New Year's Eve things

by Adam J. Morris on Dec 31, 2006 11:25 AM CST in News

I've got nothin' this morning.

Well, here...I've got a column by Ray Ratto, that echoes some of the stuff I said last night about the A's not being all that strong for 2007...

But that's about it.

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Joe Blanton

I find it really odd that there are rumors of the A's trading away a pitcher. Is Lastings Milledge so desirable that the A's can afford to go into '07 down two starters who combined for 32 wins last year? I find it hard to believe that Beane, someone so focused on value, would give up a pretty good starter when they already lost 200+ IP and 16 wins.

by t ball on Dec 31, 2006 11:51 AM CST reply actions

I agree with you T-Ball

Blanton while not spectacular did take the ball every 5th game and pitched 190 plus innings. The only logic I could see is that the A's are high on some of the younger pitchers who filled in last year when Harden went down to injuries. Still that trade would make them thin should another injury happen in 07.

by Bigfan16 on Dec 31, 2006 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

My guess

Beane sees this as a move that helps them long-term.

I think he sees Blanton as the type of LAII that you can develop regularly from within, whereas he sees Milledge as a future star at a position that is difficult to fill.

And I also thinks Beane sees 2007 as a sort of rebuilding year...not saying he isn't going to try to compete, but I think he views this as an opportunity to try to re-trench and work towards strengthening the team for 2008 and 2009.

by Adam J. Morris on Dec 31, 2006 12:19 PM CST up reply actions

Rebuilding

I wondered about that, too. Since the AL West is not the AL Central, perhaps he feels he can retrench and still compete.

by t ball on Dec 31, 2006 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

I think

actually I hope, he is being too smart by half. While the Milledge talent is intriguing, there are some real concerns about his maturity and make-up. For me, I'd never give up an established rotation horse for him, but then, I'm making roster decisions at my breakfast nook table this morning and BB's somewhere basking in his glorified glory.

by ncrangerman on Dec 31, 2006 12:39 PM CST reply actions