IowaAngels27

Still laughing that people doubted him. Weav is the man!

The last of the 4 steps I prescribed is to release Kevin Jepsen!
That said, I'll take 3/4 any day of the week. A .750 average is not too shabby.

Whatever Green would provide defensively wouldn't be any worse than what Freese is providing right now.

No dipshit, check their gamelogs. Their past 4 appearances including tonight.But not just the results, the way they're throwing the ball and how their secondary pitches have looked.

I think we can all agree that Joe Smith is our best reliever. The easy fix here is allow Smith to face the opposition's best hitters.  For example, last night Smith faced 9-1-2 in their lineup.  This caused Frieri to face 3-4-5.  So basically we are having a lesser pitcher face better hitters.  This makes no sense to me.  On this team there should be no "closer."  Smith just needs to be the guy who faces a team's best hitters, whether that be in the 7th, 8th or 9th innings.  This seems to be what the A's do and obviously it has worked so far with Johnson, Doolittle and Gregerson.

I think we can all agree that Joe Smith is our best reliever. The easy fix here is allow Smith to face the opposition's best hitters.  For example, last night Smith faced 9-1-2 in their lineup.  This caused Frieri to face 3-4-5.  So basically we are having a lesser pitcher face better hitters.  This makes no sense to me.  On this team there should be no "closer."  Smith just needs to be the guy who faces a team's best hitters, whether that be in the 7th, 8th or 9th innings.  This seems to be what the A's do and obviously it has worked so far with Johnson, Doolittle and Gregerson.

As of right now I'd stick with a platoon and go with whichever guy is a better matchup against an opposing pitcher. If they're both getting ABs, then the sample size to compare is larger and hopefully one guy can stand out over the other!

95 wins. Luck will finally be on their side

I'd say almost any contract in this situation is a good one.

I'd say almost any contract in this situation is a good one.

We are about one week away from pitchers and catchers reporting. I really do believe that this team has enough to win a World Championship. Jerry did a great job improving this team and now it's Sosh's turn to get it done. Here's to healthy season that is one to remember!

Relax.
Blanton will be ready opening day.

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!
 

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him.
 
He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem.  Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now.  Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!