The Cabrera Pick Up

Posted in Uncategorized by Flavor on July 31, 2011

There are an awful lot of Cabrera’s out there and this one is probably my least favorite. Forget his stats, they are underwhelming across the board. And besides his magical run with the Red Sox in 2004, his post season stats are better left unspoken as well….

My question about this suspect pick up is rooted squarely in superstition. As many of you know, he and Edgar Renteria despise each other. When you read the verbal attacks it’s actually difficult to see who is telling the truth and who is lying–could be a mixture of both. But the fact is, our great World Series hero Edgar Renteria loathes this guy and that alone should be enough for the Karma Alarm to be going off loudly. You guys can google the Renteria/Cabrera feud, it’s long standing and easy to find on google……

I don’t care about what we gave up. Neal isn’t going to do anything at this level. But I DO care about acquiring a guy who makes Tejada, Crawford and Fontenot all look like better alternatives.

Bad trade. Dumb trade. And if Sabean was trying to rattle the cage of the post season God’s, he has done so……..

And if Sabean has one more deal left in him can it please be for a catcher? I can live with Torres the rest of the year in CF but we can’t go into the post season with “Stew-Side” behind the dish……

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Wilcojoe said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:01 am

Braves got Bourn.
Flavor said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:05 am

yeah, saw that. I think if Sabes was going to have gotten Bourn it would have been a big deal that involved Brown when he picked up Keppinger.
I don’t think it’s going to happen, but if they could someone get Iannetta from the Rox, I could dig that. He’s got power and is a legit mlb bat (unlike StewSide). But he’s only 28, with Posey back next year I don’t think it’s the best fit. But still……
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:09 am

Braves get Bourn and we get Cabrera. Oh well, at least Zumi’s wife will be happy with Bourn.
She’s really gonna be happy with Bourn and the Braves when they play the Giants in the NLDS.
Sabean? As much as I praised you for Beltran, you’ve shown your true colors once again. I bow down to his royal boobness.
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:23 am
  
  Uh, Braves get Bourn and we get Keppinger, Beltran, And Cabrera is more accurate.
Wilcojoe said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:21 am

Astros get a ml ready of in Schafer whose numbers look less than stellar and three non prospects…. Wade’s gonna get hosed on this one.
- Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:31 am
  
  Yeah. Just what the hell are they putting in the water for you guys in Houston? Wade got flimflammed.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:24 am

Damn. That was a really good for the Braves. They didn’t have to give up any top prospects. I thought for sure they’d have to part with Mike Minor at least. The Braves get a dynamic leadoff hitter who can swipe ya a bag, while we get a decrepit old shortstop who needs someone to swipe him some Geritol.
EdGdsnInExile said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:26 am

Yeah, agreed, WilcoJoe. I really don’t see how an established young OF under contract til 2014, Pence, is worth dealing for prospects, then you deal a rare commodity, a table setter and speedster, Bourn, for a 4th-year’s-a-charm guy who strikes out swinging for the fences plus some prospects. Sometimes people want to play in the trading game who shouldn’t.
Wilcojoe said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:38 am

At Least I should have my choice of great seats when the giants come to town in a couple weeks…maybe I can catch a Cody Ross bat.
eddacker said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:47 am

With Orlando being a flap favorite in the post season to replace Edgar; I am surprised no one likes him now.
Looking at the 2010 numbers it seems easy to see why Brian went with miggy, but Orlando was dead hot early in this season and now he and miggy are as good as even offensively. It now looks like we have 3 second basemen and 3 third basemen, but no shortstop.
BLEEP!
Wilcojoe said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:49 am

If I am Ed Wade I take Neal, Runzler, Ford, and Hembree over that all day long.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:56 am

Zito, Cabrera and NO Whitey in the same lineup? I’m watching the Brickyard 400.

Torres CF, Keppinger 2B, Beltran RF, Sandoval 3B, Schierholtz LF, Cabrera SS, Belt 1B, Whiteside C, Zito P.
blade3colorado said, on July 31, 2011 at 8:42 am

Too bad Cabrera can’t face Jonathan Sanchez all the time . . . Orlando Cabrera is 5 for 9 (.555) with four extra-base hits in his career against Dirty.
blade3colorado said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:11 am

The silver lining of this trade is that teams absolutely love Cabrera because he is joining his ninth team since 2004.
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:16 am

The Braves wouldn’t need Bourne if their last “steal” McLouth wasn’t a total flop…
willieD said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:39 am

Agree with flav on this one. Despite decent numbers, every team dumps this guy…he hit .300 in last season for the Angels with .740 OPS, .289 with .740 OPS for the Twins, and even hit .280 for the A’s. Yet every team seems glad to dump the guy off for unkowns or prospects…the Reds are using Rent in his place, oddly enough. Must be one of the baseball code unwritten rules or something. Hope SF doesn’t get “smart too late.”
Offensively, as the fangraphs guys point out, he is zero upgrade over Tejada, and probably not much better defensively either. Curious move, indeed.
Cult fans take note: since the AS, Nate is 13-58 with 0 HRs, 1 BB, and an OPS of .548. His only “hit” yesterday was the ball the LF lost in the lights that fell for a double. With ross and torres continued struggles, you can’t blame bochy for sticking Rowand and Belt out there once in a while, esp on the road.
Hope getaway provides better news, and Sf continues to romp at home next week vs. AZ, Philly and Pit.
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:43 am

Last time he was picked up at deadline was 2009 by the Twins. He was very instrumental in their postseason run. I’m not wild about the deal but there’s a lot of silliness on this- including a supposed inabilty to play SS. He’s played over 1800 games there and was only moved becuse of Asdrubal- his last full SS year was just last year and he had above average range factor and fielding percentage. Dennis pulled up one stat that was negative because that’s what the Doomer does. Career he is a plus defender at SS- as sad as it maybe, as a full package- hitting and fielding, he’s an upgrade on what we have. I could give a shit whether he and Edgar like each other.
I’ve actually done a little research this morning to make a fair evaluation, rather dissing the trade out of hand- what’s important is that he is an upgrade over a sorry lot.
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:02 am
  
  Miggy has made 10 errors at SS in 37 games.Cabrera made 11 in 120 games last year with above average range. As I said- even though this is hardly a trade to get excited about, for the full package, Orlando becomes the best they’ve had this year. ere’s what a Cleveland writer said about his attitude this year:
  “The biggest thing that Cabrera has brought to the Tribe this year is his winning attitude. His presence in the clubhouse has gotten the Indians believing in themselves and always thinking they can come from behind and win it.”
  Considering the alternatives, he’s well worth the trade for a punchless corner outfielder.
- willieD said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:22 am
  
  I’ll take your word on his range compared to Tejada, but always worry about older guys and how much is left.
  My question tho, is why the Twins dumped this guy if he was such a productive player? Not to mention the Tribe, whom you think would be more than happy to have a seasoned vet for the stretch drive who has been on pennant winning teams. my thought is the stats don’t all add up, but honest I really don’t know.
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:50 am

I’d be very surprised if Sabean doesn’t go all the way and land a catcher before the deadline…
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:57 am

If Cabrera flops, they shouldn’t be afraid to use Keppinger at SS, especially if Freddy and/or DeRosa can make a miraculous return. JK has plenty of experience at SS. This ain’t Mickey Stanley in the ’68 WS…
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:04 am
  
  They have several options if he flops.
- mailorderwife said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:16 am
  
  I really do like this Keppinger!
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:16 am

Baggs speculates that Torres could be out, thinks Crisp could be on the radar. If Andres does go, I’ll post a proper appeciation for last year’s most inspirational and valuable player- a man who should be a hero here after all of us pushing up daisies..
- blade3colorado said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:25 am
  
  Mike, what do you think of Rajai Davis? He is on the outs with the Blue Jays (especially since Rasmus has joined the team and Thames is splitting time with him). He hasn’t performed worth shit this year, but was fine last year. A change of scenery might help him, as it did Ross last year.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:17 am

WTF is Rowand starting? The lineup that was posted that I copied for here had Torres starting.
Add Rowand to Zito, Cabrera and NO Whitey and it’s really, Gentlemen, start your engines.”

Beltran sucks. What the hell did we get ourselves into?
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:21 am
  
  See above, he may be on the way out. Have any of you even noticed that Huff is sitting again?
blade3colorado said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:20 am

Newspapers should have a policy to include the player’s first initial in headlines. “Giants trade for Cabrera.” Really? Which one? Willie? Miguel? Asdrubal? Melky? Daniel? Everth? Fernando? Jolbert? Alberto? Ohhh, Orlando. It would save some baseball fans seizures and heart attacks.
xootsuit said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:21 am

The Renteria/Cabrera feud seems to be based on relatively trivial baseball business dealings in Colombia. Strange country. I knew a guy, a doctor, who had to flee Colombia with his wife and four kids, when the death squads came after him in the mid 1990s. His sin? He volunteered regularly to treat street people in a free clinic. (And there are a lot of street people in Baranquilla — many are kids who work as prostitutes and thieves.) The death squads call them desechables, the disposable ones. I’m sorry. But in that context, I have a hard time getting interested in a minor baseball business deal gone wrong. Renteria’s high dudgeon looks a bit absurd.
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:23 am

Barry Zito: The Human Forfeit
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:31 am

Shut up, Kruk. No analysis is needed. He’s worthless and it IS time to release him.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:32 am

Hey, we only gave the Reds a 3-spot in the 1st inning today. We’re getting better.
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:36 am

With Vernon Wells in Anaheim (AL West and just an hour from Zito’s Hollywood Hills home) that deal makes more sense than ever. Throw in Andres and match up the money somehow. Yeah, right…
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:36 am

Snakes just p/u Ziegler from the A’s to bolster their pen. Now that’s trying.
willieD said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:36 am

Cubs yesterday got 5 in top of first vs. Cards and kyle lohse…and lost 13-5.
Luis Tiant, yes. Quite a legend in the old country, still.
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:39 am

Nate has no power straightaway…
- willieD said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:41 am
  
  just not quite enough…same thing that happens to him at home.
willieD said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:40 am

Give Nate and O props, those were both hit pretty hard.
But bochy can’t let SF get any farther behind. Hope Mota is ready willing and able again.
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:48 am
  
  Just let Zits give up 15, then leave im in Cincinnatti.
  - mailorderwife said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:57 am
    
    Yes. I finally get to watch a game this weekend and get stuck with a pitcher perma stuck in his yoga corpse pose. Let’s leave him there and come back with of those delicious pastries from Cincy.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:42 am

Cabrera fits in beautifully as a Giant. A 1-pitch out. I know he crushed the ball. Hey, nice play Orlando. You might win me over just yet.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:58 am

Whitey just missed that ball in the dirt by a smidgen. In case you don’t know, my definition of a “smidgen” = a light year.
James said, on July 31, 2011 at 10:59 am

Dave Kingman, a “good guy”?
- blade3colorado said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:04 am
  
  Only if “good guy” is defined as racist, misogynist, sexist pig . . .
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:10 am

So it’s actually conceivable that the Giants playoff lineup will have 8 different starters than the lineup that won the final game of the WS.
PawlieKokonuts said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:12 am

Can we borrow the Yankees hitting coach for one day? (C’mon, easy on me; you know I love Meulens and have always said he helped us a lot.) But, 12 runs in one inning? Give us some of that mojo! …which might be defined as Baltimore pitching.
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:12 am

I’m starting to think that’s Ricky Ledee disguised as Carlos Beltran…
PawlieKokonuts said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:16 am

Toronto Sun says Indians and Jays have interest in Iannetta.
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:21 am

Baggs speculates that Jays would then send Jose Molina our way…
These deals and proposed deals are making me ill. Beltran checks his watch when he lopes to first..
- Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:25 am
  
  Relax. Come in from off the ledge. We’re still gonna win this division by double digits. Remember?
  - Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:33 am
    
    On a side note: the 49ers are currently $30M under the cap and don’t look to be spending a dime in the foreseeable future. #11 is gonna need to be Superman, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk all wrapped into one this year. OK, back to the ledge you go…
  - twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:33 am
    
    This from the fuck who has already bailed on the trade he lobbied for all year.
  - twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:38 am
    
    They are…only a trolliot fuck delights in what he perceives as the team failing…You really are Sophilis, aren’t you?
snarkk said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:28 am

Looks like Giants should have started TBA…
- PawlieKokonuts said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:30 am
  
  hahahaha…or DOA
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:42 am
  
  This is really the best outcome thus far. Much worse would be Zits pitching well today.
PawlieKokonuts said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:31 am

I always wanted, and still want, Mike Stanton of the Marlins for our OF, but I guess he’s not available. But everyone is available for the right price.
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:35 am
  
  Figure their price is Belt, Hembree, Brown, and any other blue chipper we might have.
  - twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:37 am
    
    Throw in Runzler and the might do it..
PawlieKokonuts said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:33 am

Verlander no hitter through 5.
snarkk said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:40 am

Bourn to Atlanta, no top picks given up. Baggs says Giants were in on that Derby, but obviously couldn’t get it done. Unfortunate, Bourn would have been awesome here, Torres isn’t close to getting it done and may be on the block, per Baggs.
We get Cabrera, whatever, a minimal upgrade on Tejada. Now Tejada is pissed, per Baggs. Let him be.
At least Sabes is working the phones and moving bodies. They need to fish or cut bait on Zito.
Dbacks bolstering starters and pen.
This division is not 97% in the bag…
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:45 am
  
  But you say you’ve picked them and still do. You pick them or you don’t. And study up on how BP arrives at those percentages before you make an ass of yourself again.
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:49 am

Snarkk has changed his gutsy call to “I picked them from the beginning, even after the injuries. Perhaps”
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:54 am
  
  He’s “all in” 10 percent..
snarkk said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:55 am

They’ve got to get Zitoid back onto the DL somehow.
Talk of putting him in the Pen is ridiculous…
James said, on July 31, 2011 at 11:58 am

But Zito does look like he might make a superb “innings eater.” 10 base runners in 5 innings on only 84 pitches is pretty efficient.
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:01 pm

Bourn’s OPS has been .588, .738, .686, 766…he looks a lot more like a guy who can’t put two good years back to back than a guy “coming into his own”.
snarkk said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:05 pm

Adios for the day Flappers.
This one looks done…
stixwiz said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:07 pm

Precognition working again. When Beltran hit into that DP in the first, it came to mind that the score at the end of the inning would be 3-0 Reds. Sabean has to be the king of ‘on their last legs’ veterans. Well,maybe Cabrera will be enough of an offensive upgrade on Crawford and Fontenot to help win a game or two. Beltran has to be pressing something awful. Has someone placed a permanent hex on the Giants offense this year? Of course both Buster and Franchez had to get hurt to make all that happen.

Time to dump Zito. Saw some talk on Baggs’ site or somewhere that there were plans afoot to move him to the bullpen. Yes, but if Barry is not starting there is little need for a mop-up specialist, except for the rare occasions when one of the aces has a meltdown like happened with Bummer last night. Even so, Mota and Castilla can generally handle those occasions. So there is absolutely no NEED to keep Zits. As a growingly rich team Giants will simply have to swallow the contract. After today’s first inning, no other team is likely to take him on unless SF pays around 90% of his remaining money anyway.

Giants add by subtraction. Zito goes.
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:15 pm
  
  It’s hard to imagine the fury a bullpen member would feel if he got cut for Zits- as Mota gives up the HR… he’s still 10 times more valuable than Zits..
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:11 pm

It’s shit like the Coco Crisp rumors that are making me ill. I’d bring up one of our kids before I go that route. And the snarkky belittling of Torres even going back to last year is pathetic. If it was a career year or “fluke”, if he never got another hit after 2010, he deserves absolutely nothing lessthan a thank you for being our true Angel in the Outfield…one of the most inspirational Giants since Stretch himself…
Rough Trade said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:13 pm

No power coming from anyone but Pablo. They need a slugger, not a rabbit.

Dismal series but chalk it up to a letdown after Philly and prior to the showdown with the Dbones.
James said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:14 pm

A 738 OPS in 2009 was not particularly good number. OTOH, Bourn did win the GG and his CS total didn’t make his attempted steals a net liability.
PawlieKokonuts said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:14 pm

In parsing Bochy’s recent comments, I’m pretty certain Zito will not start again, not this year at least. But then what? An expensive cheerleader?

I’m down. I don’t deny it.

Hope the Gilroy garlic fries are the cure.
Flavor said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:18 pm

Bourn’s value can’t be seen in his OPS. He’s leading the league in steals. When he gets on 1st he basically turns it into a double. What would his OPS be if those 39 singles/walks were doubles instead?
But whatever, it’s pointless to argue, he’s gone. As is this series. Dominated by the Reds. Maybe we had a little let down coming out of Philly…..
- James said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:35 pm
  
  As I said, his SB percentage is high enough to offset the lost scoring opportunities he creates by getting caught stealing. http://tinyurl.com/3vruvdu
  - twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:58 pm
    
    Based on Bourn’s 425 AB, Michael has scored 8 more runs than Torres would in the same number of AB. And Houston is statistically a better hitting team. So in Bourne’s greatest year and Andres’ poor one, Bourne has been only marginally more productive as a lead off hitter. If he vercame his schizo years, Bourn would have been an upgrade based on his youth. If they didn’t have to give up any top prospects….
stixwiz said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:20 pm

Mota has one major weakness. He tends to be highly inflammable in bandbox ballparks due to his proclivity towards the gopher ball. This game is turning into a major humiliation. Snakes, Phillies and Pirates at home are not gonna be a simple walk in the park. But Arizona will have to face some stud starting pitchers. Getting swept in the bandbox means SF will need to try for the sweep against the Snakes. If a couple bats wake up it could happen. Giants inability to hit D-Train was the key to the avalanche.
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:25 pm

James, it was good compared to .588…. Torres deserved last year’s GG as per FanGraphs, BTW. He was also 5th in the NL for MVP, again from FanGraphs,, and gave them 26 million in performance value. I know about “what have you done for me lately” but he deserves a parade, not the trashing from the usual perps..
- James said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:49 pm
  
  It is too bad that Torres is the one who’s moveable rather than Rowand. Crisp and/or Molina as the potential return players is depressing. At 300 PAs, I’m not convinced that Andres’ season is beyond repair.
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:26 pm

A let down coming out of Philly? I hope not. That’s a poor reflection on the manager. And for all the lineup bashing I send his way, I’ve maintained he’s been our true MVP since last year. The first game of the series was a 13-inning tough loss. The last two our starting pitching has just smoked pole. You’re gonna lose those games whether you’re coming off the Phillies or not…
blade3colorado said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:29 pm

No access to video feed – Why is Sandoval and Beltran out of the game???????????????????
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:35 pm

They were traded for Crisp and Mike Lamb
- Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:39 pm
  
  Loo’s doing cartwheels…
Del Mar Dennis said, on July 31, 2011 at 12:54 pm

Can’t wait to hear Kruk tomorrow on the morning show so he can tell me how Zito was the unlucky beneficiary of some bad breaks, balls that found holes and was squeezed by the HP ump.
stixwiz said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:03 pm

Time to take a dump. Zzzzzzzito!
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:12 pm

We pick up Kepp, Beltran, and Cabrera. DBacks get Marquis and Ziggy— whatever you think of our deals, it’s hilarious to hear these doltans like Snarkkles suggesting that AZ made the more significant moves. Ziggy would be ahead of only Mota in our pen. If they got Marquis just for us, he’s not enough to make up what will be a ten game deficit..AZ loses ground on this- which is not determined today but at EOY. As I’ve posted since March- Giants cruise to the West title…with that 97 percent chance to make the postseason…. NEXT!
That's *mr* mrbill to you! said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:13 pm

Time for Zito to sprain his foot for a couple months again.
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:20 pm

From Henry:
“Officially, Giants done dealing. Too many requests for Belt, Peguero, Brown. No catchers available better than what they had”
ewisco said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:29 pm

disheartening weekend. is it my imagination or did the reds score 11 first inning runs (3,5,3?)?
Big flavor said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:33 pm

Now see, if we’d only scored 4 runs or more, we coulda won this game for Zito 🙂
Big flavor said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:43 pm

I guess the back up plan to “Stewside” is Hector. Uninspiring.
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:46 pm

Time to sink or swim with Andres back on top of the LU every day. His July was inconsistent but not all that bad.
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:51 pm

While only a huge fool would think that Beltran will not be a big help, it could not have been a more disappointing start for him. But this one does fall on the starters for putitng the team in the hole immediately- even a high powered offense will not win often when put at an immediate disadvantage like that.
They’ve handled AZ quite well this year, though, I don’t expect that to change this week. Rather mind boggling is that so called fans lke Denny and Snarkk are happy that AZ has hung in- only because I’ve said they won’t…
Big flavor said, on July 31, 2011 at 1:57 pm

Zito ruins the game almost every time in the first inning. I had to follow this one on game day. How excited was krukow about this Zito start?
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:10 pm

Even in the midst of his great suckitude, Kruk was analyzing the start as if there was actually any reason whatsoever to think he would be “back”. I have no idea anynore what they’ll do with him but we know he’d be a disaster in the pen and he did a nice bookend on the last two series by destroying any chance of winning either game. His teammates HAVE to dread his every appearance- they can pay him to go 0-0 for the rest of his contract and it would be the best money spent on him yet. It’s time to end it.
- That's *mr* mrbill to you! said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:20 pm
  
  My sediments exactly. In Econ, it’s a fixed-cost write-off.
  
  “they can pay him to go 0-0 for the rest of his contract and it would be the best money spent on him yet. It’s time to end it.”
  - PawlieKokonuts said, on July 31, 2011 at 7:12 pm
    
    sediments??
  - ewisco said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:23 pm
    
    well, there’s layers here.
DJLoo said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:17 pm

I guess that decision gets made when they activate Dirty. I imagine they’d prefer to drop him in the offeason, but who needs him taking up a valuable roster space for the next month before they expand? I wonder if anyone would even pick him up for free.
Big flavor said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:24 pm

I’m sure someone would pick him up for free: more than once. How many teams gave D-train a shot? I still think the best most realistic thing is to give him a “brain cloud injury” (or something– 2 flaps up for flapper who can name the movie referencing a “brain cloud”.) and then let him hang out with raggs working on that ever elusive velocity.
- twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:33 pm
  
  According to Game Day, he hit 85 twice- most were 82-84.
twinfan1 said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:27 pm

Rather bizarre that Beane did practicaly nothing. He has lots of guys with no real future in Oakland but who would have been nice pieces, of value, to a contender.
Will Durant said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:33 pm

They would just have to hide him for a month but I don’t know why they want to bother. They have exhausted every possible remedy from a month “getting back to having fun” in the minors, new deliveries, arm angles, dropping the slider, and god knows what else.
He might do ok elsewhere without the contract, but it’s obvious he’ll never do it here. The scrutiny and the burden of expectations is just too great.
xootsuit said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:34 pm

No one could do worse than Zito has done lately. He will go down as one of the worst FA signings in mlb history. But the Giants cleared that hurdle last year and, now, they need to clear it again — permanently. Zito is worth nothing. ABZ. Let him go to Japan and learn to throw a knuckle ball. We’ll get a kick out of seeing him pitching for Boston 7 years from now, sporting grey hair and a humble, but relaxed, mien.
PawlieKokonuts said, on July 31, 2011 at 2:40 pm

Per Baggs, Sabean saying Bochy feels Stewside handle the pitchers better than any other catcher(s) available. Color me as skeptical on this as I am that the debt-ceiling debacle will involve the Formerly Decent Word Known as Compromise.
- ewisco said, on July 31, 2011 at 9:26 pm
  
  the problem with whiteside isn’t necessarily the offensive side, it’s that he has terrible mechanics blocking the ball and he makes bonehead plays where he isn’t even paying attention to the ball in play. those are things that a catcher in the BIG leagues shouldn’t have to learn.