Just visiting from AN

Let me re-phrase the bit about picking up Tejada’s full contract. I’d prefer the A’s to pick up the $13 million because I’d rather part with the cash then lose an extra prospect as compensation for Houston picking up part of the tab.

Looking at your wish list, I can tell you right now that the only Catcher you’d be remotely interested in (and had a chance at acquiring) would be Landon Powell and his thrice repaired knee. The only RH CF in the farm system is Aaron Cunningham and I’m not sure the A’s would part with much more tthen him for Miggy. Plus a lot would depend on if you think Cunningham could cut it in CF… scouts disagree on that point.

I think the best value could be had by dipping into the A’s pool of young SP. You could probably get one of Gio Gonzalez, James Simmons, Dallas Braden, Dana Eveland or Vincent Mazzaro in the deal. Henry Rodriguez might be available as well, but is he going to make it as a SP? You could probably get one of Oakland’s AAA SS as well, either Gregorio Petit or Cliff Pennington… which might not sound like much but you gotta understand, if the A’s actually had an outstanding SS prospect in the upper minors I wouldn’t be here asking about Miggy!

Personally speaking, it seems as if the A’s have soured on Gregorio Petit. This is a guy who’s not ever going to be a great hitter but Baseball America ranked him as the A’s best defensive infielder prior to last season, so his value is tied almost entirely in his glove. So I think you could get Petit and one of the above arms for Miggy. Depending on which arm you choose you might be able to get a 3rd prospect as well.

Now, I should have said this in my post, but any A’s interest in Miggy would come only if they failed to sign Furcal to a FA contract. I’m hoping they wouldn’t fool themselves into thinking Renteria would make a viable Plan B. And in case you’re wondering… Bobby Crosby is probably the worst starting SS in major league baseball so if the A’s are serious about contending in 2009 they need to upgrade at SS.

Thanks for the reply.

Which is what I lack and hope to attain!

Just curious, but do you expect the Astros to contend next year? What do they need to do to have a shot if they aren’t ready to go as is.

The thing I want you take away from we, the Astros fans, is that our ownership is inept and fully believes we can contend next year if we just freeze this years roster.

After seeing the names you laid out, especially Gio, I would hope Ed Wade would have the sense to pull the trigger if there were real interest on your end, but I think that Drayton McLane will veto the hell out of the deal.

As for my thinking the Astros can contend: as it stands currently: Not a chance in hell. If they acquire Ben Sheets or a decent pitcher to complement Roy Oswalt, they have a shot, maybe, at the Wild Card. I think JR Towles will improve and I get the feeling that Michael Bourn might be able to OPS .700+ which is a huge a improvement.

I’m very interested in this idea now, though. I’m glad you came over here and got the ball rolling on it. I will also say that I’m just scared for us to deal with the A’s because Beane will just talk circles around poor Ed and probably get us to pay his entire contract and send us some grounds keepers.

It makes no sense to trade for Holliday and not make a run for the division crown. That said, Holliday isn’t enough to get it done. The A’s need at least 1 more bat and I think Miggy could offer that. He’d certainly be an improvement over what we have and at 1 year/$13 million even if he falls completely off the face of the Earth it’s not going to be something that plagues the A’s in 2010 and beyond.

Beane is pushing hard for Rafeal Furcal. He poses a much greater long term risk then Miggy does. The two SS might end up costing exactly the same amount of money in 2009 but with Tejada there’s no chance of a hang-over later.