Moneyball? You Mean Lack Of Money (Talent) Ball

by Geomerzi on Nov 10, 2008 9:26 PM PST Comment 6 comments

The day the Friars instilled Sandy Alderson in his current position, and effectively neutered KT, was the end of the (post Gwynn) Padres we all came to love. A team of loveable, semi-talented, and semi-successful, Nintendo-esqe characters has been replaced with "these guys". Gone are the Kleskos, the Nevins and everybody's favorite Mark Loretta . Nothing agains the current players, but "Come On!". Of course some quality players (and individuals) remain, though they are dropping like flies.

When will the insanity end? The Padres are cutting ties with the 2nd most recognizable face in Padres history, and the most dominant pitched since the BBQ king of Petco. Next they will follow the lead of the A's, and trade the "prospects" they have tempted us with for a Perennial All-Star with poor road splits, and one year left before free agency.

Every week we sit by our radios, listening to XX interview King Sandy. Hoping we would hear something "real". Anything but the measured horse puckey that flows so slowly from his mouth. At least with a KT interview, you hear a personality and get a feeling for him as a Man, even when he is toeing the company line. This has to change.

Moores, or rather Mrs. Moores, needs to sack up and end the Alderson experiment now. Sure KT couldn't build a farm system or even draft a 5th starter, but at least you knew he would hold onto an identity for the franchise.

The solution:

Offer Trevor one year plus an option at $6m per. Keep Jake. Spend some money on an outfielder and sign a veteran starter ($18m for both for 4 years). KT will work his magic in the bullpen. The young hitters will progress without having the "philosophy" stuffed down their throats. Trade one thrid basemen, you have to pick one. Either Kouz to the Twins for Boof Bonser or Headley to the Rangers for a catcher, or a prospect starter and middle reliever. Some good luck and… poof, people will come to the ballpark in September for something other than a give away night.

They could make this work but Sandy will never allow it. So we will have to settle for another horrendous year and to make matters worse, No Matty Vasgersian. Whoa is me.

Maybe I'll become a Dodger fan....No, I’ll never be THAT desperate.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Gaslamp Ball community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Gaslamp Ball managers or SB Nation.

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Sat what you want about the A's trade for Holliday...

…but at least they’re trying to win. They’re giving their fans something to be excited about.

by Drama on Nov 10, 2008 9:38 PM PST reply actions

I'm no GM

But I can play one on the internet.

Basically the changes you speak of, overpaying Trevor and signing free agents at prices that will get you very little talent (its sad but true that $18 million in today’s market can barely buy you one difference maker, definitely not two of them). Which means that what you are suggesting is that they pay the fans lip service by signing some token veterans to make the fans feel like the team did something in the offseason just so that they’ll finish as an also-ran. I don’t know about anybody else, but I want nothing to do with that team. I either want one going all out once they have the core talent in place to make a run, or rebuilding to acquire young talent so that they can start a run. Anything in between and your not a successful organization, but a charity to overpaid baseball players.

Homer: Ohhhh, The Denver Broncos.
Marge: Whats wrong with the Denver Broncos?
Homer: Marge you just don't understand football.

by Wonko on Nov 10, 2008 10:21 PM PST reply actions 4 recs

Totally Recommend

Ron Rivera. Change we can believe in. YES WE CAN!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 10, 2008 10:39 PM PST up reply actions

I know this

The Giants and Dodgers tried this. The only reason the Dodgers are doing anything is because Depodsata built them a great farm system and signed some good FA for the core, and the Red Sox got desperate. Signing big FA to make the fans happy usually never works (and when it does its only for a season or two).

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. " ~Frank Sinatra

by Sammy G on Nov 11, 2008 11:19 AM PST up reply actions

A successful organization?

First, the moves would position the Padres for 2010, while providing an entertaining product on the field. The payroll would still be below or equal to last year’s and in 2010 they would have Peavy (a true #1)in his prime, Young (solid #2) in his prime, Unknown free agent pitcher who gives you a .500 record and 200 innings, one of 10 minor league pitchers in the 4 spot and a veteran 1 year rental starter. They would be positioned to spend the big money or trade this wonderful minor league talent for the missing pieces, to prepare for a 3 year run at pennant.
Second, This “team” is a business and keeping the fans connected to the players is good business. A competitive (see entertaining) team now, will ensure a steady fan base and steady income. It is a lot easier to get a fan to renew season tickets, after than pony up and get them for the first time and make the 6 month commitment.
But hell, I am just playing a GM on the internet.

by Geomerzi on Nov 11, 2008 9:57 PM PST up reply actions