In a completely expected turn of events, the A's traded Kevin Kouzmanoff today to the Rockies. Before you start ordering your Ian Stewart jerseys, MLBTR says it's for a PTBNL or cash, so if we do get a player in return I'd expect it to be a Bruce Billings-type guy.

This rivals Alex Anthopolous' acquisition of a draft pick in exchange for a bad player with a bad contract as the least shocking news of the day.

Apparently the last title wasn't clear enough, so now I'm confident that something interesting involving the A's will occur. The fact that two outfielders are now off the market helps things, too.

The Cardinals, in a true WTF move that tops most other WTF moves made in recent memory, gave, ahem, traded Rasmus to the Jays. The folks over at Viva El Birdos are, how do I say this, not amused. Be careful over there.

On the heels of the Rasmus deal, the Giants (fuck them, by the way) are apparently nearing a deal for Carlos Beltran. This is a move that undoubtedly makes that obnoxious franchise better, so I think it's safe to say that we all are also fans of the Diamondbacks, Phillies, Braves, and whoever comes out of the Central for the remainder of the year.

It may benefit us as well, however. Beane recently expressed frustration over the offers he's received for Willingham, DeJesus, and Crisp, but now that two of the three best outfielders are off the market (BJ Upton being the third), and only one of them has actually gone to a contender, we could see interest in our guys increase over the next few days.

At least, I sure as hell hope so. Because up to now, as Brett Narloch so succinctly put it, this has been the worst. trade deadline. ever.

As we inch closer and closer to the deadline, there has been a lot of "interest" but little "action". Let's hope that this thread is good luck and something significant goes down. The latest from the rumor mill (nothing new, unfortunately):

- Breslow has drawn interest from the Red Sox and Yankees.

- The Red Sox have also inquired about Rich Harden

- We're willing to trade within the division or with the Giants (though I doubt this happens unless the Bailey to Texas rumor picks up steam again)

- Willing to deal Wuertz and Fuentes, but no interest in Matsui and not looking to move Balfour

And finally, not a trade rumor, but Keith Law says that Sonny Gray is in Oakland for a physical today and we will start him in Midland once he is stretched out. I don't know where they're getting it from (maybe just speculation), but Rotoworld says he could be called up in September and work out of the bullpen?!

Don't have time to look up probables/results, just wanted to get one up for today.

BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT BASEBALL IS GREAT 

As the rumors begin swirling, I figure it's a good time to create this thread to gather and discuss all the trade chatter leading up to the July 31st non-waiver deadline. A few things on Willingham and Bailey:

FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Braves are not considering a trade for the A's Josh Willingham.
The Braves want a right-handed hitting outfielder, so Willingham is an obvious fit, but he's evidently not under consideration. Ryan Ludwick, Hunter Pence and B.J. Upton would seem to be options for the Braves, but it's unclear at this point who their top target is.

- Rotoworld, Jon Paul Morosi

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Pirates have contacted the A's about a possible trade for Josh Willingham.
The Bucs are seeking an upgrade in the outfield, and Willingham represents a sensible option. He's not having a very good year in Oakland, but his track record suggests he'd give the Pirates a better option for right field than the Garrett Jones/Matt Diaz platoon.

- Rotoworld, Buster Olney

The A's are semi-willing to talk about closer Andrew Bailey, but they want a massive return from the Rangers that includes first baseman Chris Davis, top prospect Martin Perez and one more good Minor League pitcher. Bailey can't be a free agent until 2014, and the Rangers have been told that the A's need three players back in any deal

- TR Sullivan

So what do you think, AN? Should we deal Willingham and Bailey? If so, to and for whom?

Figured I'd get one of these up.  Lot of games still on tap for today, a few in progress.

Probables:

Yunesky Maya vs Vance Worley

David Huff vs Andrew Oliver

Casey Coleman

Jeff Locke

Jeurys Familia

Chad Jenkins vs Chris Balcom-Miller

Trey McNutt

Omar Poveda

Brooks Raley

Casey Kelly

Garrett Richards

Zack Wheeler

Noel Arguelles

Zeke Spruill

Drew Smyly

Rob Rasmussen vs Trevor May

Asher Wojciechowski

Kyle Allen

Austin Kirk

Colton Cain

Jesse Biddle

Jameson Taillon

Justin Nicolino

Tyrell Jenkins

Right now, it is looking like Michael Taylor is back.

His 2010 fall from grace has been well-documented, but it seems that he has finally gotten it together. After a startling power outage last season, Taylor has regained his stroke, as John Sickels noted today. With seven home runs this month, his 2011 line is up to .285/.348/.493. FWIW, that is similar to his line in Triple-A in 2009 with Lehigh Valley, 282/.359/.491. His GB% is down from 47.7% last season to 43.2% this year, and his FB% is up from 23.7% to 28.8%. While some had dismissed his early success this year as a BABIP fluke, the power surge has coincided with a regression to a much more reasonable .320 BABIP.

In short, Michael Taylor looks like he may be the hitter we thought we were getting when we acquired him for Brett Wallace. The A's had better hope so, as the future of the outfield looks pretty bleak and he can potentially be an answer in right field.

We haven't had an update on the rest of the minors in a little while, so as we approach the midway point of the season, I'll give a quick rundown of some of the notable statlines:

Grant Green, SS, AA Midland: .281/.338/.391, 4 homers, 63/22 K/BB in 312 PA (20 errors 68 G)

I was a little sour on Green coming into the year, and all my fears about him have been validated. Right now, it appears that his power from last season was a Cal League mirage, he's still striking out too much for somebody with his profile, and his defense still appears to be shaky at best. The shortstop job is pretty much there for the taking if he we're to finally improve on these things, but that's a big if.

Michael Choice, OF, A+ Stockton: .251/.356/.491, 16 homers, 88/41 K/BB in 334 PA (71 G)

Boy, Yasmani Grandal would look pretty good right now, wouldn't he? I wasn't a fan of the Choice pick and while his power/speed combo is compelling, he still is simply striking out way too much. His plate discipline has looked a lot better than I thought it would, but still, I think his upside in MLB is a line like this, so it's a little deflating to see him doing it in the Cal League instead.

Stephen Parker, 3B, AA Midland: .265/.340/.404, 8 homers, 68/33 K/BB in 321 PA (16 errors in 74 G)

I was fairly high on Parker before the year as his bat had drawn some good reviews, but like Green, his power has not made the transition from the Cal League to the Texas League. Also like Green, he has struggled defensively with 14 errors in 67 G at third, and has made six appearances at first this year. Not good.

Adrian Cardenas, 2B/3B/LF/DH/Chef/Ballboy/Drunk fan/PA Announcer/Usher, AAA Sacramento: .313/.387/.413, 3 homers, 24/30 K/BB in 294 PA (8 errors in 70 G, 26 G at DH)

Cardenas has been discussed ad nauseum on this site already. He is what he is at this point: a good hitter for average who has good patience and plate discipline but is without a defensive home at the moment.

Josh Donaldson, C/3B,, AAA Sacramento: .253/.316/.466, 12 homers, 57/24 K/BB in 275 PA (10 errors in 63 G including 42 at C and 16 at 3B)

I hear he might be better than you think. Donaldson also is what he is: A decent hitter with some pop and some versatility, having played C, 1st, and 3rd before. I wouldn't mind if he took Powell's place on the roster.

Eric Sogard, SS, AAA Sacramento: .294/.380/.404, 4 homers, 31/37 K/BB in 330 PA (17 errors in 71 G including 65 G at SS)

I'm sensing a theme of "meh" here. Another guy who "is what he is" at this point. He's got great discipline, but no power, and he's going to have to learn to play shortstop well if he wants an extended stay in the big leagues.

Fautino De Los Santos, RP, AAA Sacramento: 1.83 ERA, 9.6 K/9, 5.5 BB/9, 8.2 H/9 in 19 IP

Sadly, with Krol hurt, the pitching in the system right now is basically FDLS and AJ Griffin. While I'd like to see the walks go down, FDLS still has the makings of an elite reliever.

Yordy Cabrera, SS, Low-A Burlington: .254/.319/.418, 4 homers, 59/19 K/BB in 213 PA (53 G, 51 at SS)

A personal favorite, Cabrera got off to a pretty hot start but has cooled off considerably. Still, he is showing a varied skill set with 4 homers, 13 doubles, and surprisingly, 14 stolen bases. He showing good pop for a 20 year old in the Midwest League, and power is supposed to be his calling card. As they are with just about every notable hitting prospect in this system, the strikeouts appear to be a major issue. Still, he has good upside. I am shocked that he's playing short, though. I had thought it was a foregone conclusion that he'd be a 3rd baseman. That still may be the case, as he already has 18 errors through 51 games.

Rashun Dixon, OF, A+ Stockton: .255/.346/.407, 7 homers, 60/31 K/BB in 266 PA (64 G)

Still a toolshed, still needs to put the tools together, still just 20 years old in the Cal League.

Anthony Recker (barely knew her), C, AAA Sacramento: .310/.404/.550, 12 homers, 54/36 K/BB in 286 PA (67 G)

Definitely having an impressive year, but I think we should temper our expectations. He is 27 years old and this is his 3rd year in the PCL. However, they are great numbers, and there probably isn't a more frustrating player in baseball to watch hit than Kurt "swing for the downs on every pitch" Suzuki.

Randall Jai Miller, OF, AAA Sacramento: .286/.400/.630, 15 homers, 86/32 K/BB in 230 PA (55 G)

Another guy who's put up video game numbers, albeit at 26, and with an absurdly high BABIP and a ridiculous strikeout rate. I really don't think there's anything to get too excited about here.

AJ Griffin, SP, High-A Stockton: 2.23 ERA, 8.7 K/9, 1.4 BB/9, 7.1 H/9 in 92 IP

With Krol and Thomson hurt all year, Griffin is the only good starting pitching prospect the A's have had this season. He tore up the Midwest League, which, as a 23 year-old, he should have done. But he's now had 6 great starts with Stockton, and given that he is still somewhat old for the level, I would like the see the A's promote him to Midland for the second half.

Other guys to watch:

Chad Lewis has gotten off to a good start for short-season Vermont, and John Sickels wrote him up a few days ago. Renato Nunez got a huge bonus and is off to a good start with the DSL A's. I asked Ben Badler about him on Twitter last night and he called his bat "intriguing", while noting that the glove at third needs work. Vicmal De La Cruz is also off to a good start for the DSL club. Aaron Shipman was taken in the 3rd round in last year's draft and has struggled to hit so far in 12 games (4 for the AZL club, 8 in short-season Vermont). The sample size doesn't mean much at this point, though, and he is still a possible 4-tool player. I liked the pick.

Overall, the system really isn't very good, which is not different than what we thought before the season. Green and Parker have disappointed, but if Taylor and Griffin keep it up they could impact the club in a big way as soon as next year.

Some probables for today:

AAA:

Chris Tillman

Jeanmar Gomez

Alex Torres

Vin Mazzaro

Brett Cecil

Blake Beavan

AA:

Manny Banuelos vs Chris Balcom-Miller

Kyle McPherson

Aaron Thompson vs Chad Jenkins

Wily Peralta

Allen Webster vs Omar Poveda

Anthony Capra

Hi-A:

Matt Magill

Tim Melville vs Zeke Spruill

Rob Rasmussen

Jairo Heredia

Short-season/Rookie:

Jessie Biddle

Mike Nesseth

Akeel Morris

Baseball is great Baseball is great Baseball is great Baseball is great Baseball is great Baseball is great Baseball is great 

Some probables for this afternoon:

AAA: Charles Furbush, Wade LeBlanc, Sean West

AA: Aaron Thompson, Nate Eovaldi, Anthony Capra, Ross Seaton, Juan Nicasio

A+: TJ House, Santos Rodriguez, Kyle Allen, Jeffrey Lorick

A-: David Holmberg

Some notable statlines from the completed games:

Dayan Viciedo - 2/4, 2 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

JJ Hoover - 1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Jesus Montero - 1/4, K

Andrew Brackman - 6.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

Justin Wilson  - 6.1 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

Jeurys Familia - 5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), 4 BB, 2 K

Anthony Gose - 2/4, 2B

Travis D'Arnaud - 3/3, 2 R

JC Ramirez - 8.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

Austin Romine - 2/4, 2 RBI

Stolmy Pimentel - 1.1 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Manny Banuelos - 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 4 BB, 7 K

Joe Wieland - 7.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 10 K

Noel Arguelles - 5.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

Hak-Ju Lee - 1/4, 1 R, 2 BB

Deck McGirue - 5.0 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K

Matt Szczur - 2/4, 2 RBI, BB

Austin Kirk - 6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Adys Portillo - 3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K

Matt Lipka - 1/3, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB

Cody Buckel - 3.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 4 K

Cory Vaughn - 2/3, 2 2B, 3 RBI

Brandon Workman - 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Anthony Hewitt - 2/5, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 K

Domingo Santana - 3/4, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 K

I entered this year's draft fairly optimistic. We didn't have a first rounder, but we did well drafting and filling needs last season so I figured that maybe this organization turned a corner. Then, we made a smart selection, drafting a G/C with our first pick, a smart guy and a good player who fills a need that has been ignored for a while.

But then, in true Al fashion, it turned to shit.

We entered this draft with three pressing needs: Help along the offensive line, another OLB, and safety help. Corner was an issue as well, but if we had gone without drafting one, I wouldn't have minded.

But, of course, we drafted two. DvD is a classic, obligatory, absurd Al Davis pick. Fast, but is not good enough to play man on underneath and intermediate routes. He is not strong enough to consistently tackle guys, eliminating the possibility of a move to safety. He is a developmental track athlete who we moved up to overdraft. That is a joke.

With the next pick we took an OT, which is good. That is a need. But we took one that was not rated that highly compared to who was available, and took him because of his size and strength. A "raw, talented guy with upside" is not what we needed when there were several more polished OT's on the board, and already went down that route last season with Bruce Campbell. JC is a guy who needs protection, so when you have two guys you can count on to be solid (Veldheer and Wiz), why in the world are you reach for a risky guy like Barksdale?

Then we take another corner for his size/speed who cannot be counted on to play man consistently well this year. If we're saying that Asomugha is gone, why are the replacements we're drafting guys who will take a long time to develop if they ever do develop? Why are we taking corners suited for zone to play in a man scheme? Because they're tall, and fast. A joke. Davon House would've been a much better selection as a press corner.

But, with 4 picks left and a surprising amount of good players falling, we still could've filled needs at safety and OLB, and even shored up the O-line. Herzlich was sitting there for us. Cannon was there. But we take...a running back? He's not a bad pick in terms of value as he is a good player...but RB? The ONE position we know will be absolutely solid for us in 2011? But he's fast. Oh yeah, I forgot.

And then the rest of the draft I guess was just more comedic filler, as we drafted a fast WR, a fast TE and a crappy WR to finish, completely ignoring serious needs on defense.

I guess I shouldn't expect much more, but I'm sick of speed drafts. How can somebody be so stubborn? How can somebody see SO much losing but STILL make the same fucking mistakes and draf tthe same fucking way? You say you want to win, you mock Cable when he celebrates 8-8, but then you go out and do this? Completely ignore what this football team needs to get better to fit some tired, worn out, ineffective philosophy?

Now, cue the cries of "OMGROFLHATERZGONHATE" from the sheep who ignore any intelligence or reason but instead castigate anybody who dares to speak ill of old Al. I am a Raiders fan, will always be a Raiders fan, and will root for things to work out, but I am not going to support every decision they, err, he makes when they are so blatantly and obviously misguided as these selections were. I am not going to continue to support the idea of drafting players for a track meet. This is fucking professional football, not the 100m dash at the Olympics.

I've said it before, but never meant it as much as I do now: Fuck you, Al Davis.

I think it's pretty clear that we need upgrades offensively right now, but this post will focus more on 2012 and beyond. One way or another, Kouz will be gone by the end of 2011, and the expiring contracts (and sketchy injury histories) of Crisp and Willingham could leave some gaping holes in the outfield. Without any obvious help coming from the minors at the moment, the A's may very well have to look outside of the organization for help.

It isn't necessary at all, but I've always wanted to say this -- more after the jump

Continue reading this post »

Tacoma 9, Sacramento 7 - 6/2

 

Wimberly, 2B: 2/5, K

Donaldson, C: 0/2, BB, SB

Carter, 1B: 1/3, HR, BB, SO

Taylor, RF: 1/4, K, SB

Cardenas, 3B: 0/3, BB, E (9, fielding)

 

G. Godfrey, SP: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 6 K, 3 BB

H-rod, RP (ouch): 0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R (3 earned), 1 K, 1 BB

Storey, RP (ouchie): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R

 

---------------------------------------------------

Sacramento 10, Tacoma 2 - 6/3

Wimberly, 2B: 1/4, SB

Donaldson, DH: 1/2, 2 BB

Carter, 1B: 1/2, 1 BB, 1 K

Taylor, RF: 2/2, 2 BB, SB

Mortensen, SP: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 5 BB, 4 K

Mcbeth, RP: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

 

Tulsa 2, Midland 0 - 6/2

Nothing to see here. Midland was completely shut down.

-----------------------------------------

Midland 2, Tulsa 1 - 6/3

Valdez, 2B: 1/4, 1 K

Baisley, 3B: 1/2, 2 BB

C. Brown, CF: 2/3, 1 HR

Edell, SP (who?): 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 SO

Ja. Lansford, RP: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 SO

 

Stockton had yesterday off.

Visalia 4, Stockton 3 - 6/3

Green, SS: 1/5, 3B, 3 K, E (15, fielding)

Spina, 1B: 0/1, 3 BB

Parker, 3B: 1/4, 1 K

Ladendorf, 2B: 1/3

Ortiz, C: 2/4, 2B, K

Hornbeck, SP: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R (1 earned), 5 BB, 4 K

Carignan, RP: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K

FDLS, RP (!): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Kane County 6, Dayton 3 - 6/2

Crumbliss, 2B: 0/5

T. House, CF: 2/3, 2 BB, 1 K

Stassi, C (eek): 0/4, 3 K

Dixon, RF: 1/4

M. Smith, SP: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Jo. Lansford, RP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 K

------------------------------------------

Kane County 9, Dayton 3 - 6/3

Crumbliss, 2B: 0/5, 1 BB, 1 K

House, CF: 0/4, 2 BB

Stassi, C: 2/5, 1 BB

Dixon, DH: 2/5, HR

Marks, SP: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

 

 

I'm wondering what the community thinks about these two players. Both look to be .250-.260 hitters with a good OBP, lots of homers, and bad defense. Both are entering their first full seasons as starters.

LaPorta was the more heralded prospect coming up, but is the gap between the two still that big?  What do you expect from these guys in 2010 and beyond?

I still need nine more words. Almost there. Finished.

Hey guys, just wanted to help out Andy Seiler, who announced that he's having a "mock re-draft", similar to what John does here. Here it is in full detail:

I always seem to get questions about how the draft would shake out these days if it were done knowing the end result for player signings and bonus amounts. So, I’ve decided to do something simply for the fun of it. Just like John Sickels has done at Minor League Ball, I’m going to hold a mock draft. I’ll need 29 scouting directors (I’m #30), plus I need input as to what dates are available for you. We’ll be doing five rounds, so plan accordingly.

Use this thread to ask for a team assignment and give me your available schedule. Your team assignment is automatically approved unless someone above you has already asked for it. I’m handling my usual responsibility as the Rangers’ scouting director, so that’s already assigned.

Here’s the rules of the re-draft:

-Be on time, stay for the whole thing.

-Your budget is determined by real life signing bonus amounts for your team. You get to spend how much your team spent for the first TEN rounds. Those numbers are available here from BA. The changes I will make to those numbers have to do with the Royals and Rangers, as Aaron Crow and Tanner Scheppers have yet to sign. The Royals will be given $3 million extra, as that’s reportedly their offer for Crow out now. The Rangers are being assigned $2 million for similar reasons.

That’s about it. Leave your desired team in the comments and your available dates.

 So yeah, I encourage you all to sign up. If I took too much from his site there, I'll gladly edit/delete, just let me know.  Just wanted to help him out a little.