Oakland A's : Sign Esteban Loiaza (SP) to 3 year deal

Post by **Baseball=Life** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 2:41 pm

So, what do folks think about the Esteban Loiaza pick-up by the A's?

He won 21 games in 2003 and started the All-Star game for the American League. He had a 3.77 ERA for the Washington Nationals last year, going 12-10. He struck out 173 in 217 innings pitched last year. He is 34 so he will provide the A's with a much-needed veteran presence on the staff.

The conventional wisdom in the media is that this means Barry Zito (SP, age 27) will be traded by A's GM Billy Beane, because the A's now have 7 starting pitchers. Zito is still contracted by the A's for 2006, though not beyond '06.

The A's still desperately need a right-handed power hitter to give Eric Chavez (3B) protection in the lineup. Some names floated so far include: Frank Thomas, Reggie Sanders, Mike Piazza, Rondell White... All would be risks and have serious drawbacks such as being older, injury-prone, and their careers are all in decline in terms of raw productivity.

I say we go for another Tiger: one of Chavez' best friends ----> Outfielder Craig Monroe (20 HRs last year and hit .277). He's be more within the A's spending range, the A's have a history of trading pitching to the Tigers (Bonderman, for example)... I'm not sure of Monroe's contract status however.

Post by **retep** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 3:52 pm

Good move to have an older arm out there. I know the Giants wanted him, but he likes lplaying in the AL more. Lucky bastards!

AntMoOAK · Post by **AntMoOAK** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 5:40 pm

Craig Monroe would bring energy and a defensive presence to the A's not seen since Byrnes. But why the heck would Detroit give one of the more promising players in the leauge ? For Barry Zito... The Tigers would be the laughing stock. (I like Zito by the way)

Post by **Baseball=Life** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 2:22 pm

Yeah, you're probably right about the Tigers not wanting to part ways with Monroe.

Hey, on a separate, but related, note:

Who is getting some A's 2006 Season Tickets? I know Pat and Chris are, what about you Anthony? If you're into it, I'm doing the Fielder's Choice package (20 games) at Field Level, 3rd base side. Probably section 126, right by the A's bullpen mound. Anyway, Nick Warwick, Jason Gohlke, and I are doing season tickets there, but I haven't placed the order.

If you, or anyone else, is into sitting with us, let me know and I'll do the order all at once and you can reimburse me. It will cost you about $580. You'll actually get 21 games, because the final Spring Training game against the Giants is free to all season ticketholders.

So send me a private message if you (meaning anyone) is interested in some very good season tickets. We plan on going to Saturday games primarily. I can outline the specific games we have in mind if you are interested. Let me know ASAP.

Southpaw Slim · Post by **Southpaw Slim** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 9:41 am

Actually, it's 22 games if the Home Opener is comped. BTW, it's a great way to reserve those coveted field level Yankees and Botox -- er, I mean PoSox -- tickets! What's better than a view of the Coliseum from 12 rows back? We even had some "front row" tickets last year.

Post by **Baseball=Life** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 11:37 am

Yeah, it's 22 games, my mistake. The home opener against the Yanks, and the final spring training game against the Giants are the two free (comped) games.

AntMoOAK · Post by **AntMoOAK** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 12:38 am

Great deal Scott. However, me and my dad usually go the cheap ass route and do the FC in the third deck for $ 120. Then at that, I barely had a chance to go last season.

Southpaw Slim · Post by **Southpaw Slim** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 10:13 am

Unfortunately, AntMo, It's my understanding the A's no longer offer season tickets for the upper deck. So now's the time to upgrade.

Post by **Baseball=Life** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:38 am

Yeah, they removed all season ticket sales from the upper deck.

I'm not calling in my order until Monday, or Tuesday at the latest.

If someone wants to do half a package and split it with someone else, go for it.

11 games / $300 (find someone to do the other half)

22 games / $600

Field Level, maximum 16 rows back from front row, right by A's bullpen mound.