Another team, another new manager. This time, we welcome long time Billy Beane buddy Bob Geren (any more B-words?) to the Big Show (there you go). Expect this team to run more than they did under Ken Macha, though they won't be leading the division in steals any time soon. Ultimately though, the question with this team, and this organization, revolves around how they'll deal with the idea with the seemingly annual lose of a franchise player.
Let's Be Honest:
This team won't miss Barry Zito that much. True, someone is going to have to throw those innings. But, even with him, they wouldn't be that good. They're not better than the Angels, not on paper at least. Figure Rich Harden to be healthy for a full season, and expect big things. Why this season? I have no idea, just a gut feeling. And, as this heading says, let's be honest here, Dan Haren and Joe Blanton are more than capable, not to mention that Mr. Zito hasn't been a pitcher worth missing (esp. not at a price of tag of 18 mil. per) since 2002.
Time To Step It Up:
Eric Chavez. Enough with this guy, already. It's been 3 years of average to poor play. If he's really the top-tier 3B everyone likes to think he is, it's about time he shows it.
Number One Reason Why ROY Means Nothing:
Bobby Crosby, ROY in 2004, has played 180 games over his last 2 seasons. Not that this should come as a shock to anyone, but this guy stinks. The ROY season wasn't even an aberration--he batted .239. He can't hit, and he can't stay healthy. Sounds like a real winner to me.
New Addition To The All How-Is-This-Guy-Still-A-Major-Leaguer Category:
Catcher Jason Kendall must have naked pictures of Billy Beane with farm animals, because there simply is no other explanation as to how he is still a Major League, starting catcher. Yes, he hits for a good average. But so do second basemen. The man has hit 4 homeruns in his last 450 games. Enough said.
The Over/Under Bullpen:
Why is it called that? Simply because everyone not named Huston or Justin has a 2 month O/U set for when they'll be cut. Alan Embree. Jay Witasick. Chad Gaudin. If you can't cut it with Tampa Bay, shouldn't that say something?
It's Only A Matter of Time Before...:
Mike Piazza returns to his bully pulpit (the catcher's position). Sure, he signed as a DH. But, there is always the chance Jason Kendall, Adam Melhuse, and Jeremy Brown are all injured. Or, that they're all not good enough to catch everyday. Wait, that last part is true already. So, I guess us Pizza man fans will have to wait for a serious string of injuries.
Milton Bradley goes crazy again, throwing a lawn chair at a fan or lighting a bench coach's uniform on fire. The man is insane, and not that good of a ball player to justify it. Wouldn't you just rather have a steriod user? Randy Velarde, anyone?
Bold Statement (s):
- Nick Swisher will hit 40 homers.
- Dan Haren and Rich Harden both will win 15 games.
- No one will accurately pronounce Bob Geren's name (hard of soft G?), until he snaps mid season and pulls a Milton Bradley, taking his frustration out on an unsuspecting Oakland Tribune writer.
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