After a comment I made in the post game wrap up for today's game (6/23) , where the A's gave up against the Reds, in response to the question "anyone think Geren will be fired this year?", I started comparing him to other MLB managers that were fired mid-season. I felt that this topic merited its own fan post, rather than be buried in another thread.  I know that when comparing manager’s records, you have to take players into consideration; however, consecutive losing seasons is generally blamed on the manager. So, I'll continue that trend.

Geren's career stats as a manager:

He has not had 1 winning season as a Major League manager. I'm still scratching my head at how this level of mediocrity can lead to his selection as the 2010 AL All Star Team bench coach.

 Now let's compare him to other managers, and how their replacements (where applicable) have fared since taking over.

Continue reading this post »

Last night the A's shipped Gregorio Petit to Texas for Edwar Ramirez.

Recent injuries, though, influenced the club to acquire right-handed reliever Edwar Ramirez from Texas in exchange for infielder Gregorio Petit in an effort to add insurance to a depleted relief corps.

I like this move, not because who we got (I know nothing about him) or that we dumped Petit, but because Petit will be able to stop being a yo-yo between Sacramento and Oakland. It looks like he'll finally get a shot at regular playing time in Texas.

The 25-year-old Petit is a career .278 hitter in just 25 big league games and could possibly land regular playing time with a Texas club that has to manage without utility infielder Khalil Greene this year.

Full story here

Ramirez seems to be a servicable releif pitcher with a pretty good k/bb ratio Ramirez' stats

I think it's funny that in the A's Inbox the day before the trade Jane Lee said:

So while I'm slightly disappointed to see him go (again), I'm not too surprised. There's simply no room for Petit in Oakland, so for his sake, I hope he's packaged in an early-season trade that will give him the chance to be productive elsewhere.

What I'm trying to figure out is why the Yankees DFA'd him, and why, after paying the Yankees for him and only letting him pitch in 1 game this spring the Rangers traded him. Anyone have any insight here?

So AN, what are your thoughts?

For those of you who are frustrated about no Fanfest again this year, the A's management has been somewhat paying attention.

They are calling it free, but you have to pay $10 for parking. Gates open at 9AM

FREE event highlights include:

• Q & A sessions
• Autograph sessions
• Photos with World Series Trophies and former A's Players
• Interactive games
• A's Mathletics program sign-up booth (sponsored by Ross Dress For Less)  

They are calling it Fan Appreciation Tailgate.

In my opinion they are still falling short on their fan appreciation day. Bring back FANFEST!!!

Immediately following the event will be a baseball game between the A's and Giants.

You'll get plenty of chances this year, he's signed a 1 year deal with the Texas Rangers.

(this is my first fanpost, so cut me a little slack)

The Rangers sent Millwood to the Orioles for Ray and a player to be named later at the Winter Meetings. The player to be named could be the third pick in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Texas will also pick up $3 million of Millwood's $12 million salary for 2010, leaving it with a savings of about $7 million.

The Rangers will use that money to sign Harden to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million with an $11.5 million option for 2011. Harden was 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA in 26 starts with the Cubs this past season.

 

Full story here: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091209&content_id=7783458&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Is anyone else worried by the offseason acquisitions of the other AL West teams and the lack thereof for the A's so far?

I think this is a good move for the Rangers if Harden can stay healthy. I really don't like this move for the A's if he does stay healthy.