All the reasons I'd like to see the A's keep Michael Wuertz -- he's under contract through 2011, he provides true depth in the bullpen, he's a very solid reliever with exceptional strikeout numbers -- is also why teams may be considering offering the A's a lot for a player at a position most associated with the term "fungible."
If Rotoworld is to be believed, not only are the Angels "pushing hard for Wuertz," but now the Braves have expressed interest, suggesting that the price for Wuertz might not be "an offer" but rather "the best offer." The A's, for all their wheeling and dealing, and long list of promising prospects in the minors right now, still have plenty of needs. Grant Green is neither signed nor close to seeing a big league field and it would be a bit loco to suggest the A's don't need a good young SS if they can land one.
In my opinion, CF has also not been fully addressed, in that the ideal CFer has plus speed, covers left-center to right-center like an athletic gerbil on crack, presents a SB threat -- basically more Andrew McCutchen than Ryan Sweeney. I guess I'm saying at least closer to Mike Cameron than Kirk Cameron.
The A's have some potential CFers in the pipeline, but none is considered to be a great bet to make it in the major leagues and the problem with the current applicants is that they either play defense like corner OFers, hit like 4th OFers, or they hit like Eric Patterson and play defense like Eric Patterson.
So back to Wuertz. I hope the A's won't move him just to get a shiny prospect that gives Oakland more minor league depth, but if the opportunity comes along to get "more than you should get for a short reliever" and specifically if the opportutnity is there to use a bidding war to address a clear need, then God bless the trading deadline and teams desperate for an edge.
If the Angels and Braves make a real push for Wuertz, and if maybe another team or two might jump in trying to outbid, what do you think the best offer might be that the A's get for this fungible dude with all the strickouts?
0 recs | 187 comments
I'm thinking Sean Rodriquez from the slegnA...
Is that enough to wow you, Nico? I could probably be persuaded either way.
If he can play SS in the bigs he might not be so bad.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
He doesn't project well at SS
grover - July 28, 2009
Yeah, I'm not a big fan, personally.
Nico - July 28, 2009
Sean Rodriguez= meh...!
mrod - July 28, 2009
Isn’t he already 24 years old?
Rated-R Superstar - July 28, 2009
"Already"?
hero66 - July 28, 2009
For a hot shot prospect, shouldn’t he be younger or already producing at the MLB level at that age?
Rated-R Superstar - July 28, 2009
he's only
hit over 25 homers playing 2nd base in the minors
nutdrinkingamp12 - July 30, 2009
Troy Tulowitski sez hi.
PL78 - July 28, 2009
+1 twins have nothing we want.
I say we throw all these guys who arent going to be here in 2010 at Milwaukee in hopes they give us JJ Hardy.
PL78 - July 28, 2009
o yeah
i loved the guy when he wa on the cedar rapids kernels
nutdrinkingamp12 - July 30, 2009
Better than what we've got there
I’d give him a chance at short.
hero66 - July 28, 2009
I'd be reluctant to deal Wuertz...
I’d really need to be presented with a great offer.
My targets from the Slegna and the Braves would be Brandon Wood and Jordan Schafer respectively. Both plug holes and present considerable upgrades from current and future options.
FrankCohen - July 28, 2009
The thing is, everyone said the same thing about Kiko, when he was going well. Relievers
by nature, especially, non power armed closers, are inconsistent, so if you aren’t contending, you want to get as much as you can as soon as possible.
theblackpearl - July 28, 2009
I do think Wuertz is better than Calero, though
Wuertz’ slider has “splitter” action — he can throw it in the dirt 6 inches in front of the plate and get swinging strikes. But like every slider specialist, he’s prone to hanging them at times and sure, he could go through a stretch of “too many hangers” … which I think is what happened with the Cubs when they lost faith in him.
Nico - July 28, 2009
Calero's really rebounded this season.
rebus - July 28, 2009
Who did we trade for Wuertz again?
Was it Robnett? If it was, that’s one of Beane’s best under-the-radar trades.
grabber - July 28, 2009
Robnett and Sellers
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
robnett
sucks and yes im a cubs fan but i like the As too
nutdrinkingamp12 - July 30, 2009
There is that.
I agree that relievers… for whatever reason… seem to have a shorter or more inconsistent shelf-life compared to other players.
UncleLeo - July 28, 2009
Small sample size
They don’t have the opportunity to rebound like starters do. If a starter gives up three runs in their first inning they have a chance to keep pitching and water down the effect.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
If I understand that correctly...
…it implies that stats are thus imperfect… to which I would agree… and to which I wasn’t referring. Managers and coaches… and even objective fans… should be able to reasonably assess if a reliever is doing well regardless of some jacked-up ERA due to a couple unfortunate HRs and few innings.
If I didn’t understand you correctly, then never mind.
UncleLeo - July 28, 2009
Yes stats are imperfect
especially when dealing with relievers which I think that it a large part of understanding reliever performance is perception.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
wow
If we get Wood or Schaefer, I will die instantly of happiness.
I would be willing to toss in Sweeney if it landed us Schaefer.
SeanR - July 28, 2009
I don't think you can get either of those guys for Wuertz alone
I would be willing to throw in a Sweeney/Buck/prospect for either. A deal of Wuertz + Sweeney for Wood would be awsome!
adragon - July 28, 2009
I don't think we could get Schafer for Wuertz
He’s a very good prospect.
echerrst - July 28, 2009
Keep him unless we get a deal that blows Billy away...period
Our Bullpen sucks! + He is under control for 2 more arb years, which is appealing for all the teams interested in him, but the point being again…our bullpen sucks. Beane is in the driver’s seat in this one, sit back and we can hopefully enjoy the ride.
ryanmoser - July 28, 2009
Off Topic, but...
what’s going on with The Duke? Is he closer to returning? If so, then that would be a good reason to send down Cahill, no?
A'sfansince1970 - July 28, 2009
He pitched two perfect innings on Monday in A ball
First step in the long road back.
adragon - July 28, 2009
Thanks!
I’m rooting for him! When will he pitch for Rivercats, do you know?
A'sfansince1970 - July 28, 2009
Friday 60 pitches
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/28/SPVN18VRD1.DTL
closetasfan - July 28, 2009
Wuertz for Wood or Schafer?
Would you trade Aaron Cunningham for a middle reliever who was sent down to AAA at one point last year?
NP15 - July 28, 2009
Schafer could present a buy-low opportunity for Beane....
Look, he is still a very good prospect and anyone in the Braves org. would be foolish to think otherwise. However, in some ways, the circumstances surrounding his situation may not be all that different than those of Gallagher- which may dock him down enough, in the eyes of braves management, to trade him if they get a player who can help them win this year.
Here are some of the potential negatives building up against Schafer:
1) he received a 50 gm suspension over a year ago for PED use- which I am sure chafed some people in the front office.
2) He is currently injured- and has not played since july third
3) When he has played- he has been particularly underwhelming with the bat.
Couple those things with the fact that they have another potential CF-in-waiting (Gorkys Hernandez) who is in Double AA and a threat to steal 40+ bases, and maybe those factors are enough to convince the Braves that Schafer isn’t the can’t miss prospect that they- and all of baseball- initially thought he was.
These factors would not necessarily do it for me- in terms of convincing myself to trade him- but then again we’ve seen how seemingly small transgressions can put young promising players in the doghouse- i.e. Buck, Gallagher- so who knows….
MAC Attack - July 28, 2009
Umm...
A) Gorkys Hernandez sucks
B) Atlanta traded him to Pittsburgh about two months ago
grover - July 28, 2009
My bad....
I missed that trade… and they mention nothing about it on his MILB page- only noting that he was acquired by the braves in the Renteria deal…
MAC Attack - July 28, 2009
But the point of my post still remains the same....
MAC Attack - July 28, 2009
I am hoping
That if we trade Wuertz, that we can refresh and restock another minor league starting rotation to develop.
hishnik - July 28, 2009
Brewers have also expressed interest in Wuertz
Basically, any team looking for bullpen help has approached the A’s about Wuertz… he’s having an incredible season.
grover - July 28, 2009
Maybe for Alcides Escobar?
He’s down a bit at the moment in AAA, but could be a solid defender with a .275 bat + .350 OBP.
ru155 - July 28, 2009
and.
i only say that because they’ve got several MLB guys that fill their SS position: Hardy, Counsell, Lopez.
ru155 - July 28, 2009
Counsell is 58 years old
Lopez is playing 2nd for the rest of the season. Were you going to give Escobar back after the season?
JetSam - July 28, 2009
The Brewers balked at giving up Escobar for Halladay
So I have trouble seeing Wuertz being the guy to pry the SS loose.
grover - July 28, 2009
This would qualify as an offer that would blow Billy away.
Then again, it’s also an offer that would get Doug Melvin fired.
danmerqury - July 28, 2009
+1
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
Maybe Tonight?
If the A’s are still “dealing for 2011” then I say trade Wuertz.
It seems like the middle relievers have up and down years and it’s better to trade him when he’s up than sit through him going down.
I think that the A’s need bats or this team will never get going. If we can get a sweet deal – due to all the massive attention from contenders – lets do it.
Middle relievers will be essential but i think we could possibly pop Gio or pick up some other cast off soul during the off season.
ru155 - July 28, 2009
A Wuertz deal could also help us as soon as 2010
depending on the return. Wood or Sean Rodriguez would immediately fill in at short (assuming O-Cab is traded) and a guy like Jordan Schafer would probably get the call in center immediately. Although these returns seem unlikely, Beane has worked his magic like this before. The initial offer by LAA was said to be S-Rod plus others-as the suitors grow in numbers, the slegnA will up their offer, maybe to the point of Brandon Wood
A left side of the infield of Wallace/Wood might not look great defensively, but that has the potential to be the best offensive left side of the infield in the league, 2010+.
FrankCohen - July 28, 2009
Plus
Devine will be ready (hopefully) by next year, so he could fill Wuertz’s role heading into next season.
FrankCohen - July 28, 2009
Counting on Devine is a mistake.
mikev - July 28, 2009
Unfortunately.
Sigh.
Rated-R Superstar - July 28, 2009
Meh, now that I think about it.
Brandon Wood isn’t really that great of a prospect. His numbers are inflated from playing in very hitter friendly stadiums and his defense is pretty meh. In the majors, he has struck out 64 times while walking only 6 times, which rings alarm bells even though it is SSS. I don’t know about S-Rod anymore. I’ve heard conflicting reports on his defense at second.
At this point, Brandon Wood has a far better chance of becoming Dallas McPherson than duplicating his minor league numbers in the majors.
lenscrafters - July 28, 2009
Wood & S-Rod = Pennington #s, probably worse. Definitely not worth Weurtz.
PL78 - July 28, 2009
I'd go for Alcides Escobar.
Even if he’s not an elite hitting SS, I think he’ll be an elite defender. With Wallace, Weeks, Carter, Cardenas, and Brown in the lineup, a plus hitting SS won’t be necessary.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
I'd say there's probably zero chance that happens.
mikev - July 28, 2009
Send Braden, too.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
That sounds like a stupid idea
grover - July 28, 2009
+1
Not only would it not be enough for Escobar, it would be a fairly crippling deal for the team for the next few years.
mikev - July 28, 2009
Just throwing things out there.
What the most you would trade to the Brewers to get Escobar?
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
Matt Holliday
oh wait.
mikev - July 28, 2009
I wouldn't
I’d try to buy low on J.J. Hardy
grover - July 28, 2009
Weurtz for Hardy might actually be interesting.
But count me as a guy who doesn’t particularly think that relievers have much trade value — especially considering the guy was acquired for Justin Sellers and Ritchie Robnett.
If I were to say we could deal Sellers and Robnett for JJ Hardy, I’m pretty sure everybody here would say yes.
mikev - July 28, 2009
What does it matter who Wuertz got traded for back in the day?
grover - July 28, 2009
Nothing in particular
Aside from how little his perceived value was during the offseason compared to how high the perceived value for JJ Hardy has been around AN.
mikev - July 28, 2009
The point is that his value is greater now than it was then
Eastbayjim - July 28, 2009
Exactly.
It would be pretty insane (in a good way) to take a guy who was acquired for spare parts, then flip him after half a season for a pretty damn good shortstop.
mikev - July 28, 2009
Welcome to relief pitching 101.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
robnett sux
im a cubs fan
nutdrinkingamp12 - July 30, 2009
Would Hardy be the stop-gap between now and Green?
Or do you think the A’s could sign him for 3-4 years?
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
Im there on that for sure
I think that would be a great trade if we are trying to contend next year. What do you think would need to accompany Wuertz? Simmons perhaps?
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
Trading in hopes of contending next year wouldn't be smart in my opinion.
The rotation will still be very young. I fail to see how the hitting would be much better unless Buck, Sweeney, Suzuki, and others improve greatly. They can’t take away their best hitter (Holliday) replace it with nothing and have a contending offense.
You can’t count on Cunningham, Wallace, and Carter to carry a team when they’re all rookies. Not gonna happen.
That’s why i don’t think they’d take Hardy. He’ll be gone before the kids get past their growing pains.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
I think its not unrealistic at all
The rotation next year will have gone through rookie growing pains. We will be better at 1b, CF, RF, SS (if we get Hardy), and hopefully 3b, the same at 2b and DH, and worse in left field. If we get a good LFer this is a very good team next year, with only starting rookies at 3b and RF. Plus we can always flip Hardy at the deadline next year if needed. I would be very interested in Simmons and Wuertz for Hardy.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
I'd do it, especially if ownership was prepared
to take its best shot at a “build around him” real-$$ contract extension. Hardy is not only a very good RH hitter and a SS, but as he ages he should be able to move over to 3B where the A’s may well have a need (if Wallace moves to 1B and/or Cardenas can handle 2B). Is Hardy worth “real SS” from a small-market team? Likely.
Nico - July 28, 2009
I think it would probably require more...
How much more is the question.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
We need to start the “bring JJ to OAK” fanclub, I dont know anyone who would against it.
Escobar has that silly “untouchable” tag on him too, giving them O-Cab would be stellar.
PL78 - July 28, 2009
Please include the Hardy part of JJ to Oak
I want no part of JJ Putz.
Orodawg - July 28, 2009
just keep o-cab
JetSam - July 29, 2009
The Brewers are not going to give up Escobar
They have been reluctant to give him up in a potential Halladay trade…I doubt they’d give him up for Wuertz. We would have to add something else of great value in the deal.
FrankCohen - July 28, 2009
Send them someone else, too.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
that's not really how it works...
unless the “someone” happens to be, say, Cahill
harenshair - July 29, 2009
IF you trade Wuertz:
It had better NOT be for Prospects:
He’d have to be dealt to a team with a log jam at either CF or SS. Just as the Cards were jammed at 3B.
he is a ML arm, who has been horribly used by Geren, and has a REAL out pitch that can turn an inning around. That is what teams competing for the playoffs need more than anything. Not a VERY GOOD young 4th OF, or back-up middle infielder.
He will be pretty cheap for two and a half years and can do anything form close an inning out, start an innning, set-up or close.
Raymond St. Martin (Saint) - July 28, 2009
Wallace is a prospect...
hasn’t done shit in the majors. yet.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
The Cards weren't jammed at 3b
They actually have pretty big organizational hole there as well.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
I forget who he was burried behind:
But he was thier second rated 3B prospect, and then also behind Mark DeRosa, so, third on the depth chart for a player who is ready to break through. I should have chosen my words better and said No A Baller or 19 year old.
Raymond St. Martin (Saint) - July 28, 2009
DeRosa is gone after this year
So is Glaus and they have a bunch of psuedo prospects that are too old and not really any good. They aren’t in Wallace’s way.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
My guess is that the Cards figure he won't play 3rd (at least not well or for very long)
they can’t DH him and there’s no room for him at 1B.
Nick - July 28, 2009
Bingo
Also they need to appease Pujols since he is a free agent soon and it would be devastating for the organization to lose him. That in itself might be why they would be willing to give up Wallace.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
The problem is, if they're right about his defense
then he’s not nearly as valuable to us, either, given all the similar, potential talent the A’s have at 1B. If the A’s are right about him (assuming Beane et al plan for him to play 3B), then the Cardinals just gave up the solution to one of their major problems.
Nick - July 28, 2009
Right which is why I wasn't a big fan of this trade like everyone else was
I think it was good value but its not a slam dunk like it has been portrayed by any means.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
I disagree
He is infinitely more valuable to us, (who are starved for a power bat at any position) then he was to the Cards, (who have an abundance of power).
adragon - July 29, 2009
ML Talent Lost in the Shuffle:
Exactly what I’d want for Weurtz.
Raymond St. Martin (Saint) - July 28, 2009
Cards aren't jammed at 3B.
They’re jammed at 1B. The idea that Wallace was blocked comes out of the assumption that he won’t stick at 3B. If that’s the case then yes, he was blocked in St Louis.
iglew - July 28, 2009
freese, thurston, barden, tyler greene can play there, troy glaus, who will be delt at the deadline or in the offseason
nutdrinkingamp12 - July 30, 2009
Correction:
I should have chosen my words better and said No A Baller or 19 year old.
Raymond St. Martin (Saint) - July 28, 2009
I don't know... I'd take Aaron Hicks from the Twins
Yeah, that’s me being an ass.
grover - July 28, 2009
grover, you do it so well ;-)... and I do like your choice in Hicks
Eastbayjim - July 28, 2009
I will take one Heyward, plz.
harenshair - July 29, 2009
Heyward's in AA
grover - July 29, 2009
but he is 19!
harenshair - July 30, 2009
three way
O-cab to Twins, Wuertz to Angels, Wood to A’s. The Twins kick in the prospects to balance the deal between A’s and Angels
grabber - July 28, 2009
i don't think we want Wood
based on other comments, he’s got inflated stats thanks to the Salt Lake ballpark.
ru155 - July 28, 2009
Maybe, but I would risk it
The scouts for a few years now thought/think he is the real-deal. Any time you trade for unproven ML players your gambling. Why not take a chance on a league average up-the-middle glove with power. There are very few of those to be had.
grabber - July 28, 2009
Wood isnt good at baseball though.
PL78 - July 28, 2009
Let's see Billy get creative
Tampa needs to clear payroll to acquire VMart and Cliff Lee and are potentially willing to deal Carl Crawford. How’s that for a franchise CF?
noava22 - July 28, 2009
Pretty much sucks
Crawford hates playing CF, plus he’s a FA after 2010.
grover - July 28, 2009
Party pooper.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
I prefer: realist
grover - July 28, 2009
Realist pooper.
rebus - July 28, 2009
Its not like we have great LF options next year
An outfield of Crawford Hairston and Cunningham/Buck/Sweeney could be one of the top 5 defensive outfields in the game.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
Crawford would be gone before the A's are good again.
Plus, it would be one of the weakest hitting OFs.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
How is that?
Crawford is an excellent hitter, Hairston is good, and it’s very conceivable that one of Buck/Sweeney/Cunningham would be average or better offensively next season. It’s also very possible that the A’s would be a strong squad next year, depending on how the pitching staff progresses.
harenshair - July 29, 2009
If you want to deal Wuertz to TB
I want Reid Brignac back.
adragon - July 29, 2009
especially sweeney
im from solon iowa and ryan played high school ball near there
nutdrinkingamp12 - July 30, 2009
You can trade Wuertz because you're dealing from a position of strength.
Our bullpen looks weak right now because it has guys like Casilla and Springer in it right now. The guys doing the relieving for Sacramento have done a damn good job this year.
Jeff Gray: 13 SV, 38 IP, .89 WHIP, 1.91 GO/AO, 1.66 ERA
Sam Demel (between AA and AAA): 1.21 ERA, 44.2 IP, 1 HR, 12 SV
Brad Kilby: 2.60 ERA, 45 IP, 27 H, 13 BB, 49 K
Jay Marshall: 2.89 ERA, 2.52 GO/AO (Against lefties, he’s given up 13 hits and 1 walk in 23.1 IP)
You also have guys like Henry Rodriguez, who has been up and down, and Devine coming back from injury. Funny that the A’s got Breslow off waivers from the Twins, and now they want Wuertz. Wuertz isn’t that much better. If Beane could build a package and of Wuertz and Cabrera and then another player or two in order to get a top prospect, I’d do it.
Ben Revere anybody?
NateHST - July 28, 2009
I would be really shocked if the Twins traded one of their top prospects.
They’re notoriously stingy with the prospects… rightfully so.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
Well if they get desperate (they're only 3 GB)
And they want to improve their bullpen and their middle infield with only one move, and maybe even LF if we sent Buck or Sweeney, then they’re going to have to give up some prospects. If not their prospects, then one of their SP, which isn’t going to happen.
NateHST - July 28, 2009
The Twins rarely get desperate to make midseason moves.
I live in North Dakota among hoards of Twins fans. They complain every year that the organization never trades for that missing piece at the deadline then always end up just missing the playoffs.
I think they’re also reluctant to trade because of their recent history. The Delmon Young trade was a huge bust and no one they received for Santana is panning out.
The Twins will not give up their top prospects. They just won’t.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
I'd take Carlos Gomez for OrCa!
mikev - July 28, 2009
Yeah... but would you take him for Johan Santana?
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
Oh and Carlos Gomez sucks.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
So does Cabrera.
mikev - July 28, 2009
Agreed.
brenarlo - July 28, 2009
Gomez isn't that bad.
His offense is pretty bad, but his defense is stellar. Last year he was worth 2 WAR because of his D. It’s down this year, though.
NateHST - July 28, 2009
Isn't Slowey out for the year though?
That would temper the twins enthusiasim for 09
Future Ed - July 28, 2009
Ben Revere is pretty meh for me
I don’t trust his average to hold up or his walks to increase as he moves up. I would be very interested in Hicks, however. The rest of the Twins system is pretty meh for me. I don’t think that we get Revere or Hicks to be honest.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
Sickels said he's got a ceiling of Kenny Lofton
He’s not going to provide much power beyond doubles, but he’s fast as hell and he plays CF. Hicks has a better ceiling and more power potential, but he’s riskier. And actually, I don’t see the Twins trading Hicks. I wouldn’t mind Revere, but I agree there are other players on other teams that are more desirable.
NateHST - July 28, 2009
+1
I just don’t think we could get what we want from the Twins. Lets look elsewhere.
ru155 - July 28, 2009
ridin’ ‘cross the land…kickin’ up sand…
carp - July 28, 2009
sheriff's posse on your tail 'cause you're in demand?
grover - July 28, 2009
What about something like this:
Weurtz to MIL for JJ Hardy
Cabrera to MIN for one of their relief arms (Jesse Crain?) and a prospect?
mikev - July 28, 2009
You're not going to get Hardy for Wuertz
For one thing, it would make the Brewers worse now. Hardy may be have a down year with the bat but he’s still a very potent hitter who plays a good SS.
Maybe Hardy for Wuertz and Duchscherer? Macha loves Duke and we know Brewers’ scouts were at the game the other day. I would think Duke would be a carrot if the goal were to acquire Hardy.
Nico - July 28, 2009
I think Wuertz Duchsherer and Simmons
could be enough and if it isn’t adding Eveland might. Thats a perceptive addition. I would do both of those trades.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
Eveland? Is he more than a body to the Brewers at this point? They did trade him to Arizona and he's not ripping up AAA.
rebus - July 28, 2009
Insurance against Duke not being able to pitch.
Equivalent of a C/C+ prospect.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
But does it really matter if they don't want him to start a playoff game.
rebus - July 28, 2009
Yes it does
mostly because the problem is they have the worst 5th starter production out of all contending teams in baseball. Getting there is more important than what you do while you are there.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
What about Wuertz, Duke, and Cabrera, for Hardy,
giving the Brewers an immediate SS replacement while A. Escobar is green? That might be a good deal for them. I’d actually worry that it could be a so-so deal for Oakland, if they can’t keep Hardy beyond 2010. But they can always re-sign Duke in the off-season!
Nico - July 28, 2009
ugh
Duke is going to pitch how many innings this year? And Cabrera has absolutely no value. So a good reliever, a long shot starter who may do nothing and a decent SS for Hardy. And you’re worried about giving up too much…
JetSam - July 28, 2009
How does the leagues leading hitter since June have “no value”?
PL78 - July 28, 2009
where would he play?
JetSam - July 29, 2009
How is that a bad deal for the A's?
Your expectations for Cabrera have always been too high IMO. That deal is better for the A’s than the deal I proposed. Simmons as an ok starting pitching prospect has more value to us long term than Cabrera does. I would be happy if we got Simmons as the return for Cabrera.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
Eveland?
no
JetSam - July 28, 2009
Why not?
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
He doesn't have value
JetSam - July 29, 2009
Hardy for Wuertz, Duchscherer, Simmons = yes yes yes yes
PL78 - July 28, 2009
actually make that cabrera, Wuertz, Duchscherer, Simmons and nab a low level prospect from the Brewers.
PL78 - July 28, 2009
Hm.
Cabrera and Weurtz?
Screw Minnesota.
mikev - July 28, 2009
The Brewers should be looking for rotation help, which the A's can't really give.
rebus - July 28, 2009
How about O-Cab & Wuertz + Duke/grade C prospect for Hardy
I would make that trade. We might need to send some cash to make it happen.
adragon - July 29, 2009
they don't need a SS
JetSam - July 29, 2009
question
any idea why Ziegler isn’t mentioned in any trade talks? Seems he’s having a pretty good season, with an excellent July.
Not that I want Ziggy traded by any stretch of imagination
closetasfan - July 28, 2009
Russ Springer should be talked about more. He had a terrible May, but he’s been good otherwise.
Rated-R Superstar - July 28, 2009
O/T Everidge is batting 7th. Hairston not in lineup.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/athletics/detail?&entry_id=44415
Trainman - July 28, 2009
I thought for a moment that he might’ve been traded.
Rated-R Superstar - July 28, 2009
You know you're an A's fan....
if someone is out of the lineup and you wonder if he has been traded.
travdog6 - July 28, 2009
If Landon Powell starts instead of Kurt Suzuki, this could be our worst lineup on paper all year. The last time we said that, though, we scored six runs and Gio Gonzalez pitched a great game.
Rated-R Superstar - July 28, 2009
Suzuki is hitting 5th
OaktownPower - July 28, 2009
Jack Cust is in the field. This could be an adventure.
Rated-R Superstar - July 28, 2009
Landon Powell has a higher OPS than Kurt Suzuki.
PL78 - July 28, 2009
SSS
travdog6 - July 28, 2009
Powell can flat out rake
It’s not that ridiculous to believe that he could outhit Suzuki (a damn good hitter in his own right) if given the opportunity. Unfortunately we’ll probably never know, because he’s physically incapable of being a starting catcher.
harenshair - July 29, 2009
I never even heard of this guy until a few weeks ago...
…and now out of seemingly nowhere many people are chanting his name like he’s the Savior of all things Baseball Oakland.
Is he truly legit and under the radar, or are we subconsciously desperate for anyone and anything to hang our hat on?
UncleLeo - July 28, 2009
He is not legit as a savior of all blah blah blah
But Everidge is a guy who has shown the ability to play 3B without spiking himself or harming small children and has a track record for pounding the snot out of LHP in the minors.
Peak year + raking in AAA means the guy deserves a shot, especially when the 1B alternative is Bobby F’n Crosby.
grover - July 28, 2009
yes & yes
adragon - July 29, 2009
Kind of OT
but saw this just yesterday that Wuertz has the nastiest (causes MLBers to swing and miss) pitch in that filthy slider of his.
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/7/9/944134/the-toughest-pitches-to-hit-in
His value is at an all time high…i say Beane offload him since we have a pretty stocked bullpen once Devine comes back and Ziegler gets back to being himself…
ST - July 28, 2009
No, really, stop assuming Devine will ever be healthy and contribute again.
mikev - July 28, 2009
Shouldn’t you change your signature, sir?
Rated-R Superstar - July 28, 2009
No, he's still awesome. Just made of glass.
mikev - July 28, 2009
Back to being himself?
His ERA is a little over 2 since June 1 with a whip a little over one. He had a bad May, big deal. He has been excellent for almost 2 months….I think he is back to being himself.
OaktownPower - July 28, 2009
The caveat to this diagram, of course
is that it just shows the pitches most likely to get a swing through – it says nothing of what actually happens when a batter does make contact with it…
bobnothing - July 28, 2009
Breakdowns for you...
From Fangraphs….
Season Team K/9 BB/9 K/BB HR/9 AVG WHIP BABIP LOB% FIP
2009 Athletics 11.79 2.47 4.77 0.95 .217 1.06 .309 74.4 % 2.6
ST - July 28, 2009
O/T
The Red Sox are looking for a fourth outfielder.
Granted they said a right handed one, and granted it’s the Boston Herald, but can we offer them Ryan Sweeney? Or even Rajai?
travdog6 - July 28, 2009
They just dealt Kotsay for Brian Anderson.
mikev - July 28, 2009
Well, shit.
travdog6 - July 28, 2009
Not so sure that fills their need
Anderson isn’t even really an upgrade over Kotsay. It’s possible that they’d want Rajai still, especially after tonight.
harenshair - July 29, 2009
At least Anderson’s back isn’t damaged like Kotsay’s.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
TY for introducing the word
fungible into my vocabulary.
BleedGreen - July 28, 2009
The athletics ones on crack are especially fun.
iglew - July 28, 2009
Revere/Slama/Valencia
for O-Cab/Wuertz?
Should we target Guerra instead?
sourstuff - July 28, 2009
If we got Revere
Twins fans everywhere would commit suicide. I, however, would fly to Oakland and give Billy the biggest high five on the planet.
Orodawg - July 28, 2009
That deal would never happen
and Guerra forgot how to pitch.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
did you see
his last start?
sourstuff - July 28, 2009
No but 1 start isn't a big enough sample size for me to care.
designatedforassignment - July 28, 2009
This.
If 2011 is still the magical year that it’s all going to fall together, then to me that implies some progress in getting there will happen in 2010, and we’d need and use him in 2010 and 2011. Yeah, I know, sometimes teams just spring up out of nowhere (ala Rays last year), but seriously that’s the exception, not the rule. I swear way too many fans gets all starry-eyed when the idea of a bright shiny prospect gets dangled in front of them and they forget everything else.
Yeah, there are times when it’s a wise move, and there are times when another team’s needs make them overpay, and we should hold out for one of those when it comes to Wuertz. Otherwise, we should keep him and use him and not feel like we missed something.
UncleLeo - July 28, 2009
If the Twins want Cabrera and Wuertz,
as Rotoworld now says, maybe a package that lands Hicks isn’t out of the question?
Nico - July 28, 2009
Probably is
Even if the A’s picked up all the remaining salary, it seems highly doubtful that the Twins would move Hicks. Remember, Hicks was also considered a 1st round talent as a SP so if his bat goes kablooie the Twins still have a chance to salvage something by converting him back to the mound.
And I know a lot of people will think I’m nuts, but I’d seriously have my ears on if the Twins started discussing Carlos Gomez.
grover - July 28, 2009
I'm all for plus-defense as a CF priority
Trouble with Gomez is, he is gaining the reputation of being a bit of a “head case” / bad work ethic kind of player. I guess his “why slide into home?” gaffe against the A’s wasn’t exactly a unique transgression.
Nico - July 28, 2009
while it should be
i’m wondering if the twins might begin to feel the pressure of morneau and mauer. there was something up on MTR the other day with quotes from them hinting at their frustration at the team’s unwillingness to make moves at the trade deadline in the past, intimating that it could affect their contract decisions moving forward. thus, i wonder if minny makes a move it normally wouldn’t for fear of pissing off mauer and losing him to FA soon.
guy incognito - July 28, 2009
I remember when we had Brandon Wood...
He called himself “Bobby Crosby” back then.
PL78 - July 28, 2009
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