Catcher:
1. Kyle Skipworth Rookie
Firstbase:
1. Gaby Sanchez 24 AA
2. Logan Morrison 20 LA
Secondbase:
1. Chris Coghlan 23 AA
Thirdbase:
1. Matt Dominguez
Shortstop:
1. Hanley Ramirez 24
Outfield:
1. Jeremy Hermida 24
2. Cameron Maybin 21 AA
3. Mike Stanton
4. John Raynor 24 AA
5. Bryan Peterson 22 AA
Starting Pitching:
1. Ricky Nolasco 25
2. Josh Johnson 24
3. Anibal Sanchez 24
4. Chris Volstad 21
5. Andrew Miller 23
6. Ryan Tucker
7. Scott Olsen 24
8. Brett Sinkbeil 23
9. Sean West 22
Relief Pitching:
1.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Interesting Prospects: Rockies
1. Hector Gomez SS LA 20- Young and supremely talented. Has no stats for the season. Excellent Glove. Power potential. Blocked by Tulo.
2. Dexter Fowler CF- Should hit for average and displays great patience. Steals plenty of bases. An excellent defender who glides to the ball with long strides. Only question is how much power he will develop but he is starting to show some this year.
3. Ian Stewart 3B- Very good power potential. should hit for decent average and has good plate discipline. Average defensively at 3B.
4. Eric Young 2B- Fast. decent average and plate discipline. Not much power.
5. Chris Nelson SS- Horrendous stats this season in AA after posting phenomenal stats in HA last yr. Still possesses great all around tools with power potential, good speed, and a solid glove. Alright but not great plate discipline.
6. Casey Weathers RP- potential closer with mid 90's FB and plus power slider.
2. Dexter Fowler CF- Should hit for average and displays great patience. Steals plenty of bases. An excellent defender who glides to the ball with long strides. Only question is how much power he will develop but he is starting to show some this year.
3. Ian Stewart 3B- Very good power potential. should hit for decent average and has good plate discipline. Average defensively at 3B.
4. Eric Young 2B- Fast. decent average and plate discipline. Not much power.
5. Chris Nelson SS- Horrendous stats this season in AA after posting phenomenal stats in HA last yr. Still possesses great all around tools with power potential, good speed, and a solid glove. Alright but not great plate discipline.
6. Casey Weathers RP- potential closer with mid 90's FB and plus power slider.
Interesting Prospects: Reds
1. Todd Frazier 3B 22 HA- Plays SS, but will be a 3B by the time he reaches the majors. One of the Reds top 3 prospects. Hits for good power, average, shows good plate dicipline. The only negative is a little old for his age.
2. Neftali Soto 3B 19 HA- Another SS who will probably be moved to 3B. Young for High A, has shown decent power and probably profiles as a guy who will hit 25-30 hrs. Hasn't shown much plate discipline, but still very young.
3. Zach Cozart SS 22 HA- Decent numbers. Seems to be a true short stop with some power and plate discipline. A little old for his level.
4. Kyle Lotzkar P 18 HA Very young for his level. Still sports a decent ERA at 3.89 with very good peripherals. Doesn't sport a good Flyout/groundout ratio. Mechanics have some effort which could lead to injuries down the road.
5. Juan Francisco 3B 21 LA- Very good power potential. But old for level. Won't hit for a high average and has zero plate discipline. Great arm at 3rd but not much range.
6. Matt Maloney AAA- Classic number 5 starter who will serve as an innings eater.
7. Josh Roenicke AAA - Old even for AAA. However, has a great fastball and could still develop as a closer.
8. Alex Buchholtz SS SSA 20 82 AB's 9 2B 3 HR .366AVG .453OBP
2. Neftali Soto 3B 19 HA- Another SS who will probably be moved to 3B. Young for High A, has shown decent power and probably profiles as a guy who will hit 25-30 hrs. Hasn't shown much plate discipline, but still very young.
3. Zach Cozart SS 22 HA- Decent numbers. Seems to be a true short stop with some power and plate discipline. A little old for his level.
4. Kyle Lotzkar P 18 HA Very young for his level. Still sports a decent ERA at 3.89 with very good peripherals. Doesn't sport a good Flyout/groundout ratio. Mechanics have some effort which could lead to injuries down the road.
5. Juan Francisco 3B 21 LA- Very good power potential. But old for level. Won't hit for a high average and has zero plate discipline. Great arm at 3rd but not much range.
6. Matt Maloney AAA- Classic number 5 starter who will serve as an innings eater.
7. Josh Roenicke AAA - Old even for AAA. However, has a great fastball and could still develop as a closer.
8. Alex Buchholtz SS SSA 20 82 AB's 9 2B 3 HR .366AVG .453OBP
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Duke to the Dodgers:
A's Receive:
1. Andy LaRoche 3B
2. James McDonald SP
3. Ivan DeJesus SS
4. Austin Gallagher 3B/1B
Dodgers Receive:
1. Justin Duchscherer SP
2. Bobby Crosby SS
Breakdown:
1. Justin Duchscherer for Andy LaRoche, James McDonald, Austin Gallagher
2. Bobby Crosby for Ivan DeJesus
1. Andy LaRoche 3B
2. James McDonald SP
3. Ivan DeJesus SS
4. Austin Gallagher 3B/1B
Dodgers Receive:
1. Justin Duchscherer SP
2. Bobby Crosby SS
Breakdown:
1. Justin Duchscherer for Andy LaRoche, James McDonald, Austin Gallagher
2. Bobby Crosby for Ivan DeJesus
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The All "Under 21" Team
C- Ramon Soto
1B- Franklin Hernandez
2B- Adrian Cardenas
SS- Nino Leyja
3B- Leonardo Gil
LF- Matt Sulentic
CF- Rashun Dixon
RF- Robin Rosario
1. Brett Anderson
2. Trevor Cahill
3. Michel Inoa
4. Ronny Morla
5. Jose Guzman
1B- Franklin Hernandez
2B- Adrian Cardenas
SS- Nino Leyja
3B- Leonardo Gil
LF- Matt Sulentic
CF- Rashun Dixon
RF- Robin Rosario
1. Brett Anderson
2. Trevor Cahill
3. Michel Inoa
4. Ronny Morla
5. Jose Guzman
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mock Trade Series: Huston Street
Many teams are reportedly in pursuit of Street. Given his recent poor outings, I have to believe Beane is being more aggressive in shopping Street, as opposed to teams actively pursuing him. Nonetheless if teams have real interest in Street and convince themselves that his recent outings is just a blip cause by extraneous factors (maybe trade talks are affecting his head?), as opposed to an indicator of future success or injury- then they should be prepared to give up at least 2 high quality prospects to get him. Without further ado, let's run through the rumor teams, rank the likelyhood, and look at the possible returns.
1. Chicago White Sox
Reason- Ken Williams and Beane seem to mesh well when it comes to making trades. While Chicago has a poor farm system and the White Sox already have a closer- They still have a need for at least a setup man and have a just enough interesting prospects left in their barren farm system to make a deal possible.
Return: Josh Fields, Aaron Poreda
2. Tampa Bay Rays
Reason: While there isn't much of a transaction history between Beane and Friedman, given the Rays strong farm system, it's very easy to see Beane targeting the Rays as a team he wants to trade with. I hate to say it, but Street's recent performances have pretty much ruled out the chances of him being able to pry a prospect of the caliber of a Hellickson or Davis. Regardless, the rays have enough other interesting prospects to create a match.
Return: Reid Brignac, Nick Barnese, Mitch Talbot
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Reason: I think this is a perfect match- except for the fact that Beane will have to deal with GM Ned Colleti- who simply should not be a GM. Maybe this is the year Colleti wakes up and realizes his team is one solid trade away from making the playoffs and finally pulls the trigger. The team has strangely soured on 24 yr old 3rd basemen Andy LaRoche- strangely because they haven't given him enough AB's at the major league level to determine anything. The A's should be poised to pry him away from the Dodgers ala Ryan Sweeney (who wasn't given a chance prior to coming to the A's).
Return: Andy LaRoche, Joe Meloan
4. Boston Red Sox
Reason: It is believed that Street is being shopped to the Red Sox. However, I just don't see them biting. They certainly have the prospects to pull off a deal- but I feel Epstein would be weary of Beane pulling too much talent from his system and, as a result, be very stingy in his offer.
Return: Michael Bowden, Josh Reddick, Daniel Bard
5. Cincinnati Reds
Reason: Not much reson other than the fact that there is a report that the reds are interested. This is the only team that would not acquire Street for a playoff push this year. However, you can still see the logic in a non-contending team trading for street given that he is only 24 yrs old. Still it seems like a longshot that a deal would get done.
Return- Todd Frazier, Homer Bailey or Neftali Soto, Joe Roenicke, Matt Maloney
1. Chicago White Sox
Reason- Ken Williams and Beane seem to mesh well when it comes to making trades. While Chicago has a poor farm system and the White Sox already have a closer- They still have a need for at least a setup man and have a just enough interesting prospects left in their barren farm system to make a deal possible.
Return: Josh Fields, Aaron Poreda
2. Tampa Bay Rays
Reason: While there isn't much of a transaction history between Beane and Friedman, given the Rays strong farm system, it's very easy to see Beane targeting the Rays as a team he wants to trade with. I hate to say it, but Street's recent performances have pretty much ruled out the chances of him being able to pry a prospect of the caliber of a Hellickson or Davis. Regardless, the rays have enough other interesting prospects to create a match.
Return: Reid Brignac, Nick Barnese, Mitch Talbot
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Reason: I think this is a perfect match- except for the fact that Beane will have to deal with GM Ned Colleti- who simply should not be a GM. Maybe this is the year Colleti wakes up and realizes his team is one solid trade away from making the playoffs and finally pulls the trigger. The team has strangely soured on 24 yr old 3rd basemen Andy LaRoche- strangely because they haven't given him enough AB's at the major league level to determine anything. The A's should be poised to pry him away from the Dodgers ala Ryan Sweeney (who wasn't given a chance prior to coming to the A's).
Return: Andy LaRoche, Joe Meloan
4. Boston Red Sox
Reason: It is believed that Street is being shopped to the Red Sox. However, I just don't see them biting. They certainly have the prospects to pull off a deal- but I feel Epstein would be weary of Beane pulling too much talent from his system and, as a result, be very stingy in his offer.
Return: Michael Bowden, Josh Reddick, Daniel Bard
5. Cincinnati Reds
Reason: Not much reson other than the fact that there is a report that the reds are interested. This is the only team that would not acquire Street for a playoff push this year. However, you can still see the logic in a non-contending team trading for street given that he is only 24 yrs old. Still it seems like a longshot that a deal would get done.
Return- Todd Frazier, Homer Bailey or Neftali Soto, Joe Roenicke, Matt Maloney
Mock Trade Series: Justin Duchscherer to the White Sox
A's Receive:
1. Josh Fields
2. Aaron Poreda
3. Chris Getz
1. Josh Fields
2. Aaron Poreda
3. Chris Getz
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
A look at 2009:
C: Kurt Suzuki-
has this job rapped up for the next couple of years. Excellent defensively. Handles the pitching staff extremely well. Batting .285 and generally has been one of the more consistant bat's in the A's line-up. If he develops more power, it would be hard to envision him as not making at least 1 all-star team over the next couple of years.
1B: Daric Barton-
Despite his extreme struggles this year at the plate, he still has to be considered the leading candidate to start at firstbase for at least the 2009 season. Whether he is the future beyond that, will largely be determined by how he performs in 09. Despite his poor offensive production, he has actually been respectable defensively. This is a positive sign because many questioned whether he would be able to stay at first defensively. If he can minimize his occasional mental lapses, I fully believe he can be above average there. Going forward, I expect Barton to make a few adjustments to his swing and hit similar to how Ryan Sweeney is hitting, which is around .300, with a OBP close to .400. If he is ever going to develop power, I don't expect it to be next year. However, the hope is that he can at least hit 10 hr's next year- and hopefully 20-25 down the road.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Wes Bankston-
Bankston appears to have more power potential. However, it will almost certainly come with a .240-.250 average and a lot of strikeouts. They might make it an open competition between the 2 next year in order to motivate Barton to earn the position- something they didn't do last year. However, It's hard to believe the A's wouldn't give Barton the job next year to see if he is the real deal. If Barton has not made significant strides through the half way point of next season, he might be quickly supplanted by surging top 1b prospect Sean Doolittle.
2B: Eric Patterson-
The way this season is developing, I just don't see us retaining Mark Ellis beyond 2008. Patterson would represent the best internal option as he is hitting .330 in AAA with decent pop, as well as, showing decent plate dicipline and excellent basestealing ability. His defense at 2b is questionable. However, he has the physical skills to play a solid 2b and I think the chance to claim a starting job in spring training will cause him to make the necessary adjustments to make sure he can be at least average defensively there. Down the road, he might be better served as a versitile utility man.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION: Sign Mark Ellis- will be shocked if he resigns.
3B: Eric Chavez-
As the A's increasingly become a revolving door for the A's most recognizable players- only Chavez endures.... Well... at least on paper. Chavez will once again be the starting thirdbasemen, at least in theory. However, his health is a serious cause for concern and I find it hard to believe he can hold up for more than 100 games. From 2009 on, it might be best to just relegate him to the DH role and see if they can maximize his offensive production.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION: Jeff Bailey-
Internally, right now... He's it. I Know pretty depressing huh? Well you could argue that Jack Hanahan or even Brooks Conrad are options. However, I think Bailey is by far a better option after posting very solid offensive numbers up until getting injured at triple-A. This is one position where I could see us trying to go bargain shopping- in order to try to find the next Jorge Cantu. Dallas Mcpherson might be a nice player to take a waiver on... Here's hoping we trade street in order to grab LaRoche from the dodgers.
SS: Bobby Crosby
- Call me stubborn but i'm not completely off the Crosby bandwagon yet. He has been healthy this year. However, his production has fell far short of expectations. I believe, though, all he needed to prove this year is that he can stay healthy. I believe next year is when he will have his breakout year. Now what is his breakout year... Well it's no longer the all-star, even MVP- caliber ceiling that people once predicted. Instead, I expect a .275- .280 BA with 15 hr's and above average defense. I can more than live with that.
ALT OPTION: Cliff Pennington, Gregorio Petit
LF: Travis Buck
- This year cast large doubt about whether Buck is a lock to start for the A's for years to come. However, the A's will almost certainly give him next year to redeem himself. If he does, he could be a dynamic offensive play. If not- no sweat- we've got plenty other ones working their way up through the ranks
ALT OPTION: Aaron Cunningham, Matt Murton
CF: Carlos Gonzalez
- Barring a Buck-esqe sophmore slump- he has a future somewhere in the A's outfield for many years to come.
RF: Ryan Sweeney
- Sweeney might need to eventually develop that power that he strangely lacks, at the moment, in order to become a stalwart in the A's outfield for years. However, in terms of 2009, he will be leaned on heavily to be part of a young A's offense that provides a more consistent spark than this year's pathetic mix.
DH: Jack Cust
- Cust's power is a very welcome addition to a team that otherwise strongly lacks it. However, the strike outs are increasingly frustrating to watch and he is not a good fit in an offensive lineup in which people are not consistently getting on base in front of him. He is the most likely candidate to be next years DH.
Rotation:
1. Justin Duchscherer
2. Sean Gallagher
3. Greg Smith
4. Dana Eveland
5. Gio Gonzalez
has this job rapped up for the next couple of years. Excellent defensively. Handles the pitching staff extremely well. Batting .285 and generally has been one of the more consistant bat's in the A's line-up. If he develops more power, it would be hard to envision him as not making at least 1 all-star team over the next couple of years.
1B: Daric Barton-
Despite his extreme struggles this year at the plate, he still has to be considered the leading candidate to start at firstbase for at least the 2009 season. Whether he is the future beyond that, will largely be determined by how he performs in 09. Despite his poor offensive production, he has actually been respectable defensively. This is a positive sign because many questioned whether he would be able to stay at first defensively. If he can minimize his occasional mental lapses, I fully believe he can be above average there. Going forward, I expect Barton to make a few adjustments to his swing and hit similar to how Ryan Sweeney is hitting, which is around .300, with a OBP close to .400. If he is ever going to develop power, I don't expect it to be next year. However, the hope is that he can at least hit 10 hr's next year- and hopefully 20-25 down the road.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Wes Bankston-
Bankston appears to have more power potential. However, it will almost certainly come with a .240-.250 average and a lot of strikeouts. They might make it an open competition between the 2 next year in order to motivate Barton to earn the position- something they didn't do last year. However, It's hard to believe the A's wouldn't give Barton the job next year to see if he is the real deal. If Barton has not made significant strides through the half way point of next season, he might be quickly supplanted by surging top 1b prospect Sean Doolittle.
2B: Eric Patterson-
The way this season is developing, I just don't see us retaining Mark Ellis beyond 2008. Patterson would represent the best internal option as he is hitting .330 in AAA with decent pop, as well as, showing decent plate dicipline and excellent basestealing ability. His defense at 2b is questionable. However, he has the physical skills to play a solid 2b and I think the chance to claim a starting job in spring training will cause him to make the necessary adjustments to make sure he can be at least average defensively there. Down the road, he might be better served as a versitile utility man.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION: Sign Mark Ellis- will be shocked if he resigns.
3B: Eric Chavez-
As the A's increasingly become a revolving door for the A's most recognizable players- only Chavez endures.... Well... at least on paper. Chavez will once again be the starting thirdbasemen, at least in theory. However, his health is a serious cause for concern and I find it hard to believe he can hold up for more than 100 games. From 2009 on, it might be best to just relegate him to the DH role and see if they can maximize his offensive production.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION: Jeff Bailey-
Internally, right now... He's it. I Know pretty depressing huh? Well you could argue that Jack Hanahan or even Brooks Conrad are options. However, I think Bailey is by far a better option after posting very solid offensive numbers up until getting injured at triple-A. This is one position where I could see us trying to go bargain shopping- in order to try to find the next Jorge Cantu. Dallas Mcpherson might be a nice player to take a waiver on... Here's hoping we trade street in order to grab LaRoche from the dodgers.
SS: Bobby Crosby
- Call me stubborn but i'm not completely off the Crosby bandwagon yet. He has been healthy this year. However, his production has fell far short of expectations. I believe, though, all he needed to prove this year is that he can stay healthy. I believe next year is when he will have his breakout year. Now what is his breakout year... Well it's no longer the all-star, even MVP- caliber ceiling that people once predicted. Instead, I expect a .275- .280 BA with 15 hr's and above average defense. I can more than live with that.
ALT OPTION: Cliff Pennington, Gregorio Petit
LF: Travis Buck
- This year cast large doubt about whether Buck is a lock to start for the A's for years to come. However, the A's will almost certainly give him next year to redeem himself. If he does, he could be a dynamic offensive play. If not- no sweat- we've got plenty other ones working their way up through the ranks
ALT OPTION: Aaron Cunningham, Matt Murton
CF: Carlos Gonzalez
- Barring a Buck-esqe sophmore slump- he has a future somewhere in the A's outfield for many years to come.
RF: Ryan Sweeney
- Sweeney might need to eventually develop that power that he strangely lacks, at the moment, in order to become a stalwart in the A's outfield for years. However, in terms of 2009, he will be leaned on heavily to be part of a young A's offense that provides a more consistent spark than this year's pathetic mix.
DH: Jack Cust
- Cust's power is a very welcome addition to a team that otherwise strongly lacks it. However, the strike outs are increasingly frustrating to watch and he is not a good fit in an offensive lineup in which people are not consistently getting on base in front of him. He is the most likely candidate to be next years DH.
Rotation:
1. Justin Duchscherer
2. Sean Gallagher
3. Greg Smith
4. Dana Eveland
5. Gio Gonzalez
Street To The Dodgers:
A's Receive:
1. Andy LaRoche
2. Jon Meloan
Dodgers Receive:
1. Huston Street
C- Josh Donaldson
1B- Sean Doolittle
2B- Jemile Weeks
3B- Andy LaRoche
SS- Adrian Cardenas
LF- Ryan Sweeney
CF- Corey Brown
RF- Carlos Gonzalez
DH- Chris Carter
1. Jemile Weeks
2. Adrian Cardenas
3. Carlos Gonzalez
4. Chris Carter
5. Sean Doolittle
6. Andy LaRoche
7. Ryan Sweeney
8. Josh Donaldson
9. Corey Brown
C- Kurt Suzuki
1B- Sean Doolittle
2B- Jemile Weeks
SS- Cliff Pennington
3B- Andy LaRoche
LF- Matt Holiday
CF- Carlos Gonzalez
RF- Ryan Sweeney
DH- Chris Carter
1. Jemile Weeks
2. Ryan Sweeney
3. Sean Doolittle
4. Chris Carter
5. Carlos Gonzalez
6. Andy LaRoche
7. Aaron Cunningham
8. Kurt Suzuki
9. Cliff Pennington
1. Andy LaRoche
2. Jon Meloan
Dodgers Receive:
1. Huston Street
C- Josh Donaldson
1B- Sean Doolittle
2B- Jemile Weeks
3B- Andy LaRoche
SS- Adrian Cardenas
LF- Ryan Sweeney
CF- Corey Brown
RF- Carlos Gonzalez
DH- Chris Carter
1. Jemile Weeks
2. Adrian Cardenas
3. Carlos Gonzalez
4. Chris Carter
5. Sean Doolittle
6. Andy LaRoche
7. Ryan Sweeney
8. Josh Donaldson
9. Corey Brown
C- Kurt Suzuki
1B- Sean Doolittle
2B- Jemile Weeks
SS- Cliff Pennington
3B- Andy LaRoche
LF- Matt Holiday
CF- Carlos Gonzalez
RF- Ryan Sweeney
DH- Chris Carter
1. Jemile Weeks
2. Ryan Sweeney
3. Sean Doolittle
4. Chris Carter
5. Carlos Gonzalez
6. Andy LaRoche
7. Aaron Cunningham
8. Kurt Suzuki
9. Cliff Pennington
Saturday, July 19, 2008
A's under 25 top 30:
OAKLAND:
1. Carlos Gonzalez
2. Trevor Cahill
3. Brett Anderson
4. Sean Gallagher
5. Huston Street
6. Gio Gonzalez
7. Ryan Sweeney
8. Sean Doolittle
9. Chris Carter
10. Daric Barton
11. Adrian Cardenas
12. Michel Inoa
13. Kurt Suzuki
14. James Simmons
15. Joe Devine
16. Greg Smith
17. Dana Eveland
18. Aaron Cunningham
19. Arnold "Alex" Leon
20. Jemile Weeks
21. Henry Rodriguez
22. Vince Mazzaro
23. Travis Buck
24. Corey Brown
25. Fautino De Los Santos
26. Josh Donaldson
27. Sam Demel
28. Andrew Carignan
29. Josh Outman
30. Eric Patterson
1. Carlos Gonzalez
2. Trevor Cahill
3. Brett Anderson
4. Sean Gallagher
5. Huston Street
6. Gio Gonzalez
7. Ryan Sweeney
8. Sean Doolittle
9. Chris Carter
10. Daric Barton
11. Adrian Cardenas
12. Michel Inoa
13. Kurt Suzuki
14. James Simmons
15. Joe Devine
16. Greg Smith
17. Dana Eveland
18. Aaron Cunningham
19. Arnold "Alex" Leon
20. Jemile Weeks
21. Henry Rodriguez
22. Vince Mazzaro
23. Travis Buck
24. Corey Brown
25. Fautino De Los Santos
26. Josh Donaldson
27. Sam Demel
28. Andrew Carignan
29. Josh Outman
30. Eric Patterson
Rays under 25 top 30:
TAMPA BAY:
1. Scott Kazmir
2. Evan Longoria
3. B.J. Upton
4. David Price
5. Matt Garza
6. Dioner Navarro
7. Edwin Jackson
8. Wade Davis
9. Jeremy Hellickson
10. Reid Brignac
11. Desmond Jennings
12. Jacob McGee
13. Nick Barnese
14. John Jaso
15. Alex Cobb
16. Andy Sonnastine
17. Jeff Niemann
18. J.P. Howell
19. Fernando Perez
20. Mitch Talbot
21. Kyle Lobstein
22. Chris Mason
23. Eduardo Morlon
24. Glen Gibson
25. Ryan Royster
26. Joel Guzman
27. Jason Hammel
28. Heath Rollins
29. James Houser
30. Chris Nowak
1. Scott Kazmir
2. Evan Longoria
3. B.J. Upton
4. David Price
5. Matt Garza
6. Dioner Navarro
7. Edwin Jackson
8. Wade Davis
9. Jeremy Hellickson
10. Reid Brignac
11. Desmond Jennings
12. Jacob McGee
13. Nick Barnese
14. John Jaso
15. Alex Cobb
16. Andy Sonnastine
17. Jeff Niemann
18. J.P. Howell
19. Fernando Perez
20. Mitch Talbot
21. Kyle Lobstein
22. Chris Mason
23. Eduardo Morlon
24. Glen Gibson
25. Ryan Royster
26. Joel Guzman
27. Jason Hammel
28. Heath Rollins
29. James Houser
30. Chris Nowak
Mock Trade Series: Justin Duchscherer to the Cardinals
A's Receive:
1. Colby Rasmus
2. Chris Perez
3. Anthony Reyes
4. Allen Craig
Cardinals Receive:
1. Justin Duchscherer
2. Travis Buck
1. Colby Rasmus
2. Chris Perez
3. Anthony Reyes
4. Allen Craig
Cardinals Receive:
1. Justin Duchscherer
2. Travis Buck
Mock Trade Series: Huston Street to the Brewers
A's Receive:
1. Mat Gamel 3B/OF
2. Taylor Green 3B/2B
3. Zach Braddock P
Brewers Receive:
1. Huston Street
C- Kurt Suzuki
1B- Sean Doolittle
2B- Adrian Cardenas
3B- Mat Gamel
SS- Cliff Pennington
LF- Ryan Sweeney
CF- Jemile Weeks
RF- Carlos Gonzalez
DH- Chris Carter
1. Jemile Weeks
2. Adrian Cardenas
3. Mat Gamel
4. Chris Carter
5. Carlos Gonzalez
6. Sean Doolittle
7. Ryan Sweeney
8. Kurt Suzuki
9. Cliff Pennington
1. Mat Gamel 3B/OF
2. Taylor Green 3B/2B
3. Zach Braddock P
Brewers Receive:
1. Huston Street
C- Kurt Suzuki
1B- Sean Doolittle
2B- Adrian Cardenas
3B- Mat Gamel
SS- Cliff Pennington
LF- Ryan Sweeney
CF- Jemile Weeks
RF- Carlos Gonzalez
DH- Chris Carter
1. Jemile Weeks
2. Adrian Cardenas
3. Mat Gamel
4. Chris Carter
5. Carlos Gonzalez
6. Sean Doolittle
7. Ryan Sweeney
8. Kurt Suzuki
9. Cliff Pennington
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Three pitchers gone- what did the A's get in return:
A's trade:
1. Rich Harden
2. Joe Blanton
3. Chad Gaudin
A's Receive:
1. Sean Gallagher SP
2. Adrian Cardenas 2B
3. Josh Donaldson C
4. Josh Outman P
5. Eric Patterson 2B
6. Matt Murton OF
7. Matt Spencer OF
1. Rich Harden
2. Joe Blanton
3. Chad Gaudin
A's Receive:
1. Sean Gallagher SP
2. Adrian Cardenas 2B
3. Josh Donaldson C
4. Josh Outman P
5. Eric Patterson 2B
6. Matt Murton OF
7. Matt Spencer OF
Top 10 A's Hitting Prospects
1. Sean Doolittle 1B
2. Chris Carter 1B
3. Adrian Cardenas 2B
4. Aaron Cunningham OF
5. Corey Brown OF
6. Jemile Weeks 2B
7. Josh Donaldson C
8. Matt Sulentic OF
9. Rashun Dixon OF
10. Eric Patterson 2B
2. Chris Carter 1B
3. Adrian Cardenas 2B
4. Aaron Cunningham OF
5. Corey Brown OF
6. Jemile Weeks 2B
7. Josh Donaldson C
8. Matt Sulentic OF
9. Rashun Dixon OF
10. Eric Patterson 2B
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Mock Trade Series: Joe Blanton to the Phillies
A's Receive:
1. Adrian Cardenas
2. Jason Donald
3. Joe Savery
Phillies Receive:
1. Joe Blanton
1. Adrian Cardenas
2. Jason Donald
3. Joe Savery
Phillies Receive:
1. Joe Blanton
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Mock Trade Series: Joe Blanton to the Cardinals
A's Receive:
1. Anthony Reyes SP
2. Bryan Anderson C
3. Chris Perez RP
4. Jon Jay OF
Cardinals Receive:
1. Joe Blanton SP
2. Matt Murton OF
1. Anthony Reyes SP
2. Bryan Anderson C
3. Chris Perez RP
4. Jon Jay OF
Cardinals Receive:
1. Joe Blanton SP
2. Matt Murton OF
Friday, July 11, 2008
Mock Trade Series: Huston Street to the Rays
A's Receive:
Reid Brignac
Nick Barnese
Chris Mason
Ryan Royster
Rays Receive:
Huston Street
Matt Murton
Reid Brignac
Nick Barnese
Chris Mason
Ryan Royster
Rays Receive:
Huston Street
Matt Murton
A's top 15 prospects:
1. Trevor Cahill
2. Brett Anderson
3. Michel Inoa
4. Sean Doolittle
5. Gio Gonzalez
6. Adrian Cardenas
7. James Simmons
8. Chris Carter
9. Henry Rodriguez
10. Aaron Cunningham
11. Corey Brown
12. Jemile Weeks
13. Vince Mazzaro
14. Craig Italiano
15. Josh Donaldson
2. Brett Anderson
3. Michel Inoa
4. Sean Doolittle
5. Gio Gonzalez
6. Adrian Cardenas
7. James Simmons
8. Chris Carter
9. Henry Rodriguez
10. Aaron Cunningham
11. Corey Brown
12. Jemile Weeks
13. Vince Mazzaro
14. Craig Italiano
15. Josh Donaldson
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
As an A's fan I am going to try extremely hard to take my personal emotions out of this trade (believe me that little voice inside is screaming WTF!). Instead I am going to try to look at this trade not by itself but in relation to all the other flurry of trades, transactions, and signings that have taken place in the past year in order to try to make sense of what Beane is cookin up for the future athletics.
I think the best way to start this is to try to understand what type of team Beane is attempting to build. Beane's winning formula has always, first and foremost, been predicated on cheap dynamic pitching. The key to this deal, Sean Gallagher, does absolutely nothing to show a deviation from that philosophy. Sean Gallagher joins the list of recently acquired SP prospects which include Gio Gonzalez, Fautino De Los Santos (injured), Brett Anderson, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland. These acquired SP prospects- coupled with the A's quality in-house SP prospects which include Trevor Cahill, James Simmons, Vince Mazzaro, Craig Italiano, Henry Rodriguez plus the recent additions of Tyson Ross via the draft and Michel Inoa- help to make up possibly the most pitching rich organization in baseball. Now your no doubt saying all of these pitchers project to be at least solid major league SP's and there is only 5 spots in a rotation. The list is very impressive but let's not forget that we are dealing with prospects and not finished, in some cases not even close to, products.
The plethora of pitching PROSPECTS that the A's now have serves useful for two reasons. The first, which is SP prospects value as trade pieces, is something I will discuss in a second to hopefully come full circle with my tangent. The second, is the fact that Beane understands the relative unpredicatability of forcasting future player success for a prospect and is simply playing the odds. Look, we have seen this all the time. We are looking for one prospect to storm through the rankings and become our saviour only to be suprised by a less suspecting prospect to come along and suddenly fill that role. In defense of Gallagher, no one expected or knew enough about Dan Haren to project him as more than a solid #3 until he blew up as an Ace in Oakland. I'm not saying Gallagher is the next Haren, though Rob Neyer suggested he could be, but I'm just saying you never quite know what you have til that player is settled in and playing regularly. By stockpiling this much pitching talent, Beane is accepting this cold hard truth about the uncertainty of prospect projections. He understands some will be better and some will be worse- but in the end, one way or another, a couple of Aces will emerge from this group. The A's have always won with top-notch pitching and Beane is making sure that isn't about to change. I said I was gonna address the first reason why stockpiling pitching is important in terms of future trade pieces- and I will- after I get onto the other prospects in the deal and how they incorporate into Beane's grand scheme.
The second thing I feel Beane is trying to incorporate into his future team is speed and possibly a more small ball approach. This has already become somewhat apparent through the fact that the A's have been attempting a lot more steals this year. The early results seem to be good. However, the A's cleary lack an everyday player capable of stealing 30+ stolen bases an sparking an offense at the top of the order. This is where the aquisition of Eric Patterson become essential. He hopefully gives Beane the everyday player, in the near near future, who can set the wheels in motion in changing the Dynamics of the A's offense. This move has to be looked at along with the A's drafting of speedster Jemile Weeks with the 12th overall pick. Once again, banking on one of these players to become the player you envision at the top of the order is somewhat of a risky proposition. However, having two of them in your system significantly increases your chances that one of them will reach their potential. Now if Beane does have his future top of the rotation pitchers somewhere in the mix and his future tablesetter in either Patterson or Weeks. What is the next step and do the other prospects acquired have a part in it.
My thought process is that Murton is someone who will find his way into a starting outfield spot this year. However, beyond that I don't see much of a future with the A's. Donaldson is different. Suzuki seems to be firmly entrenching himself as the A's starting catcher for years to come, and there are certainly no complaints from this guy. However, Donaldson is an offensive-oriented catcher, suzuki is more defensive-minded, and could become an eventual replacement if his bat lives up to it's potential. Despite that, his greatest value to the A's might be as a future trade chip.
Now going back to the idea of Beane stockpiling pitching talent to use as future trade bait- I believe the trade market, i.e. veteran power bats, is the place where Beane will look to add a game changing bat to push the future offense and the team over the top. Beane, I believe, values minor league depth as much as star quality at the top of the prospect list. Pitching prospects are the best trade chips to deal for a quality bat because every team is always looking to acquire more. Beane also understands that a power bat is the easiest and most readily available thing on the trade market- which is why I believe he is not pushing to acquire a prospect such as Matt Laporta. Just look at this years trade market, if Beane decided he was gonna go for it this year, he could easily have any one of Bay, Holliday, Beltre, Nady or even Texiera. With the current prospect depth in the organization, he could acquire these guys without signifantly diminishing the system. I would love to trade for prospects Andy LaRoche, Mat Gamel, or Ian Stewart. However, if we don't land a prospect with bona-fide 30+ hr potential it's not a big deal- we"ll just get it on the trade market.
I am of the popular opinion that Beane didn't get enough, but I think i understand what he's attempting to do- and that is to build uncomparable quality organization prospect depth.
I think the best way to start this is to try to understand what type of team Beane is attempting to build. Beane's winning formula has always, first and foremost, been predicated on cheap dynamic pitching. The key to this deal, Sean Gallagher, does absolutely nothing to show a deviation from that philosophy. Sean Gallagher joins the list of recently acquired SP prospects which include Gio Gonzalez, Fautino De Los Santos (injured), Brett Anderson, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland. These acquired SP prospects- coupled with the A's quality in-house SP prospects which include Trevor Cahill, James Simmons, Vince Mazzaro, Craig Italiano, Henry Rodriguez plus the recent additions of Tyson Ross via the draft and Michel Inoa- help to make up possibly the most pitching rich organization in baseball. Now your no doubt saying all of these pitchers project to be at least solid major league SP's and there is only 5 spots in a rotation. The list is very impressive but let's not forget that we are dealing with prospects and not finished, in some cases not even close to, products.
The plethora of pitching PROSPECTS that the A's now have serves useful for two reasons. The first, which is SP prospects value as trade pieces, is something I will discuss in a second to hopefully come full circle with my tangent. The second, is the fact that Beane understands the relative unpredicatability of forcasting future player success for a prospect and is simply playing the odds. Look, we have seen this all the time. We are looking for one prospect to storm through the rankings and become our saviour only to be suprised by a less suspecting prospect to come along and suddenly fill that role. In defense of Gallagher, no one expected or knew enough about Dan Haren to project him as more than a solid #3 until he blew up as an Ace in Oakland. I'm not saying Gallagher is the next Haren, though Rob Neyer suggested he could be, but I'm just saying you never quite know what you have til that player is settled in and playing regularly. By stockpiling this much pitching talent, Beane is accepting this cold hard truth about the uncertainty of prospect projections. He understands some will be better and some will be worse- but in the end, one way or another, a couple of Aces will emerge from this group. The A's have always won with top-notch pitching and Beane is making sure that isn't about to change. I said I was gonna address the first reason why stockpiling pitching is important in terms of future trade pieces- and I will- after I get onto the other prospects in the deal and how they incorporate into Beane's grand scheme.
The second thing I feel Beane is trying to incorporate into his future team is speed and possibly a more small ball approach. This has already become somewhat apparent through the fact that the A's have been attempting a lot more steals this year. The early results seem to be good. However, the A's cleary lack an everyday player capable of stealing 30+ stolen bases an sparking an offense at the top of the order. This is where the aquisition of Eric Patterson become essential. He hopefully gives Beane the everyday player, in the near near future, who can set the wheels in motion in changing the Dynamics of the A's offense. This move has to be looked at along with the A's drafting of speedster Jemile Weeks with the 12th overall pick. Once again, banking on one of these players to become the player you envision at the top of the order is somewhat of a risky proposition. However, having two of them in your system significantly increases your chances that one of them will reach their potential. Now if Beane does have his future top of the rotation pitchers somewhere in the mix and his future tablesetter in either Patterson or Weeks. What is the next step and do the other prospects acquired have a part in it.
My thought process is that Murton is someone who will find his way into a starting outfield spot this year. However, beyond that I don't see much of a future with the A's. Donaldson is different. Suzuki seems to be firmly entrenching himself as the A's starting catcher for years to come, and there are certainly no complaints from this guy. However, Donaldson is an offensive-oriented catcher, suzuki is more defensive-minded, and could become an eventual replacement if his bat lives up to it's potential. Despite that, his greatest value to the A's might be as a future trade chip.
Now going back to the idea of Beane stockpiling pitching talent to use as future trade bait- I believe the trade market, i.e. veteran power bats, is the place where Beane will look to add a game changing bat to push the future offense and the team over the top. Beane, I believe, values minor league depth as much as star quality at the top of the prospect list. Pitching prospects are the best trade chips to deal for a quality bat because every team is always looking to acquire more. Beane also understands that a power bat is the easiest and most readily available thing on the trade market- which is why I believe he is not pushing to acquire a prospect such as Matt Laporta. Just look at this years trade market, if Beane decided he was gonna go for it this year, he could easily have any one of Bay, Holliday, Beltre, Nady or even Texiera. With the current prospect depth in the organization, he could acquire these guys without signifantly diminishing the system. I would love to trade for prospects Andy LaRoche, Mat Gamel, or Ian Stewart. However, if we don't land a prospect with bona-fide 30+ hr potential it's not a big deal- we"ll just get it on the trade market.
I am of the popular opinion that Beane didn't get enough, but I think i understand what he's attempting to do- and that is to build uncomparable quality organization prospect depth.
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