Prospect Retro: Joe Blanton

by John Sickels on Sep 15, 2025 12:56 PM EDT in News

I'm writing about Joe Blanton because he is a personal favorite, and (for me at least) an interesting case study in pitcher development.

Blanton was drafted by the Athletics in the first round in 2002, from the University of Kentucky, 24th overall. He was the second player picked by Oakland in the famous "Moneyball"draft class. Blanton's track record for Kentucky was mixed: he struggled with his control in his freshman and sophomore years, then took a step forward in 2002. His college numbers that year: 5-7, 4.59 with a 133/37 K/BB in 100 innings. The K/IP and K/BB ratios were good, much improved over his previous campaigns, but he was still erratic. Scouts liked his arm strength a great deal, as he showed a fastball that could hit 95 MPH. His breaking stuff was promising but erratic. I liked him enough to pick him in my 2002 Twins Shadow Draft. I gave him a Grade B- in the 2003 book.

Blanton went to Kane County in the Midwest League for 2003 and was outstanding, posting a 2.57 ERA and a 144/19 K/BB in 133 innings. He also went 2-0, 1.66 in three late-season starts for Midland in the Texas League. Blanton's command took a huge step forward, and he made massive progress with his secondary pitches. His velocity in the Midwest League was consistent at 93-94 MPH, hitting 96 at times. I gave him a Grade A- and rated him as the Number Four pitching prospect in baseball, behind Zack Greinke, Ryan Wagner, and Edwin Jackson.

Blanton skipped Double-A in 2004 and went directly to Triple-A Sacramento. He went 11-8, 4.19 with a 143/34 K/BB in 176 innings, but allowed 199 hits. He continued to refine his curveball, slider, and changeup, but he lost some velocity on his fastball, as it dipped into the 88-92 MPH range. His hit rate spiked, likely a combination of PCL environment and the drop in velocity. I lowered his grade one notch to B+, and rated him as the Number 20 pitching prospect in the game.

Blanton entered the Oakland rotation in 2005 and has been eating innings ever since. What I find interesting about him is that when he came out of college, he was considered a power pitcher with an excellent arm who needed better command. He no longer throws as hard as he did back then, but his command has come around and he's proven to be a durable rotation member. He's made a complete transition from raw thrower his first two years of college, to pure pitcher in the majors.

I wonder if there are any young power pitchers out there who could develop in a similar way?

0 recs | Comment 63 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Hughes?

If his velocity drop isn't injury related?

by hallofamer2000 on Sep 15, 2025 1:05 PM EDT 0 recs

its possible but

i think hughes has much better secondary pitches and even a drop off in velocity should not render him the next blanton.

Babe Ruth and Travis Snider back to back!!!

by realityconquest on Sep 17, 2025 2:37 PM EDT up 0 recs

Philip Humber

He could be an inning eater.

by Bravesin07 on Sep 15, 2025 1:06 PM EDT 0 recs

Blantpn

Interestingly, his BB/9 this year is among the top 5 in Oakland history.

(After pitcher tells GM he will pitch half of the games, complete them and they will all be QS)The GM has an orgasm and a heart attack at the same time.-Shamus

by ohad on Sep 15, 2025 1:08 PM EDT 0 recs

nitpick

swisher was actually the first oakland pick in the moneyball draft (16th overall). blanton was 2nd (#24 overall).

a nice summary. i didn't realize blanton's control was only so-so in college. i wonder what happened? from day 1 in the minor leagues he was a strike machine.

by jpahk on Sep 15, 2025 1:46 PM EDT 0 recs

also

good call nabbing blanton for the twins in the shadow draft. denard span? yuck.

by jpahk on Sep 15, 2025 1:46 PM EDT 0 recs

Start Your Own Site

Why don't you go start your own site? Then you can talk about the players you want to talk about to your heatt's content.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 3:27 PM EDT 0 recs

Thank You....

for clearing that up. Since your post was a reply to John rather than to a Hughes comment, it looked like you were once again criticizing his choice of material. In light of yesterday..........Just saying.

BTW. I am not John's security dog, but I do have a right to express my opinion too.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 3:37 PM EDT up 0 recs

Opinion

Yes, you have a right to your opinions too. It's just that if the majority of those opinions come out as complaining about content, you might want to think about starting your own site. I was just trying to make a constructive suggestion.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 4:49 PM EDT up 0 recs

You're Welcome

Not sure what that point is, but I'm glad I could help you with it.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 6:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well,

when I read Joba's comment at first I thought it was directed to John, because well, it was under the general section instead of commenting to the Phil Hughes attempted hijacking.

And yeah, if that were the case (complaining about two straight threads content), it would have been kind of like throwing, say TWO straight pitches at a batter's head (yes this analogy was intentional)

Curtis Granderson fan

by jrose643 on Sep 16, 2025 12:12 AM EDT up 0 recs

there was no "attempted hijacking"!

JOHN ASKED, "I wonder if there are any young power pitchers out there who could develop in a similar way?" People then, guess what, offered the names of young pitchers out there who could develop in a similar way! As they were asked to do!

This same thing happened in the Elijah Dukes diary, the Schierholtz article, and I am 99.95% sure this is also the same poster who used a bunch of sockpuppet accounts to make accusations of racism in an earlier diary that's now deleted. It's the same damn thing every time.

Make a passive-aggressive complaint ("yawn", "why is this post here," "that sounds racist," etc.) about an earlier poster's post.
Support it with your other username(s).
When someone responds to the insulting tone of your post, jump all over them with all your usernames.
Concentrate only on the weaker points of the person's response, and ignore any reasonable points they might have made.
Accuse people of being cliquish, stupid, etc., and then say "let's get back to the subject". When they respond to the insulting part of your post, accuse them of persecuting the newbie/freethinker, and of not sticking to the subject.

Seriously, this is f-n ridiculous. It is obvious what is going on here! These usernames support each other in every thread, using the exact methodology I've described, and there is now a long history of it! If you can't see it from the recent posts -- and I really don't see how you can't -- anyone who saw the earlier racism thread will know that it's the same thing being done the same way.

and boom goes the dynamite.

by Mean Dean on Sep 16, 2025 10:21 AM EDT up 0 recs

enough of this BS

You say:

My yawn comment was directed towards those attempting to hijack this thread into another Phil Hughes discussion.

LaGoofy, who is totally not the same person as you at all, says:

Are you talking about all the guys already making this a Hughes thread?

THERE WAS ONE POST ABOUT HUGHES. YOU ARE A TROLL. JOHN, PLEASE STOP THIS.

and boom goes the dynamite.

by Mean Dean on Sep 15, 2025 5:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

Benefit of Doubt

Well, you deserve the benefit of the doubt, but I have to say it looks mighty suspicious to me. Joba sure latched onto that lifeline you threw him quick, didn't he?

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

Crystal Ball?

I posted something about this later in the thread, but I think Blanton would make an interesting subject for one of John's Crystal Balls. That came out a little funny, huh?

Anyway, Blanton looks like he has several positive trends going: BB/9, HR's allowed, GO/AO. Combine all that with his apparent durabillity and I think he has an excellent chance at >200 wins in his career. Probably one of those guys who is on the edge of a HOF career but not quite.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:47 PM EDT up 0 recs

Perhaps....

but isn't Wang more of a severe GB pitcher? I'm not really good at comps as each pitcher has his own characteristics.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

Roy Halliday?

A quick peek at Halliday's career stats looks to me like Blanton might be on a similar trajectory except even better early on.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 8:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

Halliday vs Blanton

First of all, I would hardly call Roy Halliday a dominant pitcher. Yes, he's had a couple of dominant W-L seasons, but his ERA and secondary stats are rather pedestrian with a 3.64 career ERA, 6.25 K/9, 2.21 BB/9.

Second, Blanton is still on the upswing of his career, so who's to say he doesn't have a couple of 18-22 win seasons with sub 3 ERA's in him?

Joe Blanton, 2007: 14-9, 3.78, 219.1 IP, 34 BB, 132 K.

Roy Halliday, 2007: 15-7, 3.82,, 209.1 IP, 47 BB, 131 K.

Looks pretty similar, no?

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 16, 2025 12:53 AM EDT up 0 recs

Pitching to Contact

Hmm...sounds like you just described Joe Blanton there.

Yes, this is Blanton's best season, but several of his secondary stats have shown steady progress over the last 3 years, so it's not like he suddenly popped up with a career year here.

Not sure there is a perfect comp for Blanton. That's why I think a crystal ball on him would be fun.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 16, 2025 1:16 AM EDT up 0 recs

You are seriously...

seriously underrating Roy Halladay here.

In 2002 and 2003 he was the best pitcher in baseball.

In 2005 he was on his way towards another Cy Young before a line drive broke his leg.

He was damn good in '06.

Blanton may pitch similarly to Halladay has this year, but you seemed to have forgotten how good Halladay's been in recent years.

by SenorGato88 on Sep 16, 2025 3:34 AM EDT up 0 recs

Haven't Forgotten

I looked up Halliday's career stats. Yes, I can read. He went something like 20-7 one year and has a couple of sub 3 ERA years. Compare Halliday's overall career stats with Blanton's, very similar. Compare this year's stats, very similar. Blanton hasn't had the 20 win season yet nor the sub 3 ERA, but if he continues on his current career trajectory, there's no reason he can't.

Like I've said before, Blanton looks quite capable of a 200 win career with not quite good enough numbers for the HOF. That's right about where I think Halliday will end up too.

Other similarities: They are both big RHP's who pitch to contact, don't walk many, keep the ball in the yard, and keep the ball on the ground(at least Blanton is heading in the direction of keeping the ball on the ground).

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 16, 2025 12:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

New York, Boston, LA?

I hate all those teams. Whatthehell do those cities have to do with this discussion? Blanton pitches in Oakland for crying out loud.

Go ahead and throw out any season you want. In the end, I predict both Halliday and Blanton will end up with around 200 wins, sub 4 ERA's and will both miss out on the HOF.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 16, 2025 12:48 PM EDT up 0 recs

Benefit of the Doubt

OK, you get the benefit of the doubt, too....this time. It was not at all clear that your "yawn" comment was directed at the Hughes comp, especially since it was a reply to John's original post. After yesterday, I think it's understandable that some folks might misinterpret it.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

Sounds Good

Time to move on.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 8:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

There You Go Again

This is actually a very collegial site for the most part.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

LOL

"his attempt at quieting two of the newer, and more interesting, voices of this great newsboard."

I'm sure your kitty cat thinks you're interesting too but I doubt anyone else here does save your confidant Joba. Mahalo

Matt

I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.

by WayneCampbell05 on Sep 15, 2025 10:09 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well

It is pretty lame to refer to yourself as a new and interesting voice. I don't think it was a personal attack to point out the pomposity in that.

As for Blanton, I think he is what he is--a solid innings eater type who probably just won't be dominant enough to ever put together a Cy Young type season. There's a lot of value in what he brings to the table though, regardless.

by Pawtucket Pat on Sep 17, 2025 11:28 AM EDT up 0 recs

+1000000000

I don't find much of the new blood around here all that "interesting." Especially ones that come in here like they just got off the feel-good-ACLU-PC-bus and talk like they own the joint right off the bat. Everyone here is on equal ground. Having a different opinion is fine, I just get a sense from some of these guys like, "here it is, if you don't like it f-you" kinda chip on their shoulders. To quote from one of my favorite movies: "Lighten up, Francis."

You realize that prospect lists have a time horizon of like 5-10 years, not 5-10 days, right?

by slurve on Sep 18, 2025 7:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

Disagreement

I think most folks here are pretty tolerant of disagreement if it's done in a collegial manner. The tone of your first response in the Schierholtz thread was came across as pretty hostile to John and I think that's what got people's dander up.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

this thread is off track lol

anyways, i'd be curious to see how the A's 07 pick James Simmons progresses, who they compared his upside to a blanton type. unlike blanton in college had elite control and a better track record. not the overpowering stuff. ive even read ian kennedy comparisons to simmons. anyways, surprisingly blanton skipped AA when he was in the minors. not sure if it will go as planned, but they seem to be fast tracking simmons too. even more aggressively, skipping rookie to the high A levels.

by rayver723 on Sep 15, 2025 3:57 PM EDT 0 recs

Comparison

One guy who comes to mind was a K machine in the minors and has refined his pitches in a similar manner -- curve and change -- is Jeff Francis. I know Jeff perhaps throws a mph or two faster than Joe on average but he appears to fall right in line with an outstanding #2 or #3 inning-eater pure pitcher.

I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!

by RedHopeful on Sep 15, 2025 4:12 PM EDT 0 recs

Future

Forgot to mention some newer faces who might fit same profile in a few years:

Ian Kennedy
Jared Weaver
Gio Gonzalez

I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!

by RedHopeful on Sep 15, 2025 4:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

Not REALLY disagreeing

with you assesment but, I went to Joe's last start in Seattle and he hit 94 a few times and was always throwing 91 and 92 which, i believe is right around where Francis is. as far as velocity goes they are similar. I guess that actually WSUPPORTS your comparison huh?

Case

by casejud on Sep 15, 2025 6:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

Interesting

Didn't know he threw so hard anymore. Is the gun in Seattle known to be a little fast?

I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!

by RedHopeful on Sep 16, 2025 12:48 AM EDT up 0 recs

I like this

I think it's a really interesting comparison, and one I've never heard before. Nice.

by Yakker on Sep 16, 2025 12:57 AM EDT up 0 recs

I think Beane might trade Blanton

this coming offseason, what kind of haul do you think they get for a 200+ in/mid-low 3's era SP 3 yrs from free agency?

in previous rumors they have wanted milledge,laroche, hu , etc. those type of prospects. what teams do you see being interested?
dodgers?
braves?
mets?
cards?
mariners?

by rayver723 on Sep 15, 2025 4:18 PM EDT 0 recs

Braves

I could see the Braves go after this guy hard. I've see a couple of articles this year where it appears he's on the block due to his value and many teams in need of solid pitching. Oakland needs plenty of help as they've got a big question mark in center (Swisher isn't the answer) and are usually plagued by injuries in the infield.

I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!

by RedHopeful on Sep 15, 2025 4:33 PM EDT up 0 recs

if its the braves

Beane would probably demand 2 prospects out of the escobar/lillibridge/schafer/jones group. not sure braves have an mlb ready SP to offer

by rayver723 on Sep 15, 2025 4:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

i'd give up Lillibridge and James

I want him out of Atlanta, he cannot go more than 5 innings in half his starts. I'd rather sign Livan Hernandez and trade for Blanton.

by Bravesin07 on Sep 15, 2025 4:40 PM EDT up 0 recs

I wonder

If Beane would go back to Atlanta after the Hudson deal...Meyer hasn't exactly turned out as expected (through little fault of Beane's) and Cruz/Thomas are long gone.

But yeah, Blanton is certainly the kind of pitcher that a team like Atlanta would value highly.

by Yakker on Sep 16, 2025 1:00 AM EDT up 0 recs

LOL The Mets

They need a bullpen first before starting pitching. They should of done the Humber-Gomez for Cordero trade. Not doing that trade is going to comeback and haunt them if Gomez busts and Humber is a 4th or 5th starter. Cordero would of helped them a lot.

by Bravesin07 on Sep 15, 2025 4:33 PM EDT up 0 recs

Nod

Good call, Braves about the Mets. Check out today's scoreboard against the Phillies. Pedro gives 6 outstanding innings and the bullpen is faltering. I fear the Mets will be knocked out in the playoffs at some point due to their weak bullpen.

I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!

by RedHopeful on Sep 15, 2025 4:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

I do love....

...how whenever the Mets bullpen has a bad day, the Mets have a horrible bullpen yet they go two weeks without any problems but no one says anything.

Anyone notice the Braves and Phillies have huge holes in their pens too? As well as a number of actual contenders.

Sorry, just getting frustrated at the negativity.

by Lunkwill Fook on Sep 15, 2025 5:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

Agreed

I completely agree with u, especially the Phillies, but I think New York is talked about so much is because of the fact that they ARE in 1rst. When a team has the best record (or close to it) in the league, you expect a team to not have any glaring weaknesses...

I'm no commie, but the Reds shall be the best again!

by RedHopeful on Sep 16, 2025 12:50 AM EDT up 0 recs

Trade?

What makes you say the A's might trade Blanton? The only way that would make sense is if they are going into full rebuilding mode and are willing to sacrifice the next 2-3 seasons. That didn't really pan out so well when they traded Hudson and Mulder so that would be very risky.

Let's just say they are going that direction, a guy like Blanton should command a major haul. I would think Escobar, Brandon Jones and Tommy Hanson from the Braves would be a starting point.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

i wouldnt consider it rebuilding

of course it would take a major haul for a deal, but because they cant fill their needs through free agency they'll have to sacrifice some of that pitching depth. it all depends on what they get back, if they fill their need for an mlb ready SP ( that could replace blanton), an OF, IF, etc. along with that most of their prospects are at the mlb level, so a deal might be needed to replenish the upper levels.Harden's health and the progression of Braden/Meyer could affect the potential availability of Blanton. It would be similar to the giants trading lowry to fill their needs in CF/LF, 3b, SS ,etc.

by rayver723 on Sep 15, 2025 7:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

Lowry

Problem is, the Giants are a lot deeper in pitching than the A's. Lowry is probably the Giants #4 starter at best right now with Sanchez and Correia threatening to overtake him. Blanton is the A's #1 with Haren the only other guy who is close. The A's would have to accept either a downgrade in a MLB pitcher or a high ceiling guy who is not ready yet in order to parlay Blanton into two position prospects.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:42 PM EDT up 0 recs

Escobar

I highly doubt the Braves would trade Yunnie. JS/Cox really love the kid and think he is "special." I'd be shocked if he's dealt.

by Yakker on Sep 16, 2025 1:03 AM EDT up 0 recs

Trade?

Well, since I don't think there is any chance that the A's are going to move Blanton for anybody, I guess it's all academic. If I were the A's and I was considering trading Blanton, that's the minimum I would demand. The alternative is just not trade him at all.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 16, 2025 1:07 AM EDT up 0 recs

One thing

I've learned by watching Beane during his tenure as Oakland's GM is to never say things like "I don't think there is any chance."

Still, I agree that it doesn't seem likely that he will deal Blanton to Atlanta this offseason.

by Yakker on Sep 17, 2025 1:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

I agree

My guess is Beane may have offered up Blanton just to see what he could get. In such a trade, he would have an advantage in that he doesn't need to make a deal. Therefore, he can shop the guy and see if someone is desperate enough to offer too much in return. The rumor is that he wanted Kemp, Hu, and Kershaw. If the Dodgers were actually willing to make that deal, wouldn't you pull the trigger?

by ozzman99 on Sep 17, 2025 2:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

just rumors, from what i read

but it seems kemp/kershaw were off limits at the time.
dodgers didnt have any mlb ready SP's to offer in a deal

A's were asking for SS prospect DeJesus in any combo of deals, dodgers refused to give him up

Laroche/Hu/Meloan were mentioned most in rumors, not sure if all 3 would've been traded

Olney reported that 4-5 prospects were involved in the dodgers deal, but there was disagreement between Colletti and the rest of the front office on tradeable prospects

there's also speculation when A's let the Dodgers claim loaiza. that was building good will towards a potential offseason deal. who knows if this is true or not

by rayver723 on Sep 17, 2025 2:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

Mulder trade

The Hudson trade didn't pan out well, but the Mulder trade was terrific, they got Calero who was pretty good until this season, Haren who is their current ace, and Barton who might be a rookie of the year candidate next season, and oh yeah they made the play-offs that year.

by jahs34 on Sep 16, 2025 10:49 AM EDT up 0 recs

why the change?

What's not clear from all this is why he would have changed from a "raw thrower" to a "pure pitcher." What was wrong with a 2.57 ERA, a 144/19 K/BB in 133 innings, and being the fourth-best pitching prospect in the game? Why would he change the next year -- and for the rest of his career -- into a guy throwing 5 MPH slower and getting worse results? It doesn't seem like the type of thing you'd do on purpose, and doubly so in the stathead Oakland org, which in all probability doesn't believe in "pitching to contact." I can see taking a little off your fastball if you're throwing 97 and walking everybody, but when you've got great control, why would you change, and when you pitched worse afterwards, why would you stick with it? What exactly happened here?

and boom goes the dynamite.

by Mean Dean on Sep 15, 2025 6:03 PM EDT 0 recs

I dont know

i will say Id be inclined to think that he NEVER really threw 97 in the first place at least not very often... plus, on top of that I SAW him throwing 94 the other day and ...voila.

He attacks and pitches to contact with his fastball and I'd be inclined to think he might have been able to touch 97 in his younger days but, it isnt part of his style or necessary.

by casejud on Sep 15, 2025 6:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

I think Humber's a good call

And Neimann as well to go with another Rice guy. Neither has seen the sucess Blanton had in the minors but both threw harder than they do now, from what I've read, and will need to change their pitching styles somewhat at a young age. Both their drops, however, have been quite less than Blanton, and both were due to injuries we knew about.

As Mean Dean wrote above, it's strange that Blanton would go from a very successful pitcher who threw that hard to one who did not without any precipitating reason that we know of.

by andwoo on Sep 15, 2025 6:25 PM EDT 0 recs

yeah

Niemann was the first guy who jumped into my mind.

by limozeen on Sep 18, 2025 10:24 AM EDT up 0 recs

Crystal Ball?

John,

Is it too late to do a Crystal Ball on Blanton? I did a search and it looks like you haven't done one yet. He's still early enough in his career that it would be interesting, but has enough data that you might be able to do a pretty accurate one.

Blanton has a couple of very interesting trends going:

BB's over the last 3 years: 67, 58, 33 which translates to BB/9's of 3.00, 2.69, 1.40.

At the same time, his HR's allowed have gone 23, 17, 14.

His GO/AO's have also gone in the right direction: 1.06, 1.13, 1.36.

Put all that together and you've got a pitcher who 1. Doesn't give up walks. 2. Doesn't give up a lot of HR's 3. is getting progressively better at keeping the ball on the ground.

Factor in his apparent durability and you have a very valuable pitcher. He might never win a Cy Young because there might always be someone who has a better single season, but at the end of his career, I could see him easily with >200 wins.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 15, 2025 7:23 PM EDT 0 recs

What about Shields?

As a comp, I mean. Except Shield's K rate is better.

by ozzman99 on Sep 15, 2025 11:23 PM EDT 0 recs

4 seam vs 2 seam

I think one of John's original questions here was about the loss in velocity. I guess my theory would be that Blanton started out as a 4 seam FB type and has shifted to being more of a two seam guy. That would explain the small drop in velocity as well as his progressively higher GO/AO's.

by DrBGiantsfan on Sep 16, 2025 1:21 AM EDT 0 recs

Is it just me...

but do alot of diaries seem to diverge into arguments over semantics and other non-baseball issues?

Shouldn't that like...stop?

by SenorGato88 on Sep 16, 2025 3:34 AM EDT 0 recs

Casey Janssen

He's in the pen now, but if moved to the rotation in 08, he could be Blantonesque, or perhaps Blantonic.

by Mike Green on Sep 17, 2025 9:45 AM EDT 0 recs

Blanton trade question

Could you please explain why the A's seem so anxious to move Joe Blanton? He is only 27. He leads the staff in innings pitched (and has been right around 200 innings the past two seasons) and complete games. His ERA is under 4.00, a good number in the American League. He has the team's only shutout, and he nearly always keeps the team in the game. Seems to me they should be seriously considering signing him to a long-term deal to keep him in Oakland rather than trading him. I realize he has some trade value, but strong, steady young pitchers with numbers such as his don't grow on trees. What, in your opinion, is behind the trade talk?
--Robert K., Ceres, Calif.

I wouldn't say the A's are eager to trade Blanton, for all the reasons you outlined. From what I hear, the talks with the Dodgers right before the deadline were initiated by Los Angeles, and I haven't heard of any other Blanton-centric talks since.

But keep in mind that any general manager worth his salt is going to listen when a team wants to talk about one of his players. And when you find a team that seems a little bit desperate, as the Dodgers were for pitching at the time, you'd be negligent if you didn't try to squeeze a sweetheart deal out of them. That, from what I've heard, is what Billy Beane did. And when the Dodgers didn't give him the farm, the talks broke off.

The A's love Blanton. But nobody on this team is untouchable.

by rayver723 on Sep 17, 2025 6:09 PM EDT 0 recs