First of all, don't worry: Fanposts have not undergone any surgeries or embalmings. A network-wide technical problem has rendered them "day to day," and they should be back soon. The same, however, cannot be said of pitcher Rich Harden.
As Susan Slusser notes in this morning's Chronicle, last week Harden had shoulder surgery for a torn capsule that he says dates back to reaching for a comebacker in April, 2007. Pitching through this injury, which is analogous to the ones that have recently felled Johan Santana and Dallas Braden, purports to explain Harden's low velocity in 1st innings last season. So Rich, like the A's, is rebuilding.
0 recs | 34 comments
So apparently Keith Law's prospect ratings are up over at ESPN
but it’s insider only. Anyone that’s an insider want to let us know what’s in it?
Link
A'sFanDFW - February 9, 2012
A's Top 10 and where they are in the top 100
1. Jarrod Parker, RHP (31)
2. A.J. Cole, RHP (33)
3. Sonny Gray, RHP (73)
4. Michael Choice, OF (77)
5. Derek Norris, C (93)
6. Grant Green, CF
7. Brad Peacock, RHP
8. Raul Alcantara, RHP
9. Max Stassi, C
10. Chris Carter, 1B
zaniac75 - February 9, 2012
Thanks
and wow – that’s a ridiculous list. Raul Alcantra – really?
A'sFanDFW - February 9, 2012
I don't know that it's ridiculous.
People give Klaw a ton of crap for his lists/evaluations occasionally, but he’s one individual scout whereas the BA list and some others are amalgamations of multiple scouts’ lists. I’m sure if you got a hold of any serious scout’s top 100 list it’d have its share of deviations from other “mainstream” lists as well.
BWH - February 9, 2012
I think it's a pretty decent 1-7
in line with a many other well publicized lists, albeit with Gray and Peacock likely flip flopped. But Alcantara and especially Stassi are WAY out of left field. What has Stassi done in 2+ years of professional ball to warrant ANY consideration in a top 20 prospect list, let alone a top 10? He’s seriously smoking crack on that one. I can’t understand that, and I refuse to try.
oakballnack - February 9, 2012
Did Law make his own Top 100 list because those rankings for where they are in the Top 100 dont match where Mayo put them
And judging by Mayo’s list, the top prospects would be Parker, Choice, Peacock, Cole, Gray, Green
NJA'sFan - February 9, 2012
ok nevermind
I usually just check MLB.com. Dont know why I never realized that ESPN made their own lists lol
NJA'sFan - February 9, 2012
I am really confused why people think Norris is any good
The guy can’t hit at all. He has a good eye but seriously seems deficient with the bat. I don’t see how he could ever hit MLB pitching if he can’t bat his weight in the minors.
Billy Frijoles - February 9, 2012
Walks + Power = Winz.
Nico - February 9, 2012
The walks aren't just good
those are crazy walk numbers – two years ago was over 20%
A'sFanDFW - February 9, 2012
Sounds like
Landon Powell Part II to me.
oakballnack - February 9, 2012
I don't see how he would be able to earn walks or hit HRs if he can't clear the mendoza line at AAA
Billy Frijoles - February 9, 2012
Pretty much just by upping his BABIP
Make him a .250 hitter and he’s a really good offensive player.
Nico - February 9, 2012
And Red Sox management breathed a sigh of relief
But that’s OK. I like Harden and can’t wait for him to come back next season.
RedOscar - February 9, 2012
Why would Red Sox management care about Harden's health this season?
He was on a one year deal. He would have been a FA after the season. They weren’t trading for multiple years but for 2 months. He finished the season. Albeit, not in grand style, but was actually pitching. Maybe one or two great starts from Harden push them into the playoffs.
The interesting thing is the tweet Slusser had about this and how Harden as been pitching with this injury for 4 years.
Glomar - February 9, 2012
exactly
He could have helped them make the playoffs last year. They could’ve squeezed the last drops of juice from that capsule.
Billy Frijoles - February 9, 2012
Parker in at 31, noting that he should be a strong #2
Cole iat #33, notes his maturity level now vs. highschool.
Gray at #73, Law thinks he has a solid chance to remain a starter.
Choice at #77, Says the A’s fixed some of the extra movement in in his lower half allowing for better contact rates.
Norris at #93, if he can hit .250 then the other skills will play.
nateroddick20 - February 9, 2012
I think Rich should hang it up for good
Trainman - February 9, 2012
If he tried to hang it up, he'd probably injure his other shoulder
Nick - February 9, 2012
I LOL'd. I cried too, but at least it was a laughing-crying mix of tears...
gigglingone - February 9, 2012
HAHAHA
so true. He actually did miss time once, while with the A’s, for an injury to his non throwing shoulder, I seem to remember. I think Rich Harden should have remained a short stop.
oakballnack - February 9, 2012
I, for one, am shocked by this unfortunate turn of events.
I mean, who saw this coming?
CmdrKhraanik - February 9, 2012
that cracked me up
Billy Frijoles - February 9, 2012
Harden
It’s not so much that Harden is ever healthy, he’s just in-between season ending injuries.
BrianJ12 - February 9, 2012
Al Yellon yells about the A's Stadium situation...
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/2/9/2787258/oakland-athletics-lew-wolff-san-jose
Billy Frijoles - February 9, 2012
this is the most reliable sign that baseball is returning soon
You can almost smell the fresh cut grass already.
4-6-3 - February 9, 2012
Shocking
At this point, wouldnt it just be easier for them to tell us when he is actually healthy and not hurt? From now on I will always assume Harden is out with an injury.
SoCal As Fan - February 9, 2012
So that's why there haven't been any talks about him possibly signing somewhere
But I guess this was bound to happen. Next is Chavy right? He’ll sign with a team and end up breaking an ankle walking up the stairs to get out of the dugout. I was surprised he made as far into the season as he did last year. But on a serious note… If the injury dates back to 07’, why didnt he get the surgery back then or whenever he finally became a FA again (after the season with the Cubs right? or is that the same season?)
NJA'sFan - February 9, 2012
for a very detailed discussion
read Slusser’s article. she explains that because shoulder surgeries are less predictable than elbow surgeries, not many surgeons are willing to perform them. Harden himself was not trying to avoid surgery, so much as trying to follow the advice of the doctors. His compensating for the injury also likely caused most of the other health issues he experienced.
OaklandSi - February 9, 2012
All according to Adolph Wolfe's
grand plan to establish reliable pitching staff for 2015.
Pains to even suggest, but speaking of Chavvy…with entropic A’s rumours of Magglio/Manny/Damon signing…perhaps a Chavvy re-look w/b worthwhile. At least he could play some 3B in pinch. Until he’s injured – or retires.
Slip n Slide - February 9, 2012
Chavy
if chavy come back can beane pull out Giambi Golden thong and say “we’re getting the band back together” – for one shitty year!
ryanmoser - February 10, 2012
I'm just disapointed
that we weren’t able to sign him before this injury was revealed. It just doesn’t seem right. Our 60 day DL isn’t going to know what to do with itself….Oh wait.
oakballnack - February 9, 2012
This is too funny.
Only a solid A’s fan can read this and think, oh, he is serious!
paris7 - February 9, 2012
gad, I read the Weeks thread without scrolling
down to read this thread. Pity.
ak_A - February 9, 2012
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