Random Acts of Contempt

The Texas Rangers have apparently maneuvered a deal to ship Juan Gonzalez to Montreal. Gonzalez has a no trade clause in this, the final year of a two-year deal. Gonzalez has made it clear he wants at least a three-year extension on his deal and still has 48 hours plus to make up his mind.

He would be wise to decline the deal should the Expos play in Montreal next year. Gonzalez has a host of ailments, including a back problem for which he can’t get insured. Playing on turf 100 times a year won’t be good for him, especially without the DH in the National League.

Speaking of injuries, Jermaine Dye made the Whine List for the month.
"It runs through my mind all the time. I'm trying to stay off it as much as possible, but I don't want to take a day off, I want to be out there. When I'm in there, I think it changes the appearance of the lineup -- teams think, 'Here's a guy who struggling but can potentially hurt you.’ I'm just dealing with it, trying to get by. As of late, it's hurting every day. It might have something to do with it. I just hope I wake up one day and it's OK."

This was after Jermaine went 0 for 5 last night and left nine on base.

NINE

How many other teams boast a number five hitter who’s on-base percentage is under his own weight?

The A’s had better do something about Jermaine Dye and it’s going to need to be an extended rehabilitation assignment. We’ll send out a flyer to Will Carroll and see what he thinks.

News For Wombats

On a crazy whim, if the A’s are somehow involved in an Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran or Eric Gagne trade - we would not be the least bit surprised.

There are too many instances of media reports and stories all happening at the same time. With the tool, Phil Rogers, slapping out a piece on Eric Gagne and…

Jim baker weeping for the plight of Alex Rodriguez’s ego and …

Adam Piatt being given the “shape up or ship out” crap speech from Ken Macha and…

Tom Verducci suggesting that Rick Peterson is somehow an option for teams, you start to wonder if some columns and articles are bleeding into one another.

COINCIDENCE?

Here’s a quick game, take the next five puff pieces on MLB players not coming from MLB.com. Five to one says that four of those players are mentioned in trade talks and at least two of the five are traded.

Eric Chavez is getting a whole lot of publicity lately. A lot more than a struggling .250 hitting corner infielder should be granted. Why? He’s a free agent after next season and it’s that time of year when owners and GM’s start looking around to make pathways for the off season saliva fest. See Miguel Tejada and the All Star push and then MVP push and the Jason Giambi Question prior.

Get in My Office, Get Out of My Office and Can You Wait Outside My Office?

Either Ken Macha is making the worst case ever for a bigger office or he really has some communication problems. As if the Thad Bosley fall out wasn’t enough, apparently Ken has had to have repetitive meetings with the outfielders. Cut through the crap, Ken. Tell Terrence Long he’s on the way out and Chris Singleton he’s a 4th outfielder and spot starter. Send Jermaine Dye back to Sacramento for two weeks until he dominates. Give Adam Piatt the starting job for a week to showcase him and if it doesn’t work out, have a group hug and package him away in a deal.