is an absolute joke. Sure he has been struggling with the average recently but he is still hitting for power and is definitely one of the Marlins best hitters. I find it laughable that they have been criticizing his defense recently considering that he is helping the team by attempting to man the OF even though he is a good first baseman. If I was a FA or a high draft pick I would try to avoid this franchise at all costs.

Hi everyone,

If you live in the Toronto area I was thinking about organizing a trip to the Rogers Centre to see our beloved Blue Jays wipe the floor with somebody. Alex Anthopolous has done a great job of putting this young squad together so lets go watch Bautista, Lind, Lawrie, and the boys kick the tar out of the competition. I would prefer to do a Tuesday game as they tend to be less busy and we can get decent walk up seats for a good price. Who would be interested in joining me and Dewey at the Rogers Centre?

From Rotoworld:

According to the Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice, Rays GM Andrew Friedman has "left some of his friends with the clear impression that he would love to be the next GM of the Astros."

If this actually happens I personally feel it would be an enormous blow to the Rays. Friedman has helped keep them competitive in the toughest division in sports. What do you think his loss would mean to Tampa? What do you think his gain would mean to the Astros?

Happy Canada Day everyone! Post your thoughts here on today's action.

Players going today:

Thomas Diamond

Alex Colome

Jarred Cosart

Zach McAllister

Matt Harvey

Mike Minor VS Travis Wood

Drew Pomeranz

Stetson Allie

Dellin Betances

Shelby Miller

Mike Moore

Mike Montgomery

Filler Filler Filler Filler  Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler  Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler  Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler FillerFiller Filler Filler Filler  Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler       

The Seattle Mariners have called up top prospect Dustin Ackley to their Major League roster. Ackley is obviously one of the most controversial prospects in this community so I am sure expectations will vary greatly for him. Do you think he is going to go bananas like Posey did last year? Do you think he is going to flounder and be the next Sean Burroughs? Do you think he sticks at 2B or do they slide him to a corner OF spot? Discuss all these questions and more in this thread!!!

I have never been the biggest believer in Dustin Ackley as I have always thought he was going to be a good but not great player in a corner OF position. While I still believe his future remains in the OF his bat is starting to show the potential scouts mentioned when he was drafted. The following is an from BA's hot sheet report:

Ackley is a pure hitter whose strike-zone judgment ranks among the best in the minors. Those skills should help him in his transition to the major leagues, which is likely to come in the near future. Ackley has totaled many more walks (50) than strikeouts (35) thus far, and his power is coming around with nine bombs so far, putting him at .299/.414/.494 on the season. Ackley's defense at second base is still below-average, but prospects seem to have a way of magically becoming big league ready this time each year. Clubs breathe a sigh of relief once the expected Super 2 cutoff date passes because often it means dancing the arbitration dance with players three times instead of four. Whatever the case may be, Ackley could provide Seattle with a Buster Posey-type impact on offense, which the Mariners desperately need.

The Buster Posey type impact comparison is pretty fantastic in my eyes. Perhaps Ackley is one of those guys who puts up bigger numbers in the show than in the minors. What does everyone else think about Ackley's incredible hot streak?

It is being reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates will be selecting Gerrit Cole with the first pick in the MLB draft. The 6' 4", 225 lb righthander certainly has the build of a power pitcher and has a fastball that has touched triple digits at times. With his developing changeup and slider, he should be able to move through the minors fairly quickly to join a young roster including McCutcheon and Alvarez.

What do you think of this selection? Is it the right choice or would you have gone a different direction?

Hopefully everyone is pretty pumped for the mock draft tomorrow. Unfortunately your old friend KBR will not be able to attend due to some ongoing medical issues. Orodawg will be drafting instead so please use this thread to give him some insight into how you think the A's should draft. Personally I would hope that we go extremely high upside with the first pick and then go with a polished pitcher with our second pick. What are your thoughts?

Hello Oakland A's fans,

I need a co-GM for the mock draft as I have had some recent and reoccurring health issues that may prevent me from having the energy for the draft. Hopefully everything is fine, but I wanted to have a backup plan just in case. Is anyone interested in helping with the draft? If so, what is your draft philosophy? Personally, I think we need to draft the highest upside player regardless of position as we don't really have many impact hitters or pitchers in the minors.

Please feel free to post if interested.

Hello everyone,

It is time for a change in Oakland and your friend KBR is the man for the job. Personally, I would like to go for a high risk reward strategy in this draft.  I feel the A's need to stop playing it safe as they have not developed a true impact bat since Eric Chavez. That needs to change and it changes now!!!!

Since I am no expert on the A's, I intend to lean on the community for help. Do you think we should focus on high end pitching? Should some potential stud hitters be our targets? Or should we focus on a particular position?

I am anxious for people's feedback so if you have any constructive suggestions please post them.

KBR

I read the following today over at Baseball America:

Nate (Washington): At what point do we start worrying about Ackley? With the exception of the AFL, the results just haven't yet been there.

J.J. Cooper: Personally, I'm worried more than maybe most. The following is my personal opinion, and I don't think represents a scouting or BA consensus. The move to second base may end up making a lot of sense for the Mariners, because if he can pull off the position defensively (and there are questions about that), the offensive demands are less than if he was playing first or center field. Ackley's swing leaves him in such good position to run to first that his home-to-first times maybe skew the perception of his speed. He's not really shown he's a speedster on the basepaths—which explains why he had 10 steals last year, not 30. Even if Ackely's hit tool ends up being above average, let's say he's a 60-hit, just not the 70-hit tool some project him to be, he'd be a 60 hitter with a tick below average power, above-average, but not game-changing speed and adequate defense. That's good, but maybe it's not as much of an impact player as some expect.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-hot-sheet/2011/2611672.html

With Ackley's current lack of production (.221AVG /.343OBP /.326SLG) are you beginning to get worried?  Personally I see him developing into Placido Polanco light.  What are your thoughts on Ackley's future?

Elijah "Fly Eli" Dukes arrested again. From Rotoworld:

Elijah Dukes was arrested near Tampa, Florida on Sunday for driving with a suspended license.

Dewey and KBR have started a joint Twitter account and love the freedom of this media.  Are many other community members Twitter users?  If so, post your Twitter because we want to follow YOU! This is a great way to follow minor league beat writers and various experts on the field.  Guys like Goldstein often will answer your various questions. Also, the wisdom of the great Charlie Sheen is truly a gift from the angels!

Everybody's favorite aspiring rapper has been arrested for allegedly hitting a pregnant woman.  From SI:

Former major league outfielder Elijah Dukes was being held in a Florida jail on Thursday after his pregnant ex-girlfriend accused him of slapping her in the face during an argument, authorities said.

Hillsborough County Jail records show Dukes, 26, was arrested Wednesday on charges of aggravated battery on a pregnant woman and driving with a revoked or suspended license. He also had been wanted on a contempt of court warrant. He was being held without bond.

A sheriff's office report said Mountrail Mounshay Mack told deputies she and Dukes had been staying in motels for days. She said the two were arguing Wednesday when Dukes slapped her several times in the face, according to the report.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/03/03/elijah.dukes.arrested.ap/index.html#ixzz1FaMdnZBm
Can we all just admit now that Dukes is just one bad motherfucker?  I pray that no team ever gives this guy another chance as he is literally a danger to the community.

Also I just read why Milton Bradley was arrested.  From Rotoworld:

According to RadarOnline.com, Milton Bradley threw a glass coffee table at his wife during an argument on New Year's Eve while the couple was in New York City.

Bradley's wife filed a restraining order against him soon after the incident. "The glass shattered on my head and I started to bleed," Monique Bradley stated in a court-registered filing. "As soon as Milton saw me bleeding, he started crying and begging me to forgive him. He stated that he lost it and that he would kill himself if I left him. I did not know what to do." She is now seeking a divorce.

I was pretty shocked by this.  A lot of people defend Bradley but this is pretty terrible.

Not sure if anyone here is a basketball fan, but there is a huge story coming out of the Pistons.  From Rotoworld:

Pistons likely to fire Kuester this week?

Five veteran players apparently staged a mutiny on Friday by skipping shootaround -- after the trade deadline brought no changes, this ugly situation seems to be coming to a head. Ben Wallace (personal matter), Tayshaun Prince (upset stomach) and Tracy McGrady (headache) were all excused, while Rip Hamilton, Chris Wilcox, Rodney Stuckey and Austin Daye all missed the bus to shootaround. The only thing we can say with certainty right now is that the Pistons are a complete mess.

What do you think would happen if 10 baseball players skipped a practice to show that they hate their coach?  Would they be suspended or would the coach be forced to play them to field a full roster?  Regardless, this is a huge hit for the NBA which continues to alienate the average fan.

From Rotoworld:

Former Nationals outfielder Elijah Dukes has admitted that he would sometimes smoke marijuana before home games when he played for Washington.

Rotoworld Analysis:

In addition to this revelation, Dukes alleges that fellow players were smuggling drugs onto chartered aircraft and using them in hotel rooms after flights. He contends that he was "thrown under the bus" by baseball after coming forward with this information. Also of note is that Dukes is evidently trying a new career as rapper "Fly Eli." It's safe to assume that his career in baseball is over.

Is anybody surprised by Fly Eli's latest revelations?  Do you think he has a shot at making it back to the bigs or has he burned his last bridge?  Regardless, I can't wait to hear Fly Eli's album!!!!!!!

Rotoworld is reporting that Milton Bradley has been arrested on a felony charge. 

According to King 5 Sports in Seattle, Milton Bradley was arrested on a felony in Los Angeles County.

Bradley is a notorious hothead but his poor behavior has usually been kept to the ballpark. Hopefully nobody, including Bradley, was hurt in the illegal activity.  What does everyone think about this newest chapter in the Bradley saga?  Are you surprised?  Is the media blowing it out of proportion?  Would you sign him to a contract if he became a FA?

From Rotoworld:

Delino DeShields Jr. was arrested Sunday and charged with DUI, possession of alcohol by a minor and a traffic violation.

I am not too worried about this long-term but it does show that he isn't showing the best judgment for an 18 year old who signed a contract for over $2 million.  Hopefully he learns from his mistake and doesn't repeat it in the future.  What does everyone else think about his arrest?

As the end of 2010 fall upon us, Dewey and KBR have spent the last week examining the year that was on Minor League Ball.  We feel it is only fitting that we acknowledge the achievements of the good and bad of the community this season.  As a result, we would like to announce the nominees and winners of the First Annual Dewey and KBR Grand Slammy Awards.  This is just for fun so lets have some feedback and hopefully a lot of laughs. Lets get to the nominees!!!!!!

Minor League Ball Rookie of the Year:

The nominees are:

Ray Guilfoyle - Great new poster who puts a fantasy spin on his topics!

BigBlack - He's big and he's black and his material ain't whack!

MathisRocks - He may be an Anaheim fan but t his bad boy is no Angel to controversy!

The Winner is.........Mathis Rocks and his Angels in the Outfield!!!!

Minor League Ball Comeback Poster of the Year:

The nominees are:

Paul Thomas - PT has a history of beefing with KBR and Dewey but this poster is no meathead!  PT's statistical arguments get straight A's from Dewey and KBR!

Slurve - Slurve seemed to be in retirement but like Bret Favre this country boy just won't quit!

Pinstripes - Pinstripes is pure baller, but his commitment to the community list shows that he's got game!

The Winner is..........Paul Thomas and his calculator!

Minor League Ball Homer Award:

The nominees are:

Daveh33 - The Rays players better lock their doors at night because Daveh is on the prowl.  His love of Upton, Beckham, and all things Rays are legendary on this site!

Typical Idiot Fan - You can insult his mother all you want, but don't you dare badmouth Dustin Ackley and his Mariners!

Doug Dirt - This Big Red Machine's knowledge of Cincy prospects is unparalleled!

The winner is..........Typical Idiot Fan and his Dustin Ackley blow up doll take the prize!

Minor League Ball Trail Blazer Award:

The nominees are:

Ray Guilfoyle - Finally a writer who has combined prospecting and fantasy sexiness!

Cwhitman, Mets2K9, Frederick - The leaders of BDNF Brigade unsuccessfully tried to stage a coup on Minor League Ball!  Their efforts failed, but will undeniably be remembered!

Bullpen Banter boys - These community members launched a bad ass blog and continue to bring the ruckus!

The winner is........Ray Guilfoyle and his fantastic fantasy fetish!

Minor League Ball Know It All Award:

The nominees are:

Alskors - Got caught editing quotes to support his argument Fox News style!

Gatling - We are pretty sure nobody told him that he isn't getting paid by the word!

Bravesin07 - Loves to make claims, but hates evidence!

The winner is.........Alskor and his Ann Coulter impression

Minor League Ball MVP Award:

The nominees are:

KBR - The King of Minor League Ball is beloved by all!  He rules his kingdom of Minor League Ball with love but do not cross this monarch as he will send you to his dungeon and force you to talk baseball with Bravesin07 for eternity.

Dewey - The Charlie Sheen of Minor League Ball, Dewey is the ultimate bad boy.  You never know if he is going to write a post that gets 300 comments or wake up next to a coked out hooker.

John Sickels - The founder of Minor League Ball had a career year with an improved blog and his best writing yet.  You better buy his 2011 book as it is truly the Bible of Baseball Prospecting!

The winners are..........Dewey Finn and King Billy Royal!!!  The Wolfpac of minor league ball dominated the fanposts with drama, insight, and humour!  You don't mess with these 2 Canadian Bad Boys!!

I was listening to the Fan590 in Toronto this morning and they mentioned that the Twins and Royals were swapping names in a potential deal sending Greinke to the Twins.  It is rumoured the Royals are looking for Aaron Hicks, Kyle Gibson, Uber-toolsy Max Keplar, and one low level undisclosed prospect.

I can understand why the Royals would be asking for a lot from a division rival, and this offer doesn't seem to be any more then what they were asking from the Jays.  If you are the Twins do you accept this proposal?

Post any trade or free agent signing rumours you read here.  If possible post a link or quote a source directly.

Some recent rumours from MLB trade rumors:

1.  Some no-name pitcher signed with the Phillies

2.  The Yankees showed everyone that they don't need Cliff Lee by signing Russell Martin to a contract

3. The A's signed Matsui to a 1 year/$4.25 million contract.  No word yet on whether he will bring his porn collection to Oakland

What are some other rumours that you have found interesting?

Post any trade or free agent signing rumours you read here.  If possible post a link or quote a source directly.

Some recent rumours from MLB trade rumors:

1.  It is being reported that the Reds have agreed to a 6 year/$56 million extension with Jay Bruce

2.  Russell Martin is talking with the Jays, Redsox, and Yankees.  The Redsox are believed to be the favorites

3. The Mariners signed Miguel Olivo to a 2 year contract

What are some other rumours that you have found interesting?

Iwakuma and his agent were reportedly very disappointed with the A's offer of 4 years and $15.25 million. 

“Their offer was low, and they weren’t sincere,” Don Nomura said, a day after the 30-day negotiating period with Oakland came to an unfruitful end. “They thought we would just cave in at the end, but we didn’t want to set a bad precedent for the next player who goes.”

I am not sure why the A's believed that he would agree to be paid the same as his Japanese club salary, especially considering that he will be a free agent after this season who will likely command at least double of what they offered.  I am really confused at the direction of the A's management team in recent years.  What does everyone else think about this low-ball offer?

Post any trade or free agent signing rumours you read here.  If possible post a link or quote a source directly.

Some recent rumours from MLB trade rumors:

1. The Redsox are close to acquiring Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres.  Heath Bell is rumoured NOT to be going to Boston in the deal.

2.  The Yankees are working into the night to sign Jeter.  It is rumoured he will get $19 million/season over 3 years with a vesting option

3. The Yankees are looking into signing Crawford

4.  The Rangers remain the #1 contender for Greinke

What are some other rumours that you have found interesting?

Post any trade or free agent signing rumours you read here.  If possible post a link or quote a source directly.

Some recent rumours from MLB trade rumors:

1. Vmart is close to a 4 year $50 million dollar deal with the Tigers.

2. Aubrey Huff signed a 2 year $22 million dollar deal with the Giants.

3. The Orioles are possibly considering dealing for Mark Reynolds.

What are some other rumours that you have found interesting?

I read this on SI.com today and found it very interesting.  Verducci examines Oakland's inability to develop and keep an OF. 

The Athletics made a good decision to trade from their inventory of pitching (Vin Mazzaro) to try to find any offense whatsoever (David DeJesus). But at some point can Oakland actually identify and develop a good-hitting outfielder with some staying power? The Athletics' recent track record for developing, trading for or keeping outfielders is abysmal. DeJesus is just the latest in a long line of what Oakland treats as interchangeable parts. Consider these numbers just in the four seasons since 2007:

• The Athletics have used 43 players in the outfield. Forty-three.

• Only one of Oakland's 43 outfielders over the past four seasons has hit more than 13 home runs: Jack Cust in 2008.

• Only one of Oakland's 43 outfielders over the past four seasons has posted an OPS+ better than 100 with enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title: Cust again in 2008.

• Only four of those 43 outfielders even qualified for the batting title: Cust, Shannon Stewart, Ryan Sweeney and Rajai Davis --none were homegrown.

• In the past decade the Athletics have just three 20-home run seasons from homegrown outfielders: Nick Swisher twice and Eric Byrnes once.

• Last year alone Oakland used 16 outfielders, with only Davis playing enough to qualify for the batting title.

DeJesus can leave as a free agent after next season or, as Oakland operates, be flipped during the season for other parts. The feeling is that DeJesus is Conor Jackson, who was Coco Crisp, who was Scott Hairston, who was Matt Murton, who was Mark Kotsay, who was... you get the idea. Why can't the A's find a gem like Carlos Gonzalez or Andre Ethier? Of course, they did, but traded both as young players.

Hi Everyone,

I will be starting the prospect list soon, hopefully with some help from Gatling and Pinstripes, and just wanted to get some feedback from everyone.  If you could please leave a comment with your views it would be very appreciated.

1. Would you prefer to do a top 50 hitter list and a top 50 pitcher list or top 100 overall prospect?

2. Would you prefer to go to 100 or 150 if we are ranking overall prospects?

3. Would you prefer to do the top 50 or 75  hitting/pitching prospects if we split up the prospect lists as Sickels does?

4. Do you wear boxers, briefs, or go commando (AKA King Billy Style)?

Thanks for your responses and I can't wait to get this going!!!!

KBR