Oakland Athletics 2015 - OOTP 16

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Athletics Insider

OAKLAND, CA - In a shocking turn of events Billy Beane, the GM of the Oakland Athletics has been sacked. The A's, who finished with a 88-74 record last year losing to the Royals in the wildcard, have thought to have been disappointed with some of the moves Beane made down the stretch of the 2014 season, mainly the Cespedes deal. With 59 wins at the all star break they were leading all of baseball, however failing to win the division was the final straw, ending Beane's 16 year tenure as GM.
It is thought that young Peter Radke from Austria will takeover, as he embodies several of the same mentalities as Beane.


More on this to follow...

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OAKLAND, CA- The first week of Radke's tenure was not exactly a subdued one. Not one for waiting around, he was straight in to action pulling off a few trades, a couple new faces in the front office and a couple free agent signings, details below.

TRADES

March 26th 2015-

The Tigers send Nick Castellanos, Steven Moya, Buck Farmer and Daniel Fields getting in return Brett Lawrie, Jaycob Brugman, Craig Gentry and Josh Phegley.

April 4th 2015-

The A's did business with the Royals, swapping Eric Sogard for Kelvin Herrera.

Other Transactions

Released- Barry Zito, Luke Carlin and Angel Castro.
Signed International free agents Andy Ibanez and Yadier Alvarez to minor league deals.
Signed Lorenzo Quintana to a one year $ 2,010,000 deal as back up to Stephen Vogt.
Fired scouting director Eric Kubota and signed Norio Yamaguchi to fill his role.
Signed Canadian David Chase to a four year deal to become our Assistant GM.

Lineups, Rotation and Bullpen


Lineup


Billy Burns - LF
Nick Castellanos - 3B
Billy Butler - DH
Ike Davis - 1B
Stephen Vogt - C
Ben Zobrist - 2B
Marcus Semien - SS
Mark Canha - RF (Reddick on DL)
Sam Fuld - CF


Bench


Daniel Fields
Tyler Ladendorf
Lorenzo Quintana


Rotation


Sonny Gray
Scott Kazmir
Jesse Hahn
Jesse Chavez
Drew Pomeranz


Pen


Middle Relievers
Eric O'Flaherty
Fernando Abad
Ryan Cook
Kelvin Herrera
Fernando Rodriguez


Setup
Tyler Clippard
Dan Otero


Closer
Evan Scribner


4 Game Set Vs Texas Rangers:
Probables
Sonny Gray Vs Derek Holland
Scott Kazmir Vs Yovani Gallardo
Jesse Hahn Vs Colby Lewis
Jesse Chavez Vs Alexander Gonzalez


Recap tomorrow...

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Series Vs Texas Rangers


Game 1
OAKLAND, CA- Opening Day was not the fairy tale start Radke and the A's had been hoping for, but It did highlight some obvious weakness'. With a combined LOB (runners left on base) of 13, it is evident that our hitting isn't quite there with runners on. Manager Bob Melvin had this to say, "I think it was obvious to most of those who watched that our boys were simply getting behind in the count far two often. Because of this they had to protect on 2 strikes and then found it hard to really drive the ball with runners in scoring position". Ace pitcher Sonny Gray was solid in his start scattering 7 hits over 6 innings, whilst allowing only 2 earned runs. However, just like the hitters were always seeming to be working from two strike counts, Gray fell behind too many hitters, eventually leading to his pull after throwing over 100 pitches through 6. I think its obvious that the A's are still yet to get where they want to be, they have 161 games to improve so there shouldn't be anything to worry about just yet.

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Series Vs Texas Rangers


Game 2
OAKLAND, CA- New day, same problems. The Rangers put 4 on the board on 8 hits, the A's 1 on 7 hits and a combined LOB of 11. Temperamental Bob Melvin declined to comment, however its obvious to see that there is something missing. Southpaw Scott Kazmir got the nod and was efficient through 8, however gave up 4 runs and with the stuttering offense took a tough luck loss. GM Radke shed some light on the loss," Kazmir was solid today, I thought he located his fastball excellently and never seem to really get into trouble, hence the low pitch count. He gave us a chance to win and that's all you can ask from him."


In other news, Kelvin Herrera has been promoted to closer with Evan Scribner becoming the other setup man. With a spare man in the bullpen, I wouldn't be too shocked to see a roster move later in the week to get some extra help offensively.

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Series Vs Texas Rangers


Game 3
OAKLAND, CA- Starting pitching dominated this one for the most part, but the bullpen blows it. Jesse Hahn and Colby Lewis were duelling through 5 only allowing one run each. But after Hahn was hooked due to high pitch count and Lewis an inning later, this one was decided by the bullpens. Eric O'Flaherty was looking like he was going to get out of the 7th unscathed with two on and two out in a 2 strike count, but Adrian Beltre came up big and delivered a two out, two run single that gave the Rangers the lead, and eventually the win. With only 4 hits in this game, the A's will be hoping their bats can come alive somewhat and salvage something from this 4 game home set.

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Series Vs Texas Rangers


Game 4
OAKLAND, CA- They got the win they were looking for, but it wasn't pretty. A poor start from Jesse Chavez looked to have doomed the offensive-less A's, however the bullpen combined for six 2-hit shutout innings and led the team to the win. Although the A's scored 6 runs, they had a team combined 23 LOB, which still leaves questions over whether this team has the firepower to make the playoffs. Red faced Bob Melvin was delighted with win and said that good teams grind out wins like this. "Its always nice to get that goose egg off the win column and better to do it in front of our home fans. The more one run ballgames you can grind out, the better chance you have of making the playoffs, its the sign of a good team".

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For the next series I will be trying a new format, so comment with what you prefer if you want, and thanks for following!

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Series Review Vs Seattle Mariners (2-1)


4/10/15 - Seattle Mariners (2-1) at Oakland Athletics (1-3)
Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00) vs. Drew Pomeranz (0-0, 0.00)
f/Mariners 1, Athletics 6
WP: Drew Pomeranz (1-0, 1.50) / LP: Taijuan Walker (0-1, 15.00)
SV: N/A

4/11/15 - Seattle Mariners (2-2) at Oakland Athletics (2-3)
Felix Hernandez (1-0, 0.00) vs. Sonny Gray (0-1, 3.00)
f/12 Mariners 7, Athletics 3
WP: Fernando Rodney (2-0, 1.59) / LP: Eric O'Flaherty (0-2, 13.50)
SV: N/A

4/12/15 - Seattle Mariners (3-2) at Oakland Athletics (2-4)
Hisashi Iwakuma (0-0, 6.00) vs. Scott Kazmir (0-1, 4.50)
f/Mariners 1, Athletics 6
WP: Scott Kazmir (1-1, 2.87) / LP: Hisashi Iwakuma (0-1, 6.35)
SV: N/A



Radke's Report
This three game set was an important win to end our homestand to begin the season. Ben Zobrist continued his hot hitting and will leave California with a .364 BA, good enough for best on the team. Marcus Semien also heated up collecting 5 RBI's against Seattle. However, starting pitching is really what impressed me this series, with all three pitchers providing quality starts, especially Kazmir who was dealing over 7 2/3's allowing only 6 hits and punching out 7. All in all, an ok start to our season as we sit a game under .500, and third in the AL West.


A's News

• Billy Burns was injured in the series against Seattle, fracturing his thumb sliding in the outfield. Reports say he could be out for up to 4 weeks, and has been placed on the 15 day disabled list.
• In related news, 5 x All-Star Andruw Jones has agreed 1yr $1,071,750 deal at the O.co, he will be in Houston with the team prior to their road trip.

This Week In Baseball

• AL Star of the Week - Ryan Rua (TEX) 4HR's, 11RBI's, .480/.519/.1.080
• NL Star of the Week - Yasiel Puig (LAD) 2HR, 4RBI's, .429/.448./.750
• Trade - The Colorado Rockies trade minor league C Matt McBride and minor league C Will Swanner to the Arizona Diamondbacks for SP Rubby De La Rosa.
• Trade - The Los Angeles Dodgers send 2B Howie Kendrick to the Kansas City Royals for right RF Alex Rios and minor league C Chase Vallot.
• Trade - The Cincinnati Reds send to the St Louis Cardinals 3B Kris Negron and minor league C Mitch Trees, for LF Jon Jay.
• The Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays did trade, with Houston sending LF Evan Gattis to the Rays for LF Brandon Guyer and minor league CL Cristopher Sanchez.
  
  
  
  
  

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Series Review Vs Houston Astros (0-6)


4/13/15 - Houston Astros(0-6) Vs Oakland Athletics (3-4)
Colin McHugh (0-1, 7.94) vs. Jesse Hahn (0-0, 1.80)
f/Astros 4, Athletics 6
WP: Jesse Hahn (1-0, 4.09) / LP: Luke Gregerson (0-1, 18.90)
SV: Kelvin Herrera (1)

4/14/15 - Houston Astros(0-7) Vs Oakland Athletics (4-4)
Asher Wojciechowski (0-1, 32.40) vs. Jesse Chavez (0-0, 15.00)
f/Astros 6, Athletics 1
WP: Asher Wojciechowski (1-1, 8.10) / LP: Jesse Chavez (0-1, 14.14)
SV: N/A


4/15/15 - Houston Astros(1-7) Vs Oakland Athletics (4-5)
Dallas Keuchel (0-2, 9.35) vs. Drew Pomeranz (1-0, 1.50)
f/Astros 3, Athletics 2
WP: Dallas Keuchel (1-2, 6.32) / LP: Drew Pomeranz (1-1, 2.57)
SV: Scott Feldman (1)




Series Review Vs Kansas City Royals (6-3)

4/17/15 - Kansas City Royals (6-3) Vs Oakland Athletics (4-6)
Chris Young (0-0, 5.40) vs. Sonny Gray (0-1, 3.75)
f/Royals 3,Athletics 6
WP: Sonny Gray (1-1, 3.79) / LP: Chris Young (0-1, 6.97)
SV: Kelvin Herrera (2)


4/18/15 - Kansas City Royals (6-4) Vs Oakland Athletics (5-6)
Danny Duffy (1-0, 1.26) vs. Scott Kazmir (1-1, 2.87)
f/Royals 4,Athletics 0
WP: Danny Duffy (2-0, 0.77) / LP: Scott Kazmir (1-2, 3.74)
SV: N/A


4/19/15 - Kansas City Royals (7-4) Vs Oakland Athletics (5-7)
Yordano Ventura (2-0, 1.98) vs. Chris Bassitt (0-0, 0.00)
f/Royals 7,Athletics 2
WP: Yordano Ventura (3-0, 1.37) / LP: Chris Bassitt (0-1, 5.06
SV: N/A






Radke's Report
Another losing week for the A's, and its clear we just aren't there as a team yet. Our offense has picked up though and besides the shutout in KC, we have had our fair share of hits. Andruw Jones has turned into a great signing. Not only has he hit .357 with a HR in his first week as an A, he came at the perfect time as both Canha and Burns both went down. The two ex-tigers(Fields and Castellanos) have picked it up both hitting over .250, and Fields hit his first major league home run. Kelvin Herrera has been lights out in the backend of the bullpen converting both save opportunities he had. Pomeranz has been our best starter this year posting an era a tick above 2.50. Injuries have really not helped this week, however we are boosted by the return of RF Josh Reddick, and hoping he can make an immediate impact back from the DL. Lets hope next week will be our first winning week of the year.

A's News

• With Canha, Burns and Hahn all making a trip to the 15 day DL, the A's have announced that they purchased the contracts of 2B Joey Wendle, RF Steven Moya and SP Chris Bassitt.
• On Friday the 18th, the A's activated RF Josh Reddick from the DL. Reports say he will not be making a rehab start, but will go straight to the bigs to help out the stuttering ball club.

This Week In Baseball

• AL Star of the Week - Desmond Jennings (TB) 1RBI, .429/.459/.543
• NL Star of the Week - Jason Heyward (STL) HR, 2RBI's, .500/.571/.792

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Series Review Vs Los Angeles Angels (4-8)


4/20/15 - Los Angeles Angels (4-8) Vs Oakland Athletics (5-8)
C.J Wilson (0-0, 3.00) vs. Drew Pomeranz (1-1, 2.57)
f/Angels 4, Athletics 6
WP: Drew Pomeranz (2-1, 3.43) / LP: C.J Wilson (0-1, 4.03)
SV: Kelvin Herrera (3)

4/21/15 - Los Angeles Angels (4-9) Vs Oakland Athletics (6-8)
Nick Tropeano (0-1, 5.87) vs. Jesse Chavez (0-1, 14.14)
f/Angels 3, Athletics 5
WP: Jesse Chavez (1-1, 8.40) / LP: Nick Tropeano (0-3, 5.40)
SV: Kelvin Herrera (4)

4/22/15 - Los Angeles Angels (4-10) Vs Oakland Athletics (7-8)
Matt Shoemaker (1-1, 2.35) vs. Sonny Gray (1-1, 3.79)
f/Angels 2, Athletics 8
WP: Sonny Gray (2-1, 3.46) / LP: Matt Shoemaker (1-2, 3.45)
SV: Tyler Clippard (1)


4/23/15 - Los Angeles Angels (4-11) Vs Oakland Athletics (8-8)
Jered Weaver (0-1, 5.79) vs. Scott Kazmir (1-2, 3.74)
f/Angels 5, Athletics 2
WP: Jered Weaver (1-1, 4.50) / LP: Scott Kazmir (1-3, 4.18)
SV: Huston Street (2)




Series Review Vs Houston Astros (5-10)


4/24/15 - Houston Astros(5-10) Vs Oakland Athletics (8-9)
Samuel Deduno (0-2, 5.40) vs. Chris Bassitt (0-1, 5.06)
f/Astros 9, Athletics 0
WP: Samuel Deduno (1-2, 3.12) / LP: Chris Bassitt (0-2, 6.10)
SV: N/A

4/25/15 - Houston Astros(6-10) Vs Oakland Athletics (8-10)
Colin McHugh (1-1, 5.30) vs. Drew Pomeranz (2-1, 3.43)
f/12Astros 5,Athletics 6
WP: Dan Otero (1-0, 0.00) / LP: Chad Qualls (0-2, 5.19)
SV: N/A


4/26/15 - Houston Astros(6-11) Vs Oakland Athletics (9-10)
Asher Wojciechowski (1-2, 10.61) vs. Jesse Chavez (1-1, 8.40)
f/Astros 9,Athletics 7
WP: Tony Sipp (1-0, 1.93) / LP: Ryan Cook (0-1, 3.86)
SV: Scott Feldman (2)




Radke's Report
My request was fulfilled and we managed to have a winning week raising our record to 2 games under .500 and only a game and a half back in the division. Notable offensive performers were Josh Reddick and Steven Moya, who both hit at a clip above .300, .346 and .313 respectively. They combined for 2 HR's and 7 runs driven in. I asked Reddick about how he was feeling and he said, "Yeah im feeling great. I didn't know how comfortably Id be able to swing, but there is no pain, and I have been able to get bat on ball and im just glad to help the team out". On the pitching side of things, our middle relievers are a bit jittery, so hoping that all evens out especially with newly acquired Trevor Rosenthal, which will hopefully strengthen our bullpen.


A's News

The A's acquired 2B Kolten Wong and CL Trevor Rosenthal from the St Louis Cardinals for SS Marcus Semien and RP Eric O'Flaherty.


This Week In Baseball

• AL Star of the Week - Yoenis Cespedes (DET) 2HR's 10RBI's, .478/.500/1.000
• NL Star of the Week - Matt Adams (STL) 2HR, 10RBI's, .435/.417/.826
• Trade - The Detroit Tigers sent DH Victor Martinez to the New York Yankees in exchange for minor league SS Gregorio Petit and minor league SS Jorge Mateo.
• Trade - The Rays and Pirates did trade, with Tampa sending RP Brad Boxberger and minor league SS Riley Unroe to Pittsburgh for 2B Neil Walker.
• SP Chris Sale is down for 5 months with a bone spur in his elbow.
• Pirates RP Antonio Bastardo is shelved for 2 months with torn triceps.

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Series Review Vs Los Angeles Angels (8-11)


4/20/15 - Los Angeles Angels (8-11) Vs Oakland Athletics (9-11)
Matt Shoemaker (1-2, 3.45) vs. Sonny Gray (2-1, 3.46)
f/Angels 5, Athletics 4
WP: Huston Street (2-0, 4.22) / LP: Tyler Clippard (0-1, 5.14)
SV: Mike Morin (2)

4/29/15 - Los Angeles Angels (9-11) Vs Oakland Athletics (9-12)
Jered Weaver (1-1, 4.50) vs. Scott Kazmir (1-3, 4.18)
f/Angels 4, Athletics 5
WP: Jered Weaver (2-1, 4.50) / LP: Scott Kazmir (1-4, 5.06)
SV: Mike Morin (3)

4/30/15 - Los Angeles Angels (10-11) Vs Oakland Athletics (9-13)
Nick Tropeano (0-3, 5.40) vs. Jesse Chavez (1-1, 8.27)
f/Angels 10, Athletics 2
WP: Nick Tropeano (1-3, 4.36) / LP: Jesse Chavez (1-2, 9.00)
SV: N/A


Series Review Vs Texas Rangers (10-11)




5/1/15 - Texas Rangers(10-11) Vs Oakland Athletics (9-14)
Yovani Gallardo (2-2, 4.00) vs. Drew Pomeranz (2-1, 3.67)
f/Rangers 4, Athletics 6
WP: Drew Pomeranz (3-1, 3.74) / LP: Yovani Gallardo (2-3, 4.81)
SV: Trevor Rosenthal (4)

5/2/15 - Texas Rangers(10-12) Vs Oakland Athletics (10-14)
Colby Lewis (2-1, 2.70) vs. Sonny Gray (2-1, 3.86)
f/Rangers 0, Athletics 9
WP: Sonny Gray (3-1, 3.10) / LP: Colby Lewis (2-2, 4.06)
SV: N/A


5/3/15 - Texas Rangers(10-13) Vs Oakland Athletics (11-14)
Alexander Gonzalez (0-2, 6.53) vs. Scott Kazmir (1-4, 5.06)
f/Rangers 5, Athletics 4
WP: Alexander Gonzalez (1-2, 5.93) / LP: Scott Kazmir (1-5, 5.30)
SV: Keone Kela (1)



Radke's Report
Another week in the books for the A's, and this week signified the end of April. We currently sit 2 1/2 games out of first place, at 4 games under .500. However, we are starting to get a few of our players back, with Jesse Hahn and sam Fuld coming off the DL and due to get a few more back next month. I'm very anxious as to see if either Billy Butler or Ike Davis can get their bats going as they are hitting .217 and .189 respectively through the first month of the season. Hitting coach Darren Bush has been working with both of them a lot recently and he had this to say,"I have been trying to get the guys to be more patient at the plate, they aren't getting themselves in good hitters counts enough, forcing them to protect and this lowers the likelihood for solid contact." If we are going to push on and secure the pennant we will need those guys to come around, ideally before may is out.

A's News

Sam Fuld and Jesse Hahn both
come off the DL, with Fuld going to Nashville on a rehab stint, and Hahn slotting straight back into the rotation. In a corresponding roster move, Chris Bassitt has been optioned to triple A Nashville.


This Week In Baseball

• AL Star of the Week - Steven Moya (OAK) 6HR's, 14RBI's, .407/.429/1.111
• NL Star of the Week - Doug Fister (WAS) 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 4K's, 9.1IP
• Trade - The Colorado Rockies sent CF Drew Stubbs and $3,000,000 in cash, to the Texas Rangers for RP Shaun Tolleson and minor league SP Brett Martin.
• Texas Rangers RP Roman Mendez is out of commission for 6 months with bone chips in his elbow.
• SP Zach Greinke will not be able to play for another 5 months, as the Dodger has shoulder inflammation.

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Series Review Vs Minnesota Twins (13-12)

5/4/15 - Minnesota Twins (13-12) Vs Oakland Athletics (11-15)
Phil Hughes (2-3, 3.31) vs. Jesse Hahn (1-0, 3.86)
f/Twins 3, Athletics 7
WP: Jesse Hahn (2-0, 2.89) / LP: Phil Hughes (2-4, 3.35)
SV: N/A

5/5/15 - Minnesota Twins (13-13) Vs Oakland Athletics (12-15)
Mike Pelfrey (3-2, 3.00) vs. Jesse Chavez (1-2, 9.00)
f/Twins 3, Athletics 5
WP: Jesse Chavez (2-2, 7.84) / LP: Mike Pelfrey (3-3, 3.93)
SV: Trevor Rosenthal (5)


5/6/15 - Minnesota Twins (13-14) Vs Oakland Athletics (13-15)
Ricky Nolasco (2-2, 4.45) vs. Drew Pomeranz (3-1, 3.74)
f/Twins 2, Athletics 9
WP: Drew Pomeranz (4-1, 3.54) / LP: Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 5.45)
SV: N/A


5/7/15 - Minnesota Twins (13-15) Vs Oakland Athletics (14-15)
Kyle Gibson (0-4, 5.96) vs. Sonny Gray (3-1, 3.10)
f/Twins 1, Athletics 0
WP: Kyle Gibson (1-4, 4.54) / LP: Sonny Gray (3-2, 2.96)
SV: Glen Perkins (8)



Series Review Vs Seattle Mariners (13-15)


5/8/15 - Seattle Mariners (13-15) at Oakland Athletics (14-16)
Taijuan Walker (3-2, 2.73) vs. Scott Kazmir (1-5, 5.30)
f/Mariners 2 Athletics 4
WP: Scott Kazmir (2-5, 4.87) / LP: Taijuan Walker (3-3, 3.50)
SV: Trevor Rosenthal (6)

5/9/15 - Seattle Mariners (13-16) at Oakland Athletics (15-16)
Felix Hernandez (3-1, 4.08) vs. Jesse Hahn (2-0, 2.89)
f/Mariners 1 Athletics 3
WP: Jesse Hahn (3-0, 2.39) / LP: Felix Hernandez (3-2, 3.94)
SV: Trevor Rosenthal (7)

5/10/15 - Seattle Mariners (13-17) at Oakland Athletics (16-16)
Hisashi Iwakuma (1-4, 4.94) vs. Jesse Hahn (2-2, 7.84)
f/15Mariners 7 Athletics 8
WP: Kelvin Herrera (2-0, 0.00) / LP: Tom Wilhelmsen (0-1, 4.66)
SV: Trevor Rosenthal (8)



Radke's Report
A week in which we went 6-1, really showed the improvements we have made at the plate. The ever reliable pitching staff were solid once again, but there were two players that really stood out this past week. Firstly, 2B Kolten Wong who has been hitting leadoff, hit .414 with an OBP of .469. The trade looks to have been a success for us. Secondly, OF Daniel Fields who has been batting in the 9 hole, finished the month batting .346 with 5 RBI's. Lets hope we can keep this form up.

A's News

The A's welcome back from the DL, RP Sean Nolin and OF's Mark Canha, Coco Crisp and Billy Burns. All but Canha go to the minors for rehab assignments, with Canha joining the big club, and in the corresponding move, 2B Joe Wendle was optioned to triple A.

This Week In Baseball

• AL Star of the Week - Eric Hosmer (KC) HR, 4RBI's, .571/.609/.810
• NL Star of the Week - Carlos Gomez (MIL) 3HR's, 4RBI's, .367/.406/.767
• Trade - The Colorado Rockies sent LF Corey Dickerson to the Chicago Cubs for C Welington Castillo and minor league RF Eloy Jimenez.
• Trade - The Cleveland Indians trade minor league SS Audy Ciriaco and minor league C Francisco Mejia to the San Diego Padres for SP Tyson Ross and $3,000,000 in cash.
• Trade - The Detroit Tigers send SS Jose Iglesias to the Mariners for SS Brad Miller.
• The Giants trade SP Tim Hudson and $3,000,000 in cash to the Astros for LF Robbie Grossman and minor league SS Kristian Trompiz.

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Radke's Report
We have really come together in may and june, sitting 9 games above .500, good for second in the division. Moya has been great in his rookie campaign, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 51. The pitching has been great too, Hahn has had a great year, too good a year, which is in part why I traded him.



We are looking good in the division, sitting a game and a half out of first and currently holding the second wildcard spot. 7 games ahead of the mariners, I believe barring any major injuries we wont have to worry about anyone behind us.



With Vogtnot hitting and already at 30 years old, I decided to try and get Posey, who was and still is tearing the cover off the ball. I gave up a lot including SS Franklin Barreto but I believe this deal will come good.



With Chavez not doing well I needed a new starter, and when I saw Cueto was not playing well either, I jumped at the opportunity to pick up the ace, unfortunately he is out for a couple months but he has a chance to be back before playoffs.



Finally, Hahn was having an all star year, and I feel this is unsustainable with the stuff he has, so I went out and got a new power bat in Encarnacion as we are near the bottom in the AL for home runs. Also as a throw in, we got SP and top prospect Miguel Castro.

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As you can see we choked at the end. The Angels really got hot and we cooled off and failed to even get the wildcard. The positives to take from the season, and there are a few, is the trades we did. The one with the Tigers we got Moya, who has a real chance of winning rookie of the year, you can see his stats below. We also got another ace to support Gray in Cueto to solidify our rotation, although he is a free agent this year. The offseason coming up...

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This trade with the Mets was really just to get rid of Abad as we have so many good relievers. Lagares is a gold glove winner and a decent contact hitter, similar to Burns but better, so to sweeten the deal we threw him in. Also Michael Saunders who we acquired in the trade below, is injured for 5 weeks to start the season so we needed a good centerfielder.


We have Encarnacion who is fresh off a season hitting 30+ home runs, and Canha following his great rookie season and now a 4* player, we didn't need Davis. We got in return a decent prospect in Smith and a big league player In Saunders.


This trade was purely and simply to dump Butler's awful contract which pays him 10 million in his mid 30's. I got what I could for him.

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We are now considered to have the 3rd best overall record, and the best in the AL. At least OOTP thinks my moves were good.

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