Need a little help finding SS prospects ready to play in the Show
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 1:07 AM EST
114 comments
I'm writing an article for AN, discussing potential SS prospects the A's could go after via trade now that Furcal has decided to stay in SoCal. The problem is I've got a lot on my plate and can't do the research on 29 organizations to find quality shortstops. The way I figure it, there are plenty of people on this little slice of SB Nation who follow other teams and if you'd be willing to throw out the names of any SS in your favorite organization who'd be ready to play in 2009 I'd surely appreciate it. The only guideline I set is that you expect your nominee be better than Bobby Crosby... so really I've set the bar fairly low! It would be great if you wanted to share a quick scouting report, especially if he's a bit of a dark horse but a name will do just fine.
And thank you for your support!
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Jason Donald, Reid Brignac, Alcides Escobar
There might be a little seasoning needed for some of them, but they’re all knocking on the door. Seems like the Brewers might rather trade Hardy than Escobar. Donald was probably more likely to be traded before Utley went under the knife.
And before anyone starts on me, I’m not saying all of them are superstars, just shortstop prospects close to the majors.
by aap212 on Dec 24, 2008 1:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Reid Brignac
Alcides Escobar
Brent Lillibridge
Chris Nelson
Reese Havens
Young, graduated prospects:
Jed Lowrie
Asdrubal Cabrera
I think Asdrubal or Lillibridge would be nice reasonable targets.
by alskor on Dec 24, 2008 1:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
though by “reasonable” I mean “going to cost an arm and a leg” where some of these guys will cost an arm, both legs and a testicle.
by alskor on Dec 24, 2008 1:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nelson
Was awful at AA this year….not so sure about him. Havens is very unproven, Lillibridge hasn’t shown much with the stick. Brignac, Escobar, and Donald seem like the best choices, though all might struggle if you threw them in full-time in 09. Brignac would probably be the least expensive.
by OccamsRazor on Dec 24, 2008 2:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Havens and Lillibridge
Reese Havens is going to be a second base prospect once he’s back on the field, and he’s not nearly as close as the rest of those guys. He’ll likely move quickly, but he’s got to come back from injury first, and the highest he’s played is the NYPL. He’s not going to be ready in 2009.
Lillibridge might be ready, but he put up a lower OPS at Triple-A than Crosby did in the majors, and he was a 24 year old repeating the league. I don’t understand why this guy is considered a prospect by any stretch of the imagination. You’d do better to go out and get Anderson Hernandez, who can give you excellent defense and won’t average a strikeout a game.
by Fanon on Dec 24, 2008 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pitch me on Hernandez, if you please
He didn’t hit much last year.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They both stink
It was a bit hyperbolic, but he’s got more of a track record at Triple-A than Lillibridge. Neither of them should be higher on a depth chart than third.
by Fanon on Dec 25, 2008 8:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You are quite the salesperson
Merry X-mas.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 25, 2008 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I used to like Lillibridge, right up until he tried to be a power hitter.
Was Nelson hurt?
And I’m not sold on Lowrie’s ability to stay at SS.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nelson
Nelson broke his hamate bone about midway through the year, but was doing poorly even prior to that. I did read somewhere (maybe Keith Law) that his swing still looked good when he played in the AFL, and he put up a pretty solid .321/.392/.595 line (in only 95 PAs) in the fall, and the fact he was hitting for power (6 HRs) bodes well given the nature of the injury.
by jibs on Dec 24, 2008 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw his AFL line, thanks for the news on the hamate.
I’m not sure the Rockies are ready to part ways with Nelson and I doubt he’d be ready for instant big league gratification.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
true on both counts...
The Rockies are still holding him in high regard. He’s a solid athlete and they think the hamate injury prevented him from a similar late summer run like he had in Modesto in 2007. He’s not MLB ready, and his defense would cause you more than a few headaches in 2009.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Headaches I have, 'tis aspirin I need
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nelson would be like treating it with a sledgehammer.
I don’t know what happened to him, he was solid with Modesto in 2007, but regressed pretty badly in Tulsa.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i dont know much about cabrera
but i think he could be gotten relatively cheaply, but I have a few questions.
Can he play good defense at SS?
Is he expected to make leaps and bounds at the plate or do people only expect minor improvements?
His .730 OPS and his position change on defense are question marks
"I think people in this state like BOTH teams," proclaims Nick Aliotti, the Ducks' defensive coordinator. "Except for our hard-core fans, I don't think most Duck fans would have been terribly upset to see Oregon State going to the Rose Bowl."
Another reason he needs to go.
by diehardoaklandfan22 on Dec 24, 2008 2:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Cabrera
consistently has had better defense at SS that Peralta. Its a more natural position for him. His bat should bounce back a little this year. I’m thinking a career like Jeff Blauser with a few less HRs but a few more doubles.
I ♥ Trent Edwards' groin
by Wonko on Dec 24, 2008 2:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt he can be gotten close to cheaply.
by aap212 on Dec 24, 2008 2:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i dont either
thats why i said “relatively”
"I think people in this state like BOTH teams," proclaims Nick Aliotti, the Ducks' defensive coordinator. "Except for our hard-core fans, I don't think most Duck fans would have been terribly upset to see Oregon State going to the Rose Bowl."
Another reason he needs to go.
by diehardoaklandfan22 on Dec 24, 2008 3:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Donald is the guy I want.
Who else?
Elvis Andrus, but he’s not exactly that close to being ready, and a Rangers blue chip prospect, and we all know about intra-division trading.
And along those lines, there’s Brandon Wood with the Angels.
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Dec 24, 2008 3:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Zonis, my friend and compatriot
You could do the Myposean Dance of Joy in a two piece and it wouldn’t be enough to drive me so insane I’d advocate a Jason Donald trade.
Brandon Wood is an intriguing name, though.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Definitely Donald. Didnt we almost get him in the Blanton deal?
Never, Never, NEVER give up
by hero66 on Dec 25, 2008 11:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Except that his staying at SS is in doubt.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 26, 2008 8:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
SS's
Hu- i think most available for a fair price
Donald- if not for Utley injury. he was rated a 3 star prospect by BP.
Lillibridge- i think he can be had for a fringe pitching prospect. but is the 08 version much better than pennington/petit
the others mentioned will be tough to pry away
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 24, 2008 4:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Too far away... I want 2009 big league production. Thanks, though
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He's listed as a 3B. Do you know what's up with that?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brignac
is not the type of player that the A’s would go for realistically – poor plate discipline. Donald or Escobar would be conceivable.
by slurve on Dec 24, 2008 9:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Defense
I don’t know much about Brignac’s defense, but my impression of the A’s front office at this point is that they’re more concerned with solid defense, particularly from a position like shortstop, than they are with plate discipline. They want to have the discipline guys in the lineup, but they’d be wiling to overlook poor on base ability if the guy could hold his own as a hitter while playing solid defense up the middle. That said, I don’t know if Brignac really fits this mold, that’s just my impression of how Billy Beane is operating these days.
by Fanon on Dec 24, 2008 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Defense
Brignac was regarded as the best defensive shortstop in the IL this past year I believe, and has made huge strides in his defense.
"So's your mom"-David Sloane
by gatling on Dec 24, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He is good defensively
but that bat won’t be able to justify an everyday gig for anyone
by slurve on Dec 24, 2008 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the reply, btw
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Youth
He’s still pretty young, and could take a step forward. He’s flashed power in the past, it’s not like we’re talking about a guy whose prime offensive seasons in the minors were based off batting average alone. I won’t be at all surprised if he ends up with a starting job at some point in the near future, and performs pretty well. A good defensive shortstop can get away with an OBP around .300 if he’s hitting 15 homers a year; Brignac could be that guy.
by Fanon on Dec 25, 2008 8:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What?
A guy with a .300 is acceptable if he hits 15 HR’s? Not in my world. That’s well below replacement level and on top of that, Brignac’s MLE was a whopping .269 OBP so we’re looking at sub .300
He’s Corey Patterson playing SS – I’ll pass
by slurve on Dec 25, 2008 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Depends where he ranks in your overall lineup
With strong defense, a shortstop doesn’t have to hit a ton to be of value. Guys like Hanley tend to skew people’s estimation of “average” shortstop production.
by Ophidian on Dec 25, 2008 11:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No.
I’m well aware of outliers like Ramirez and am completely capable of filtering that stuff out.
I looked at the production of shortstops before posting that, even though I knew what it would tell me ahead of time – Brignac would be well below what an average SS produces and it’s not even close. The game has changed since the days of Ozzie Smith, who even with his slow start offensively, was able to become an asset at the plate due to his plate discipline. Brignac’s approach at the plate is atrocious and he’s shown no signs of being able to reverse that whatsoever – in fact it’s trending downward.
by slurve on Dec 26, 2008 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not so sure about that
He is a good-fielding short stop with solid power, particularly for a middle infielder, and who can take a walk – he is not a non-entity. The big question for me about Brignac is whether his dramatic increase in strikeouts last year was an actual reversal or if it was just an odd year. If he can cut his strikeouts down again, then he could be like he was in 2006, when he had a .760 OPS in AA despite having a very low BABIP – reminiscent of Khalil Greene with the potential to be distinctly better. If his strikeout rate continues to spike upwards, then I would agree with you that he’s a marginal SS.
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by OldProspects on Dec 26, 2008 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get
why people keep defending this guy… He can take a walk? He had 25 last year against 93 K’s. He’s amassed a whopping 80 BB’s in the last 2 years. That’s not Nate Schierholz bad, but it’s bad. He had a nice season in 2006 and that’s it really. He has not held up against pitching in the upper minors. He may have some use, but it won’t be in an everyday capacity. Certainly not someone who you make a trade for to be your everyday SS.
by slurve on Dec 26, 2008 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
80 BBs in 879 ABs - not excellent, but not bad either
TheSouthWing.com - A Magazine of essays, prose and poems
by OldProspects on Dec 27, 2008 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's fine
but the K-rate more than offsets that.
by slurve on Dec 28, 2008 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
His bat hasn't been very impressive the last 2 years
Anyone know why he missed so much time this year?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Quick glance
Shows a 10 day stint in the bigs in July, then a broken wrist in August ended his season. I can’t say for sure why his bat looked so poor this year, but if you go back to 2006 and 2007 he was a good bit lucky in the Cal League in 2006 and just about as unlucky in AA in 2007. His career park/luck adjusted line is .282/.339/.456/.795, not sure he’d live up to those numbers this year, but I could see .260/.320/.430/.750, which would be an improvement over Crosby.
"So's your mom"-David Sloane
by gatling on Dec 24, 2008 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Alright, I'll roll along with this for another turn
What do the Rays need in return?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No clue
but apparently the Rays wouldn’t include him in deadline deals for Dunn or Bay(per rotoworld). Take that for what it’s worth. I’d love to see Briggy in the green and gold, really just anybody other than the Croz. Such a disappointment.
"So's your mom"-David Sloane
by gatling on Dec 24, 2008 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, that's an issue
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
Could have been a case of not wanting to trade him for a 3 month rental in Dunn or a 1+ year rental of Bay. I’d think that it’s possible they’d be more apt to trade him for cheap, controlable talent though. You’d need Brickhaus or Tyler to really be able to help you with what they’d need in return though. Or youalreadyknow….where did that guy disappear to?
"So's your mom"-David Sloane
by gatling on Dec 24, 2008 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I seriously doubt we’d do this. Maybe Cust (we need that DH still) and that seems to fit best now that we have RF occupied.
by Navi's_Navy on Dec 24, 2008 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cust for Brignac?
Convince me that 2008 won’t happen again for the young’un.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not a ridiculous idea with all the FA DH floating around
From BA’s Bill Ballew:
Brignac has made impressive strides with his defense over the past two years. One of the premier glovemen in Triple-A…plus power for a middle infielder and the ability to use the entire field..
Ballew attributes his 2008 struggles to pressing basically.
Not sure why the Rays wouldn’t just sign Giambi or something though.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 24, 2008 8:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's the final nail in the coffin
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 9:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Clint Barmes
may be available from Col
The Dodgers won't win a playoff series until the Cool-a-Coo returns.
by mckeeno on Dec 24, 2008 10:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
That
could be a good idea if the price isn’t too high.
"So's your mom"-David Sloane
by gatling on Dec 24, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt it...
Or at least I doubt he’d be available at fair market value as the Rockies plan on using him as their starting second baseman this season. It would take as much as the Pirates were asking for Jack Wilson, probably more given a more favorable salary for Barmes and they wouldn’t do it until later in the Spring.
If you’re looking at Rockies, the most likely candidate who would be available cheap with decent upside is Jonathan Herrera. He was actually available for free right after the Rule 5 draft when the Rockies had to waive him to outright him to AAA and I was surprised nobody tried grabbing him then. He just turned 24, is a plus defender and is a switch hitter with speed who’s been seeing some improvement in his plate discipline over the last two seasons. He’s not going to provide much or any power, but he meets the “better than Bobby Crosby” standard and has some upside.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to ask... do you own a baseball glove?
If the answer is yes then you probably meet the “better than Bobby” standard!
Now that I’ve had my daily dose of Crosby bashing, can you tell me more about Herrera? Specifically, why did he only play in 66 games last year? And he didn’t exactly light-up Colorado Springs.
And just for shnits & giggles, what would it take to pry Barmes from the Rockies?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Herrera played only 66 games because he was being shuttled back and forth
From the Rockies where he spent most of the time keeping the MLB bench warm while Tulowitzki was injured. He also had a hamstring pull, if I recall.
No, he didn’t light either CSP or Denver on fire (28 games, .556 OPS) but there was a lot of bad luck involved in that and with regular playing time he’ll get into a pretty good groove. Marcel projects a .737 OPS for him compared to .656 for Crosby, and he was a 28.5 UZR/150 player at short last season (legitimately, he’s that good) compared to 0.0 for Crosby, so I’m seeing a very good buy low opportunity as he just doesn’t seem to have a place in Colorado right now. Again, I was very surprised he wasn’t claimed.
For Barmes, if the Rockies decide to deal him they probably would want a young MLB-ready reliever and another prospect, I would guess. From my fan standpoint, I’d like a Josh Outman plus Pedro Figueroa type of deal but I know the team values Barmes more, so I don’t know if that would cut it.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you much
For the record, I’ve still got my fingers crossed that Outman can make it as a SP and it looks like the A’s are going to give him every chance to stay in the rotation.
Anyone want to argue that Herrera isn’t very good?
(Nothing personal Rox Girl, just looking for multiple view points.)
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no offense taken...
I’d want the same thing to level the bias.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but how many view points are as wise as yours?
(Note to self, always play nice with the avatar packing a baseball bat)
Assuming I wanted to advocate Herrera on my home network, what would it take to land him? Do I need a big league relief arm or would an A-ball SP type suffice?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess it depends on who that A-ball SP was...
Craig Italiano? I would guess the answer would probably be yes.
Scott Deal? I would guess no.
Given the risk involved with SP’s that low, it would have to be one with a pretty high ceiling and/or a decent floor if moved to the bullpen if it’s just a one for one deal.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Funny you mentioned Italiano...
What about Carlos Hernandez? The A’s compare him to Dallas Braden in terms of stuff and pitchability.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know...
On one hand I could see how the Rockies would be intrigued by him and his stuff, on the other I could see them having size issues. The team likes big pitchers to a fault, the 2006 draft of Reynolds over Lincecum being a prime example of that.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 3:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Where did you see that 28.5 UZR/150?
A link would be appreciated.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Here you go. Must have been a good 9 innings.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 24, 2008 8:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes, that would be the huge SSS caveat,
And realizing this is getting to the more serious consideration for inclusion in an article, I should temper my exaggerated fan-girl claim that he’s superman with the glove. Herrera should be a +10 to +15 UZR glove in a full time role, though, which is above average to excellent.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for clarifying
Let me ask you this, setting your fan-girl aside, what makes Herrera more valuable than current A’s SS prospect Gregorio Petit?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of incremental advantages will add up on offense...
Herrera’s contact skills are better, not ever breaching 14% K rate in the minors or 20% in the majors, Petit’s been consistently higher. More contact with a similar walk rate (similar LD% too) will allow a higher OBP, as will being a speedy switch hitter and a step closer to first vs. RHP’s (allowing for a higher infield hit rate). I see their power profiles as similar, both hit for a little less in 2008 than they should going forward, but neither will ever crack double digits in HR’s. Herrera adds more value on the basepaths.
I’ve been told that Petit’s a strong defender, so they are probably similar in the defensive arena, but I see a lot of little things making Herrera the more valuable offensive piece.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
And thank you.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you're welcome
good luck with the post at AN.
by Rox Girl on Dec 24, 2008 9:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Come over and look for it on Friday
I’ve decided that Herrera represents too marginal of an upgrade, and if I’m going to propose a post-Christmas trade I want it to be shiny and pretty.
One of the options I’m going to propose is a Mazzaro/Barmes centered trade. I’m not sure how I’ll garnish the final product but I think those two will go a long way towards a workable scenario.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be there
Your civility and overall “good attitude” is a rare treat in these parts. I’ll definitely pop over there to see how your thread turns out.
by jibs on Dec 24, 2008 11:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
YOU WEREN'T INVITED!
;-)
Sorry, couldn’t resist. And I have to admit I tend to be more caustic on my home turf then when I visit other SB Nation sites.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 11:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I can't have been the only one who chuckled
at the “civility and overall ‘good attitude’” bit. ;-)
Oddly, I tend to be the reverse— I’m much less tolerant of fools here.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Dec 27, 2008 1:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, 'cause you're a beacon of restraint on AN
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 27, 2008 5:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's an understandable conclusion
In the AL in particular, you probably need more heft. The Barmes proposal will get you some grief as he’s one of those players who’s value outside of Coors will be called into question, but he’s a better hitter than his 2008 road numbers indicated, and has a really solid line drive swing. Not as good as his Coors Field numbers, but not nearly so bad as the split makes him look.
Like I say, though, the Rockies really do like him a lot, and wouldn’t trade him at all until they know for sure that EY2 or Herrera were going to be equal assets to Barmes for them at second this season. The team still feels it could contend in the NL West this year, but there isn’t any margin that would allow them to trade off integral parts of the puzzle without having equal MLB value in return or at least ready to take their place.
by Rox Girl on Dec 25, 2008 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Merry X-mas
OK, I wasn’t going to bring this up but would the Rockies be interested in Crosby as part of the return? Figure a package of Mazzaro/Bailey/Crosby+$4 million to cover the bulk of his salary. Crosby could then act as a 1 year/$1.25 million insurance policy should EY2 and/or Herrera need more time.
Just throwing that out there.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 25, 2008 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Merry X-mas to you as well...
I think if it was me personally, I’d do that trade. Crosby’s terrible, so the Rockies would basically be betting that two former Oakland players (him and Quintanilla) in their primes would have peak type years to provide an effective platoon. It’s not really a safe bet, but being able to add two more quality parts that would aid 22-24 year old core that’s forming around Tulo/Stewart/Fowler/Jimenez etc.., would make me want to do it anyway.
by Rox Girl on Dec 25, 2008 11:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
how many pre-FA years does he have left?
he’s been up in he majors since 2003, although he’s had multiple injury plagues seasons. which might be reason enough to stay away from him.
"I think people in this state like BOTH teams," proclaims Nick Aliotti, the Ducks' defensive coordinator. "Except for our hard-core fans, I don't think most Duck fans would have been terribly upset to see Oregon State going to the Rose Bowl."
Another reason he needs to go.
by diehardoaklandfan22 on Dec 24, 2008 5:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
SS with 2009 MLB production?
He’s nowhere near a prospect but I bet they could bring Tejada back as a one or two-year fill in until one of their kids are ready in exchange for Crosby and a prospect or two . . . the Astros are desperate to dump salary and build the farm. Dunno how interested Oakland is in bringing on salary though. I really feel a break out if Tejada stays in Houston this year, so I hope it doesn’t happen, but it seems like it makes sense
by mestifo on Dec 24, 2008 12:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The problem with Miggy is he's a FA after this year. I'm looking for someone who'll be around a bit longer.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oops . . .
thought he had two years left . . . shows what you get when you have been researching for a dynasty league that uses PREVIOUS year’s contracts :-)
by mestifo on Dec 24, 2008 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But Tejada plus an A+/AA ball prospect might work.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 24, 2008 6:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No thoughts on the Dodger idea?
Given the Furcal signing and their seeming reluctance to play him, Hu must be available for not all that much, right?
by aap212 on Dec 24, 2008 12:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm scrolling as fast as I can
Beane tried for DeJesus before, and I suspect Colletti would try to use that fondness to leverage more from the A’s if Beane went back to the same well.
Hu looks more readily available, but what the Hell happened to the bat? Didn’t he get his eyes tasered and that’s supposed to fix everything?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 12:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
apparently vision problems
hopefully none of dan johnson sunscreen involved which bought him a 1 way ticket to japan
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 24, 2008 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Does Dan know it's a one-way ticket?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 24, 2008 6:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cliff Pennington?
could be solid.
ProjectProspect.com - Sullivan10x@yahoo.com
by sully10x on Dec 24, 2008 1:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
But probably won't.
If the A’s had high hopes for Pennington I doubt they make a serious run at an over 30 SS coming off back surgery.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the optimistic side
you load up a lineup in other positions and find a ss w/ good defense, gets on base, and compliments the rest of the lineup…BA ranking pennington w/ the best discipline, infield arm, and defensive infielder makes him a candidate for a utility guy at worst.
this yrs contending teams got by with okay, not great ss’s in bartlett, lowrie, uribe, punto, theriot, aybar, etc could A’s get by with petit/pennington worst case scenario…its better than a downer like crosby
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 24, 2008 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wildcard: Yung-Chi Chen
this guy was a good prospect as early in 07…then injuries hit. can he play SS? otherwise, didnt make sense to use a 40 man spot on another fringe IF
by Asfan4ever723 on Dec 24, 2008 4:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Cardinals
Two guys are ready now and would give replacement-level play for league minimum:
Brendan Ryan
Brian Barden
You could get them for Trevor Cahill plus Brett Anderson, no problem (haha).
by siddfynch on Dec 24, 2008 4:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
May Santa leave coal in your stocking
And if you don’t celebrate Christmas, may the neighborhood pre-teens TP your home.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 24, 2008 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps it would be easiest to move Ellis to 2B for a year or two?
I know this is dodging the initial question, but given Ellis’ strength on defense, and how it;’s always infinitely easier to find a second baseman than a shortstop, would it be worth considering moving Ellis for a while and filling second instead?
by aap212 on Dec 24, 2008 5:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
not an option
especially after he just had shoulder surgery a couple months ago. plus, why move the best defensive 2nd baseman in all of baseball?
"I think people in this state like BOTH teams," proclaims Nick Aliotti, the Ducks' defensive coordinator. "Except for our hard-core fans, I don't think most Duck fans would have been terribly upset to see Oregon State going to the Rose Bowl."
Another reason he needs to go.
by diehardoaklandfan22 on Dec 24, 2008 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll put some of my guys up
Ready now
Brendan Ryan
Brent Lillibridge
Reid Brignac
Alcides Escobar
Elvis Andrus
Trevor Plouffe
not so much yet, but my end of ’09 maybe
Jason Donald
Carlos Trunifel
Dayan Viciedo
Luis Valbuena
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 25, 2008 7:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Elvis Andrus is ready now?
Carlos Trunifel ready by end of ’09?
by alskor on Dec 25, 2008 7:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Isnt Viciedo a 3B?
Never, Never, NEVER give up
by hero66 on Dec 25, 2008 11:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if that
Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.
by doublestix on Dec 26, 2008 1:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why not do this systematically, if we are first trying to get names thrown out there.
List every team, and what SS prospects they have in the high minors, or in their first year or two in the Majors (service time wise).
Next step, eliminate the crappy ones (ie: equal or worse than Crosby).
And you have your list of SS candidates.
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Dec 25, 2008 11:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like a plan
Thanks for volunteering to be the Staturday crew’s intern.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 26, 2008 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have always liked Brandon Wood
He’s more likely to flame out than most mentioned, but he also has the most upside of anybody the A’s could possibly acquire. Then again, since the Holliday acquisition getting a high risk- high upside prospect, doesn’t make much sense. Frankly, a prospect doesn’t make much sense. The A’s should make a play for any and all available SS’s.
Herrera is an interesting name. Looking forward to the Staturday/Friday post.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Dec 26, 2008 2:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
What makes Wood more likely to flame out than most of the guys mentioned...?
by alskor on Dec 26, 2008 2:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Why is nobody making a deal for Wood? This is a guy who used to be described as an excellent fielding SS who had a .975 OPS in AAA. Is there really nobody who will give him a job?
TheSouthWing.com - A Magazine of essays, prose and poems
by OldProspects on Dec 26, 2008 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair question
Basically I chickened out of proposing an intra-division trade. What the Angels are doing to Wood is a bit of a mystery… they act like he’s the last guy they want to give a chance at a starting job. His tools and production say he should be a top prospect and I have a hard time seeing any scenario where the
Angels would trade Wood to the A’s at a “fair and reasonable” price.
Then again, I’m not a big fan of Wood and even I would have given him a legit shot by now. I wonder if this is partially Scoscia’s doing? Maybe the FO really likes Wood but their manager doesn’t and he’s got a WS ring to back it up.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Dec 26, 2008 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
JJ Hardy
Someone mentioned him earlier. To me it seems like a natural fit for the Brewers to be shopping him for pitching, and for the A’s to have interest.
Hardy will also be going into his “magical” 27 season this year.
Just seems like an excellent fit for both parties involved, and then the Brewers can slide Escobar into that spot.
The Tigers are only 11 pitchers, 1 SS, 1 C, 1 3B, and a DH from winning the WS in 2009.
by sportznut3081 on Dec 26, 2008 8:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Why would the Brewers want to trade their best remaining player when they're not rebuilding?
Why would they rebuild now?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Dec 26, 2008 9:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
???
They’re trading Braun?
Everett, Laird, Treanor, and E. Jackson. Print those WS tix now!
by sportznut3081 on Dec 27, 2008 10:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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