The additions of Holliday & Giambi have been solid steps in adding offensive firepower to a lineup that last year frankly scared no one.  Beane also seems intent on trying to go all-in for a playoff spot this year if possible.  If that is the case, the A's need to examine any trade scenario that might strengthen them for this season without seriously altering our future outlook.  I may have one such trade idea, and it is a feel good one to boot.

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With John Sickels soon to be releasing his newest prospect book, I decided to take a peak at his 2002 book, back when he was still with Stats, INC.  What struck me was just how many of the top pitching prospects from that year went on to completely flop.  Now I know this was just one season, and a more complete analyisis over a greater time period could presumably yield some significant changes in the results.  But I'm not going to take the time to do such an exhaustive examination, sorry.

Anyway, I looked at the top 24 pitching prospects from that class.  All of these guys were rated between an A and a B+.  Most were getting pretty close to being ML ready, since Sickels rarely hands out a super high grade to pitchers still working in the lower minors.  If you're interested in taking a look at how they have since fared, please continue reading.

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Has anyone noticed that coming into tonight's play, Kurt Suzuki leads the team in games played with 144?  He is followed closely by Hannahan's 143 and Cust's 142.  Since Hannahan is apparently out for a few games, it would seem likely that Suzuki will end up with the team lead to end the season.  Does anybody know the last time a full time catcher lead their respective team in games played?  I would think this feat must be quite rare.

Ok.  I'm going to preface this by stating that I believe Billy Beane and his staff to be bright, capable and forward thinking individuals who have a long-term rebuilding plan for this team.  I haven't lost the faith.  But...

...it doesn't seem like it so much lately, huh?  The last couple of months have seemed more like, "Let's throw something out onto the field and see what sticks."  Yes, several (more) injuries to those few veterans still left in town has played a part in this second half debacle.  But so, too, has Billy & Co.'s decisions to rush several prospects who clearly were not ready for the show.  The question is why did they do this?  The A's front office's stance seems clear.  They believe that since the season is a wash anyway, why not start building up the experience for these players at the Major League level now.  And I agree that this kind of experience has no substitute, that most young players do in fact go through some growing pains.  But I also believe that you should choose to bring a player up when, and only when, he is properly equipped to face a Major League lineup or pitcher.  And while there is ample evidence that no matter how mature a young player may be physically & mentally, a time of adjustment is usually still needed,  there is also ample evidence that rushing a player can hurt his development and confidence.  There have been other possible misteps along the way as well, so without further ado, I'd like to re-examine our 2008 season.

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