So the Ravens are about to face off against the Titans in Nashville. The Titans, who own the AFC's number 1 seed are 3 point favorites, but many actually consider the Ravens favorites. If you love defense, tune in!

DeMarcus Ware won the Dick Butkus award for best linebacker. Apparently, it was expanded this year to include professional and high school athletes as well as college athletes. 

 

As somebody personally affected by the war in the Middle East, I don't want to say anything inflammatory here because I'll probably get too pissed off about it (besides, I've already battled people on Facebook, that was a mistake). But Yahoo provided some pretty distressing news today in a blurb in this article. 

"In other serious, sad news, this week Amy Winehouse and her superstar producer Mark Ronson, both of whom are Jewish, were allegedly targeted by Islamic extremists. U.K. newspaper The Sun reported that a post in a forum on Ummah.com called for users to compile "a list of top Jews we can target," and the list included both Amy and Mark's names. British anti-terror expert Glen Jenvey told The Sunthat these threats should not be taken lightly: "The Ummah website has been used by extremists. Those listed should treat it very seriously. Expect a hate campaign and intimidation by 20 or 30 thugs." As if Amy Winehouse didn't have enough troubles..."

 

I've obviously been following the overall situation closely, this is just pretty sad.

 

In the same article there is also a blurb about Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, the daughter of late Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. She has written and produced a rap about her mother and it's been uploaded on youtube, here.

 

Check out mycityscrewups, a new website attempting to serve as a forum for your local community. The goal is to make an account and upload any complaints or issues in your community, or promote positive things and advertise local events and such. Disclaimer: I'm advertising this because it is my parent's startup. But I actually figured that the people of Athletics Nation are just the kind of people who would appreciate a website like this.

 

Finally, Go Bears! As a freshmen at Cal right now, I'm ecstatic with the way this team is playing and with the way the program is evolving. Our overall record is 14-2, with an 8 game win streak. We just swept the Arizona schools (including 17th ranked ASU) and are going for a road Washington sweep today at 3 against UW. It's early, but we might actually be tourney bound this year!!

Don't have a link yet, but just saw this on the ESPN Bottomline:

An MRI revealed that a piece of bone from Alex's Smith shoulder broke off during his prior surgery, if I remember correctly. He is gonna see the doctor who performed the surgery, James Andrews.

Another case of bad luck in this drawn out saga. I still haven't decided whether or not I believe this is still affecting his play, most notably his horrible accuracy that we have seen. Thoughts?

A's prospect fans, rejoice. Trevor Cahill has finally been called up to the Midland Rockhounds, the A's AA affiliate. In turn, Scott Moore has been sent down to Stockton.

 

He's a pretty controversial prospect, as their is a differing opinion in the prospect community about his potential as a major leaguer.

Some believe that his amazing numbers indicate ace status: he is among the leaders in the minors in strikeouts, in groundball/flyball ratio, he doesn't walk too many guys, and he is great at limiting hits.

Others believe that his stuff isn't good enough.This is entirely based on his fastball velocity, which sits around 89-92. The counter to that argument is that it has so much sink on it (compared by an A's official to Brandon Webb or Roy Halladay) that it doesn't need to be faster than that.

Anyway, the jump to AA from A+ is usually thought of as one of the best indicators of a prospects true ability. So now we, the fans, can finally find out how his stuff will translate to the next level. I'm excited and confident that he will continue to dominate.

 

I recall a user comment here suggesting that the A's will have a bunch of minor league roster moves right after the all star break. That sounds about right so far. Danny Borrell was sent down to Midland (edit: thanks, Andeux), in place of Jason Glushon, who was sent back to Stockton. Javier Herrera is also finally back for Midland, taking up an empty roster spot. I haven't found any more transactions yet (cough Craig Italiano to Stockton cough) but I'm hoping they come soon. I'm also looking for an organizational boost of second baseman, pushing Larry Cobb up to Stockton again and Jesus Guzman to AAA.

And by the way, since Brett Anderson has returned to Stockton from his injury: 4 GS, 23.2 innings, 3 ER, 16 hits, 27/1 K/BB (!), and I believe 2 HBP's. As we can see, those horrific outings before going on the DL can be written off to injury

 

Please post up in this thread any more transactions that you can find.

Hello all. It's been a while since i wrote a fanpost/diary. I don't post frequently anymore either. But I do check AN like 45 times a day, and luckily next year at UC Berkeley I'll be able to track my beloved A's (and AN of course) no problem.

I was doing my daily www.firstinning.com check. What that means is that on that exceptional minor league baseball website with all your conventional stats and then the stathead ones as well, I have a list of A's players saved on my player tracker that I monitor. Among them is Trevor Cahill, who is pitching today in a pitchers duel against Texas' Casey Kiker. It inspire me to write this fanpost about A's prospects today.

 

As we speak, in the top of the fifth, the score sits at 0-0. Matt Sulentic just lined a single up the middle (I'm actually listening to the game on the internet). Anyway, one of the things that inspired me to write this was to not that:

Andrew Brown began his rehab assignment. He started this game in front of Cahill, pitching two innings with no baserunners and no strikeouts. As far as I'm concerned, he's throwing the ball well. He'll be back in Oakland soon. Hopefully that means goodbye to Dallas Braden.

Anyway, Cahill has thrown two innings, giving up two hits while striking out 5. Midland really wants him to come up. 

 

Elsewhere, Sean Doolittle is begging to be called up. He hit another homer yesterday, which gives him 15, with 15 doubles and 2 triples. He has 70 hits in 212 at bats. His OPS sits at a round 1050. As I noted in Grover's minor league thread, he has identical OPS's against both lefties and righties. A great sign. Tommy Everidge is the current first baseman in AA, but I wouldn't hesitate to DH him and call up Doolittle. Everidge is a decent prospect, but not much more.

 

In the Midland Rockhounds 9-3 thrashing of Corpus Christi, the A's had a couple good prospects perform. Jesus Guzman went 4-5 with his 11th homer. His OPS sits at .971. Stunningly, the A's could have found their second basemen of the future on the waiver wire this offseason. 28 year old Brooks Conrad is sucking in AAA, and he is the 2B in Sacramento. I don't see any reason to prohibit Guzman from taking over the spot by the All Star Break.Vince Mazzaro pitched into the 8th inning, giving up just 2 hits and 1 run, with a 6/3 K/BB. He induced 8 groundouts to 9 flyouts. He lowered his ERA to 2.31.

 

In AAA, Cliff Pennington is surging. Its kind of weird. He went 1-3 with a double and 2 walks today, and now his stats since getting called up a week ago. 6/23 with 2 doubles, 1 homer, 6 walks and 2 strikeouts. That leaves his OPS just over 850. He's controlling the strike zone, and he's hitting gaps in a very small sample size. If he continues this, he'll find himself among the top 10 prospects that Oakland has again. Landon Powell: He had another hit today to stretch his hit streak to 4 games. Doesn't seem like much, but he's hitting .192 thanks to a similarly low BABIP.. So I've been waiting for his BABIP (and average) to go up, and it looks like the hits are starting to fall.

 

And finally, another update in the Stockton Ports game: Its now the bottom of the 8th, Sulentic lined another single in the top of the 8th. Cahill is absolutely manhandling to this point: In five innings of relief he has faced 18 batters: 3 hits, 3 ground outs, and 12 strikeouts. Cahill is keeping his fastball low and getting his strikeouts with the slider. A magnificent performance.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/s...

Ensberg used to be a good power hitter, but has really sucked the past two seasons.

Stats: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/player...

Lately, he has represented a Jack Cust type player, with a low average but a very large number of walks. But just 2 years ago he was an all star, with a line of 283/388/557. According to the article, he has never been the same since tearing a tendon in his shoulder.

The point is.. Is this a good guy to buy low on?

Just a thought. Keep in mind that this is quite spontaneous and probably are a myriad of reasons why this can't happen. And there is also some part of me that realizes and wants to preserve the AL/NL tradition of the all-star game. After all, the AS Game gives me another day to root against Barry Bonds.

Poll

What do you think of a US/World AS-Game?

25%

That would be interesting. I like it.

8 votes

19%

That would be interesting, but i like the current format better.

6 votes

41%

Nah

13 votes

12%

Barry Bonds talked really fast in his Gammons interview today.

4 votes

31 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

First off a little background on Windsor. He's been well chronicled here but this year is pretty out of the blue.

In 44.2 Innings, 8 starts, Windsor has compiled a 5.24 ERA. He has given up 51 hits and 19 walks, while striking out 31. Good for a 3.83 BB/9, 6.25 K/9 and a horrible 1.57 WHIP. He has only given up three home runs though. Opponents have an .821 OPS against him. Simply put, he is getting raked. He has been much better of late, despite continued struggle with his control.

Here's the point: Try Windsor out as closer. Whether Street is back on time or not. Make Windsor a closer. He has got the mentality that we have all heard about, that bulldog type/Huddy/cliche mindset. He also projects as a reliever with his pitches, using his great changeup to offset an average fastball, mixed with the breaking ball. His changeup is the only above average pitch, and, as a reliever, he would only need two pitches.His stuff may not be considered good enough, but it's worth a shot making him a reliever right now. Even if Street's injury is only short term, he could move back to starting or become a set up man.

A little crazy, but i'm willing to try anything.

Per Rotoworld:

Athletics released first baseman Erubiel Durazo.
Durazo didn't show that his power was all the way back this spring, and he also struggled with the glove at first base. We'd still probably take him over Todd Walker, but the A's weren't willing to sacrifice the defense. Walker now looks like a $3-$4 pick in AL-only leagues.

Also, Donnie Murphy was assigned to AAA and Kurt Suzuki to minor league camp.

Finally, it looks like Loaiza will start the year on the DL

More potential big news for the Niners, as word is out that start DE Jared Allen has requested a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2779135

Allen is a three year veteran, just 25 years old. Over his career he has compiled 145 total tackles (126 solo), 22.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and 15 pass deflections. And his rookie year he didn't start.

Jared Allen would be a great addition to the Nolan 3-4 scheme in my opinion.

The Chiefs  denied his request for a trade, instead they are going to tender him.

Allen's agent, Ken Harris, told the Star that the Chiefs plan to high tender Allen. Kansas City would receive a first and third round draft choice if another team signed him to an offer sheet. If that happens, Allen, would earn $2.35 million as a high tender in 2007 according to the Star.

That block made my whole game. Azubuike came out of nowhere and absolutely crapped on JR Smith, shoving his attempt at a flashy dunk spinning away. The amazing part was that this took place 1 foot above the rim! God, i have to see that again! Can somebody  please find some footage of it? Cause i can't find any..

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2744279

According to Ed Werder of ESPN.com:

The San Francisco 49ers are offering Norv Turner a lucrative incentive package in his contract in a bid to persuade him to remain and continue developing quarterback Alex Smith, rather than interviewing for the Dallas Cowboys' head-coaching position, according to sources.

Looks like the Niners really do value Turners contribution to Alex Smith. I hope he accepts.

Hello, fellow ANers.

Here is my sob story.

Today, at roughly 7 o'clock, the A's face the Red Sox in the first game of a three game series. Since my arrival on July 11th, the day of the all star game, the A's have been on a road trip. Today marks the first A's home game (for me) in around 52 weeks. I desperately want to go sit bleachers with my two friends LF Alex and Robb (who have season tix for bleachers) but the bleachers are sold out.

I need two bleacher tickets. I'm calling on AN to help my cause!

Please! Somebody save the day!

P.S. I'll obviously pay for them.

I'd like to dedicate this link dump to the well being of Roy Steele. Nico writes an excellent piece on the front page, and here is the fantastic article written by Gwen Knapp.

I'd like to point out a certain part of that article:

"Three of my children on the same night dreamt that I was back to normal,'' he said, "and I thought that meant something.''

I know for a fact that dreams come true. How? Last night i had a dream. I was with my friend Ben (American) in an unknown place. I was in a hurry.

"Ben, lets go!"
"Wait, i gotta check something on my sidekick"
"ARGH!" (me)
"YES! THE A'S SIGNED TREVOR CAHILL!! YES!!!"

Lo and behold, Ryan Quinn of MLB.com announces that the A's have signed top pick Trevor Cahill

Isn't that nuts?

Within that same article, Huston Street acts like a five year old.

Huston Street, whose drink of choice was milk, was especially excited about the meal and repetitively asked his teammates if they had eaten yet, because the food was "So good" and that he was going to have seconds.

Street, 22, was maybe a little too jazzed because he was eating the steak with his bare hands. He was simultaneously eating his steak, talking to Joe Blanton and flapping a piece of steak in front of Blanton's face.

The closer from the University of Texas was also saying that he was eager about a sleepover at Kirk Saarloos' house. Lobster, blue Gatorade and a sleepover -- can life get any better? Maybe Street also would get to play video games with Saarloos.

Street looked to be so wound up about possibly playing Halo 2 with his buddy that when he went to poor himself some milk, he missed the cup by a good six inches.

Uh, that's a little wierd.

Anyways, yet another disheartening game.

MLB.com recap

Susan Slusser recap

In other news, Milton Bradley went 3-5 with 2 homers and 6 rbi's for Sacramento yesterday. I won't get my hopes up, but Milton Bradley performing well would go a long way to bring the A's offense back to something watchable.

Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal to take fourth straight Wimbledon title I'm happy. I hate Nadal for one thing. Plus, it's something else watching possibly the greatest player of all time dominate.

Again, this diary is dedicated to the Voice of God, as well as all our dreams coming true.

Hey all. Boy, i had a rough draft day. I'm in Amsterdam right now, and was  on draft day as well. THat was frustrating as hell, as the internet inexplicably didn't work.  I just found out who the Warrior's drafted!

First, my opinion.

Patrick O'Bryant to me screams Todd Fuller. I don't know. But given the circumstances, there isn't anyone else i would have picked over him. AAnd Kosta Perovic is just a ? We don't know much about it. But at least there is more flexibility on the depth chart, making it much easier to trade Troy Murphy.

Mainly, i just wanted to express my excitement at the fact that not one, but TWO Israeli's were chosen in this years draft.

Lior Eliyahu, a 6'8 PF (though will be a SF now, because of his size and athleticism). The 44th pick by the Orlando Magic (traded then to the Huston Rockets to fill the tiny void left by Stromile Swift) was the first  Israeli ever drafted. He'll stay in Israel for now, to play for the best team in Europe (despite their loss in the Euroleague final to CSKA Moscow. They were 2 time defending champions. Also the former home of Pacers guard Sarunas Jasikevicsious, which i clearly spelled wrong), Maccabi Tel Aviv. He'll stay there for presumably a year, as he also has to finish his army time.

Yotam Halperin, a 6'6 point guard with great ball handling and passing skills, drafted 53 by the Seattle Supersonics. He was actually drafted much lower than originally thought, there was even talk of him being a first rounder.  Last year he played at Olympic Ljublijana. Since Eliyahu will stay in Israel for now, Halperin looks to become the first Israeli ever to play in the NBA.

It's a great day for Israeli Basketball.

So there were some debates for and against leaving Thomas on the basepaths... And the against crew has won....

Way down in that Slusser recap:

It wouldn't be a day in the clubhouse without some new injury worry, though, and Saturday it was Thomas. He said that he felt a twinge in his problematic right quad as he tried to get back to third after rounding the bag in the eighth inning. He didn't sound optimistic about being able to go today.

Great job, Mock. YOU FOOL!!!!

Also in that article:

Crosby might not play in this series. He said he'd tried swinging a bat in the cage, and while gripping it was not a problem, his hand hurt when he made contact.

"The good thing is if it's not tomorrow, it's Tuesday,'' Crosby said of his return. "It better be Tuesday.''

Yippee.

Let's see, what else.

Oh, this team has got character. In fact i love it so much it's like the teddy bear i once had that my dog ate and then pooped it's remains all over my bed.

Within that notebook, we learned of Halsey's balsiness, Streets guts (literally and figureatively), a Kikolicious revelation,  and more of Bradley's humor towards those who despise him:

Sample:

Street was working for the third day in a row, despite being sick in the bullpen before coming in to save Friday night's game. He said he had a cup of coffee, a Red Bull and two greasy burritos during the 87-minute rain delay, after an announcement the game would resume in 45 minutes. That turned out to be 10 minutes, not 45, so Street had to hustle back to the bullpen, feeling queasy ("I totally deserved it," he said). He was throwing up in the bullpen bathroom while Gaudin was on the mound, but still came in for the ninth and got Jeter, Giambi and Rodriguez.

Briefly: Manager Ken Macha said that Kiko Calero wasn't available Saturday after working the night before. The team has decided Calero is most effective going every other day -- Calero has a 7.94 ERA in seven outings in which he's worked on zero days' rest; with one day off, he's got a 2.08 ERA. ... The fans in the bleachers in right yelled "Bradley sucks, Bradley sucks!" at Milton Bradley in the ninth, and at one point, the right fielder turned and conducted as they chanted. ... Jason Kendall got a day off on Saturday.

I love this team.

Check out the World Cup Open Thread, Part 2 courtesy of CaliforniaGirl. There, you can learn of my (legal) betting exploits, if you please.

That's it for now.

Actually, i was at the beach a few days ago for too long (try about 4 hours), and burned my whole body everywhere except where my bathing suit resided. Here is a picture of that nice little beach in Tel Aviv.

Oh, and, lets sweep them Yanks eh?

First off.... 4 FRIKKIN DAYS TO THE WORLD CUP!!!! I can't remember ever being so excited (well, maybe a few A's games). I hope all you guys are ready...

Well, lets start with the injuries:

Joe Kennedy threw off a mound for the first time since May 9th.

Briefly: Joe Kennedy threw 20 pitches off the mound for the first time since May 9, and manager Ken Macha said he was "whipping'' the ball. Kennedy (biceps and shoulder tendinitis) will work out at Sacramento this week and could throw a simulated game Saturday and make a rehab appearance the following week.

YAY!!!! (whoever thought we'd be happy about the return of Joe Kennedy?!).

Big Frank Thomas-Yesterday was just a precaution.

Designated hitter Frank Thomas came out of the game with pain in his left foot after doubling and scoring in his first at-bat. It's the same foot that kept Thomas out most of the past two seasons; he had surgery on his left ankle to repair a fractured navicular bone, which is held together by screws. He ran slowly and gingerly on his double down the left-field line (barely making it without a slide after being deked by Juan Castro) and he moved just as poorly when he came home on Bobby Crosby's single to right-center.

"It's no big deal,'' Thomas said. "It was just sore to start the day, I should have taken the day off. Instead, the worst thing happened -- I hit a double my first at-bat and had to score (two pitches later). I was in and out of the slush bucket, and it feels a lot better.''

Thomas believes he'll be able to play Tuesday. This would be a poor time for the team to lose Thomas for any extended period, because he has rediscovered his hitting stroke in the past few weeks, with a .328 average and 17 walks over his past 20 games.

What the hell is the slush bucket? Is that the bath full of ice?

Milton Bradley, Es-TEH-ban Loaiza, Jay Witasick: (from the same article as the Thomas).

All will be back  for the Indians series.

Outfielder Milton Bradley (knee, oblique muscle) and reliever Jay Witasick (ankle sprain) are expected back Tuesday at Cleveland, and Esteban Loaiza (strained trapezius muscle) will start Thursday against the Indians.

Bradley will play at Triple-A Sacramento tonight and fly first thing Tuesday morning to make it to Cleveland in time for that night's game; the A's made two moves after Sunday's games to clear room for Bradley and Witasick, sending down catcher Jeremy Brown and reliever Matt Roney.

And finally, Rich Harden comes back!! He struggled a bit, but nobody not named Joe Mauer can touch him! Slusser recaps.

Some good mojo pictures:

Danny Boy after his homer!!!

Speaking of Dan Johnson, there may be a reason behind his struggles:

Johnson has had trouble with dry eyes, leading to briefly blurred vision when he blinks because he isn't producing tears. After a trip to an ophthalmologist, Johnson received eye drops, but he is still experiencing difficulty.

....

Johnson emphasized that he does not want to use the condition as an excuse for his struggles, insisting that when he does connect with the ball, the problem doesn't affect him. He acknowledged, however, that sometimes he does blink when the ball is released -- and when that happens and his vision blurs, he has to take the pitch. That is not the optimum way to go about hitting.

Emphasis mine. So could this be at least a partial explanation why Johnson has been severly underperforming? I'll take it. The A's need Johnson to heat up. They simply can't sustain such weak production for a whole year.

Shane Keough update-As some of us know, the A's drafted special assistan to Billy Beane (Matt Keough's) son last year in the 36th round. He was a draft and follow, meaning he spent the year at junior college where he significantly improved his stock. He hit .314 with 18 doubles, 5 triples and 5 homers and 21 SB's (204 at bats).

Here is what BA says in their draft preview:

He does have exciting tools that have invited comparisons to Steve Finley thanks to his lithe, athletic frame. The state's top draft-eligible athlete, Keough is an above-average runner, covering 60 yards in 6.5 seconds, and a switch-hitter with solid-average power, particularly from the right side. His long legs and gliding stride make him a potential plus defender with enough arm for center field. His arm has improved nearly two grades since the fall as he adjusts to a longer arm stroke, making it a fringe-average tool.....and his approach at the plate remains raw as a result. Keough made adjustments as the year went on, cutting down on his strikeouts, but he still swings and misses too much.

And lastly, Monday's suck

Well, i was sitting here on my computer watching espn gamecenter... And then it said Kendall home run. Here is what happened next:

1.I was speechless for 16 seconds
2.I shit my pants
3.My dog walked over to me on two feet and asked me to take him out in better Hebrew than mine.
4.All power went out
5.I fainted
6.I heard a loud screech (my scientists tracked it to somewhere in Missouri)
7.AN crashed
So, is this the turning point? Blanton complete game shuts out the Royals to finish off May and saves the bullpen. Bobby Crosby has finally found a normal sized bat (apparently before he was using toddler sized). Chavez and Swish going strong and Thomas has become a force. It's looking up!!!

So, everyone. I suggest you hurry and find your AC/DC greatest hits CD, play "It's a long way to the top".  Because it is, really. And the road begins here!!!!!!!!!!

Go A's!!!

Ryan Shealy, one of my favorites (and one of grover's genious ideas that never came true) is still suck in AAA. Looking at the lineup card, the only places he can play are OF corners (with luck), 3B (highly unlikely) and 1B/DH. The Rockies are unbelievably in those spots:

Holliday (LF), Hawpe (RF), Atkins (3B) are all hitting over 300, and Todd Helton is entrenched at first. The most logical solution for the Rockies is to trade Shealy, since all the rest of the guys are young as well.

They obviously need pitching. Francis is a great start, and Cook is a solid 2. Jennings is serviceable (and a great hitter). They have some nice prospects (like Juan Morillo, who has been great in AA so far).

Now, it may be early, but i propose the A's take advantage. My patience with Dan Johnson is waning.

How about this:

Trade Dan Johnson and lower level prospectto the Pirates for Tom Gorzelanny (tearing up AAA:http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/stats/player.php?id=452733) and a smaller prospect.

Then trade Gorzelanny and Shane Komine (who, while struggling in AAA is a power arm that can be of use in the rotation or that weak bullpen) for Ryan Shealy.

Shealy can be moved to LF, Swisher becomes the permanent 1B.

Shealy stats: http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/ryan-shealy.shtml

The great thing is that he's cheap and under control for 6 years. He's a great right handed pure hitter. Career .324 average in the minors. Frankly, i like him better than Johnson, and i like especially that he's righty.

Or, we could just trade Johnson and John Baker for Craig Wilson. That would be simple.

Last night Dan Meyer pitched a fine game, as the Rivercats beat the Tuscon Sidewinders 8-5.

Meyer pitched 6 solid, with 1 earned run, 4 hits, 3 walks, and a very encouraging 7 K's. If it's true that he'll never regain the velocity he had in Atlanta, he must learn to be a different pitcher. His upside may turn out to be a good fourth starter. I'll take that. His ERA on the year is now 3.73 over 31 innings with a 16/9 K/BB ratio and a 1.37 WHIP.

Have to go now actually, i'll update more as soon as i can.

Well, back now. More players of note:

Jason Windsor looks to be fully recovered from last years "tired arm" and biceps strain (or whatever it was. In 6 starts and 33 innings, Windsor sports a 2.97 ERA with a 35/10 K/BB ratio and a 1.11 WHIP.

Kevin Melillo is having a power outage. He just hit his first home run of the year the other day. Oddly enough, he's hitting for average. .308/.373/.393/.765 is his line, with 1 homer and 14 rbi's. His BB/K ratio is a mediocre 10/23. Quite odd.

Travis Buck is off to a wonderful start. As advertised, he is spraying doubles all over the place. .324/.385/.590/.976 with 3 homers, 3 triples, and 13 doubles (!!). He's scored 21 runs, and has a solid 13/17 BB/K ratio. Hopefully these doubles (an unbelievably amount) will turn into homers.

Jared Lansford made his debut on Monday, and it was excellent. He's slated to start today if i'm not mistaken. Lansford pitched 5 innings of 2 hit, no run ball. He K'ed 5 and BB'ed 2. GO JL!!!!

Thomas Italiano also continues to be as advertised. His ERA in 18 innings (4 starts) is 3.5. He's give up 18 hits, and has a 23/9 K/BB ratio.

http://fantasybaseball.rotoworld.com/includes/topblurbs.asp?sport=MLB

Rich Harden left Wednesday's game versus the Rangers with back spasms.
He gave up two hits and three walks while striking out six before leaving. He was charged with three runs after reliever Kiko Calero came in and gave up a Kevin Mench grand slam. Apr. 26 - 3:47 pm et

No source is listed. That's all.

Well.. FRUCK FLUCK FBUCK FNUCK FPUCK FWUCK FTUCK FZUCK....... God why is our luck so bad!!!

I'm too lazy to put blockquotes and such. Oh, heck. I'll just put em.

Prospect Spotlight: Ryan Webb

After being tabbed as a breakout sleeper last year, Ryan Webb was decidedly average in his first professional season at low A Kane County. He had a 4.76 ERA. He had an 84:41 K/BB ratio in 129 innings. This year, so far, he seems to have come into his own in hitters paradise, the California League. In 17.1 innings, he's got a 17/4 K/BB ratio and a 1.06 ERA. He's also given up 0 homers, something that troubled him last year (16 homers in the pitchers league). Here is why:

Webb's fastball velocity has improved from 86-88 mph when he joined the organization to the 89-91 range, his slider has gotten much tighter and he does a better job keeping his composure on the mound, A's farm director Keith Lieppman said.

A particularly encouraging sign has been Webb's success against lefthanded hitters, who batted .311 against him last season with 26 strikeouts and 24 walks in 51 innings. This year, Webb has a .286 average against and an 8-2 K-BB versus lefthanders in 35 at-bats. Lieppman points to Webb's changeup as the biggest reason for his success against lefties--and for his improvement in general.

"He's really embraced the changeup," Lieppman said. "That is a pitch that he didn't possess last year--or he did but we had to force him to use it. In fact, we had threatened him a couple of times to not let him start unless he threw the organization policy of 10 to 15 percent (changeups) per outing. We had to help him understand that he had to be able to master three pitches in order to move along the organizational chart.

"So this year in spring training, he really focused on those two things--his fastball command and the use of his changeup--and I really think that has opened up his other pitches, because he's got a really good slider. It's given him a lot more options as far as how he pitches, and I think that's part of the reason he's getting the strikeouts he's getting now."

Also, i still think this is pretty funny:

Gee, i got a lot of windows open....

What else.... Ahhh yes. The A's offense has been has been stinking it up. Just ask Oaktoon, he'll answer you in that diary nice and clear.

Well, that's it for now. Sorry.

Unbelievable. Gotham whatever it's called was partially right.

The A's have completed a 3-way deal that will send Barry Zito to the NY Mets. The deal is as follows.

A's receive:Lastings Milledge,Elijah Dukes, Brian Bannister
Mets receive: Barry Zito, Julio Lugo
D'Rays receive: Aaron Heilman, Mike Pelfrey, Ron Flores

I'm quite stunned right now. It's a nice return, Dukes and Milledge are premiere tools players ready by 2007.

The end of the Big Three is officially here.

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!

Hello all, new here. Visiting from Athletics Nation.

My story:

16 years old (well, almost) from Berkeley California. Warriors are my basketball team. Currently in Israel, though i'm coming back in the summer.

Basically, my first diary will be about what i think the Warriors draft should look like.

Top need is an athletic and talented Small Forward. The ideal person would be LSU's own freshman sensation, Tyrus Thomas. The Warriors are currently drafting 10th i think, and barring an unforseen win streak that faults them into the playoffs, they'll be somewhere in the lower end of the lottery. The Warriors should do all they can to trade up and get this player. But, it's unlikely.

The top 4 will likely be Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, Lamarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay. Rounding out the top 10 are Bargnani, the Italian prospect, Joakim Noah (i'd love for him to fall to the Warriors), Josh McRoberts (if he declares), Randy Foye, Rodney Carney and Brandon Roy with others like Shelden Williams, Ronnie Brewer and JJ Redick also possible.

Obviously, the Warriors also need a competent Center, so if Noah falls the Warriors would have to take him. Bargnani would be another interesting choice if he fell. Both of those are also unlikely.

A sleeper possibility though is Rudy Gay of UConn. It's highly unlikely he falls that far, but he didn't have a great tournament.

Most likely, the W's end up having to choose between Shelden Williams (no need), Rodney Carney (is he good enough to be an NBA small forward) and Randy Foye (the next Dwayne Wade?). Foye is a 6'2 guard, which makes him not as useful on the Warriors depth chart. But if they can clear Fisher and his contract (definitely obtainable during the summer), they might do it.

Over the summer, they have to take every step to get Dunleavy's ass out of Oakland. I'm sick and tired of him underachieving and just plain sucking.

Best case scenario:W's somehow swing a deal for Kevin Garnett (Baron Davis and Michael Pietrus?).

Next best case: Get lucky in the lottery and can choose between Gay and Thomas.

Firstly, check out my Freddie Bynum diary and weigh in with your thoughts.

Now that we've finished the shameless self promoting, here are todays top stories:

Juan Cruz in the trade winds?: In the notes part of today's A's notebook (Susan Slusser) there is a brief part (in the section titled "briefly") about interest in Juan Cruz.

Briefly: The White Sox have interest in reliever Juan Cruz, who's slated to go to Triple-A Sacramento. Cruz picked up a cut fastball and hasn't allowed an earned run in his six innings.

Very interesting... I don't think the A's should trade him yet. If he's picked up a new pitch, he can still be valuable. Problem is, there is no room. They should hold on to him for now. Candidates?

The bulk of the notebook is more good news about Frank Thomas.

And here is another article by Slusser, this time about the 4 younguns who are key to the A's success. Very nice things to hear.

About DJ:

After hitting .332 for two months, Johnson batted .187 over his final 31 games, but many observers believe he'll bounce back. Several American League scouts this spring have said they believe Johnson could have a big year, and Billy Owens, the A's director of player personnel, said, "I think Dan is primed for a break (out)year.'' He cited Johnson's almost even strikeout-walk ratio, 50 walks and 52 strikeouts, along with his consistent numbers at every level.

"D.J. can flat-out hit, holy smokes,'' Swisher said. "I'm looking for big things from him.''

A's notes from MLB.com courtesy of Rick Eymer.

In there is more about Thomas' day and some stuff about our returning WBC'ers.

Street said one of the best parts of the Classic experience was being able to watch Roger Clemens prepare for a game.

"I never had an extended period of time with him, but I picked his brain, listened to him and watched him do everything," Street said. "I'm not really much of an autograph guy, but this was a select group of guys, and I got autographs from pretty much everyone on the team."

Street, sporting a beard, also pointed out his bag full of souvenirs and a box full of mementos.

I don't have much time, so i'll finish with this:

MY BRACKET SUCKS, IT'S THE WORST I'VE EVER DONE. I literally have to be right about EVERY SINGLE game from here on AND have 14 seed Northwestern State beat 6 seed West Virginia to win this thing. At least there is still hope.

P.S. I had a great fantasy draft last night with other AN members. It's on!

Update [2006-3-19 11:6:24 by ohad]:: FJM weighs in on some stupid fantasy baseball article.

My favorite part:

There are some players who are just much better on the field than they are in the box score. Here is an All-Star team of players who aren't the best choices for your fantasy squads.

FJM:I've skimmed a little bit ahead, and let me just say, if these guys were all on your team, "All-Star" is not one of the words you would be using to describe them. Also, the premise for this article is borderline retarded. (italics mine)

LOL

Freddie Bynum is probably one of the most important topics that isn't really talked about. Many tag him as a Chone Figgins lite, and i definitely agree. Once a top 10 A's prospect, he has struggled. But he's still just 25 and put up a solid year in AAA last year (.278/.347/.384) with 23/30 in SB's, 16 doubles and 9 triples in 378 at bats. He's very useful because he can play IF and OF, but the A's are so deep that they have no room. Antonio Perez looks to be a solid hitter who will back up 3 positions, and we can't give up Marco Clutcharo (though he is the most logical candidate). In the outfield, JayPay is the 4th outfielder and Kielty the fifth (i wouldn't mind getting rid of him).

Bynum is now out of options, meaning the A's can't send him down to AAA without him clearing waivers. And he wouldn't clear waivers. He's already received some trade interest (which Slusser notes in her A's Notebook today).

So what spurred me into righting this diary is a note i saw on rotoworld, saying the Marlins are interested in Joe Borchard as their CF. The Marlins have no CF, since Eric Reed, their extremely light hitting poor mans Joey Gathwright isn't ready yet. They have a few other young outfielders, but they also would be overmatched. I'm thinkin the Marlins could be a good match to trade Bynum. They have an abundace of prospects to acquire.

Groundwork for a deal: There were several rumors of the Marlins and Rays swapping SP prospect Scott Olson and CF Joey Gathright, but it never happened. So i'm thinin, hell, why not Bynum for Olsen? He's a good LSP prospect, and he'll pitch in AAA for the year. In fact, he's probably too good. I think a better fit would be Renyel Pinto. He's a 23 year old left with power stuff, but bad command of it. He dominates AA despite walking 4 batters per 9 innings. Twice he's had stints in AAA and stunk due to abnormally high walk rates. He may be a small project, but he's a definite high upside guy.  THe Marlins also have several other possible candidates thanks to their suddenly deep farm system.

Note: If Frank Thomas has to start the season on the DL, Bynum should be the 25th man.

I have to make it. I'm sorry, i can't keep this in the link dump. I'm just so excited. I'm 10 hours ahead, which means i'm not in school, which means i can follow all games. I even have them on TV, and CBS sportsline has this thing where you can watch the first three rounds on your computer as well.

So: Just saw a major upset happen. 14 seeded Northwestern State beat Iowa on a last second 3 pointer, ended up 64-63 if i'm not mistaken. Unbelieveable, since Iowa was up double digits for much of the second half and was in control.

Also, in  a great game Bucknell beat Arkansas by 4.

I hope you guys are just as excited as me.

Well, pitchers and catchers have reported. Crosby and Thomas' reports sound much better. Spring is here. Baseball is BACK! And with the coming of the season, Weekly Prospect Watch is back as well.

I wrote on sister site www.minorleagueball.com my top 20 prospect list on Feb 1, before John Sickels' top 20 list and BA's top 10 list. So there is no "vulturing" off their lists, though there are a few slight changes (like taking Brandon Recker and Ryan Webb off the list).

So, in this edition, prospects 16-20 will be represented, as well as honorable mentions.

20) Justin Sellers, SS--Born on Feb 1, 1986.Sellers is a scrappy small shortstop in the David Eckstein mold. Difference is, he has solid tools as well. He was rated the 3rd best HS defensive player before the draft by BA.  Sellers has good instincts on the basepaths and is an above average runner, and he has good hands and range.  In BA's A's draft review, Sellers was compared to Pennington in every facet of the game. He was also compared to Dustin Pedroia with his tools, instinct, and style of play. He doesn't have much power potential though. In Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver, he hit 274/.369/.331/700. 8 doubles, 1 triple, 0 homers, 8/11 on stolen bases. He scored 31 runs in 175 at bats. The Nat surely suppressed his power, but as you can see, he doesn't have much anyways. I think he'll hold his own very well in Kane County next year, then have a sort of breakout year in the California league.

ETA: 2009
Grade: C

19) James Shull, RHP--Drafted in 2005 in the 4th round out of Cal Poly. Born on August 21, 1983. Shull was outstanding in Short Season Vancouver (even considering the park he pitched in).  In 13 starts that included 73 innings, he had 81 K's to just 10 walks, and a 2.47 ERA, He had a 1.03 WHIP. Shull features a high 80's/low 90's fastball, a slider, a change and a splitter.  From what I know, his slider is very good (though it'd would be great if HollywoodOz could expand on this, and any other players from SS Vancouver). He'll likely begin the year in Low A Kane County, along with the HS Trio.

ETA: 2008
Grade: C+

18)Gregorio Petit, SS-- RHB. Renowned for his GG potential, questions about his bat have carried with him. Last year, he had to have put some of them away. He OPS'ed in the Midwest League 795. .289/.349/.446. 9 homers, 10 doubles, 4 triples,  55 runs in 287 at bats. 26/44 BB/K ratio. 8/10 SB's. Overall a good offensive year. Will be 21 all of 2006 season. With Penningtons arrival, Petit was moved to second base, where he was just as succesful defensively. My favorite sleeper, he'll be playing in High A Stockton this year.

ETA: 2008
Grade: C+

17) Jason Windsor, RHP-- Drafted in 2004 (in what's increasingly looking like a great draft), just after he led CSF to the CWS title. He dominated, and i watched every game he threw to Kurt Suzuki. He has a great changeup, throws his fastball in the high 80's. He also has an average slurve type, curveball (or some type of breaking ball). He came in as a C+ in John's preseason ranks, and i don't think it's changed. He dominated the Cal League (High A), with his peripherals even better than his 3.58 ERA. Called up to AA, his story is very similar to that of Dallas Braden. 5.72 ERA, horrendous 1.62 WHIP, he was shut down with a tired arm. Just been overworked. He'll come back to the Texas League, and he has a bulldog personality, he'll get through it even though his stuff is not the best. Some think his future like Braden is in middle relief.

ETA: 2007
Grade: C+

16) Jason Ray, RHP--Drafted in the 8th round in 2005, he looks like a steal so far. A JUCO pitcher, he was converted because of his arm from RF to pitcher. So he's relatively new to the pitching experience. Carries a mid 90's fastball with a hammer curve (one of the best in the system) and circle change, though inconsistent with command on all pitches. He's a hard throwing setup man/closer. 21 years old, he pitched 29.2 innings in SS Vancouver. Amazingly, get this, he struck out 56 (!!!!) batters, good for a 16.99 k/9. Granted best pitchers park and weak competition, but the K's were just racked up. Command problems as well, walked 23 batters. Gave up 17 hits. Basically unhittable, literally. 2.12 ERA. He looks great.

ETA: 2007
Grade: C+

Honorable Mentions:

Ramon Alvardo: OPS'ed 900 in rookie ball, but he's 21. He has 5 tool potential, and came out of the dominican academy. Mostly, he's being left off because he's still raw according to BA, and there is not much info on him.

Landon Powell: Major injury does not bode well for future as a catcher. Also have read about some attitude problems (Oz reported that he was pissed that he wasn't invited to ST on his blog)

Brandon Recker: Power potential is great, but had some contact issues while adjusting to wooden bats/being platooned.

Connor Robertson: Very good stuff and great numbers, but has a problem with his command as well. If he can refine a bit should have a future as a set-up man in the Jeff Nelson mold, with a great sinker/slider combo.

John Rheinecker: Started off great, but tore tendon in left middle finger ending his season. Still not fully recovered. Can still be a useful major league pitcher.

Well, there it is. Can't wait to see feedback, and also am happy to hear any possible requests for features or info.

http://weblogawards.org/2005/12/best_sports_blog.php

we gotta keep it up this is the last day for voting. Voting ends 12 AM December 15, currently the score is 7844 to 7333 in favor of AN, but we've all seen what a few Notre Dame Nerds and a computer lab can produce! We gotta keep this margin wide!

www.oaklandathletics.com has kicked off it's winter meetings coverage:

Mychael Urban writes up a nice little preview for the winter meetings but, admittedly, doesn't really tell us anything we (at least at AN) don't know.

The Winter Meetings Checklist is the same type of thing, but they are still fun to read.

Also written by Urban is a great article about being inducted into the Cape Cod League HOF. (side note: Eric Byrnes played there as well). Also in the article is a part about Swisher beeing excited with the Loaiza signing, while also chiming in on the big bat needs of the A's.

"I think we've got four, five, maybe six guys who could pop 20 homers or more," he said. "[Eric] Chavez is a lock, and then you've got Bobby Crosby, Jay Payton, Dan Johnson ..."

He neglected to mention himself, but his rookie output makes his inclusion to that group a given.

"Obviously everyone would like to have that 40-homer guy, but I like what we've got, too," he said. "And the thing is, we've got a lot of young guys who are only going to get better. A guy like Crosby, he's just finding his home run swing -- Johnson, same thing. And I'm going to get better there, too, if I have anything to say about it.

"I think we might be a little more powerful than people think. I'm really looking forward to Spring Training. This team is going to have a lot of fun, and so are the fans."

I was once told (when i was CIT'ing, by the head counselor) that there are three types of love.

1. Love of your family.
   
2. Brotherly love.
   
3. Love of your mate.

I'd just like to add a fourth: Manly love of player on your favorite baseball team.  For me, Nick Swisher falls under # 4.

Another side note: Anybody watch Amazing Race 7? Did anyone else think that Chuck looked sorta like Nick Swisher?

Yet another side note: Epsiode 9 of lost was a thriller. I literally shivered over and over again when "Dad?" appeared on that screen. Incredibly annoying how the next episode will only be aired on the 11th of January. I also have a whole theory about the island which i would share, maybe in the comments section.

Next on the winter meeting front for the A's (all from Rotoworld):

According to the Oakland Tribune, the A's will talk to Mike Piazza's agent Dan Lozano at the Winter Meetings. Not much more to say about that.

On the Barry Zito front: According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, the Rangers called the A's on friday to express their interest in Barry Zito. As Rotoworld duely notes, Beane is one of the few GM's not afraid to trade within the division. That stupid newspaper was suggesting a package of Kevin Mench and Ian Kinsler though. Also, in Slusser's fine article about Barry Zito and his thoughts of being traded, she writes that "the Rangers are offering Kevin Mench (so far)". Make sure to check out that article, there is a lot of nice information.

My analysis: As Rotoworld also notes, the A's would be sure to ask for Danks or Diamond as well. Mench is a nice piece, potentially hitting 30 homer from the right side and he's cheap. And although he doesnt' walk much (50 times in 557 at bats), he only struck out 68 times for his power numbers. Problem: His numbers the last two years are helped by his home splits, so i'm not sure. Mench, Danks, and something else (Joaqin Arias?) is a nice package, there are other potentially better ones though.

Also, Buster Olney weighs in on it in his blog.

The free-agent market is terrible, with the suspect A.J. Burnett remaining as the most prominent starter available, and there aren't many 28-year-old healthy former Cy Young winners being floated in trades. Now that Beane has Loaiza in hand, and has an ace-in-waiting in Rich Harden, he's in perfect position to tell other teams: Look, we'll trade you Zito, but you have to give us exactly what we want. And if you don't want to do that, there will be 10 other teams that will.

Zito becomes a free agent after next season and in light of the fact that Burnett is weighing an offer of more than $50 million from the Blue Jays, Zito would be in line to get something in the range of $72 million over six years next fall (if he stays healthy, and if he does not show some regression, as he did at the end of 2004 and into the first days of 2005). Oakland is not going to pay that kind of money, so it makes sense for Beane to at least explore Zito deals right now.

Where does Zito land? The Dodgers have good prospects to offer, and so does Texas; the Rangers want Zito, and Beane worries much less than other general managers about dealing within his division. The Yankees don't have the kind of prospects needed to get Zito right now; the Red Sox do. St. Louis could make a play. The Cubs have some talent to deal, if they wanted to make a play.

And lastly, good news about Rich Harden: He will not pitch for Canada in the World Cup in March. The official reason is because of rehabbing his non throwing shoulder

Wow, this has been slow since wednesday night guys. Lets get it together! People should be coming back to their normal lives by tomorrow i think though.

Anyways, i'd just like to give a shoutout to former NBA coach Jim O'Brien for answering my question during his chat today on SportsNation. JUst one problem. Take a look:

Ohad (Oakland)
The Warriors are off to a 9-6 start and haven't lost two games in a row yet this season. I'm very excited as are the rest of the fans. What do you see in the short and long term future of the team?

JIM O'BRIEN
You should be excited.  When they got Baron Davis it was the missing piece that allowed Coach Montgomery to open up the court more effectively last year.  When they beat Phoenix twice late last year it seemed clear they could change their fortunes around this season.  Much rests on the durability of Davis who misses a lot of games every year.

Read carefully: The first thing you notice is that even though technically he answered my question, he didn't say anything. I asked what he expected in the Warriros short/long term future. And what does he do? He tells me something i obviously know. The Warriros suck without Baron Davis.

Thanks, pal.

Moving on to the latest rumors.

Billy Wagner already has two offers on the table from the Phillies and the Mets. The Braves, now that Furcal is apparently lost are looking to make a serious offer for the 35 year old closer. Newsday is reporting that along with the Braves, the Red Sox will enter the Wagner sweepstakes.

The  Blue Jays are interested in Brian Giles. The Jays will announce the signing of B.J. Ryan today and they still hope to add either A.J. Burnett or Giles. "We've had a number of conversations with the Blue Jays and all of them have been positive," agent Joe Bick said. "But the truth is we just found out last Wednesday that there was no chance of getting anything done with the San Diego Padres and now we're moving forward and looking at our other options. Toronto's one of them." Source: Toronto Globe and Mail.

Byrd, anyone? Sources have told the Baltimore Sun that the Orioles have offered Paul Byrd a two-year contract with an option for a third year.

Byrd went 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA last season. The deal, according to sources, is believed to be worth between $10 million and $13 million.

Citing club sources, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the Rangers plan to offer Byrd a contract as well.

Juan Pierre: Along with trying to sign Dotel (if you must, do it before Dec 7!), the Rangers are interested in Juan Pierre to play left field (with the impending departure of Kevin Mench). Source: Fort-Worth star telegram.

D-Rays: The hottest talks for them are for Joey Gathright (10 teams interested) and Toby Hall (Mets offered 23 year old AAA SS Anderson Hernandez though the D-Rays are holding out for Aaron Heilman)

Matt Clement/Derek Lowe swap? Supposedly Peter Gammons has proposed this. It's according to the Boston Globe here. Scroll down and you'll see Peter Gammons name in bold...

Manny Ramirez: Well, Minaya apparently spent a good portion of Thanksgiving talking to the Red Sox about Manny Ramirez. Is Minaya out of his mind???!!! Not only is he making 20 million a year, THE MET'S LINEUP IS ALREADY NOW ONE OF THE TOP 5 IN THE LEAGUE....!!

And one last thing. Bill Plaschke While complaining of stomach pains, finally has severe diahrrea onto his notebook. Apparently, he thought it looked nice and made it into an article

My favorite parts:

Colletti said the Beckett deal was too far along for him to intercept, but he has watched Marlin first baseman Carlos Delgado go to the New York Mets for prospects, and Philadelphia Phillie first baseman Jim Thome go to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Aaron Rowand.

Don't the Dodgers need a first baseman?

"The talent going back, coupled with the contracts, made those trades something I wasn't inclined to do," Colletti said.

The bosses in two other two-team markets disagreed. The guys who run the Mets and White Sox must have figured that the buzz was worth the money. With the Angels overrunning the place, the Dodgers need to start thinking the same way.

Maybe a team that didn't need to sell tickets after a 91-loss season can afford to push kid first baseman James Loney and third baseman Andy LaRoche to the big leagues. Carlos Delgado would have looked great here. So, too, would have Jim Thome. Heck, why not take a flier on Manny Ramirez?

Money, that's why.

Until Colletti can pull the trigger on a big-money deal that can make this team better, the McCourts will continue to be haunted by the notion that they just don't have what it takes to play with the Morenos of the world.

That promise of a $100-million payroll has resulted in what is currently a $70-million payroll. You think they're going to spend $30 million between now and opening day? The word is that they are not allowed to spend more than $18 million this winter.

"I have never told anybody that," Colletti protested. "I have not been held back by anything involving money. Nobody has told me to stop or slow down."

Well, then, good. Because a season needs saving, and fast.

Gee Bill, why did that man with the hand made snakeskin boots not try to get Thome or Delgado? Of course, since Colleti is almighty, you gotta blame it on the McCourts. Of course, if DePo was still in LA, he'd say apparently DePo's computers didn't compute or something like that.

Oh, and he couldn't resist a few snide jabs at DePo:

Frank McCourt will never admit it, but had he not fired Tracy, the new general manager would have hit the ground sprinting.

Colletti would have had a veteran baseball advisor to help with trades. He would have had a veteran coaching staff to help with direction.

Now he has neither, as DePodesta alienated, lost or fired the best major league minds in the organization, from the major league staff to his super scouts like John Boles.

And finally:

(concerning the fact that Jayson Werth's wrist surgery was only let out 1 week later)Was somebody trying to bury the news because Werth was involved in trade talks? Did they think they would see more season tickets if fans didn't know? If Gurnick didn't make a phone call to Werth, would anybody ever know until spring training?

"Anybody who has surgery, we should announce he has surgery, it shouldn't be a footnote two weeks later," said Colletti, a former flack. "I'm looking into it."

He's looking into many things, most of them containing dark corners and trap doors. The place is a wreck. Jim Tracy left it in turmoil. Paul DePodesta left it in chaos.

Actually William, you and more like you created the chaos, then forced the firing of the GM. He didn't "leave it", he was forced out of it. You FU*** ignoramus.

Update [2005-11-28 13:52:44 by ohad]:: The A's are apparently close to signing Esteban Loaiza to a 3 year 21 million dollar deal. He's a type B free agent, meaning Washington gets our 1st round pick. This was first picked up by Murph21. Heres the link. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5117882