Home Paper and Broomstick Sluggers

The Hiatus is Finally Over..

2010-02-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

..and it couldn't have come at a better time. There's so much happening in the world of sports; I'm salivating at the thought of all the psycho-stimulation I'm going to get in the coming weeks. The NFL scouting combine is only hours away, the NBA trade deadline is just passed, MLB spring training is finally under weigh, and the Winter Olympics are speeding full force toward a dazzling finish. Let's not forget the Tiger Woods controversy exposing new details and Mark McGuire's brother dropping the dime on his steroid use. Can you blame me for finding the world of sports utterly fascinating? Those stories will all come in due time; for now, let's talk baseball:

Players and coaches have reported to their respective camps after a very busy off-season. The AL West boasts the two most active teams this winter, with the Mariners appearing to be most improved, and the A's, well.. different. Seattle added Cliff Lee to team with (King) Felix Hernandez at the top of their rotation, while Casey Kotchman and Chone Figgins added to an infield that already has Jose Lopez and Jack Wilson. Throw Milton Bradley and Eric Byrnes into that mix, and you've got an outstanding defense to support your pitching staff. Anaheim's reign appears to be over, and Texas just can't seem to figure it out - Seattle could emerge as the favorite to win the division.

Oakland's face lift began with last season's deadline deals, and continued with the free agent departures of many of it's mainstays; Bobby Crosby, Adam Kennedy, Santiago Casilla. Billy Beane wasn't done there, bringing in at least eight players expected to contribute heavily this coming season, including Kevin Kouzmanoff, Coco Crisp, and Ben Sheets. Another half dozen or so were brought in to add depth and compete for backup roles. All moves were made as insurance against the injury bug that has sunk it's teeth into the Oakland organization for the better part of the last three years. For the first time, the A's success will not rest solely on the wilted shoulders of it's veterans - health still remains a concern, however with the youth pushing it's way through the minors, the team appears to be in good shape. It won't be long until names like Taylor, Carter, Green, Cardenas, and Weeks are grabbing headlines.

Raiders rush attack loses Neal

2009-08-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Lorenzo Neal, who is widely considered the best blocking fullback in football history, was released by the Raiders today. His departure comes as a surprise, as it was thought that he would pave the way for a talented Oakland backfield. Such a move suggests the team is comfortable with the progress Oren O'Neil has made in returning from injury. Luke Lawton, who was an injury replacement early last season, has also been a reliable lead blocker.

Defensive back, Rashad Baker, will take Neil's place on the roster. He spent the last two seasons in Oakland before siging a free agent contract with Philadelphia this off-season. The Eagles released Baker on Tuesday.

Brett Favre is a selfish [expletive]

2009-08-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Nevermind the gaudy statistics. For the moment, the NFL's most prolific passer is behaving like a spoiled child. His deception of the media, fans, and athletes who hold him in such high regard, is disloyal. Would it have been so much more difficult to just say he was on the fence?

Spectators aside, Brett Favre's unsportsman-like actions will effect his new team. His veteran presence should boost locker room morale, however it's likely some of his teammates may be resentful. Favre's hold out allowed him to avoid the rigors of training camp, and step right into a starting job, while the rest of the team labored through the summer. It's disrespectful of Favre, to the players who are working hard to earn a roster spot; if he wants to be part of the team, he owes it to his teammates to put forth an equal effort. The expressions of both Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels when asked of the matter, were worth more words than either of them could share. Perhaps the most effected in this mess, is John David Booty; not only did he relinquish his jersey number, but he may also soon be looking for work.

Still, Minnesota seems to be a perfect fit for Favre. Their dominant offensive line, and explosive running game will relieve him of some of his pressures. Now that the Vikings have an effective game manager, they become the team to beat in the NFC. Favre's numbers, this season, will not be what we are used to from him, but they will still be respectable.

SIDE NOTES: Mark Schlereth's reaction to the Favre matter should be noted .. The Raiders' loss of Chaz Schilens makes Javon Walker's performance all the more important .. Michael Vick is must be very thankful Favre's decision came when it did .. You would think, that with all the money Brett makes, he would afford a new baseball cap.

The fight in Tom Cable

2009-08-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today, reports surfaced that Raiders head coach Tom Cable punched an assistant earlier in the month. According to stories, defensive assistant Randy Hanson made insulting remarks to defensive coordinator John Marshall, promting a tirade from Cable. When asked about the incident, Cable said it was "an internal matter."

Though inapropraite, such a display of passion bodes well for Cable's image. The Raiders haven't seen such fire in a coach since Jon Gruden left after the 2002 season. They also, have had only one winning season during that time span, and that only came the first year after his departure. Perhaps this display of flare from the head coach will be enough to squeeze more inspired play out of his players. After all, it isn't the talent that's been lacking all this time.

Being Jon Kitna

2009-08-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Jon Kitna begins his 13th NFL season, this year, as Tony Romo's backup; a position he was never intended to surpass, yet seemingly always appears to overcome. Overcoming the odds has become his forte, as Kitna, an undrafted rookie, positioned himself to succeed one of the most prolific passers in football history. In his first season after replacing Warren Moon, Kitna led the seahawks to an AFC West title, and playoff birth. Still, he was underestimated. After having his starting job handed to someone else in Seattle, Kitna made his way to Cincinatti, where he led the bengals to their first non-losing season in almost a decade, en route to a comeback player of the year award. He would wind up making a Pro Bowl appearance before the Bengals drafted the future of their franchise, and successor at the quarterback position, in Carson Palmer. Kitna accepted his mentor role graciously, and eventually found himself on the bench again. Not one to be silenced without a fight, Kitna moved on to Detroit where he put together consecutive 4 thousand yard passing seasons, before injuries shortened his stay. Now, on the bench yet again, Jon Kitna awaits another opportunity to prove himself. Though his resume should speak for itself, one has to wonder; when will Jon Kitna get the respect he deserves?

NOTES ON THURSDAY'S PRESEASON GAME BETWEEN OAKLAND AND DALLAS: Chaz Schilens looks like he's coming along very nicely. This young receiving corps looks very promising .. Bruce Gradkowski looked VERY impressive. He makes you wonder what he could do with the right weapons .. Looks like Plunk is still having trouble pronouncing names. You think he's got Asomougha down yet? .. Raiders signed Ricky Manning this week. The secondary must be struggling if Tom Cable is looking at a third helping of the DeAngelo Hall/Phillip Buchanon "look at me, look at me" syndrome .. I'm starting to think Al Davis' vision is so bad, he needs yellow field markers to know where the play is. Looks like another long season of penalties for the Raiders .. is Nick Miller the next big undrafted rookie? .. shout out to Jonni Rogers, the gorgeous blonde from my high school ceramics class. Those silver poms suit her perfectly .. Charlie Frye is competing to stay in football at this point, because he doesn't look like he's making this team .. I have a lot of respect for Louis Rankin, for making it out of Stockton. Anyone know the whereabouts of Willie Tuitama? .. Got a bandaid for the camera man who got demolished on the Will Franklin touchdown? .. Where is this pass rush the Raiders have been working so hard on? .. I pray Matt Shaughnessy's hair style is a product of rookie hazing, and not a fashion statement .. 95

Vick and Eagles, perfect match?

2009-08-13T18:12:00.001-07:00

Could the signing of Michael Vick to a 2 year deal, suggest the Eagles lack of faith in Donovan McNabb to remain competitive after this season? Vick no doubt seems a perfect fit as a backup/wildcat quarterback for this team, however the length of the deal seems to bring into question both his, and the Eagles' long term futures. The expectation for Vick had been to sign a one year contract, so that he may resurrect his career and potentially draw more interest and larger figures in the next off season. The $5.2 million option he has for next season suggests otherwise. It seems as though the Eagles could potentially see Vick in their immediate future, yet are still too weary to commit to a more binding contract. If Vick is productive enough, the Eagles and McNabb could see themselves in a quarterback controversy.

DHB shaping up to be the better pick

2009-08-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

When the Raiders were on the clock with the seventh overall pick in April's Draft, Michael Crabtree was the favorite to end the teams receiving woes. In fact, many of the experts were torn between Crabtree, and Missouri's Jeremy Maclin as the best available at the position. Al Davis saw differently. His selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey drew boos from the crowd, and curiosity from the analysts. Today, that pick doesn't seem so bad.

Heyward-Bey is the only of the first round receivers to have signed his contract in time for training camp. The others remain unsigned, including Crabtree, who threatens to hold out the full length of the season and re-enter next years draft, ala Mike Williams circa 2003. Williams, as we recall, sat an entire season to be drafted 10th overall the following year. He, like Crabtree, had questions about his speed. What may be a prelude of what to expect should Crabtree hold out, Williams' career floundered, catching only 44 passes over 3 years, with as many different teams. The other holdouts of this years draft class are missing valuable training camp time, that could slow their progression as professional. JaMarcus Russell is infamous for his rookie holdout, that delayed his debut until after mid-season.

With Heyward-Bey in camp, and ahead of his peers, his selection no longer seems quite so bad. Is the day coming, where we learn to trust in Al Davis?

Against all Odds

2009-08-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Where do we look when we need true inspiration; when what drives us, we find lacking? What role models do our youth turn to, as not only a guiding force, but a beacon of hope when the light goes dim?

In a society where Terrell Owens and Michael Vick jerseys fly off the racks, and sportsmanship comes behind showmanship, displays of strength and courage seem to disappear behind a blanket of obscurity. Still, it never fails, that through the haze, a light shines brighter than any other. Very rarely do you see the comradery displayed by two Lincoln-West High wrestlers, or a pair of Central Washington infielders. It is in moments like those, that we remember why we play our game. It is those athletes, who never hear their name called on a national stage, that we find our real heroes; our inspiration.

As few and far between as they may come, they still serve as a refreshing reminder of what little good our society still has. They provide the hope, that one day we will recognize random acts of sportsmanship as common; and showmanship will be frowned upon once again. Though it seems bleak, a new day is coming, where team is no longer spelled with an "I". For the hope of a future so bright, we have those unsung heroes to thank.

Crosby's time to shine

2009-07-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Somewhere, Bobby Crosby is smiling again. Today, the A's traded Orlando Cabrera to the Twins, in a much anticipated deadline beating deal. The move will mean Crosby goes back to his natural position of shortstop, from which he was upseated when Cabrera was signed at the beginning of the season. Cliff Pennington is expected to be called up to overtake Crosby's former utility role.

While the deadline is still a few hours away, leaving time for more deals to be done, it looks as if this is going to be it for the A's--or position players, at least. Billy Beane has positioned his team to have a formidable young infield in the coming years, leaving speculation about the expiring contracts of it's veterans. Both Bobby Crosby and Adam Kennedy have contracts that expire at the end of the season, and Eric Chavez will be entering the final year of his deal. Kennedy has expressed interest in resigning, but that scenario looks unlikely as the A's won't have a need for him after this year; his solid play may have earned him a more lucrative contract elsewhere, anyway.

Crosby has been understandably disgruntled. The A's made no secret they wanted to move him over the off season, but couldn't find a taker--instead, they signed Cabrera and handed him the position Crosby held for the previous 5 seasons. A move like that wouldn't sit well with any player. Still, the former Rookie of the Year has remained professional, and done whatever asked to help his team. This opportunity to be an every day player again, may be his last to prove he deserves the job. No team was willing to take a chance on Crosby in a trade, and it's likely teams will be equally as weary to do so in free agency. What he does in the coming months may ultimately determine the remainder of his career.

Reaffirmation?

2009-07-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Article posted at 5:26pm ET, 30 minutes after the post preceding this one:

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090724&content_id=6034072&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

Read about Brett Wallace and Eric Patterson below.

Who is Brett Wallace to the A's?

2009-07-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Brett Wallace is the catalyst. The baseball world has known for some time that Matt Holliday would be moved; but adding Wallace, who Sports Illustrated magazine recenly dubbed as "off-limits", was the pebble to create ripples in the pond that is Oakland baseball. With 7 days left until the trade deadline, Billy Beane may have positioned himself to make a splash.

Wallace is currently a thirdbaseman. With Eric Chavez's future in Oakland uncertain, it's no surprise that the A's are looking for his successor. However, many question Wallace's fielding ability, noting his main draw as his offensive prowess. Though not exactly gold glove material, the 22 year old is still very athletic, making it possible that he be moved to a more suitable position to his skill set. This is where it gets interesting.

Oakland seems to envision the ASU product as a first baseman, however the log jam at the position may create some problems with playing time. Sean Doolittle and Cris Carter both figure to see big league at bats within the coming year or so, and both are highly touted with first base experience. Doolittle could shift to an outfield corner, but that still leaves Daric Barton as the primary big league first baseman, with Jason Giambi's time coming to an end, and Jack Cust's ability to play outfield or DH. While Barton is still young, he could be the odd man out-a potential like his could command alot in a trade.

In other scenarios, Wallace's athleticism could be better used in the outfield. Ryan Sweeney is about the only outfielder in the organization who has job security. Travis Buck and Aaron Cunningham are both incredible talents, however both have struggled at the major league level. With no prospects on the verge of breaking through to the big leagues any time soon, it's possible that Wallace could find his way to the outfield, ala Adam Piatt circa 2001.

With a few more players sure to go, and a week left until the trade deadline, I wouldn't count out Billy Beane just yet. As history shows us, he's never done wheeling and dealing, and always has a few tricks up his sleave. This could only be the tip of the ice berg.

So long, 2009

2009-07-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

So long, Jason Giambi. It was a nice thought, you coming home and refurbishing your tarnished image. Hopefully your "strained quad" will improve faster than your image tanked with the steroid scandal. Odds are, you're bound to recover successfully from one, right? The freak injury just seems the most logical possibility at this point.

So long, Matt Holliday. The compensatory draft picks at the end of the season, or prospects before the trade deadline that the A's will receive for you will help the organization more than your $13 million price tag has. Your enthusiasm over playing in Oakland is well noted.

So long, Orlando Cabrera. Congratulations, you got hot before the trade deadline. So far your list of accomplishments since coming to Oakland consist of robbing a talented shortstop, who worked exceptionally hard over the off season, of much deserved playing time. Oh, and of course your recent hot streak improved your trade value. Way to be a team player-anything for a (personal)victory.

So long, Jack Hannahan. You were the first casualty of this season's horror-fest. Your work ethic and effort were not good enough to combat your challenges at the plate. Maybe your two home runs as a Mariner today, will prove the theory about one man's trash.

So long, the misery of three consecutive losing seasons, and the temporary "win now" mindset of Billy Beane. Hello, the return of farm-grown talent and electricity of a youthful clubhouse. The future looks bright-then again, we've been saying that for years.

In Billy Beane we trust.

A's Acquire Scott Hairston

2009-07-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today, the Oakland Athletics traded minor league pitchers Ryan Webb and Craig Italiano to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Scott Hairston. Though productive thus far, this season, Hairston joins an already crowded outfield, prompting questions of Billy Beane's future plans for the team. The acquisition of Hairston almost ensures one of the the teams outfielders will be moved. Given his talent and short term price tag, Matt Holliday is an enticing piece for potential contenders. Travis Buck, though very talented, has not been as productive as the organization would like; and if we have learned anything from Billy Beane, it's that no player is off limits. Adam Kennedy, Bobby Crosby, and Orlando Cabrera could also be moved.

With the team's future prospects not being far from the big leagues, Beane could be looking for players to fill needs now. The loss of Josh Outman combined with the struggles of Gio Gonzalez, Sean Gallagher, and Dana Eveland could turn into a veteran starting pitcher. Justin Duchscherer should also be returning from an injury that has kept him out of action all season.

Ignoring Eric Patterson

2009-07-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Through Friday, Eric Patterson is batting .308. His .381 on base percentage, 27 stolen bases, and 55 runs are all ranked first among every day starters for the A's triple-A affiliate, Sacramento RiverCats. Over the course of his also team leading 299 at-bats, his numbers have remained consistent and productive; more consistent than Chris Denorfia, Gregorio Petit, and Daric Barton, all of whom have seen considerably more big league time this season. Today, neither player is hitting above .270. Barton has shown a recent surge in bat production, but that doesn't discount the fact that his batting average hovered around .200 for most of the season. Even Jack Hannahan, who is known for his defensive prowess, was hitting around .150 when he got called up to replace the injured Eric Chavez. During his 52 game stint for the big club, he never hit above .200.

As the A's continue to stuggle with injuries and offensive production, Billy Beane has had to tap into his minor league pool many times this season. But is he tapping at the right place? The production Patterson has shown, and his versatility should make him hard to miss. Why then, has he only seen 8 big league at bats, compared to the 50+ observed by his less than productive counterparts?

Bright future in Oakland.. err, Fremont?

2009-06-30T01:30:00.001-07:00

As it was a decade ago, Oakland's young pitching staff is garnering all the publicity. While the prospect of Mazzaro, Cahill, and Anderson spear heading this rotation may certainly be terrifying, it's the team being built around them that's going to propel the A's back into contention.

Shaping up the infield are Cris Carter(1B), Jemile Weeks(2B), and Adrian Cardenas(SS). Only Cardenas has played above double-A, however with all three abusing pitching at their level, it's a safe bet that some, if not all will get serious consideration come spring. Cardenas and Carter are both hitting above .300 for double-A Midland, while Carter leads the team in 6 offensive categories. Cardenas' production isn't far behind, however, as his numbers are less because he earned a call-up to triple-A Sacramento earlier in the season. Weeks missed the beginning portion of the season due to an injury he sustained toward the end of last year. Since his return, he's hitting .387 with 7 homeruns in only 23 games thus far.

With Ryan Sweeney appearing to be a staple in Oakland's outfield for years to come, the A's are hoping prospects Sean Doolittle and Aaron Cunningham will become solid bookends in the near future. Cunningham has already seen big league action over the last two seasons, and while Doolittle figures to be more of a first baseman, Carter's presence and limited fielding potential make him the more likely suitor for the job.

Making another move toward ensuring the security of their infield, the A's selected USC short stop Grant Green in the first round of this years draft. With Eric Chavez's future in doubt, Green becomes the heir apparent to the 6 time gold glover. He leaves the Trojans with a career .359 average and the team record for triples.

Cunningham, Cardenas, Carter, and Weeks are ranked as the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 9th best prospects in the Oakland organization respectively, according to Baseball America. The most frightening thought perhaps, is that Cunningham is the elder of the bunch at a mere 23.

By the way, that name, "Home Paper and Broomstick Sluggers".. it's an homage to my childhood days using newspaper bundles for bases and broomsticks for bats. I can't tell you how many balls we lost over the neighbors fence.