On Sunday, a crowd of 7,000 swarmed Oracle Arena's corridors as the Oakland A's resurrected their FanFest after a 3 year hiatus. The event featured nearly every current member of the A's, the coaching staff, and such Oakland legends as Vida Blue, Gene Tenace, Joe Rudi, David Justice and Scott Hatteburg in honor of their 40th anniversary of their 1972 World series team and 10th anniversary of their 20 game win streak. The FanFest featured question and answer sessions thoughout the entire event, autographs (with horrendous lines that took nearly 45 minutes each), a memorabilia sale, pictures, clubhouse tours, and various booths in which to visit. One event that gathered noteriety was a 1-on-1 sit down with the infamous owner of the A's, Lew Wolff. I did not attend the sit down with Wolff, but reports were that the conversation constantly centered around the Oakland to San Jose move and the offseason trades/acquisitions.
Many new faces were present at the event (Milone, Gomes, Smith, Peacock, etc). Seth Smith said the FanFest was like "The first day of school" as this was the first time numerous additions were meeting their teammates. For instance, Smith mistakenly called Tyson Ross, "Tyler". Gomes also asserted himself, entering with a flamboyant Mohawk, and was asked about whether he'd wear his traditional number 31 this season (Which Brandon Allen wears). Gomes stated that he didn't want "To pull the veteran card (On Allen)". Looks like we'll see Gomes in #31 in 2012...
The event was centered around optimistic feelings for the upcoming season. Here are a couple quotes:
Bob Melvin (When asked about the club's performance in 2012): "I've never put on a major league baseball uniform in my life thinking I was going to lose. This team will come out there every day and give it everything they've got"
Brandon McCarthy: "This team can win 60 games or 90 games. It just depends on how fast we come together"
Both seem like very reasonable statements. If the team can adopt Melvin's philosophy, this team could become a dark horse. Gomes cited the 2008 Rays and Melvin cited the 2007 Diamondbacks as teams no one expected to compete with inexperienced staffs, and both made deep playoff runs. Nothing is impossible in baseball, but it will hinge on if the A's clean themselves up defensively (Which Melvin said would be an emphasis) and if Oakland can take advantage of scoring situations.
My personal experience at FanFest was enjoyable overall. The lines were indescribably terrible, however, welcoming back Oakland baseball four months into the offseason was wonderful to experience. Personally, my favorite moment of the afternoon was Dallas Braden, who was especially outgoing on Sunday, who proceeded to denounce the Yankees as a franchise: "The A's have genuinely won their championships, we aren't like the Yankees or the Steinbreners who needed to buy their championships and resorted to cheating to win...". It just cemented Braden's status as being the unofficial ambassador to Oakland (And Stockton of course).
The FanFest was a chance for fans and players alike to build up hype for the upcoming season and to harbor good feelings after a controversial offseason. In my personal opinion, I would deem it a sucsess.
(Be on the lookout for my season preview when spring training begins in February)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Here's Jonny!
It appears as though the A's will be getting some representation from Sonoma County heading into next season. Petaluma's own pride and joy, Jonny Gomes, is reportedly incredibly close to sporting green and gold in 2012. The news was broken publicly by Susan Slusser via twitter, citing that a source close to Gomes stated that "He will most likely sign as soon as Monday". This supposed add reasures Beane's statement of adding yet another outfielder after the Seth Smith trade that sent Moscoso and Outman to Colorado.
The plan seems to platoon Smith and Gomes in Left. The two, despite small sample sizes, have blatant disparities between left and right handed pitchers. Smith, the former Rockie, hit .290 in 1210 at bats vs righties, while he hit a mere .202 with a .269 OBP in 240 at bats vs lefties. Gomes on the other hand demonstrates hitting of the opposite quality, a specialty in batting against left handed pitching. Gomes hit .281 with a .375 OBP lifetime vs lefties and a .224 average with a .306 OBP against righties. Gomes hit just .167 last season off of right handed pitchers last season (He hit .311 with a .407 OBP last year against... Yep, lefties). If anything, Gomes will draw his usual cheering section to the coliseum and boost attendance, and he could morph into a fan favorite with his local connectivity and infectious humor. This deal that could very well be officially announced by the end of the weekend represents a signifigant drop-off in plate appearances for Colin Cowgill and a triple-A assignment for Michael Taylor.
Another interesting piece of information to look out for is the relationship between Coco Crisp and Jonny Gomes. In a benches clearing brawl that took place at a Boston/Tampa Bay game back in 2008 (That began by Coco rushing the mound after getting hit by a James Shields pitch), Gomes proceded to defend his pitcher (Gomes was currently with Tapma Bay at the time) and pound Coco repeatedly while on the ground. Both Coco and Gomes were ejected from the game. It's only been 3 1/2 years, but as adults and now teammates, I figure they can resolve their differences.
Another informational quip was released this morning as well. The A's are reportedly shopping Brandon Allen. Allen's hot start in Oakland gradually diminished, fighting to remain above the Mendoza line. However, if he remains on the roster, he would most likely become the starting first baseman. But, if Allen departs, Barton would most likely claim first with Carter and Kila sharing the DH duties. The reason for a move of Brandon Allen would most likely be to free a roster spot for Gomes. Nothing is offficial yet however.
The plan seems to platoon Smith and Gomes in Left. The two, despite small sample sizes, have blatant disparities between left and right handed pitchers. Smith, the former Rockie, hit .290 in 1210 at bats vs righties, while he hit a mere .202 with a .269 OBP in 240 at bats vs lefties. Gomes on the other hand demonstrates hitting of the opposite quality, a specialty in batting against left handed pitching. Gomes hit .281 with a .375 OBP lifetime vs lefties and a .224 average with a .306 OBP against righties. Gomes hit just .167 last season off of right handed pitchers last season (He hit .311 with a .407 OBP last year against... Yep, lefties). If anything, Gomes will draw his usual cheering section to the coliseum and boost attendance, and he could morph into a fan favorite with his local connectivity and infectious humor. This deal that could very well be officially announced by the end of the weekend represents a signifigant drop-off in plate appearances for Colin Cowgill and a triple-A assignment for Michael Taylor.
Another interesting piece of information to look out for is the relationship between Coco Crisp and Jonny Gomes. In a benches clearing brawl that took place at a Boston/Tampa Bay game back in 2008 (That began by Coco rushing the mound after getting hit by a James Shields pitch), Gomes proceded to defend his pitcher (Gomes was currently with Tapma Bay at the time) and pound Coco repeatedly while on the ground. Both Coco and Gomes were ejected from the game. It's only been 3 1/2 years, but as adults and now teammates, I figure they can resolve their differences.
Another informational quip was released this morning as well. The A's are reportedly shopping Brandon Allen. Allen's hot start in Oakland gradually diminished, fighting to remain above the Mendoza line. However, if he remains on the roster, he would most likely become the starting first baseman. But, if Allen departs, Barton would most likely claim first with Carter and Kila sharing the DH duties. The reason for a move of Brandon Allen would most likely be to free a roster spot for Gomes. Nothing is offficial yet however.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Seth Smith
This morning another trade was announced as the A's sent Guillermo Moscoso and Josh Outman to the Rockies for outfielder Seth Smith. The deal solidifies an underrated outfield corps for Oakland, adding Smith to the mix with Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick. Smith, who stepped into the batters box 533 times last season, hit .284 and compiled an .347 OBP along with 15 HRs. Smith has a reputation for struggling against lefties, In 240 plate appearances, he hit .202 with a .269 OBP as opposed to his .290 average in 1210 plate appearances against right handers. However, 240 appearances out of 1450 is very much a miniscule statistic. And with Beane stating that Smith will become a "regular", it seems Smith will get his chances. Bill James has Smith's numbers projected at .281, .349 OBP, and 17 HRs in 144 games for 2012 with Oakland, which seems fairly resonable. I understand his power might have been exaggerated in Colorado, but his hits and walk rate were not.
I would characterize this deal as one that Oakland ended up winning. As opposed to the Gio, Cahill, and Bailey swaps, this trade was oriented to the present, and not the future. Also, Outman and Moscoso both put up low ERAs, but their numbers are not indicative of the future. If anything, we gain a starting outfielder for two pitchers who replaced Braden and Anderson (Who went down with season ending injuries). Moscoso and Outman do not factor into our future plans with Parker, Milone, Ross, Godfrey, Peacock, and Cole (Cole won't be ready for some time however) waiting in line.
This might not be the end of the trades either. With positions still backed up (Catcher, First Base, Bullpen), Suzuki, Barton, Balfour, or Fuentes could depart before the season begins.
I would characterize this deal as one that Oakland ended up winning. As opposed to the Gio, Cahill, and Bailey swaps, this trade was oriented to the present, and not the future. Also, Outman and Moscoso both put up low ERAs, but their numbers are not indicative of the future. If anything, we gain a starting outfielder for two pitchers who replaced Braden and Anderson (Who went down with season ending injuries). Moscoso and Outman do not factor into our future plans with Parker, Milone, Ross, Godfrey, Peacock, and Cole (Cole won't be ready for some time however) waiting in line.
This might not be the end of the trades either. With positions still backed up (Catcher, First Base, Bullpen), Suzuki, Barton, Balfour, or Fuentes could depart before the season begins.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Winning isn't Everything, Winning Is Something
The title of this article might be a philosophy the Oakland Athletics would want to embrace in 2012
Oakland is coming off an extrodinarily disappointing season, with the team's expectations of an AL West title in purgatory for the time being. The organization has now dealt Cahill, Gonzalez, and Bailey in order to obtain youth and progress into a new era of A's baseball. The expectations of a world series, AL West title, playoff appearance, or even an above .500 record are obsolete heading into 2012. So the question arises: what is there to play for? The cliche of "You play to win the game" is one you will not hear within the vicinity of O.co Coliseum, for there is a very relevant reason regarding the importance of the 2012 season for Oakland... The intriguing new faces that will suit up in green and gold.
Most individuals would claim the franchise gave up on the fans with trades of Oakland's three all-stars, people who believe this notion do not understand baseball. We were 74-88 with Cahill, Gio, and Bailey. They are all fantastic players, but we receive prime prospects in return that solidify the foundation of this team for years to come. (And it's fine to have fan favorites, but if you value a players over a team, you shouldn't be an A's fan. We're not the dodgers or Yankees. We can't afford to keep guys for 10 years) The bottom line is this team might only be a 70 win ballclub, but the new faces should spark excitement around Oakland. Jemile Weeks and Josh Reddick have chances to dazzle as they embark on their first full major league season. Sizemore will occupy third and Pennington takes his usual post at short. Brandon Allen, Kila Ka'uikue and Chris Carter get their first full seasons and will share duties at 1st and DH. The outfield will showcase Cowgill, who has a chance to translate his AAA numbers to the majors, and Coco Crisp, who could get dealt at the deadline to provide space for Mitchell, who's minor league OBP is off the charts.
On the mound, Moscoso returns with a supposed breaking pitch in his repertoire. We also will get to witness Outman return, but most noticeably, we get our first views of Milone, Peacock, Gray, and Parker at separate junctures in the season. And De Los Santos will utilize his notorious Fastball/Slider combo as he settles into the closer role.
More important than wins or champions in Oakland next season, it is the young talent that we get to begin the blueprint of a championship team. Winning is not everything, especially for Oakland next year. Winning will come, so practice patience just enjoy the athletics for another year. The team you see will next season will determine our roster in the upcoming seasons.
Oakland is coming off an extrodinarily disappointing season, with the team's expectations of an AL West title in purgatory for the time being. The organization has now dealt Cahill, Gonzalez, and Bailey in order to obtain youth and progress into a new era of A's baseball. The expectations of a world series, AL West title, playoff appearance, or even an above .500 record are obsolete heading into 2012. So the question arises: what is there to play for? The cliche of "You play to win the game" is one you will not hear within the vicinity of O.co Coliseum, for there is a very relevant reason regarding the importance of the 2012 season for Oakland... The intriguing new faces that will suit up in green and gold.
Most individuals would claim the franchise gave up on the fans with trades of Oakland's three all-stars, people who believe this notion do not understand baseball. We were 74-88 with Cahill, Gio, and Bailey. They are all fantastic players, but we receive prime prospects in return that solidify the foundation of this team for years to come. (And it's fine to have fan favorites, but if you value a players over a team, you shouldn't be an A's fan. We're not the dodgers or Yankees. We can't afford to keep guys for 10 years) The bottom line is this team might only be a 70 win ballclub, but the new faces should spark excitement around Oakland. Jemile Weeks and Josh Reddick have chances to dazzle as they embark on their first full major league season. Sizemore will occupy third and Pennington takes his usual post at short. Brandon Allen, Kila Ka'uikue and Chris Carter get their first full seasons and will share duties at 1st and DH. The outfield will showcase Cowgill, who has a chance to translate his AAA numbers to the majors, and Coco Crisp, who could get dealt at the deadline to provide space for Mitchell, who's minor league OBP is off the charts.
On the mound, Moscoso returns with a supposed breaking pitch in his repertoire. We also will get to witness Outman return, but most noticeably, we get our first views of Milone, Peacock, Gray, and Parker at separate junctures in the season. And De Los Santos will utilize his notorious Fastball/Slider combo as he settles into the closer role.
More important than wins or champions in Oakland next season, it is the young talent that we get to begin the blueprint of a championship team. Winning is not everything, especially for Oakland next year. Winning will come, so practice patience just enjoy the athletics for another year. The team you see will next season will determine our roster in the upcoming seasons.
Bartolo Colon
The Oakland A's have reportedly signed former Yankee and Cy Young winner, Bartolo Colon, to a one year deal. Colon put together a 4.00 ERA. 8-10 record, and 1.29 WHIP for New York last season. His numbers are somewhat deceiving however. He owns a below .500 record which would've been exponentially worse if not for the yankee's monumental run support (Which Oakland will not provide him with). The move is thought to be an attempt to replace Brett Anderson until he supposedly returns in August or September. Which indicates that we could only witness Colon in green and gold until the trade deadline. This move also occupies a rotation spot that would've been owned by Godfrey, Milone, or Outman.
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