2012 free agency

[blue911]

Here is something interesting I picked up while looking at the Oakland roation and seeing who they might Hudson this year. On baseball-reference Brandon McCarthy is listed as a free agent but he isn't on the MLBTraderumors list. He had a good season. Might not be a bad sign.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccarbr01.shtml

He has 5.122 years of service. He's an arbi-4 player according to MLBTR

[Slateman]

On MLB network Gammons said that the A's will probably be looking to deal one of their starters and they speculated that Gio would look nice between Stras and JZimm.  Also Derek Norris might appeal to Beane as a high OBP guy.

Something I proposed months ago.

However, I don't see what else we have that we could give up. Norris, yes. Who else do we have that would be attractive for an All Star starting pitcher.

Frankly, I think Gio still has some control issues. Not sure if he'll ever be more than a number 3

[DPMOmaha]

"I don't really watch much TV. I watch Formula One racing. I watch Shark Week."

[Rasta]

That's true but really pitching wasn't the problem this year.  Our flaccid offense needs a serious upgrade this offseason. 

Yep, but you can never have enough pitching though.  And you can never have enough front line pitching.  I personally don't think Lannan's will repeat this years number and I certainly don't trust that Millone, Peacock or CMW are going to be studs next year so I have no problem adding a potential stud pitcher.  And getting someone like CJ Wilson doesn't mean we ignore the offense IMO.  It really depends on what the final budget is for next spring.  Trade assets for a CF. 

[aspenbubba]

Frankly, I think Gio still has some control issues. Not sure if he'll ever be more than a number 3

That would fit nicely behind Stras and Zimmmmmm

[zimm_da_kid]

I think we should take a flyer on Joel Zumaya.  He could be a high risk high reward kind of guy.  He would cost 3 million or less and when he is healthy he is flat out one of the most dominating relievers in all of baseball.

[Slateman]

I think we should take a flyer on Joel Zumaya.  He could be a high risk high reward kind of guy.  He would cost 3 million or less and when he is healthy he is flat out one of the most dominating relievers in all of baseball.

But ... we have relievers ....

Only reason to get him would be to pray he's healthy and flip him at the deadline

[zimm_da_kid]

But ... we have relievers ....

Only reason to get him would be to pray he's healthy and flip him at the deadline

When he is healthy he is one of the best relievers in baseball period.  Rizzo like having power arms in the pen so imagine a pen with storen, clipp, h-rod, and zumaya.  That would be a nasty pen. 

[zimm_da_kid]

Also we should try to pursue Jeremy affeldt because we will need another lefty once we non tender gorzo and slaten like expected.

[RD]

When he is healthy he is one of the best relievers in baseball period.

1, it is a huge assumption to think he'll ever be healthy for an extended period of time. In the last 5 years, his highest inning total is 38. And he's coming off a season where he missed the entire campaign. His health is a HUGE question mark.

2, he's not one of the best when healthy, period. He was lights out his rookie year, and to a certain extent, is living off that rep when people talk like you are. After that lights out year, his ERA has been north of 4 twice, and only below 3 once. His whip has been above 1.8 twice, and below 1.2 twice.

Our bullpen is essentially set. Adding a guy coming off an entire season missed, and thinking he can provide something is a stretch. Especially if you really think he's one of the best when healthy. He's always hurt or less than 100% and is very up and down when on the mound. That's not one of the best, by any stretch.

[Lintyfresh85]

RD, always tearing other people's opinions down.

[Slateman]

Also we should try to pursue Jeremy affeldt because we will need another lefty once we non tender gorzo and slaten like expected.

Gorzo still has another year on his contract

[tomterp]

Gorzo still has another year on his contract

Yeah, and Burnett too, so we're pretty much set with lefties in the 'pen.

[blue911]

Gorzo still has another year on his contract

He's arbi eligible, not under contract.

[RD]

RD, always tearing other people's opinions down.

At least I don't show a double standard based on my like/dislike of a player.

So ... Do you consider Zumaya oneof the best when healthy? And do you consider him an injury risk?

[Lintyfresh85]

At least I don't show a double standard based on my like/dislike of a player.

So ... Do you consider Zumaya oneof the best when healthy? And do you consider him an injury risk?

Even if I do, at least I'd offer an alternative to not picking up Zumaya. You just told him why he was wrong... without even giving a better option.

[Slateman]

Alternative : Re-sign Coffey

[blue911]

Alternative : Re-sign Coffey

Alternative: Not sign Zumaya, hell just having maya in his name should be a tip off

[RD]

If you're going to police the boards, and tell me what I need to do, at least read the entire post.

I said I believe our pen is set. With Storen and Clippard on the back end, that leaves about 5 spots left. Burnett and Rodriguez are guarantees IMO. Gorzelanny probably as well.  Matheus and Kimball are two guys that should be there. That doesn't even include Livan or another potential long reliever.

I did give my opinion and an alternative ... The bullpen is set. We don't need to add anyone. 

[DPMOmaha]

Is Kimball expected to be ready to go by the start of the season?

[RD]

I'm not sure about Kimball. I don't remember what the exact injury was, but figured he would be back by then.

If he's not, then there's your spot for Livan. If anyone else does make it, I'm sure it's someone that is a minimum type guy, because it won't be someone who pitches vital innings.

[imref]

I'm not sure about Kimball. I don't remember what the exact injury was, but figured he would be back by then.

If he's not, then there's your spot for Livan. If anyone else does make it, I'm sure it's someone that is a minimum type guy, because it won't be someone who pitches vital innings.

he had rotator cuff surgery, I wouldn't count on him for next year.

[Slateman]

Kimball had a torn labrum. I believe he's not expected back till the all star break

[RD]

Wow, the labrum, really? I didn't realize that. He may never see the bigs again, of that's the case.

We stll have 4 guys for the 8th n 9th and Matheus has the potential to be another. Balester or Coffey are fine in middle relief.

[zimm_da_kid]

Wow, the labrum, really? I didn't realize that. He may never see the bigs again, of that's the case.

We stll have 4 guys for the 8th n 9th and Matheus has the potential to be another. Balester or Coffey are fine in middle relief.

I think it is likely that we let coffey go becuase he is a type B which means we would get a comp pick and we all know how much Rizzo likes his draft picks.