Jays/A's

[JiriHrdina]

What are the chances the Jays could land Zito? Clearly he needs a change of scenary. As are likely not going to compete this year and could potential move him for some prospects. And the Jays do have some extra payroll to spend. Seems to be a possible fit there?

[CaramonLS]

Zito could land here pretty easily, but I think Beane would love to steal some of our pitching prospects in the deal. Which I would not be so eager to part with.

Gaudin... well I like him a lot. The only thing is right now he is just a 2 pitch pitcher. Throws mostly a 2 seamer with that nasty nasty slider, combine that with his slight demenor and you can see why most people want him to be a reliever. Problem is that he would much rather start. If he wants to continue starting he needs at least 1-2 more pitches.

Since his FB usually goes at 91-92, Slider at 78 MPH, a change up would be perfect to slot in there. Ideally he could have 3 pitches which look nearly Identical. Of course he would have to make sure the change stays up at 83-84 MPH so there is at least a bit of velocity difference in there. Thats why I think he could easily be a number 1 starter in the future. That and the fact he is only 22.

As for the Lilly thing, when a pitcher (even your number 2) doesn't get a long with your pitching coach who has had amazing success producing some of the best pitchers in Oakland...

[CaramonLS]

Originally posted by JiriHrdina@Jun 5 2005, 06:11 PM
Interesting to hear about Lilly. I think we need a solid #2 starter though behind doc and not a rookie. The problem is that Lilly's value isn't great right now. Can we get something decent in return for him?

His value is really bad right now. No way we could get anything for him.

Say he rattles off 10 more starts and has a solid ERA over that specific time period of say 3ish... then yeah we could move him and just blame his poor start on injury/adjustment.

That being said, I don't think Lilly is in our longterm plans, which is why I was thinking he might be moved down the line. Because those guys I mentioned are the ones that we will probably see this year... we have a lot coming down the Pipe. Just we are extremely thin on hitters.

Heck I didn't even touch on our AA guys who we could see as well. Zach Jackson is moving up the Ranks (since being our first rounder last year), Vermilyea has been lights out as a reliever, Perkins and Banks are also likely to see time in AAA ball at least this season.

[CaramonLS]

First inning summary for the Jays:

Basically Gaudin gives off a leadoff HR to Scutero, then appears to settle down.

An Infield double by Crosby - Damned baseball didn't score an error on a POPUP to the Infield which McDonald lost in the sun. Blatent Error, but of course Gaudin gets the ERs.

Bloop single by Hattaberg (could have been caught), Walk to Kielty, then it 4 runs later, its 5-0 at the end of the first.

All runs earned (BS).

[habernac]

and 9 -0 after 2, with another homer by Chavez. Embarassing start to an already disastrous road trip.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Got home, flipped on the TV, and BAM! ........9-0 A's.

Too bad, I was really looking forward to relaxing on the couch and watching some ball. Guess I'll surf CP for awhile instead.

Jays better get their crap together before I see them next week. I know I'll have a few wobbly pops at the game, but if they're down 9-zip in the second when I see them, I'll be completely trashed by the 4th.

[Flickered Flame]

I really see Zito going to the Padres or another national league team but the cost will be high. Beane will not give him away for nothing and I have had some articles sent to me for Oak-SF area that reports Beane wants at least 2 solid pitching prospects. Although Zito has pitched really well the last little while, but the offence just let him down.

As for the Jays the pitchers that will be available Pineiro, Franklin, Zito, Kip Wells are all pitchers that every other team will be after, they need to find a dark horse to grab, someone similar to Hillenbrand, not a big name or contract, but someone who can come in and get the job done.

For all you Jay fans upset that they have lost 2 or 3 to the M's and 3 of 4 to the A's...the A's are a better team then what their record is. They have had massive injuries which put far more pressure on the young pitchers then they could handle. I think you can see with some of the guys back the A's are a decent team. The A's have won 6 or 7 on the homestand, now I hope they can continue to play well.