OAKLAND ATHLETICS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster: BOLD.
*Players who are injured: +
*Players who are Out of Options: ##
*Baseball America '12 pre-season prospect rankings: BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '12 pre-season prospect rankings: GREEN.
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
IF Wes Timmons *not on active roster for Japan series RHP Travis Schlichting*not on active roster for Japan series RHP Evan Scribner*not on active roster for Japan series
Actual/Projected Disabled List Position Players 3B Scott Sizemore+ UPDATE 3/3- placed on 60-Day DL (torn ACL); out for the season
Pitchers
RHP Joey Devine## +UPDATE 3/27- placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 24th (biceps soreness) LHP Brett Anderson+UPDATE 3/13- placed on 60-Day DL; underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2011 LHP Dallas Braden+UPDATE 3/27- placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 24th (recovery from May 2011 shoulder surgery)
Projected Restricted List Position Players
DH Manny RamirezUPDATE 2/20 - must serve 50-gm suspension before being added to roster Not on Travel Roster 1B Daric Barton* + UPDATE 3/16- will remain on active roster but won't make trip to Japan
Minor League Free Agents Position Players UTL Mitch Canham (1/27: signed w/COL) IF Andy LaRoche(12/21: signed w/CLE) IF/OF Adam Heether (1/3: signed w/LAA)
Pitchers RHP Fernando Cabrera (1/10: signed w/NYM) RHP Vinny Chulk (1/28: signed w/MIL) RHP Jared Lansford RHP Jon Meloan
Released/Traded •C Landon Powell** UPDATE 3/9 - released
•IF/OF Adrian Cardenas* UPDATE 1/26 - DFA'd UPDATE 2/6 - lost off waivers to Cubs
•OF Jai MillerUPDATE 12/23- DFA'd UPDATE 1/3 - traded to Orioles
•OF Ryan Sweeney*UPDATE 12/28- traded to Red Sox •RHP Andrew BaileyUPDATE 12/28- traded to Red Sox •RHP Trevor CahillUPDATE 12/9- traded to Diamondbacks •RHP Robert GilliamUPDATE 12/22 - traded to Nationals
•RHP Trystan MagnusonUPDATE 11/4 - traded to Blue Jays •RHP Guillermo MoscosoUPDATE 1/16 - traded to Rockies
•RHP Michael Wuertz ($3.25M club option for 2012) UPDATE 10/25 - released •LHP Gio GonzalezUPDATE 12/22 - traded to Nationals
•LHP Craig BreslowUPDATE 12/9 - traded to Diamondbacks •LHP Josh OutmanUPDATE 1/16 - traded to Rockies
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
OFFSEASON PREVIEWposted 9/14/2011
The A's could potentially lose their entire starting outfield and designated hitter, all free agents at the end of the season. One of the four, Josh Willingham (.254-25-90), has been the team's most productive hitter this season and another, Hideki Matsui, has an .876 OPS since the All-Star break. Coco Crisp (.708 OPS, 40 SB) and David DeJesus (.670 OPS) would be easier to replace. Losing Willingham would hurt but he'd be the most expensive to retain and the A's would have a tough time competing with teams that could pay him much more for a multi-year deal. Crisp and Matsui might be willing to stick around at a reasonable rate. I doubt the A's would want DeJesus back after a very unproductive season.
Daric Barton: Can he regain his 2010 form?
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
While the A's have the big-name prospects in Brandon Allen, Chris Carter, and Michael Taylor, none of the three has played well enough at the big league level to be handed a starting job in 2012. For now, they have to be penciled into the lineup. By the time March rolls around, however, they could be 'on the outside looking in'. In fact, I'd guess that only catcherKurt Suzuki, second baseman Jemile Weeks, and shortstop Cliff Pennington have starting jobs locked up for next season.
The remaining six spots in the lineup are up for grabs. Scott Sizemore (.732 OPS) has done a decent job at third base since coming over in a deal with Detroit and Ryan Sweeney could move back into a starting role, although he has just 2 HR in his last 562 AB over the past two seasons. Daric Barton, who had a breakout season in 2010, was terrible this year but it was revealed in July that he had a torn labrum. A healthy return would be a big boost for the A's but there's no telling if he can get back to his 2010 form. Top prospect Grant Green, who was moved from shortstop to center field earlier in the season, could battle for a starting job in Spring Training, as could 26 year-old outfielder Jermaine Mitchell, who put up huge numbers between Triple-A and Double-A (.332 BA, 15 HR, 29 2B, 16 3B, 93 BB, 27 SB in 130 G).
Considering that potential ace Brett Anderson is expected to miss most of the 2012 season recovering from Tommy John surgery and Dallas Braden is a question mark for the start of the season as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder, the starting rotation doesn't appear to be a glaring need. Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, and Guillermo Moscoso give the A's a solid quartet and one of Josh Outman or Tyson Ross should be able to give the team some good starts as the #5 until Braden returns. Re-signing Rich Harden, who has a 4.74 ERA in 12 starts, is another option. And you can't count out this year's 1st Round draft pick, Sonny Gray, who allowed just 1 ER in 20 IP while pitching in Double-A two months out of college. The 21 year-old could be in Oakland by mid-season.
The bullpen remains deep with only Michael Wuertz a possibility to depart as a free agent. His $3.25 million club option would be a no-brainer if he was coming off of the season he had in 2009 (2.63 ERA, 78.2 IP, 52 H, 23 BB, 102 K, 23 Hld) but he's had three DL stints in the past two seasons and has a 6.48 ERA in 2011. Closer Andrew Bailey has 20 saves in 22 chances after missing the first two months of the season with a strained forearm while setup men Grant Balfour (2.35 ERA, 24 Hld) and Brian Fuentes (3.86 ERA, 12 Sv, 9 Hld) have both been good in the first year of their respective free agent deals. The A's should have enough good arms to fill out the rest of the 'pen although it never hurts to bring in another arm or two for depth.
•UPDATE 12/9 - Cahill was traded to Arizona, along with reliever Craig Breslow, for center fielder Collin Cowgill, starting pitcher Jarrod Parker, and reliever Ryan Cook. All three spent time in the majors for the first time in 2011 and are projected to make the A's Opening Day roster at this time.
•UPDATE 12/22 - The fire sale continues as Gonzalez was traded to the Nats for catcher Derek Norris and pitchers A.J. Cole, Tom Milone, and Brad Peacock.
•UPDATE 12/8 - Bailey and Sweeney were traded to Boston for Josh Reddick and two lower level prospects. The closer job is up for grabs.
•UPDATE 1/3 - Crisp will reportedly re-sign for two years.
They HAVE to bring back Willingham. He was our only consistent offensive threat in the lineup. I know Chris Carter is penciled in but I'd prefer him at first splitting time with Barton and at DH. Matsui will be too expensive, but Willingham is worth it, and is a great guy as well. I'd like to see them sign Grady Sizemore to a "prove it" contract. I think he can turn it around in a spacious ballpark, and he can be a star if he's healthy. It would be great to have him and Willingham in the lineup when they move to their new ballpark in San Jose.
Sounds like OF is their top priority. Willingham would be great but they'll have a lot of competition. Same with Sizemore. I think they'll pick up at least one outfielder, maybe two, and a DH before Spring Training.
Very doubtful Carter starts the season in the majors unless he has a HUGE spring. Remember these are projections (based on 'If the season started today) and not predictions. The offseason is just starting and the A's have the pitching depth to pull off some trades for a 1B and OF. Or they can go after a mid-level free agent. I can see them acquiring a CF and corner outfielder and letting everyone else battle for the other OF spot.
Carter will absoutley start the year on the 25 and in the staring lineup. your projections all look good expect. Allen in corner and Carter as DH. hunter/mitchell or miller for backup OF Cardenas has to come up this year. Recker backup catcher. I think powell and rosales are arb, so cardenas and recker is better and cheaper. If suzuki bats 4th, ill kiss my own ass. there commited to going yound i dont see any singings, maybe a few decent backup OFs
Whats the knock on Carter, so if he can only DH. next year he's rule V. since he's been in Oakland org. .992 .894 .915 ops he's 25. good be a good DH for 6 years age 25-31 (prime) he'll rot if he stays in the minors any longer he should have played last year, he could have hit matsuis 11 homes runs with one hand.
right. no reason to not let carter have the DH all year. A's are terrible with prospects in the majors, if they fail for one week there gone, weeks was good right away, so he stayed, but you got give most guys some time to adjust especially power hitter with bigger swings and timing issues, anyways think they could surprise going young.
No problem. Done. I know Cowgill played a lot of LF in the majors last season and Taylor spent more time in RF once he was called up. But that probably has more to do with who was blocking them at the other corner spot (Upton, Willingham).
why do you suppose taylor is more worthy of a staring job then carter? kila will not be on the 25 with barton/carter and allen, (four 1b's) suzuki batting 4th?
I think the bench at this point would be recker, cardenas, taylor and sogard.
Don't think Taylor is more worthy. But with limited options, I had to pick one. If there is anything separating them right now, it's that Carter has proven in 114 AB's that he couldn't hit big league pitching. Taylor has just 30 AB's. So in this very unpredictable situation, I'll go with the guy who has been less terrible in the big leagues. I think they both need to put up better numbers in AAA before they're given another chance. But you never know what happens in Spring Training.
Lots of 1B on the roster. If I had to pick one for the bench, it would be the guy with more experience/less upside (Kila) than the others. Carter and Allen need to play regularly, either in the majors or AAA. I feel the same about Cardenas, although he is versatile and may be thought of more as a utilityman at this point.
If not Suzuki, who should bat 4th from this current group? Based on potential, you could put a few guys there. But none of those guys have been very good in the majors. Hopefully, for A's fans, there are a few more roster moves made so Sweeney isn't the #3 hitter and Suzuki could move down a couple spots, where he's a much better fit. The 2010 version of Daric Barton could be the #2 or 3 hitter but we don't know if that guy's gonna show up this year.
Heres what i get its important to rember the AAA roster, and how they want to develop certian players such as sogard reps at SS. The might start Carter in AAA to play some more 1st base, but then they'd have no place for Kila... plus im sure more trades and singings...
have a good one.
A's Rivercats
C Suzuki Recker 1B Barton Kila 2B Weeks Cardenas SS Pennington Sogard 3B Sizemore Parker LF Taylor* Hunter CF Cowgill Green RF Sweeney Mitchell DH Carter Donaldson B Powell Coleman B Rosales Galarraga B Allen* Timmons B Mitchell Doolittle
SP Gonzalez Ross SP Moscoso Gonzalez SP McCarthy Parker SP Outman Billings SP Godfrey Banwart P Noberto Schribner P Blevins Carpa RP Fuentes Barham RP Devine Carignan RP DLS Wagner RP Balfour Cabrera CL Bailey Cook
Gray, Choice AA could work way up fast.
The A’s are awfully thin in SP depth in AAA, once sonny gray gets there and Anderson and braden retun it will improve but still weak. The A’s are awfully deep in both bullpens, the AAA bullpen would be serviceable in the majors.
are you trying to slip one bye, suzuki batting 4th... 686 ops.... on a terrible offense last year he was ranked 8th out of 9 players with most PAs, only poor co-jack was worse. they should have singed kotsay, you'd probably project hit to hit 5th... its the only time ive laughed looking at your site, you do a good job.
Have you looked at the other options, Billy? I would hope that Suzuki wouldn't be hitting 4th when the season starts but there really isn't anyone else right now. They don't have any #3 hitters, #4 hitters, or #5 hitters, in my opinion.
You are correct, it could be either or, however I give the nod to Donaldson because he's the better catcher, younger, a former 1st rounder, and he can man 3rd base in a pinch.
Donaldson is a better defender in my opinion, but Recker hits for a lot more power. So it all depends what he'll be used for as to who wins the back-up spot.
On paper, I do like the looks of that lineup more than what I'm currently projecting. However, it's based more on the power potential of Carter and doesn't take into account how much he struggled in the big leagues in 2011. A's fans, of course, are hoping that he (and Taylor and Allen) fulfills that potential and ends up as good option for the middle of the order. But most big league managers aren't taking potential into account when constructing a batting order.
Different story with Barton. If he shows up in Spring Training healthy and the same guy he was in 2010, he could easily handle the #2 spot and could quite possibly be their best fit as a #3 hitter. That would move Pennington or Reddick down in the order. It's still very possible they end up with one of the remaining free agents like Cody Ross, Ryan Ludwick, Raul Ibanez, or Kosuke Fukudome if their price comes down. That would push Carter further down the depth chart and make it even more likely he starts in AAA.
Ross is in the 'Outside Looking In' section. As a player who's battled injury, I don't see him as a lock for a roster spot. Like Barton, he'll have to prove he's healthy and then perform well enough in the spring to win a job. I think he could help in a setup role down the road, although I think he gets a chance for a rotation spot in 2012. He certainly has the talent to succeed in the big leagues.
ok well the a's and beane have repeatedly said they will play their young guys this year and i dont expect them to sing any older players... Carter and Allen have both had good streaks at the MLB level and just need to learn to adjust day to day. no one on the a's could hit 21 HRS and half a year in AAA. AAA pitching isn't just cake either, they know your weakness and force you to adjust. I get what your saying and if forced to start Carter or Allen in AAA it will be Carter cause he's younger, and Allen is a bit more versatile. i think they'll be a bit better then what people are thinking...They still have an above average staff and good bullpen... Brandon Allen is too good an athlete to DH. check out his speed number at fan graphs 6.7 seems to have really good Corner OF stats. I hate to see a guy DH that can help you on D. The only problem with carter is why you'd ever play him at 1st with barton and allen on the team.
I've read articles that the A's want Michael Taylor to prove himself in AAA more before he starts regularly in the majors. With that being said, I think Cedric Hunter has a chance to make the team as a 4th outfielder if he is healthy enough depending on how he does in spring training. The A's must have saw some potential in him if they claimed him from the Padres and they liked him enough to keep him instead of Jai Miller. I don't know I am probably wrong, but I think if Taylor starts in AAA and the A's do not sign another outfielder like Cody Ross, Ryan Ludwick, or Conor Jackson, Hunter has a chance to make the team. And unless I am mistaken, he is already on the 40 man roster so they wouldn't have to clear room for him if he did make it.
hunter could make it, but only has value as a CF and therfore a backup. LF is the only open spot. I think alot depends on Bartons return. If he's back to himself, that will push Allen in LF, if barton bats .150 in spring Allen gets 1B and opens up, LF for Taylor. Cowgill is your 4th OF. cowgill>hunter. Carter is DH no LF no 1B, just DH. suzuki 5th and sizemore 8th... when your down with that stuff pass it over....
Hunter was taken off the 40-man roster a few days after he was claimed off waivers. Doesn't mean he won't make the team, but it does make it more difficult. There are still a few veterans out there who will have low enough price tags and the guaranteed starting job in Oakland if they sign there. That's why I think they'll get Ross, Ludwick, or someone like that.
It has been announced in many places that Braden will be in the opening day roster, and possibly starting on opening day. Peacock will most likely start at AAA. It really is a "wait and see what happens in ST" with Ross and Outman, whoever does better will get that rotation spot.
My experience from paying close attention to roster moves over the past couple of years is that the return ETA's from injuries are almost always too optimistic. Shoulder surgery for a pitcher is serious. He may feel good right now, but we really won't know until early in Spring Training. If he's up to speed with the other starters by the first or second turn, then it's a good bet that he'll be in the Opening Day rotation.
no reason at all to have kila projected here. Why carry a backup 1B only when Allen can back up there. Carter is going to be the DH. Platoon Allen/Taylor, Platoon Carter/Allen Allen and Carter will both get lots of ABs even more is Barton is still lost.
Enough people have mentioned Carter definitely being in the mix so I'll add him to the bench with the expectation that he'll see plenty of AB's vs LHP.
in general carter has been a better hitter then Allen througout the levels, I just cant see Allen being the DH, he can fill in Corner OFs and first base. Carter is horrendous in the OF and not much better at first. Its hard to have a DH on the bench. be interesting to see what else happens.. Im not sure they want to have Peacock and Parker in the rotation on opening day, espically not Parker, maybe Godfrey and and singing like Garland. seems like they might not be so bad, could be a showdown A's and M's, the cellar battle.
Unless the A's have another round of Spring Training invites they have yet to announce, he's not there. This is my first year really paying attention to ST invites so I'm not sure how it works. The plan is to only show guys in ST on the major league page, and the rest will be shown on the minor league pages.
they want someone else on the 25. I would think taylor, but maybe sogard. The A's dont care about having backups for injures, i remember some years chavez was the emergency shortstop. Im guess taylor so he can platoon with smith.
I read on mlbtraderumors.com that the A's are close to signing Jonny Gomes? Where would he fit into the lineup, especially since he isn't the greatest fielder?
Gomes would play either LF or DH vs LHP's. Not sure there is room for Chris Carter with Gomes in the mix. And I don't think Carter needs to be handed anything. He was terrible in the big leagues last season. Ideally, he earns his way back to the big leagues with a very good spring or by tearing up AAA pitching.
who would dh vs lhp? recker, rosales. terrible in 44 ABs, i bet any all star had 44 ab streaks at or worse then that prove himself at AAA 2010 .894 ops 2011 .915 ops think hes done that they prefer him over Allen, who had an extended look last year and failed although not terribley im just saying for your site to be more accurate you need to look at what the teams thinks and plans to do, not your own personal scouting reports. no way peacock or parker starts with oakland. peacock is ready but they dont want super 2 status on him mid call up.
Allen=toast/trade/AAA Taylor=AAA/trade Carter= everyday DH Gomes/Smith= platoon neither are part of oaklands plans expect that they put up crazy platoon stats and become desirable and become trade chips.
they'll probably sign one of the FA pitchers garland, maybe francis and try and make another trade chip and hold the clock on peacock and parker, godfrey or ross could take the other spot
Based on my current projection, I'd have Cowgill playing one of the corner spots and Gomes DH'ing vs LHP.
Re: Peacock/Parker
If Braden is healthy, he takes up a spot with Colon and McCarthy. The other two spots would be between Parker, Peacock, Milone, Ross. Unless they sign another veteran, which is a good possibility, two of those young guys are making the rotation. Godfrey has a shot, I guess, but it would be hard to keep him over Parker or Peacock, regardless of service time.
Yep, and I think they could work out a deal where he signs a minor league deal and once the team can put Anderson on the 60 day dl - Harden's contract is purchased at that time. That way OAK won't have to DFA yet another player.
sizemore 8th? wasn't he pretty much their biggest threat besides willingham, pretty sure his ops+ was well over average, on a bad offensive team not sure he'd hit 8th. he's landslides better then suzuki, think they need to flop... in reality he should bat 2nd, but the vets(coco) have to be pleased.
Good argument on Sizemore. His OPS over the 2nd half was very good after a slow start. As far as production goes, you could easily flip-flop him with Suzuki based on that. But I see Suzuki as a team leader and someone known for being a professional hitter. At least not on this very young team, I don't see him as a #8 hitter. If he continues where he left off last season, I could definitely see him higher in the order pretty quick. In fact, I could envision him in the middle of the order vs LHP's right away.
Like I said, you could easily flip-flop Suzuki and Sizemore so the current projection isn't concerning me at this point. It is something I'll keep a close eye on in Spring Training and keep my ears open for any hints as to what the lineup may look like. Let me know if you hear anything.
As far as Carter and Gomes sharing DH, not sure it makes sense for two right-handed hitters to share time. And I don't think it makes much sense for Carter to share time anywhere when he can be playing everyday in AAA. Still too much untapped potential to be on a big league bench.
Heres what i think happens. Smith and Gomes will platoon and cherry pick their stats and then become trade chips, if they not gonna be around for the SJ team theyre chips. The sign manny, gives them 50 games to go with barton at 1b and carter at DH, if barton fails and carter is doing well, carter takes first manny dh, if carter fails, send down, manny dh, if both are doing well, best case scenario and release manny. Barton is still dealing with injury and cant field yet. braden looks like he will in fact be ready for opening day without set backs. And i still predict a jon garland one year, or maybe a one year for ejax, who could become a nice trade chip pitching in oakland.
Exactly my thoughts. Despite his age (26), it won't hurt to get his feet wet in Triple-A but it doesn't mean he can't win a job if he plays great in Spring Training.
My June 1st lineup projection would probably look like this:
2B Jemile Weeks CF Coco Crisp RF/LF Josh Reddick DH Seth Smith 3B Scott Sizemore 1B Daric Barton LF/RF Yoenis Cespedes C Kurt Suzuki SS Cliff Pennington
It makes sense that they want him to start in the majors since he's the highest paid player on the team and probably the player the fans would most like to see. However, a minimum two-week stint in AAA could help better prepare him. Most of the experts who I've heard from think he needs a brief minor league stint.
you need to find someone to cover the west coast teams for you, the a's have already announced, that going in spring, barton is 1b and carter dh, melvin says he plans to use sizemore in the front part of the lineup and coco could hit 3rd... they also say the singed cespedes to play CF right now and for the next four years... if you listen to bob melvin interviews he tells you alot about specifics about players and the lineup... He's also said Ross was amazing in the fall and without setbacks he's in the rotation and wont consider him in the pen. he sounds more interested in FDLS as the closer... if a trade doesn't come through soon except noberto to be the drop.
Links will be helpful if you can send any over. I cover 30 teams so it's not always feasible to search around for audio clips, although some manager interviews give great insight. If a beat writer links to an audio clip, I'll give it a quick listen. With that said, I think the manager is speculating as I am and many fans and writers are because we don't know what will happen in Spring Training. Some guys are surprisingly good or bad. I'll search around for some more info, though, and I appreciate your feedback.
FYI - I know FDLS is in the mix for closer. I wouldn't project him there until he shows he can throw strikes consistently, though.
FYI #2 - So it sounds like you're saying that Melvin said Carter was definitely going to be the DH without any competition after his stellar 6-for-44 showing in the big leagues? You sure that wasn't in October before they made a roster move. Even if he was at some point, that won't be the case if Cespedes starts the year in the majors. Seth Smith/Jonny Gomes would be your DH platoon. Carter would be a backup plan in case Barton isn't ready to go.
with the exception of the batting order all looks well. A few things to consider, Allen on Cowgill off, Allen is out of options and crisp can be the back up CF. Allen can play 1b or CF. They are going to sign Manny. Kila is toast, no options. they are going to sing on more reliver, which bumps off godfrey. Ross is a near lock of the rotation and they might not go with either parker or peacock, being that braden is almost ready, so as to not start their clocks on the young guys. maybe even a 4 man roatation until they need 5 and can spot start a few in there.
If Cespedes makes this club out of spring (doubtful IMO) then you could see Cowgill start the year in AAA allowing them to have Allen (out of options) on the bench. Since that would mean they'd have 5 other outfielders (Crisp, Cespedes, Reddick, Smith, and Gomes. I don't see them risking losing Allen right out of the gate.
I.E....they wouldn't need Cowgill on the bench as the backup CF'er. If Cespedes were to get injured then Crisp would just slide into CF - Smith would move from DH to LF - and Gomes or Allen would then move to DH.
I'll be making a few changes based on players 'out of options'. Allen is one. I'm gonna leave Cespedes in CF until I hear otherwise from the manager or GM. I know Crisp doesn't want to move, but it's not up to him.
Don't think Crisp gets traded now. Maybe mid-season but only if he's playing well. Value would be low with another year-and-a-half on his contract if he's struggling or injured in July.
Thanks. Saw the story about Braden and using 4 starters until mid-April. Haven't found much on Ross, though. Can you send a link, if possible, discussing the team's feeling on Ross?
Ross has a lot to prove after the injury, ineffective in sacramento or phoenix (fall) but i have heard Melvin say he will only be considered as a starter.
Melivn has talked about sizemore hitting up in the order and its my opinion that it will go 1 weeks 2 sizemore 3 crisp 4 smith 5 cespedes 6 1b 7 reddick 8 suzuki 9 penny
melivn has also talked about the roster not being finished for the start of spring T so i expect a trade soon.
wouldn't be surprised to see Allen at 1B and Kila at DH, only for the reason that Carter and Barton can be kept in AAA, he seems a fan of not losing guys, he did that so he wouldn't lose Jake Fox and Eric Patterson a few years ago, he's really into having depth and not just on the 25 man.
was gonna tell you about the lineup melvin says is his game lineup, with the exception of 1b and 3b up for grabs. Good job your more accurate now, tried to tell you before with sizemore batting 2 and coco 3, guess you didn't think then that coco would bat third even though he did quite a bit last year. if allen wins 1b i could see 8th, if barton wins, getting on base being is asset, id say 6th or 9th, 2nd if he rakes it... anyways good job your improving with your A's coverage.
Brandon Allen should be listed as 1b. Barton wouldn't even be ready for the japan trip and will probably rehab, get in game shape at AAA, especially with his option.
I had been contemplating it but did not even think of the Japan trip shortening the time he has to get ready. Haven't heard too much on his progress. Is he more likely for the DL or bench until he can play regularly?
How long do you think before the A's call up Jarrod Parker and make him a regular in the rotation? Is it as soon as they goto a 5 man rotation or will they wait a few months to get him some confidence in the minors?
He could still beat out Milone or Peacock and win a spot out of Spring Training. If not, it is likely that Braden takes that #5 spot when he returns in mid-April. If that's the case, I'd expect Parker by mid-season, if not earlier. He is big league ready but it might be good to get some Triple-A starts under his belt.
I think barton will be healthy by the end of spring but not have enough games to be baseball ready, (he's had an mri that's cleared him for all activities) he's supposed to DH a few games soon. i think theyll stash him and AAA and see how 1B pans out, best case scenario of A's, Allen is doing well and barton is raking in AAA then one becomes a nice trade chip.
also i think the can have 26 guys for the japan trip and sogard is looking good early, maybe enough to cut rosales if he struggles.
Even though they need to make a decision sooner than other teams because of the Japan series, it's WAAAY too early. Have to give everyone 3 starts before the picture becomes clearer.
sogard is on the team as back infielder. You can go one of two ways. put carter in AAA, although he could DH vs LHP with gomes in the field, but rosales will probably get the powell treatment and only pay 1/6, no big loss.
I'm convinced on Sogard, because he can also split time with Donaldson at 3B. Saw him play at Lake Elsinore a few years ago. Deceiving power for guy his size. I'll wait another start or two before making rotation changes.
Melvin still seems really high on barton saying, they get a good chance to see Allen while barton is mending. the roster will be crazy for the japan series, tons of bullpen and i think they can have more then 25 as well, the last time the a's played in japan a few guys played, jeff fiorentino being one that really weren't part of the team that year.
i get the feeling sogard will be the everyday 3b, donaldsons hasn't fielded well, but they could keep him as the backup C/3b. rosales can play third ok, but he's not an everyday player he should be the utility cause he can play ss, but if sogard nabs third rosales is util, then i say send donaldson to AAA to play 3rd. I also think cowgill nabs a spot cause he's your utility type OF... who knows what the roster will look like in japan but shooting for opening day
Cowgill is on the roster, couple of options Carter off or Recker off, Melvin said he could go with one catcher with donaldson playing 3rd as the backup. Or let donaldson be backup 3rd/C and take reckers place. He also says considers carrying 6 outfielders.
yoni, coco, reddick, cowgill, smith, gomes.
cowgill is the perfect 4th OF, speed, pop, can play all OF postions.
Barton looked pretty good yesterday in the field and with the bat. Id bet that by the time the season rolls around he'll nab the job and Allen with stay on the team as 1b/c.of. Carter is probably toast, noberto should make the team. Godfrey will make the japan trip but will not start the year, they wont put him in the bullpen, they need to keep him stretched out.
you mise well go with a 5 man rotation unless your going for the japan series then a 2 man. At this point braden will not start the year. Ross and Milone barring anything will be joining MC and Colon and now the battle for the 5th spot is between parker and godfrey. Slusser will probably cover this tomorrow. Peacock will probably be cut soon. (assigned to AAA)
Cespedes has not looked great latley, he should go to japan but crisp may start in CF but look for cespedes to round into form for the start of the regular season.
Carter is going to AAA
does rosales have options left?
ive heard now that donaldson is a near lock to play 3rd and they are converting him, he wont be a back up catcher and anyways now norris is the AAA catcher, so i think recker has a spot.
Posts
90 comments:
They HAVE to bring back Willingham. He was our only consistent offensive threat in the lineup. I know Chris Carter is penciled in but I'd prefer him at first splitting time with Barton and at DH. Matsui will be too expensive, but Willingham is worth it, and is a great guy as well. I'd like to see them sign Grady Sizemore to a "prove it" contract. I think he can turn it around in a spacious ballpark, and he can be a star if he's healthy. It would be great to have him and Willingham in the lineup when they move to their new ballpark in San Jose.
Sounds like OF is their top priority. Willingham would be great but they'll have a lot of competition. Same with Sizemore. I think they'll pick up at least one outfielder, maybe two, and a DH before Spring Training.
I have a hard time seeing Carter playing LF next year, he's played all of 40 games there in his whole life and played primarily 1B and DH last year.
Very doubtful Carter starts the season in the majors unless he has a HUGE spring. Remember these are projections (based on 'If the season started today) and not predictions. The offseason is just starting and the A's have the pitching depth to pull off some trades for a 1B and OF. Or they can go after a mid-level free agent. I can see them acquiring a CF and corner outfielder and letting everyone else battle for the other OF spot.
Carter will absoutley start the year on the 25 and in the staring lineup.
your projections all look good expect.
Allen in corner and Carter as DH.
hunter/mitchell or miller for backup OF
Cardenas has to come up this year. Recker backup catcher. I think powell and rosales are arb, so cardenas and recker is better and cheaper.
If suzuki bats 4th, ill kiss my own ass.
there commited to going yound i dont see any singings, maybe a few decent backup OFs
Whats the knock on Carter, so if he can only DH.
next year he's rule V.
since he's been in Oakland org.
.992
.894
.915 ops
he's 25.
good be a good DH for 6 years age 25-31 (prime)
he'll rot if he stays in the minors any longer
he should have played last year, he could have hit matsuis 11 homes runs with one hand.
right. no reason to not let carter have the DH all year. A's are terrible with prospects in the majors, if they fail for one week there gone, weeks was good right away, so he stayed, but you got give most guys some time to adjust especially power hitter with bigger swings and timing issues, anyways think they could surprise going young.
I'd switch Taylor and Cowgill in the OF. I want the 260 lb. man with the less accurate man in LF.
No problem. Done. I know Cowgill played a lot of LF in the majors last season and Taylor spent more time in RF once he was called up. But that probably has more to do with who was blocking them at the other corner spot (Upton, Willingham).
Yeah last year in Reno (AAA) Cowgill played almost exclusively in center; and the same is through-out his minor league career.
why do you suppose taylor is more worthy of a staring job then carter?
kila will not be on the 25 with barton/carter and allen, (four 1b's)
suzuki batting 4th?
I think the bench at this point would be
recker, cardenas, taylor and sogard.
Don't think Taylor is more worthy. But with limited options, I had to pick one. If there is anything separating them right now, it's that Carter has proven in 114 AB's that he couldn't hit big league pitching. Taylor has just 30 AB's. So in this very unpredictable situation, I'll go with the guy who has been less terrible in the big leagues. I think they both need to put up better numbers in AAA before they're given another chance. But you never know what happens in Spring Training.
Lots of 1B on the roster. If I had to pick one for the bench, it would be the guy with more experience/less upside (Kila) than the others. Carter and Allen need to play regularly, either in the majors or AAA. I feel the same about Cardenas, although he is versatile and may be thought of more as a utilityman at this point.
If not Suzuki, who should bat 4th from this current group? Based on potential, you could put a few guys there. But none of those guys have been very good in the majors. Hopefully, for A's fans, there are a few more roster moves made so Sweeney isn't the #3 hitter and Suzuki could move down a couple spots, where he's a much better fit. The 2010 version of Daric Barton could be the #2 or 3 hitter but we don't know if that guy's gonna show up this year.
Heres what i get its important to rember the AAA roster, and how they want to develop certian players such as sogard reps at SS.
The might start Carter in AAA to play some more 1st base, but then they'd have no place for Kila... plus im sure more trades and singings...
have a good one.
A's Rivercats
C Suzuki Recker
1B Barton Kila
2B Weeks Cardenas
SS Pennington Sogard
3B Sizemore Parker
LF Taylor* Hunter
CF Cowgill Green
RF Sweeney Mitchell
DH Carter Donaldson
B Powell Coleman
B Rosales Galarraga
B Allen* Timmons
B Mitchell Doolittle
SP Gonzalez Ross
SP Moscoso Gonzalez
SP McCarthy Parker
SP Outman Billings
SP Godfrey Banwart
P Noberto Schribner
P Blevins Carpa
RP Fuentes Barham
RP Devine Carignan
RP DLS Wagner
RP Balfour Cabrera
CL Bailey Cook
Gray, Choice AA could work way up fast.
The A’s are awfully thin in SP depth in AAA, once sonny gray gets there and Anderson and braden retun it will improve but still weak.
The A’s are awfully deep in both bullpens, the AAA bullpen would be serviceable in the majors.
are you trying to slip one bye, suzuki batting 4th... 686 ops.... on a terrible offense last year he was ranked 8th out of 9 players with most PAs, only poor co-jack was worse. they should have singed kotsay, you'd probably project hit to hit 5th...
its the only time ive laughed looking at your site, you do a good job.
Have you looked at the other options, Billy? I would hope that Suzuki wouldn't be hitting 4th when the season starts but there really isn't anyone else right now. They don't have any #3 hitters, #4 hitters, or #5 hitters, in my opinion.
Why do you have Parker as a reliver?
Moved him to the wrong section. Thanks for the heads-up!
Any idea who they dfa to open the 2 needed roster spots?
Godfrey, Norberto, Wagner are candidates. Or maybe they trade Bailey before this one becomes official.
Miller and Powell were DFA'd. Means Donaldson is the backup catcher.
Why Donaldson over Recker? I think it could go either way, but is that an obvious choice for some reason?
You are correct, it could be either or, however I give the nod to Donaldson because he's the better catcher, younger, a former 1st rounder, and he can man 3rd base in a pinch.
Donaldson is a better defender in my opinion, but Recker hits for a lot more power. So it all depends what he'll be used for as to who wins the back-up spot.
check out a's nation, they have pretty knowledgeable local fans...
they seem to think this lineup.
2b Weeks
1b Barton
RF Reddick
DH Carter
LF Allen/Taylor
3B Sizemore
CF Cowgill
C Suzuki
SS Pennington
personally i think they'll take the pressure off of barton to preform and bat swap him and sizemore.
Where's Ross?
On paper, I do like the looks of that lineup more than what I'm currently projecting. However, it's based more on the power potential of Carter and doesn't take into account how much he struggled in the big leagues in 2011. A's fans, of course, are hoping that he (and Taylor and Allen) fulfills that potential and ends up as good option for the middle of the order. But most big league managers aren't taking potential into account when constructing a batting order.
Different story with Barton. If he shows up in Spring Training healthy and the same guy he was in 2010, he could easily handle the #2 spot and could quite possibly be their best fit as a #3 hitter. That would move Pennington or Reddick down in the order. It's still very possible they end up with one of the remaining free agents like Cody Ross, Ryan Ludwick, Raul Ibanez, or Kosuke Fukudome if their price comes down. That would push Carter further down the depth chart and make it even more likely he starts in AAA.
Ross is in the 'Outside Looking In' section. As a player who's battled injury, I don't see him as a lock for a roster spot. Like Barton, he'll have to prove he's healthy and then perform well enough in the spring to win a job. I think he could help in a setup role down the road, although I think he gets a chance for a rotation spot in 2012. He certainly has the talent to succeed in the big leagues.
ok well the a's and beane have repeatedly said they will play their young guys this year and i dont expect them to sing any older players...
Carter and Allen have both had good streaks at the MLB level and just need to learn to adjust day to day. no one on the a's could hit 21 HRS and half a year in AAA. AAA pitching isn't just cake either, they know your weakness and force you to adjust. I get what your saying and if forced to start Carter or Allen in AAA it will be Carter cause he's younger, and Allen is a bit more versatile.
i think they'll be a bit better then what people are thinking...They still have an above average staff and good bullpen...
Brandon Allen is too good an athlete to DH.
check out his speed number at fan graphs 6.7
seems to have really good Corner OF stats. I hate to see a guy DH that can help you on D. The only problem with carter is why you'd ever play him at 1st with barton and allen on the team.
I've read articles that the A's want Michael Taylor to prove himself in AAA more before he starts regularly in the majors. With that being said, I think Cedric Hunter has a chance to make the team as a 4th outfielder if he is healthy enough depending on how he does in spring training. The A's must have saw some potential in him if they claimed him from the Padres and they liked him enough to keep him instead of Jai Miller. I don't know I am probably wrong, but I think if Taylor starts in AAA and the A's do not sign another outfielder like Cody Ross, Ryan Ludwick, or Conor Jackson, Hunter has a chance to make the team. And unless I am mistaken, he is already on the 40 man roster so they wouldn't have to clear room for him if he did make it.
hunter could make it, but only has value as a CF and therfore a backup. LF is the only open spot. I think alot depends on Bartons return. If he's back to himself, that will push Allen in LF, if barton bats .150 in spring Allen gets 1B and opens up, LF for Taylor. Cowgill is your 4th OF. cowgill>hunter. Carter is DH no LF no 1B, just DH.
suzuki 5th and sizemore 8th... when your down with that stuff pass it over....
Hunter was taken off the 40-man roster a few days after he was claimed off waivers. Doesn't mean he won't make the team, but it does make it more difficult. There are still a few veterans out there who will have low enough price tags and the guaranteed starting job in Oakland if they sign there. That's why I think they'll get Ross, Ludwick, or someone like that.
It has been announced in many places that Braden will be in the opening day roster, and possibly starting on opening day. Peacock will most likely start at AAA. It really is a "wait and see what happens in ST" with Ross and Outman, whoever does better will get that rotation spot.
My experience from paying close attention to roster moves over the past couple of years is that the return ETA's from injuries are almost always too optimistic. Shoulder surgery for a pitcher is serious. He may feel good right now, but we really won't know until early in Spring Training. If he's up to speed with the other starters by the first or second turn, then it's a good bet that he'll be in the Opening Day rotation.
no reason at all to have kila projected here. Why carry a backup 1B only when Allen can back up there. Carter is going to be the DH. Platoon Allen/Taylor, Platoon Carter/Allen
Allen and Carter will both get lots of ABs even more is Barton is still lost.
Enough people have mentioned Carter definitely being in the mix so I'll add him to the bench with the expectation that he'll see plenty of AB's vs LHP.
in general carter has been a better hitter then Allen througout the levels, I just cant see Allen being the DH, he can fill in Corner OFs and first base. Carter is horrendous in the OF and not much better at first. Its hard to have a DH on the bench. be interesting to see what else happens.. Im not sure they want to have Peacock and Parker in the rotation on opening day, espically not Parker, maybe Godfrey and and singing like Garland.
seems like they might not be so bad, could be a showdown A's and M's, the cellar battle.
im hearing travis banwart possible rotation, are you missing him?
his AAA numbers besides ERA aren't too bad and it is PCL.
Anderson
McCarthy
Braden
Colon
Milone
without injuries. that ain't bad. maybe ross in there, he hacked it a SAC on his rehab.
Unless the A's have another round of Spring Training invites they have yet to announce, he's not there. This is my first year really paying attention to ST invites so I'm not sure how it works. The plan is to only show guys in ST on the major league page, and the rest will be shown on the minor league pages.
a's shopping brandon allen, looks like they give barton 1b and carter DH.
they want someone else on the 25. I would think taylor, but maybe sogard. The A's dont care about having backups for injures, i remember some years chavez was the emergency shortstop.
Im guess taylor so he can platoon with smith.
I read on mlbtraderumors.com that the A's are close to signing Jonny Gomes? Where would he fit into the lineup, especially since he isn't the greatest fielder?
Gomes would play either LF or DH vs LHP's. Not sure there is room for Chris Carter with Gomes in the mix. And I don't think Carter needs to be handed anything. He was terrible in the big leagues last season. Ideally, he earns his way back to the big leagues with a very good spring or by tearing up AAA pitching.
who would dh vs lhp? recker, rosales.
terrible in 44 ABs, i bet any all star had 44 ab streaks at or worse then that
prove himself at AAA
2010 .894 ops
2011 .915 ops think hes done that
they prefer him over Allen, who had an extended look last year and failed although not terribley
im just saying for your site to be more accurate you need to look at what the teams thinks and plans to do, not your own personal scouting reports.
no way peacock or parker starts with oakland.
peacock is ready but they dont want super 2 status on him mid call up.
Allen=toast/trade/AAA
Taylor=AAA/trade
Carter= everyday DH
Gomes/Smith= platoon
neither are part of oaklands plans expect that they put up crazy platoon stats and become desirable and become trade chips.
they'll probably sign one of the FA pitchers
garland, maybe francis and try and make another trade chip and hold the clock on peacock and parker, godfrey or ross could take the other spot
Re: who would DH vs LHP?
Based on my current projection, I'd have Cowgill playing one of the corner spots and Gomes DH'ing vs LHP.
Re: Peacock/Parker
If Braden is healthy, he takes up a spot with Colon and McCarthy. The other two spots would be between Parker, Peacock, Milone, Ross. Unless they sign another veteran, which is a good possibility, two of those young guys are making the rotation. Godfrey has a shot, I guess, but it would be hard to keep him over Parker or Peacock, regardless of service time.
It's time to re-sign Harden for a mil.
It's inevitable, isn't it?
Yep, and I think they could work out a deal where he signs a minor league deal and once the team can put Anderson on the 60 day dl - Harden's contract is purchased at that time. That way OAK won't have to DFA yet another player.
sizemore 8th? wasn't he pretty much their biggest threat besides willingham, pretty sure his ops+ was well over average, on a bad offensive team not sure he'd hit 8th.
he's landslides better then suzuki, think they need to flop... in reality he should bat 2nd, but the vets(coco) have to be pleased.
Good argument on Sizemore. His OPS over the 2nd half was very good after a slow start. As far as production goes, you could easily flip-flop him with Suzuki based on that. But I see Suzuki as a team leader and someone known for being a professional hitter. At least not on this very young team, I don't see him as a #8 hitter. If he continues where he left off last season, I could definitely see him higher in the order pretty quick. In fact, I could envision him in the middle of the order vs LHP's right away.
must have a man crush on suzuki.
professional hitter.
last year ops
none on : 778
runners on: 555
scoring postion: 550
bases loaded 1 for 10 (1bb/4k)
batting 8th last year he had a .875 ops in a 120 ab
im just saying.
and allen has no postion know
carter and gomes share dh
no of for allen no 1b.
if they can get anything for him, he gone.
Like I said, you could easily flip-flop Suzuki and Sizemore so the current projection isn't concerning me at this point. It is something I'll keep a close eye on in Spring Training and keep my ears open for any hints as to what the lineup may look like. Let me know if you hear anything.
As far as Carter and Gomes sharing DH, not sure it makes sense for two right-handed hitters to share time. And I don't think it makes much sense for Carter to share time anywhere when he can be playing everyday in AAA. Still too much untapped potential to be on a big league bench.
Heres what i think happens.
Smith and Gomes will platoon and cherry pick their stats and then become trade chips, if they not gonna be around for the SJ team theyre chips.
The sign manny, gives them 50 games to go with barton at 1b and carter at DH, if barton fails and carter is doing well, carter takes first manny dh, if carter fails, send down, manny dh, if both are doing well, best case scenario and release manny.
Barton is still dealing with injury and cant field yet.
braden looks like he will in fact be ready for opening day without set backs. And i still predict a jon garland one year, or maybe a one year for ejax, who could become a nice trade chip pitching in oakland.
I can't wait to see where you put Cepedes here!!!
Do you think (barring an unreal Spring training) that Cepedes starts in the minors for a month or two?
Exactly my thoughts. Despite his age (26), it won't hurt to get his feet wet in Triple-A but it doesn't mean he can't win a job if he plays great in Spring Training.
My June 1st lineup projection would probably look like this:
2B Jemile Weeks
CF Coco Crisp
RF/LF Josh Reddick
DH Seth Smith
3B Scott Sizemore
1B Daric Barton
LF/RF Yoenis Cespedes
C Kurt Suzuki
SS Cliff Pennington
susan slusser knows what she talking about
she says, cespedes is the projecting CF right, is what the team is saying. Looks like coco to left.
http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2012/02/13/oakland-as-land-cuban-star-yoenis-cespedes/
looks like smith and gomes are dh only and the team is still likely to sign manny.
poor
carter
allen
kila
taylor
cowgill
guess you can never have too many good players, especially when most have options.
It makes sense that they want him to start in the majors since he's the highest paid player on the team and probably the player the fans would most like to see. However, a minimum two-week stint in AAA could help better prepare him. Most of the experts who I've heard from think he needs a brief minor league stint.
you need to find someone to cover the west coast teams for you, the a's have already announced, that going in spring, barton is 1b and carter dh, melvin says he plans to use sizemore in the front part of the lineup and coco could hit 3rd...
they also say the singed cespedes to play CF right now and for the next four years...
if you listen to bob melvin interviews he tells you alot about specifics about players and the lineup... He's also said Ross was amazing in the fall and without setbacks he's in the rotation and wont consider him in the pen.
he sounds more interested in FDLS as the closer...
if a trade doesn't come through soon except noberto to be the drop.
Links will be helpful if you can send any over. I cover 30 teams so it's not always feasible to search around for audio clips, although some manager interviews give great insight. If a beat writer links to an audio clip, I'll give it a quick listen. With that said, I think the manager is speculating as I am and many fans and writers are because we don't know what will happen in Spring Training. Some guys are surprisingly good or bad. I'll search around for some more info, though, and I appreciate your feedback.
FYI - I know FDLS is in the mix for closer. I wouldn't project him there until he shows he can throw strikes consistently, though.
FYI #2 - So it sounds like you're saying that Melvin said Carter was definitely going to be the DH without any competition after his stellar 6-for-44 showing in the big leagues? You sure that wasn't in October before they made a roster move. Even if he was at some point, that won't be the case if Cespedes starts the year in the majors. Seth Smith/Jonny Gomes would be your DH platoon. Carter would be a backup plan in case Barton isn't ready to go.
Cespedece will play left and coco center. Also what r the chances coco gets traded?
with the exception of the batting order all looks well. A few things to consider, Allen on Cowgill off, Allen is out of options and crisp can be the back up CF. Allen can play 1b or CF.
They are going to sign Manny.
Kila is toast, no options.
they are going to sing on more reliver, which bumps off godfrey.
Ross is a near lock of the rotation and they might not go with either parker or peacock, being that braden is almost ready, so as to not start their clocks on the young guys.
maybe even a 4 man roatation until they need 5 and can spot start a few in there.
Allen can play 1b or Corner OF
If Cespedes makes this club out of spring (doubtful IMO) then you could see Cowgill start the year in AAA allowing them to have Allen (out of options) on the bench. Since that would mean they'd have 5 other outfielders (Crisp, Cespedes, Reddick, Smith, and Gomes. I don't see them risking losing Allen right out of the gate.
Jason -
I.E....they wouldn't need Cowgill on the bench as the backup CF'er. If Cespedes were to get injured then Crisp would just slide into CF - Smith would move from DH to LF - and Gomes or Allen would then move to DH.
I'll be making a few changes based on players 'out of options'. Allen is one. I'm gonna leave Cespedes in CF until I hear otherwise from the manager or GM. I know Crisp doesn't want to move, but it's not up to him.
Don't think Crisp gets traded now. Maybe mid-season but only if he's playing well. Value would be low with another year-and-a-half on his contract if he's struggling or injured in July.
the a's will start the season with a 4 man rotation and the 1st time the 5th starter is needed it will be dallas braden. (sf chon.)
Sounds like
McCarthy
Colon
Ross
(Milone)
(Braden)
are near locks, i cant see milone needing anymore minors, Peacock is probably more ready then Parker.
Thanks. Saw the story about Braden and using 4 starters until mid-April. Haven't found much on Ross, though. Can you send a link, if possible, discussing the team's feeling on Ross?
hey here is some good roster news from slusser...
slusser is pure accurate info.
1b is wide open between the four.
1 McCarthy
2 Colon
3 Braden (will actually slot 5th)
4 Milone
5 Godfrey
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/18/SP0S1N8A7U.DTL
Ross has a lot to prove after the injury, ineffective in sacramento or phoenix (fall)
but i have heard Melvin say he will only be considered as a starter.
Melivn has talked about sizemore hitting up in the order and its my opinion that it will go
1 weeks
2 sizemore
3 crisp
4 smith
5 cespedes
6 1b
7 reddick
8 suzuki
9 penny
melivn has also talked about the roster not being finished for the start of spring T
so i expect a trade soon.
wouldn't be surprised to see Allen at 1B and Kila at DH, only for the reason that Carter and Barton can be kept in AAA, he seems a fan of not losing guys, he did that so he wouldn't lose Jake Fox and Eric Patterson a few years ago, he's really into having depth and not just on the 25 man.
was gonna tell you about the lineup melvin says is his game lineup, with the exception of 1b and 3b up for grabs. Good job your more accurate now, tried to tell you before with sizemore batting 2 and coco 3, guess you didn't think then that coco would bat third even though he did quite a bit last year.
if allen wins 1b i could see 8th, if barton wins, getting on base being is asset, id say 6th or 9th, 2nd if he rakes it...
anyways good job your improving with your A's coverage.
Brandon Allen should be listed as 1b. Barton wouldn't even be ready for the japan trip and will probably rehab, get in game shape at AAA, especially with his option.
I had been contemplating it but did not even think of the Japan trip shortening the time he has to get ready. Haven't heard too much on his progress. Is he more likely for the DL or bench until he can play regularly?
How long do you think before the A's call up Jarrod Parker and make him a regular in the rotation? Is it as soon as they goto a 5 man rotation or will they wait a few months to get him some confidence in the minors?
He could still beat out Milone or Peacock and win a spot out of Spring Training. If not, it is likely that Braden takes that #5 spot when he returns in mid-April. If that's the case, I'd expect Parker by mid-season, if not earlier. He is big league ready but it might be good to get some Triple-A starts under his belt.
I think barton will be healthy by the end of spring but not have enough games to be baseball ready, (he's had an mri that's cleared him for all activities) he's supposed to DH a few games soon. i think theyll stash him and AAA and see how 1B pans out, best case scenario of A's, Allen is doing well and barton is raking in AAA then one becomes a nice trade chip.
also i think the can have 26 guys for the japan trip and sogard is looking good early, maybe enough to cut rosales if he struggles.
Tyson Ross 3 IP 1h 2k/1bb. more mlb experience and so far more effective in spring then peacock.
Even though they need to make a decision sooner than other teams because of the Japan series, it's WAAAY too early. Have to give everyone 3 starts before the picture becomes clearer.
sogard is on the team as back infielder. You can go one of two ways. put carter in AAA, although he could DH vs LHP with gomes in the field, but rosales will probably get the powell treatment and only pay 1/6, no big loss.
also like the other guy said. Ross over Peacock.
as long as he holds up while getting stretched out.
I'm convinced on Sogard, because he can also split time with Donaldson at 3B. Saw him play at Lake Elsinore a few years ago. Deceiving power for guy his size. I'll wait another start or two before making rotation changes.
Melvin still seems really high on barton saying, they get a good chance to see Allen while barton is mending. the roster will be crazy for the japan series, tons of bullpen and i think they can have more then 25 as well, the last time the a's played in japan a few guys played, jeff fiorentino being one that really weren't part of the team that year.
i get the feeling sogard will be the everyday 3b, donaldsons hasn't fielded well, but they could keep him as the backup C/3b. rosales can play third ok, but he's not an everyday player he should be the utility cause he can play ss, but if sogard nabs third rosales is util, then i say send donaldson to AAA to play 3rd. I also think cowgill nabs a spot cause he's your utility type OF... who knows what the roster will look like in japan but shooting for opening day
Jordan Norberto is still listed on the 40-man. Shouldn't he be bold?
Fixed. Must've gotten unbolded when I moved Doolittle. Thanks!
Cowgill is on the roster, couple of options Carter off or Recker off, Melvin said he could go with one catcher with donaldson playing 3rd as the backup. Or let donaldson be backup 3rd/C and take reckers place.
He also says considers carrying 6 outfielders.
yoni, coco, reddick, cowgill, smith, gomes.
cowgill is the perfect 4th OF, speed, pop, can play all OF postions.
here
http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2012/03/16/collin-cowgill-is-on-a-tear-along-with-several-other-as/
Thanks!
Barton looked pretty good yesterday in the field and with the bat. Id bet that by the time the season rolls around he'll nab the job and Allen with stay on the team as 1b/c.of. Carter is probably toast, noberto should make the team. Godfrey will make the japan trip but will not start the year, they wont put him in the bullpen, they need to keep him stretched out.
you mise well go with a 5 man rotation unless your going for the japan series then a 2 man. At this point braden will not start the year. Ross and Milone barring anything will be joining MC and Colon and now the battle for the 5th spot is between parker and godfrey. Slusser will probably cover this tomorrow. Peacock will probably be cut soon. (assigned to AAA)
Cespedes has not looked great latley, he should go to japan but crisp may start in CF but look for cespedes to round into form for the start of the regular season.
Carter is going to AAA
does rosales have options left?
ive heard now that donaldson is a near lock to play 3rd and they are converting him, he wont be a back up catcher and anyways now norris is the AAA catcher, so i think recker has a spot.
maybe 5 man bench as well, if no injures crop up.
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