Duke to start?

TheFlyingBomb · 10-18-2007, 02:26 PM

Duscherer to be tried as a starter?

They're speculating, anyway. With Loaiza gone, and the rumors I've heard about Blanton getting traded away, I wouldn't be shocked if they tried it. Meyer didn't show much at the major league level this year (although I think he might still have it in him) and I'm not sure about Braden. Interesting thought, anyway.

Nat · 10-20-2007, 03:29 PM

Hmm, the cliche 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind....
I think he could make a halfway decent starter, but Duke was also sorely missed in his set-up role last season. Other than Casilla's short-lived dominance, there were alot of blown saves before the lead went to the 9th.
And why would the A's trade Blanton, when the starting rotation is already iffy?

TheFlyingBomb · 10-24-2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nat

And why would the A's trade Blanton, when the starting rotation is already iffy?

Not too sure about the logic there myself. But BB almost did it at the deadline and apparently couldn't get a deal worked out with the Dodgers. And he let Loaiza go for nothing. So I wouldn't be shocked if Blanton is somewhere else on opening day and we're up a prospect or three.

Nat · 10-27-2007, 04:40 PM

The Loaiza release was a head-scratcher to me at the time also, but was done for payroll reasons, and in retrospect to how he pitched in September, not a bad move after all. Blanton's value, in relation to his salary, is much higher and trading him without bringing in an outside replacement would be a universally bad move. I hope it doesn't happen.

TheFlyingBomb · 11-01-2007, 11:33 AM

Looks like it might happen:

Quote:

Another prominent member of last season's disabled list, reliever Justin Duchscherer, continues to recover from hip surgery, to the extent that the A's are considering making him a starter in the spring, "health provided," Beane said. "It's something Justin has always wanted to do."
Duchscherer was primarily a starter in the minor leagues, including stints under A's manager Bob Geren in the Boston organization and with Oakland's Triple-A Sacramento club. Were Duchscherer to win a spot in the spring, the A's rotation would be set, barring any trades or injuries, with Dan Haren, Rich Harden, Joe Blanton, Chad Gaudin and Duchscherer.

lnik

That all sounds nice, but of course Harden is going to be a question mark. There's no telling how Duke will do over a full year (I think it might be kind of like Gaudin this past year) and Gaudin is a question himself - did he just get tired in the second half of 2007 or did the league figure him out?

10-18-2007, 02:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
TheFlyingBomb Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 760	Duke to start? Duscherer to be tried as a starter? They're speculating, anyway. With Loaiza gone, and the rumors I've heard about Blanton getting traded away, I wouldn't be shocked if they tried it. Meyer didn't show much at the major league level this year (although I think he might still have it in him) and I'm not sure about Braden. Interesting thought, anyway. __________________ Oh, whatever.

10-20-2007, 03:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nat Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,214	Hmm, the cliche 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind.... I think he could make a halfway decent starter, but Duke was also sorely missed in his set-up role last season. Other than Casilla's short-lived dominance, there were alot of blown saves before the lead went to the 9th. And why would the A's trade Blanton, when the starting rotation is already iffy?

10-27-2007, 04:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nat Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,214	The Loaiza release was a head-scratcher to me at the time also, but was done for payroll reasons, and in retrospect to how he pitched in September, not a bad move after all. Blanton's value, in relation to his salary, is much higher and trading him without bringing in an outside replacement would be a universally bad move. I hope it doesn't happen.