Oakland A's Dynasty

[mattman1624]

After losing to the New York Yankees in 5 games in the 2000 playoffs, Billy Beane had had enough of being a general manager in the major leagues. He figured if he could guide a team to the playoffs, anyone could.
So he turned the team over to the first person he saw on the street one morning on April 1st, 2001.
That person was me, Matt E. Allen, a 21 year old slacker. I was a long time A's fan and was unbelievably excited to have the chance to become the GM of my favorite team. I quickly signed all the contracts and legal documents, and the Matt E. Allen era had begun!

I'll be posting month by month recaps during each season, with records, hitter and pitcher of the month, and any other information I think is important to be passed along.

Next post: Lineup and Pitching Rotation, plus minors.

[mattman1624]

LINEUP:
CF Johnny Damon 91/91
LF Terrance Long 81/87
1B Jason Giambi 98/98
3B Eric Chavez 82/87
DH John Jaha 79/79
SS Miguel Tejada 89/89
RF Jeremy Giambi 78/78
C Ramon Hernandez 79/79
2B Frank Menechino 72/75

BENCH:
IF Olmedo Saenz 80/80
OF Eric Byrnes 67/74
OF F.P. Santangelo 77/77
IF Mark Bellhorn 63/68
C Sal Fasano 78/78

MINORS:
OF Adam Piatt 72/80
OF Ryan Christenson 68/68
OF Robin Jennings 67/68
IF Mario Valdez 70/77
IF Jose Ortiz 62/68
IF Andy Abad 68/72
C Tom Wilson 64/68

ROTATION:
SP Tim Hudson 93/93
SP Barry Zito 82/92
SP Mark Mulder 68/75
SP Gil Heredia 71/71
SP Cory Lidle 70/71

BULLPEN:
CL Jason Isringhausen 79/79
SU Jim Mecir 81/81
SH Chad Bradford 68/75
MD Jeff Tam 77/80
LG Mark Guthrie 74/74
AT Eric Hiljus 64/67

MINORS:
RP T.J. Matthews 76/76
RP Luis Viscaino 61/67
RP Mike Magnante 72/72
RP Chad Harville 62/68

RATINGS:
Batting: 77 (70
Pitching: 60 (54)
Defense: 79 (98)
Lineup: 77 (75)
Rotation: 70 (57)
Bench: 73 (78)
Bullpen: 50 (51)

Difficulty: Fan
Ticket Prices: $20.00
Concessions: $3.25, $4.75, $2.50
Broadcast: Normal Broadcast

Expenses: $8 million for farm system, scouting, medical.

Next: April 2001

[mattman1624]

Record: 14-10
Place: 3.5 games ahead of Seattle (10-13)
Team Avg: .290(.296) Team ERA: 4.62(5.79)

Batter of the Month: Jason Giambi (.362/13/27/.469/.819)

Pitcher of the Month: Jason Isringhausen (1-0/2.57/6 saves in 6 chances)

Financials:
Cash: $5,561,034 (-1.1M)
Ticket prices raised from $20.00 to $21.00

Around The League:
Best Record: Boston 17-5 Worst Record: Tampa Bay 7-17

Milestones: April 27 saw Barry Bonds hit his 500th home run.

My Thoughts: An okay start, starting pitching needs to improve some. If Jason keeps it up, he'll have another MVP award for his trophy case.


Next: May 2001

[mattman1624]

Record: 15-12 (29-22 Overall)
Place: 1st in West, 5.0 games ahead of Anaheim(23-26)
Team Avg: .290 (.293) Team ERA: 5.02(5.73)

Batter of the Month: Jason Giambi (9 hr. in month)

Pitcher of the Month: Tim Hudson (4-2/2.93/.224oba/54k's overall)

Financials:
Cash: $5,331,705 (-1.3M)

Around The League:
Best Record: Boston 36-14
Worst Record: Baltimore 18-33

Milestones: May 16th saw Sammy Sosa hit his 400th home run. Paul O'Neill picked up his 2000th career hit and 1000th career run this month.

My Thoughts: The team is hitting well, but the rotation needs to improve.

Next: June 2001

[mattman1624]

Record: 17-9 (46-31 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 9.5 games ahead of Texas(36-40).
Team Avg: .288(.291) Team ERA: 4.86(5.76)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.312/31/82/.409/.650) 2nd in HRs, 3rd in RBIs, 5th in OPS.
Who's Not Batting: John Jaha (.259/11/38/.403/.483) Put on the bench, replaced in lineup by Olmedo Seanz (.403/4/18/.507/.677 in 24 games).

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (8-4/3.55/74k's/.216oba)
Who's Not Pitching: Cory Lidle (1-5/9.15/23k's/.321oba) replaced by Erik Hiljus in Rotation.

Financials:
Cash: $6,881,073 (+211K)

Milestones:

Gary Sheffield hit his 300th career home run. Sammy Sosa scored his 1000th career run.

Next: July 2001 (Will include A's all star team selections, major trade reports, and a mid-season review.)

[mattman1624]

July 2001

Record: 15-12 (61-43 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 6.5 games ahead of Texas(54-49).
Team Avg: .283(.289) Team ERA: 4.74(5.65)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.310/36/99/.410/.607)
Who's Not Batting: Jeremy Giambi (.256/3/32/.340/.370) traded to KC w/ John Jaha for Jermaine Dye

Who's Hot Pitching: Tim Hudson (11-3/2.29/129K's/.191oba)
Who's Not Pitching: Jim Mecir (5-5/6.61/46K's/.287oba)

A's All Star Reps:
Jason Giambi -reserve went 0 for 2.
Tim Hudson - did not play
Barry Zito - did not play

Trades:

JULY 24, 2001
Cubs receive F.P. Santangelo (CF) and Mark Guthrie (SP)
Athletics receive Carlos Zambrano (SP)
Athletics receive $1,000,000

JULY 31, 2001
Mariners receive Gil Heredia (SP)
Athletics receive Jamie Moyer (SP)

JULY 31, 2001
Royals receive Jeremy Giambi (RF) and John Jaha (1B)
Athletics receive Jermaine Dye (RF)
Royals receive $4

Analysis: Heredia wasn't having a good year (7-7/5.38/.281oba) and Moyer is a pretty good replacement.

Zambrano will spend a year or two more in the minors, but then he'll be ready to anchor the rotation.

Jeremy started the season well, but his production was falling, and Dye gives us another big bat in the lineup.

Financials:
Cash: $2,754,577 (-$914K)

Milestones: Juan Gonzalez hit his 400th home run. Greg Maddux picked up his 250th win.

Next: August 2001

[mattman1624]

Record: 15-12 (76-55 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 11.0 games ahead of Texas(65-66).
Team Avg: .285(.288) Team ERA: 4.77(5.61)

Who's Hot Batting: Jermaine Dye (.327/10/26/.391/.681) since joining Oakland.
Who's Not Batting: Mark Bellhorn (.194/1/2/.256/.333) in 13 games off the bench.

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (15-5/2.99/152K's/.201oba)
Who's Not Pitching: Erik Hiljus (4-5/6.26/87K's/.303oba)

Financials:
Cash: $3,466,354 (-$203K)

Milestones:
Mark McGwire hit his 600th career home run on August 17th.
Ken Griffey Jr. collected his 2000th career hit on August 23rd. Kenny Lofton also collected his 500th steal on this date.

Next: September 2001 and the end of the regular season.

[mattman1624]

Record: 21-10 (97-65 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 16.0 games ahead of Texas(81-81)
Team Avg: .290(.289) Team ERA: 4.68(5.61)

Team MVP: Jason Giambi (.312/50/156/.416/.597/200 hits)

Team Cy Young: Barry Zito (20-7/2.91/199K's/.203oba/3 shutouts)

Financials:
Cash: $3,667,252 (-$2K)
Avg. Attendence: 25,530

League Milestones:
Roberto Hernandez recorded his 300th save. Mark McGwire knocked in his 1500th RBI.

Next: Playoffs

[mattman1624]

Playoffs:
AL
Boston Red Sox (106-56) vs. Cleveland Indians (95-67)
Oakland A's (97-65) vs. Chicago White Sox (96-66)

NL
Colorado Rockies (98-64) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (88-74)
Atlanta Braves (102-60) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (90-72)

Game 1
Mark Mulder (15-9) vs. James Baldwin (10-9)

White Sox 5
Athletics 2

WP: J. Baldwin
LP: M. Mulder
SV: K. Foulke


Game 2
Jamie Moyer (12-10) vs. Jim Parque (12-9)

Athletics 8
White Sox 6

WP: J. Moyer
LP: J. Parque
SV: J. Isringhausen


Game 3
Tim Hudson (17-6) vs. David Wells (14-9)

White Sox 2
Athletics 1

WP: David Wells
LP: Tim Hudson
(Both pitched complete games)


Game 4
Barry Zito (20-7) vs. Cal Eldred (10-12)

Athletics 6
White Sox 1

WP: Barry Zito
LP: Cal Eldred


Game 5
Mark Mulder (0-1) vs. James Baldwin (1-0)

White Sox 5
Athletics 3

WP: Jim Parque
LP: Mark Mulder
SV: Keith Foulke


Other Divisional Series:
Red Sox 3-0 Indians
Rockies 3-2 Phillies
Braves 3-1 Cardinals

Championship Series:
Red Sox 4-2 White Sox
Rockies 4-0 Braves

World Series:
Red Sox over Rockies 4-0

Next: Free Agent Signings, Draft, Post season awards and analysis

[mattman1624]

November 6, 2001

Resignings:

RF Eric Byrnes 3 years at $560,000
RF Robin Jennings 7 years at $390,000
C Tom Wilson 7 years at $310,000
SP Tim Hudson 7 years at $13,300,000
SP Barry Zito 7 years at $13,100,000
SP Erik Hiljus 7 years at $300,000
RP T.J. Mathews 5 years at $1,600,000
SP Carlos Zambrano 3 years at $950,000

Free Agents Signings:

SP Curt Schilling 3 years at $4,200,000
SP Roy Oswalt 4 years at $2,600,000
RP Octavio Dotel 5 years at $2,300,000


Awards:
AMERICAN LEAGUE (2001)

Cy Young Pedro Martinez (BOS)
Player of the Year: Manny Ramirez (BOS)
Rookie Of The Year: Ichiro Suzuki (SEA)

Gold Glove (P): Rolando Arrojo (BOS)
Gold Glove (C): Jason Varitek (BOS)
Gold Glove (1B): Carlos Delgado (TOR)
Gold Glove (2B): Homer Bush (TOR)
Gold Glove (3B): Tony Batista (TOR)
Gold Glove (SS): Deivi Cruz (DET)
Gold Glove (LF): Darin Erstad (ANA)
Gold Glove (CF): Chris Singleton (CHW)
Gold Glove (RF): Chris Richard (BAL)

NATIONAL LEAGUE (2001)

Cy Young Mike Hampton (COL)
Player of the Year: Larry Walker (COL)
Rookie Of The Year: Jimmy Rollins (PHI)

Gold Glove (P): Mike Hampton (COL)
Gold Glove (C): Damian Miller (ARI)
Gold Glove (1B): Kevin Millar (FLA)
Gold Glove (2B): Pokey Reese (CIN)
Gold Glove (3B): Scott Rolen (PHI)
Gold Glove (SS): Neifi Perez (COL)
Gold Glove (LF): Eric Valent (PHI)
Gold Glove (CF): Andruw Jones (ATL)
Gold Glove (RF): Larry Walker (COL)

...Sigh... No awards, better luck next year.


2002 Draft Picks:

1. Round 1 #27 SP Willard Kleinen 75/90
2. Round 2 #57 RP Grant Stewart 74/82
3. Round 3 #87 LF Theodore Watkins 61/75
4. Round 4 #117 3B Jaime Gamarra 57/70
5. Round 5 #147 1B Maury Wolcott 50/70
6. Round 6 #177 LF Nicanor Pulido 50/59

Next: 2002 Roster and April 2002

[mattman1624]

Lineup:
CF Johnny Damon 91/91 (.309/4/21/8steals/21runs scored in 23 games)
LF Terrance Long 91/91 (.324 in 12 games)
1B Jason Giambi 97/97 (.400/4/17/.517/.614 in 19 games)
RF Jermaine Dye 92/92 (.333/5/20/.619slg in 21 games)
3B Eric Chavez 91/91 (.324/8/19/.779slg in 20 games)
SS Miguel Tejada 89/89 (.309/4/13 in 17 games)
C Ramon Hernandez 81/81 (.295 in 17 games)
DH Olmedo Saenz 81/81 (.275 in 16 games)
2B Frank Menechino 78/78 (.323 in 14 games)

Bench:
RF Eric Byrnes 71/74
IF Mark Bellhorn 66/66
C Sal Fasano 78/78
OF Ryan Christenson 68/68
RF Adam Piatt 78/80

Minors:
1B Mario Valdez 74/77
RF Robin Jennings 66/68
2B Jose Ortiz 66/70
C Tom Wilson 64/68
1B Andy Abad 68/72
LF Thodore Watkins 61/75
3B Jaime Gamarra 57/70
IF Maury Wolcott 50/70
OF Nicanor Pulido 50/59

Rotation:
SP Tim Hudson 95/95 (2-0/3.86/.216oba in 5 starts)
SP Barry Zito 92/92 (0-0 in 2 starts)
SP Curt Schilling 80/80 (3-1 in 4 starts)
SP Mark Mulder 75/75 (2-1/1cg in 5starts)
SP Roy Oswalt 76/80 (1-1 in 3 starts)

Bullpen:
CL Jason Isringhausen 79/79
ST Jeff Tam 78/79
SH T.J. Mathews 75/75
MD Chad Bradford 72/73
LG Octavio Dotel 75/75
AT Cory Lidle 71/71

Minors:
SP Carlos Zambrano 67/80
SP Erik Hiljus 65/67
RP Chad Harville 65/68
RP Luis Vizcaino 63/67
SP Willard Kleinen 75/90
RP Grant Stewart 74/82

Next: April 2002

[mattman1624]

Record: 17-7 (17-7 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 3.5 games ahead of Texas (13-10)
Team BA: .287(.269) Team ERA: 3.92(4.56)

Who's Hot Batting: Jermaine Dye (.336/10/33/.385/.673)
Who's Not Batting: Frank Menechino (.224/2/10/.330/.329)

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (4-1/1.14/33K/.133oba/1ShO)
Who's Not Pitching: Tim Hudson (1-3/4.34/.304oba)

Financials:
Cash: $10,688,118 (-$3.7M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Boston, Oakland (tie, 17-7) NL - Houston (16-7)
Worst Records:AL - Baltimore (5-18) NL - Florida (6-17)

Milestones:
Manny Ramirez(PHI) hit his 300th home run.
Rafael Palmeiro(TEX) posted his 2500th hit.
Frank Thomas(NYY) recorded his 2000th hit.

Next: May 2002

[mattman1624]

May 2002

Record: 13-14 (30-21 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 2.0 games ahead of Texas (27-22)
Team BA: .285(.276) Team ERA: 4.38(5.01)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.330/18/46/.420/.645)
Who's Not Batting: Mark Bellhorn (.143/0/0/.143/.179) in 7 games off the bench.

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (8-2/2.34/.175oba/63K)
Who's Not Pitching: Roy Oswalt (2-2/6.94/.318oba)

The Farm Report:
1B Mario Valdez (.356/5/20/.437/.632)
LF Theodore Watkins (.245/10/26/.327/.565/12SBs) *2002 3rd Round Pick*

SP Carlos Zambrano (3-0/3.43/.216oba/36K) in 7 starts
SP Willard Kleinen (4-2/4.41/.225oba/59K) in 12 starts *2002 1st Round Pick*
RP Grant Stewart (1-0/3.70/.228oba/6 saves in 9 chances) *2002 2nd Round Pick*

Financials:
Cash: $7,694,911 (-6.7M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Boston (35-17)
NL - Houston (34-16)

Worst Records: AL - Tampa Bay (15-35)
NL - Arizona (17-34)

Milestones:
Randy Johnson recorded his 200th win.
Jim Thome and Ellis Burks hit their 300th career home runs.
Frank Thomas slammed his 400th career home run.

[mattman1624]

June 2002

Record: 19-7 (49-28 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 8.0 games ahead of Anaheim (40-35)
Team BA: .288(.276) Team ERA: 3.92(4.79)

Who's Hot Batting: Eric Chavez (.316/19/56/.384/.590)
Who's Not Batting: Olmedo Saenz (.267/12/31/.354/.466)

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (11-2/2.33/98K/.188oba/2cg)
Who's Not Pitching: Roy Oswalt (4-3/6.30/.300oba)

Financials:
Cash: $7,037,377 (-$7.3M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Boston (51-26) NL - Atlanta (49-28)
Worst Records:AL - Tampa Bay (23-54) NL - Arizona (26-51)

Milestones:
Nothing worth mentioning.

[mattman1624]

July 2002

Record: 19-8 (68-36 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 12.0 games ahead of Anaheim (55-47).
Team BA: .291(.275) Team ERA: 3.73(4.79)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.319/33/85/.412/.647)
Who's Not Batting: Frank Menechino (.268/14/49/.348/.438)

Who's Hot Pitching: Curt Schilling (15-2/3.08/127K/.238oba/3cg)
Who's Not Pitching: Cory Lidle (0-1/5.87/6K/.258oba) in seven appearances

Financials:
Cash: $5,045,505(-$9.3M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (68-36)
NL - Atlanta (64-40)
Worst Records:AL - Tampa Bay (36-68)
NL - Arizona (40-64)

Milestones:
David Cone recorded his 200th win.
Roberto Alomar collected his 2500th hit.
Tim Hudson threw a no-hitter.


All Star Game:
AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL STAR TEAM

C : Ivan Rodriguez (TEX) 3,422,297 votes
1B : Jim Thome (CLE) 1,208,320
2B : Homer Bush (TOR) 996,797
3B : Eric Chavez (OAK) 1,794,041
SS : Alex Rodriguez (TEX) 1,528,168
OF : Mark Quinn (KCR) 934,429
OF : Bernie Williams (NYY) 946,309
OF : Carlos Beltran (KCR) 982,242
Bench : Tim Salmon (ANA)
Bench : Larry Walker (BAL)
Bench : Nomar Garciaparra (BOS)
Bench : Magglio Ordonez (CHW)
Bench : Bobby Higginson (DET)
Bench : Edgar Martinez (MIN)
Bench : John Olerud (SEA)
Bench : Steve Cox (TBD)
Pitcher : Barry Zito (OAK)
Pitcher : Curt Schilling (OAK)
Pitcher : Pedro Martinez (BOS)
Pitcher : David Cone (BOS)
Pitcher : Randy Johnson (CHW)
Pitcher : Antonio Osuna (CHW)
Pitcher : Tim Hudson (OAK)
Pitcher : Rich Garces (BOS)
Pitcher : Steve Reed (KCR)
Pitcher : Keith Foulke (CHW)
Pitcher : Jeff Nelson (CLE)

NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL STAR TEAM

C : Mike Piazza (NYM) 1,507,758 votes
1B : Jeff Bagwell (HOU) 1,374,480
2B : Jose Vidro (MON) 1,145,357
3B : Adrian Beltre (LAD) 1,615,071
SS : Jimmy Rollins (PHI) 1,145,210
OF : Vladimir Guerrero (COL) 1,344,037
OF : Sammy Sosa (CHC) 1,307,575
OF : Brian Giles (PIT) 1,192,977
Bench : Randall Simon (ARI)
Bench : Andruw Jones (ATL)
Bench : Sean Casey (CIN)
Bench : Mike Lowell (FLA)
Bench : Ron Belliard (MIL)
Bench : Phil Nevin (SDP)
Bench : Barry Bonds (SFG)
Pitcher : Al Leiter (STL)
Pitcher : Javier Vazquez (MON)
Pitcher : Greg Maddux (ATL)
Pitcher : Tom Glavine (ATL)
Pitcher : John Smoltz (ATL)
Pitcher : Russ Ortiz (SFG)
Pitcher : Gregg Olson (LAD)
Pitcher : Bruce Chen (PHI)
Pitcher : Ugueth Urbina (MON)
Pitcher : Trevor Hoffman (SDP)
Pitcher : Mike Timlin (STL)

... How the **** did Jason Giambi not make the team? Lousy East Coast Bias.

A fantastic month, everything is coming together nicely. Curt Schilling is proving to be the biggest steal of the free agent market from last year. The team is once again hitting well, lighting up the scoreboard, and I couldn't be more pleased. Hopefully, our financial situation will improve.

Next: August 2002

[mattman1624]

August 2002

Record: 22-5 (90-41 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 22.5 games ahead of Anaheim (67-63)
Team BA: .294(.277) Team ERA: 3.63(4.88)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.322/42/115/.416/.647)
Who's Not Batting: Mark Bellhorn (.152/0/0/.243/.182) in 10 games off the bench

Who's Hot Pitching: Tim Hudson (15-6/2.81/172K/61BB/.213oba/1ShO)
Who's Not Pitching: Roy Oswalt (8-5/4.93/117K/46BB/.272oba)

Financials:
Cash: $4,181,661 (-$10.2M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (90-41)
NL - Los Angeles (81-53)
Worst Records:AL - Tampa Bay (44-88)
NL - Montreal (48-84)

Milestones:
Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 500th home run.

The Farm Report:

1B Mario Valdez (.356/13/51/.429/.639)
LF Theodore Watkins (.225/24/71/.330/.483) *2002 3rd Round Pick*

SP Carlos Zambrano (11-3/4.31/120K/59BB/.233oba/169.1IP)
SP Willard Kleinen (11-5/4.37/156K/.228oba) *2002 1st Round Pick*
RP Grant Stewart (2-1/3.88/16 saves in 20 chances) *2002 2nd Round Pick*

Next: September/October 2002 with the Regular Season awards

[mattman1624]

September/October 2002

Record: 20-11 (110-52 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 27.0 games ahead of Anaheim (83-79)
Team BA: .293(.277) Team ERA: 3.86(4.88)

Team MVP: (tie) Jason Giambi (.313/52/143/.409/.629/201 hits/148 runs);
(tie) Jermaine Dye (.298/50/150/.356/.587/207 hits/141 runs)

Team LVP: Mark Bellhorn (.173/0/1/.271/.192/9 hits in 18 games off the bench)

Team Cy Young: (tie) Tim Hudson (18-8/2.77/224.1 IP/206Ks/70BB/.216oba/2ShO)
(tie) Curt Schilling (19-5/3.49/219 IP/202Ks/46BB/.237oba/2ShO)

Team Jim Mecir: Jason Isringhausen (9-6/5.29/64.2 IP/48Ks/40BB/.244oba/29SV/7BS in 71 appearances)

Financials:
Cash: $5,469,902 (-$8.9M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (110-52)
NL - Los Angeles (97-65)
Worst Records: AL - Tampa Bay (54-108)
NL - Montreal (58-104)

Milestones:
Alex Rodriguez hit his 300th career home run.
Craig Biggio stole his 400th base.
Chuck Knoblauch recorded his 2000th hit.

Regular Season Awards:

TEX Alex Rodriguez AL Home Run Leader (67)
BOS Nomar Garciaparra AL Batting Title (.346)
KCR Mark Quinn AL RBI Leader (156)
DET Roger Cedeno AL Stolen Base Leader (56)
OAK Tim Hudson AL ERA Leader (2.77)
CHW Randy Johnson AL Strikeout Leader (263)
OAK Curt Schilling AL Win Leader (19)
NYY Mariano Rivera AL Save Leader (38)

COL Vladimir Guerrero NL Home Run Leader (55)
COL Vladimir Guerrero NL Batting Title (.362)
COL Vladimir Guerrero NL RBI Leader (157)
FLA Luis Castillo NL Stolen Base Leader (53)
ATL John Smoltz NL ERA Leader (2.96)
CHC Kerry Wood NL Strikeout Leader (242)
ATL John Smoltz NL Win Leader (21)
LAD Gregg Olson NL Saves Leader (42)

...Congratulations to Vlad for winning the triple crown.

Playoff Matchups:

Oakland Athletics (110-52) vs. Chicago White Sox (92-70)
Boston Red Sox (98-64) vs. Kansas City Royals (93-69)

Los Angeles Dodgers (97-65) vs. New York Mets (92-70)
Philadelphia Phillies (93-69) vs. Houston Astros (92-70)

Next: Playoffs 2002

[mattman1624]

Playoffs 2002

First Round:

Oakland Athletics (110-52) vs. Chicago White Sox (92-70)
Game 1: A's 4-2 White Sox
Game 2: A's 5-1 White Sox
Game 3: A's 12-8 White Sox
A's over White Sox 3 games to 0.

(Sorry for just putting up scores, but I've played several other games since, and I selected the option to delete box scores and recaps after each season.)

Boston Red Sox (98-64) vs. Kansas City Royals (93-69)
Game 1: Red Sox 3-4 Royals
Game 2: Red Sox 3-2 Royals
Game 3: Red Sox 11-1 Royals
Game 4: Red Sox 4-0 Royals
Red Sox over Royals 3 games to 1.

New York Mets (92-70) vs. L.A. Dodgers (97-65)
Mets defeat Dodgers 3 games to 2.

Philadelphia Phillies (93-69) vs. Houston Astros (92-70)
Phillies sweep Astros in 3 games.

Second Round:

Oakland Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox
Game 1: A's 5-7 Red Sox
Game 2: A's 6-4 Red Sox
Game 3: A's 1-3 Red Sox
Game 4: A's 3-2 Red Sox
Game 5: A's 1-4 Red Sox
Game 6: A's 9-1 Red Sox

Game 7: A's 2-0 Red Sox
A's advance to the world series in seven games over the Boston Red Sox.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets
Phillies over Mets, 4 games to 3.

World Series:

Oakland Athletics vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Game 1: A's 6-4 Phillies
Game 2: A's 7-5 Phillies
Game 3: A's 6-2 Phillies
Game 4: A's 0-4 Phillies
Game 5: A's 5-7 Phillies
Game 6: A's 8-1 Phillies

The Oakland A's win the 2002 World Series!

Next: Season awards, free agency, and the 2003 draft.

[mattman1624]

2002 Post Season

November 1, 2002

Resignings:
C Ramon Hernandez 4 years at $4,800,000
CF Johnny Damon 7 years at $6,700,000
1B Mario Valdez 2 years at $750,000
2B Jose Ortiz 2 years at $440,000
1B Andy Abad 2 years at $600,000
SP Mark Mulder 3 years at $4,600,000
RP Chad Bradford 2 years at $1,300,000
RP Chad Harville 2 years at $570,000
RP Luis Viscaino 2 years at $470,000

Released:
CF Terrance Long
RF Adam Piatt

Free Agents Signings:
CF Kenny Lofton 3 years at $2,500,000

Awards:
AMERICAN LEAGUE (2002)

Cy Young Tim Hudson (OAK)
Player of the Year: Jason Giambi (OAK)
Rookie Of The Year: Jermaine Clark (DET)

Gold Glove (P): Brian Moehler (CHW)
Gold Glove (C): Todd Greene (NYY)
Gold Glove (1B): Jim Thome (SEA)
Gold Glove (2B): Homer Bush (TOR)
Gold Glove (3B): Tony Batista (BOS)
Gold Glove (SS): Alex Rodriguez (TEX)
Gold Glove (LF): Darin Erstad (ANA)
Gold Glove (CF): Carlos Beltran (KCR)
Gold Glove (RF): Chris Richard (BAL)

NATIONAL LEAGUE (2002)

Cy Young John Smoltz (ATL)
Player of the Year: Vladimir Guerrero (COL)
Rookie Of The Year: Juan Uribe (COL)

Gold Glove (P): Livan Hernandez (SFG)
Gold Glove (C): Mike Matheny (STL)
Gold Glove (1B): Todd Helton (COL)
Gold Glove (2B): Pokey Reese (CIN)
Gold Glove (3B): Mike Lowell (FLA)
Gold Glove (SS): Jimmy Rollins (PHI)
Gold Glove (LF): Geoff Jenkins (STL)
Gold Glove (CF): Andruw Jones (ATL)
Gold Glove (RF): Vladimir Guerrero (COL)


2003 Draft Picks:
Round 1: #30 SP Paul Leppiaho (74/83)...Will be a starter in about 2-3 years.\
Round 2: #60 LF Enrico Cerezo (64/74)...Most likely will be a pinch hitter most of his career.
Round 3: #90 1B Thomas Alderate (63/72)...Doesn't look like anything special.
Round 4: #120 CF Perry Dare (60/68)...Rated 96 speed, but contact is 62.
Round 5: #150 SS Harvey Heller (55/65)...Career minor leaguer at best.
Round 6: #180 C Kevin Kelly (51/65)...Mr. Irrelevent.



Next: 2003 Roster and Spring Training Results

[mattman1624]

2003 Roster & Spring Training Results

Lineup:
CF Johnny Damon 89/89 (.389/5/18/.453/.611/20 runs)
LF Kenny Lofton 74/74 (.328/1/12/.434/.469/6sb/15 runs)
1B Jason Giambi 94/94 (.301/5/18/.393/.562/17 runs)
RF Jermaine Dye 90/90 (.315/6/20/.360/.576/15 runs)
3B Eric Chavez 89/89 (.316/4/19/.398/.526/11 runs)
SS Miguel Tejada 87/87 (.310/1/16/.372/.405/12 runs)
C Ramon Hernandez 81/81 (.264/1/10/10 runs)
2B Frank Menechino 77/77 (.250/0/8/9 runs)
DH Olmedo Saenz 80/80 (.310/2/11/.383/.690/8 runs/3 triples)

Bench:
1B Mario Valdez 74/75
LF Ryan Christenson 69/69
RF Robin Jennings 67/69
2B Mark Bellhorn 67/67
C Sal Fasano 78/78

Minors:
RF Eric Byrnes 71/71
1B Andy Abad 69/72
2B Jose Ortiz 67/70
1B Tomas Alderate 62/72
SS Harvey Heller 55/65
C Tom Wilson 64/69
C Kelvin Kelly 51/67
CF Perry Dare 61/69
LF Theodore Watkins 64/71
LF Enrico Cerezo 64/74
3B Jaime Gamarra 61/67
1B Maury Wolcott 51/67
LF Nicanor Pulido 50/62

Next: Rotation, bullpen, and minors with spring training results.

[mattman1624]

Rotation:
SP Tim Hudson 95/95 (1-0/2.35/.207oba/8Ks in 1 start)
SP Barry Zito 93/93 (no starts, no appearances in spring)
SP Mark Mulder 75/75 (1-1/5.80/.278oba/30Ks in 7 starts)
SP Roy Oswalt 80/80 (1-0/4.76/.277oba/10Ks in 2 starts)
SP Curt Schilling 77/77 (0-2/7.33/.314oba/17Ks in 4 starts)

Bullpen:
CL Jason Isringhausen 78/78
SU Jeff Tam 78/78
SH T.J. Mathews 75/75
MD Chad Bradford 71/74
LG Octavio Dotel 77/77
AT Willard Kleinen 75/88

Minors:
SP Paul Leppiaho 74/82
SP Carlos Zambrano 70/78
RP Erik Hiljus 65/66
RP Cory Lidle 72/72
RP Grant Stewart 71/80
RP Chad Harville 65/69
RP Luis Viscaino 63/66

Next: April 2003

[mattman1624]

April 2003

Record: 13-10
Place: 2nd in AL West, 1.5 games back of Anaheim (15-9); 0.5 games back in Wild Card.
Team BA: .278(.276) Team ERA: 3.72(4.97)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.289/11/25/.402/.678/22 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Frank Menechino (.256/4/14/.304/.500/11 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Tim Hudson (4-1/1.64/.194oba/26Ks/2ShO)
Who's Not Pitching: Chad Bradford (0-2/6.75/.345oba/1BS/5 earned runs allowed in 6.2 IP)

Trades:
APRIL 28, 2003
Blue Jays receive Cory Lidle (SP) and Mark Bellhorn (2B)
Athletics receive Chris Carpenter (SP)
Athletics receive $1 Million

Financials:
Cash: $10,014,177 (-$4.7M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Boston (17-5)
NL - Colorado (17-5)
Worst Records:AL - Texas (7-16)
NL - Arizona (7-15)

Milestones:
John Olerud scored his 1000th career run.
Sammy Sosa recorded his 2000th hit.
Tim Salmon hit his 300th home run.

[mattman1624]

May 2003

Record: 20-6 (33-16 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 3.0 games ahead of Anaheim (31-20)
Team BA: .285(.275) Team ERA: 3.41(4.85)

Who's Hot Batting: Frank Menechino (.310/8/28/.380/.571[tied for 9th in AL]/26runs/16doubles)
Who's Not Batting: Kenny Lofton (.259/3/18/.352obp/34runs/8 for 16 SBs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (8-1/1.88/59Ks/.144oba/3CG/2ShO)
Who's Not Pitching: Curt Schilling (2-3/5.59/42Ks/.280oba)

Financials:
Cash: $5,771,940 (-$9.0M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (33-16)
NL - New York (31-19)
Worst Records:AL - Minnesota (17-33)
NL - Arizona (18-31)

Milestones:
Edgar Martinez hit his 300th home run.
Sammy Sosa jacked his 500th home run.
Robb Nen saved his 300th game.
Jeff Bagwell slammed his 400th homer and collected his 2000th hit(not in the same game).
Bret Saberhagen recorded his 200th win.

[mattman1624]

June 2003

Record: 14-13 (47-29 overall)
Place: 2nd in AL West, 3.5 games back of Anaheim (51-26)
Team BA: .278(.274) Team ERA: 3.65(4.74)

Who's Hot Batting: Jermaine Dye (.290/21/65/.359/.571/51 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Ramon Hernandez (.267/7/33/.349/.388/24 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (11-1/2.05/97Ks/.168oba/4CG/3ShO)
Who's Not Pitching: Curt Schilling (4-4/5.01/62Ks/.275oba/1CG/41ER in 73.2IP)

Financials:
Cash: $5,109,048 (-$9.6M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - New York & Chicago (47-30)
NL - New York (48-28)
Worst Records:AL - Detroit (25-50)
NL - Arizona (27-48)

Milestones:
Delino DeShields stole his 500th base and scored his 1000th run.
Juan Gonzalez, Ivan Rodriguez, and Larry Walker collected their 2000th hit.
Tom Glavine won his 250th game.
Jim Thome, Tim Salmon, and Jeff Kent drove in their 1000th RBI.

[mattman1624]

July 2003

Record: 20-7 (67-36 overall)
Place: 2nd in AL West, 0.5 games behind Anaheim (68-36) 1st in AL Wild Card
Team BA: .283(.275) Team ERA: 3.65(4.76)

Who's Hot Batting: Jermaine Dye (.298/26/88/.369/.565/71 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Sal Fasano (.231/1/7/.400/.462/9 runs/6 hits in 16 games off the bench)

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (16-1/2.27/.178oba/136Ks/5CG/4ShO in 22 starts)
Who's Not Pitching: Nobody stands out as particularly awful at this time.

Financials:
Cash: $2,752,864 (-$12M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Anaheim (68-36)
NL - Atlanta (64-40)
Worst Records:AL - Detroit (34-68)
NL - Arizona (34-69)

AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL STAR TEAM

C : Ivan Rodriguez (TEX) 2,294,859 votes
1B : Jason Giambi (OAK) 1,198,898
2B : Damion Easley (CLE) 1,348,044
3B : Troy Glaus (ANA) 1,705,034
SS : Nomar Garciaparra (BOS) 1,893,480
OF : Magglio Ordonez (CHW) 1,565,291
OF : Chris Singleton (CHW) 1,074,022
OF : Jermaine Dye (OAK) 987,728
Bench : Luis Matos (BAL)
Bench : Deivi Cruz (DET)
Bench : Mike Sweeney (KCR)
Bench : Corey Koskie (MIN)
Bench : Mark Quinn (NYY)
Bench : Jim Thome (SEA)
Bench : Steve Cox (TBD)
Bench : Jose Cruz Jr. (TOR)
Pitcher : Barry Zito (OAK)
Pitcher : Juan Sotelo (TEX)
Pitcher : Jim Mecir (ANA)
Pitcher : Tim Hudson (OAK)
Pitcher : Bartolo Colon (CLE)
Pitcher : John Jelso (ANA)
Pitcher : Dan Wright (CHW)
Pitcher : Derek Lowe (TEX)
Pitcher : Felix Rodriguez (TEX)
Pitcher : Rod Beck (BOS)
Pitcher : Keith Foulke (CHW)

NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL STAR TEAM

C : Mike Piazza (NYM) 1,582,588 votes
1B : Todd Helton (COL) 1,534,378
2B : Edgardo Alfonzo (NYM) 1,296,544
3B : Chipper Jones (ATL) 2,690,373
SS : Rafael Furcal (CHC) 1,232,675
OF : Vladimir Guerrero (COL) 1,969,676
OF : Sammy Sosa (CHC) 1,634,095
OF : Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN) 793,772
Bench : Randall Simon (ARI)
Bench : Cliff Floyd (FLA)
Bench : Lance Berkman (HOU)
Bench : Shawn Green (LAD)
Bench : Alex Gonzalez (MIL)
Bench : Edgar Renteria (MON)
Bench : Manny Ramirez (PHI)
Bench : Brian Giles (PIT)
Bench : Rich Aurilia (SFG)
Bench : Geoff Jenkins (STL)
Pitcher : Bret Saberhagen (SDP)
Pitcher : Tom Glavine (ATL)
Pitcher : Armando Benitez (NYM)
Pitcher : Greg Maddux (ATL)
Pitcher : Tony Armas Jr. (CHC)
Pitcher : John Smoltz (ATL)
Pitcher : Ted Thorpe (PHI)
Pitcher : Billy Wagner (NYM)
Pitcher : Robb Nen (SFG)
Pitcher : Taneo Sakai (CHC)
Pitcher : Ugueth Urbina (NYM)


Milestones:
John Smoltz recorded his 200th win.
Robin Ventura and Eric Karros hit their 300th career home runs.
Chipper Jones knocked in his 1000th RBI, and scored his 1000th run.

[mattman1624]

August 2003

Record: 12-16 (79-52 overall)
Place: 2nd in AL West, 5.0 games behind Anaheim (84-47)
1st place in Wild Card, 7.0 games ahead of New York (72-59)
Team BA: .276(.274) Team ERA: 4.02(4.74)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.282/42/114/.377/.578/98 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Olmedo Saenz (.268/17/47/.350/.466/51 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Barry Zito (20-1/1.96/163Ks/.172oba/6CG/5ShO)
Who's Not Pitching: Curt Schilling (6-8/4.65/116Ks/.275oba/3CG/2ShO)

Financials:
Cash: $957,786 (-$13.8M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Chicago (86-47)
NL - New York (83-49)
Worst Records:AL - Toronto (52-80)
NL - Arizona (45-86)

Milestones:
John Olerud, Gary Sheffield, Bernie Williams, and Marquis Grissom collected their 2000th career hit.
Luis Castillo stole his 300th base.
Juan Gonzalez drove in his 1500th RBI.
Mike Piazza hit his 400th home run, while Raul Mondesi hit his 300th.
Ken Griffey Jr. scored his 1500th run.

[mattman1624]

September/October 2003

Record: 23-8 (overall 102-60)
Place: 1st in AL West, 3.0 games ahead of Anaheim (99-63)
Team BA: .277(.274) Team ERA: 3.96(4.73)

Team MVP: Jason Giambi (.293/55/145/.384/.599/123 runs)
Team LVP: Eric Byrnes (.176/0/1/.263/.235/2 runs/3 for 17 in 9 games off the bench)

Team Cy Young: Barry Zito (25-2/2.06/.176oba/204Ks/7CG/6ShO)
Team Jim Mecir: Curt Schilling (8-11/4.69/.282oba/141Ks/3CG/2ShO/84ER in 161.1 IP)

Financials:
Cash: $1,419,536 (-$13.3M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (102-60)
NL - Atlanta (104-58)
Worst Records:AL - Detroit & Seattle (63-99)
NL - Arizona (55-107)

Milestones:
Mike Piazza, Tim Salmon, Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez scored their 1000th career run.
Chipper Jones, Carlos Delgado and Jason Giambi hit their 300th home run.
Sammy Sosa hit his 400th home run, and drove in his 1500th RBI.
Roger Clemens collected his 4000th strike out.
Kevin Brown got his 200th career win.

Playoff Matchups:

Chicago White Sox (101-61) vs. Anaheim Angels (99-63)
Oakland Athletics (102-60) vs. Boston Red Sox (91-71)

Chicago Cubs (96-66) vs. New York Mets (99-63)
Atlanta Braves (104-58) vs. San Francisco Giants (90-72)

[kennybear]

i like how this is going. keep up the good work

[mattman1624]

2003 Playoffs:

Round 1: Oakland Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox
The playoffs began with a rematch of the 2002 ALCS. Game 1 saw Roy Oswalt throwing a complete game

shutout and striking out six, as the A's won six to nothing. Tim Hudson took the mound for game 2,

and nearly pitched a complete game of his own. He threw for eight and two thirds innings before

giving way to Jason Isringhausen, who picked up the save in a five to two win. Game 3 saw a change

of venue and a change of the outcome, as Barry Zito was knocked out after two and two thirds

innings, giving up six runs on seven hits, including solo home runs by Jorge Posada and Warner

Vibulatd in a six to nothing Red Sox victory. Game 4 continued this trend as the A's fell once

again to the Red Sox, seven to five, as Mark Mulder gave up seven runs in less than 4 innings. So

the series moved back to Oakland for a deciding game five, Tim Hudson versus Tomokazu Ohka. Tim

Hudson, for the second time in the series, delivered, pitching a two hit shutout, as the A's won

three to zero to move on to the ALCS for a second consecutive year.

Series Recap:
Game 1: A's 6-0 Red Sox
Game 2: A's 5-2 Red Sox
Game 3: A's 0-6 Red Sox
Game 4: A's 5-7 Red Sox
Game 5: A's 3-0 Red Sox

A's defeat Red Sox 3 games to 2.

Round 1: Chicago White Sox vs. Anaheim Angels
Game 1: White Sox 0-6 Angels
Game 2: White Sox 3-5 Angels
Game 3: White Sox 8-5 Angels
Game 4: White Sox 6-5 Angels
Game 5: White Sox 5-1 Angels

Angels defeat White Sox 3 games to 2.

Round 1: Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets
Game 1: Cubs 7-2 Mets
Game 2: Cubs 3-5 Mets
Game 3: Cubs 7-5 Mets
Game 4: Cubs 7-4 Mets

Cubs defeat Mets 3 games to one.

Round 1: Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants
Game 1: Braves 3-0 Giants
Game 2: Braves 3-1 Giants
Game 3: Braves 5-0 Giants

Braves defeat Giants 3 games to 0.

[mattman1624]

2003 Playoffs

Round 2: Oakland Athletics vs. Anaheim Angels
After narrowly surviving the Boston Red Sox, the A's had to take on their division rivals, the Anaheim Angels, who lost eleven of ninteen games to the Athletics in the regular season. Game one saw Barry Zito pitch very well, striking out seven and allowing only one run in seven and one third innings. The A's won the game four to one thanks to a two RBI double from Jason Giambi in the fifth inning. Game two was a much different story as the A's were befuddled by Ismael Valdes, as they only managed three hits off him in a six to nothing loss. The A's continued to struggle in game three, as Rick Bauer gave up just one run in eight and two thirds innings of work, and lost three to one. Tim Hudson took the mound in game four, and delivered once again, allowing just one run in eight and a third. Game five saw Barry Zito, Jeff Tam, and Jason Isringhausen combine for a five hit shut out in a two to zero A's win, and a three to two series lead as the teams headed back to Oakland for game six. Despite Mark Mulder pitching seven strong innings, the Angels won three to two to force a seventh game, and the second elimination game for the Athletics in this year's playoffs. Finally, game seven saw a back and forth match. In the top of the ninth inning, the Angels scored an unearned run, tying the game at four runs a piece. The bottom of the ninth saw the A's come through, with Jason Giambi doubling to lead off the frame, and later scoring on sacrifice fly by Miguel Tejada. The A's played an exhausting series, but had won, and advanced to their second consecutive world series.

Series Recap:
Game 1: A's 4-1 Angels
Game 2: A's 0-6 Angels
Game 3: A's 1-3 Angels
Game 4: A's 4-1 Angels
Game 5: A's 2-0 Angels
Game 6: A's 2-3 Angels
Game 7: A's 5-3 Angels

The A's defeat the Angels 4 games to 3.

Round 2: Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs
Game 1: Braves 1-2 Cubs
Game 2: Braves 6-1 Cubs
Game 3: Braves 6-4 Cubs
Game 4: Braves 8-3 Cubs
Game 5: Braves 8-3 Cubs

The Braves defeat the Cubs 4 games to 1.


Next: The World Series, the Oakland A's vs. the Atlanta Braves.

[mattman1624]

Just so everyone knows, I plan on continuing this diary until everyone on the A's 2001 roster retires.

[mattman1624]

2003 Playoffs: The World Series

World Series: Oakland A's vs. Atlanta Braves

After facing elimination twice, the A's began play against the Atlanta Braves, who waltzed into the World Series. Game one was a meeting of two aces, Tim Hudson versus Kevin Millwood. Hudson won the battle easily, allowing just one run on five hits in seven innings. Kenny Lofton and Jermaine Dye both hit home runs as the A's took the game 5-1 and a 1-0 series lead. Game two saw Kenny Lofton hit another home run, but it was all the offense the Athletics could muster, as Barry Zito was tagged for 4 runs in four innings of work, and Atlanta held on for a 4-1 win. With game three, the series moved back to Oakland, but the change of scenery didn't help the A's as Atlanta pulverised them 12-4. Finally, in Game four, Roy Oswalt took charge against the Braves, allowing only one run in seven and one third innings of work. Jason Giambi supplied Oakland's offense, going three for three with two doubles and a home run, driving in four runs. Oakland tied the series with a 5-1 win. Game five was Tim Hudson's turn again, and the result was nearly the same. Hudson pitched just six innings, giving up three runs in the process, but the A's hitters bailed him out. Eric Chavez and Olmedo Saenz each hit three run homers to lead the A's to a 7-3 victory. Game six featured another tough outing for Barry Zito, taking the loss in a 7-3 defeat, and sending the series to a deciding game seven. Before game seven started, Oakland's manager made a controversial decision, to start Tim Hudson on just two days rest instead of Mark Mulder or Roy Oswalt. The decision was a costly one, as Hudson gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings, as the A's were shut out by Braves 2002 first round draft pick Ken Zhuravlev. The A's had failed in their quest for back to back world championships, while the Atlanta Braves celebrated their first World Series victory since 1995.

Series Recap:
Game 1: A's 5-1 Braves
Game 2: A's 1-4 Braves
Game 3: A's 4-12 Braves
Game 4: A's 5-1 Braves
Game 5: A's 7-3 Braves
Game 6: A's 3-7 Braves
Game 7: A's 0-8 Braves

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Oakland Athletics 4 games to 3 to win the World Series.

[mattman1624]

Post Season 2003

Resignings:
1B Jason Giambi 6 years at $13,800,000
RF Jermaine Dye 7 years at $8,800,000
P Chris Carpenter 5 years at $1,700,000

Released:
2B Frank Menechino
DH Olmedo Saenz
P Jeff Tam

Free Agent Signings:
2B Placido Polanco 6 years at $1,900,000
1B Mark McGwire 2 years at $2,200,000

Awards:

AMERICAN LEAGUE (2003)

Cy Young Barry Zito (OAK)
Player of the Year: Barry Zito (OAK)
Rookie Of The Year: John Barnes (MIN)

Gold Glove (P): Luis Parra (KCR)
Gold Glove (C): Ivan Rodriguez (TEX)
Gold Glove (1B): Kevin Millar (TOR)
Gold Glove (2B): Damion Easley (CLE)
Gold Glove (3B): Tony Batista (BOS)
Gold Glove (SS): Jimmy Rollins (CLE)
Gold Glove (LF): Darin Erstad (KCR)
Gold Glove (CF): Torii Hunter (MIN)
Gold Glove (RF): Chris Richard (BOS)

NATIONAL LEAGUE (2003)

Cy Young Tony Armas Jr. (CHC)
Player of the Year: Vladimir Guerrero (COL)
Rookie Of The Year: Marlon Elmi (SDP)

Gold Glove (P): Nicolas Brooks (NYM)
Gold Glove (C): Jason Kendall (PIT)
Gold Glove (1B): Todd Helton (COL)
Gold Glove (2B): Pokey Reese (CIN)
Gold Glove (3B): Adrian Beltre (LAD)
Gold Glove (SS): Orlando Cabrera (STL)
Gold Glove (LF): Jay Gibbons (PIT)
Gold Glove (CF): Andruw Jones (ATL)
Gold Glove (RF): Mark Smith (MON)

Draft:
Round 1: #29 SP Andrew Calhoun 72/81 ...Could be a starter in a few years...
Round 2: #59 1B Will Stroh 67/86 ...Giambi's eventual replacement?...
Round 3: #89 RP Miguel Ulloa 63/78 ...Will be either a closer or set up man in a few years...
Round 4: #119 CF Elmo Estonina 60/70 ...future lead off man; speed 92, 24 steals in AA...
Round 5: #149 RP Nick Mackey 61/67 ...possibly a middle reliever in the future...
Round 6: #179 RP Derek Teplitsky 55/67 ...AAA for life for this guy...

Next: 2004 Roster, with Spring Training results, and Team Ratings.

[mattman1624]

2004 Roster

Lineup:
CF Johnny Damon 90/90 (.293/4/12/5 steals/17 runs/.547slg)
LF Kenny Lofton 70/70 (.279/5/15/.570 slg/12 runs)
1B Jason Giambi 95/95 (.329/7/19/.420obp/.684slg/17 runs)
RF Jermaine Dye 91/91 (.317/5/20/.537slg/3 steals)
3B Eric Chavez 90/90 (.286/2/15)
SS Miguel Tejada 87/87 (.286/4/19/.476slg/11 runs)
DH Mark McGwire 67/67 (.246/2/12/11 runs)
C Ramon Hernandez 81/81 (.318/2/7/.500slg/7 runs)
2B Placido Polanco 79/79 (.325/0/8/4 runs)

Bench:
1B Mario Valdez 76/76
RF Eric Byrnes 71/74
RF Robin Jennings 67/68
2B Jose Ortiz 67/68
C Sal Fasano 77/77

Minors:
1B Andy Abad 68/72
LF Theodore Watkins 67/74
1B Thomas Alderate 67/74
OF Perry Dare 62/68
IF Harvey Heller 59/65
C Tom Wilson 63/67
C Kelvin Kelly 52/67
1B Will Stroh 67/86
3B Jaime Gamarra 64/70
OF Enrico Cerezo 67/76
CF Elmo Estonina 60/70
IF Maury Wolcott 51/68
OF Nicanor Pulido 58/63

Rotation:
1. Tim Hudson 95/95 (0-0/3.45/.161oba in 2 starts)
2. Barry Zito 94/94 (1-0/3.77/.189oba/24Ks/28.2 IP in 4 starts)
3. Roy Oswalt 81/81 (1-0/4.50/.239oba/17Ks in 18IP in 3 starts)
4. Mark Mulder 76/76 (1-0/3.81/.206oba/17Ks in 4 starts)
5. Willard Kleinen 77/88 (0-0/2.25/8.0 IP in one start)

Bullpen:
CL Jason Isringhausen 80/80
ST Grant Stewart 74/80
SH Chad Bradford 74/74
MD Octavio Dotel 77/77
LG Paul Leppiaho 75/82
AT Curt Schilling 72/72

Minors:
RP T.J. Mathews 74/74
SP Chris Carpenter 72/72
SP Carlos Zambrano 72/79
SP Andrew Calhoun 72/81
SP Erik Hiljus 65/67
RP Chad Harville 65/68
RP Luis Viscaino 63/67
RP Miguel Ulloa 63/78
RP Nick Mackey 61/67
RP Derek Teplitsky 55/67


Team Ratings
Batting: 80(69)
Bench: 82(73)
Lineup: 80(72)
Pitching: 67(69)
Rotation: 75(70)
Defense: 84(92)
Bullpen: 52(66)
Overall: 75(73)

Next: April 2004

[mattman1624]

April 2004

Record: 17-6 (17-6 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 5 games ahead of Texas (12-11)
Team BA: .304(.271) Team ERA: 4.15(4.76)

Who's Hot Batting: Eric Chavez (.330/7/19/.445/.670/23 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Kenny Lofton (.223/0/8/.287slg/3 steals/14 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Roy Oswalt (4-0/1.64/33Ks/.188oba/2CG/1ShO in 5 starts)
Who's Not Pitching: Willard Kleinen (1-2/8.84/.294oba/9Ks/19ER in 19.1 IP)

Financials:
Cash: $9,471,438 (-$4.7M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Cleveland (21-2)
NL - Chicago (17-6)
Worst Records:AL - Kansas City (5-17)
NL - Pittsburgh (6-17)

Milestones:
Moises Alou and Jason Giambi collected their 1000th career RBIs.
Omar Vizquel scored his 1000th career run.
Vladimir Guerrero hit his 300th home run.
Mark McGwire hit his 700th home run.

[mattman1624]

May 2004

Record: 19-7 (36-13 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 8.5 games ahead of Anaheim (28-22)
Team BA: .297(.271) Team ERA: 3.81(4.79)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.358/14/50/.437/.632/43 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Kenny Lofton (.239/1/18/.367/.317/ 34 runs/4 steals in 9 attempts)

Who's Hot Pitching: Mark Mulder (6-2/2.40/.201oba/52Ks in 75.0 IP/1 ShO)
Who's Not Pitching: Chad Bradford (1-0/7.82/.356oba/11ER in 12.2 IP in 10 Games)

Financials:
Cash: $5,956,165 (-$8.3M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (36-13)
NL - Chicago (35-15)
Worst Records:AL - Seattle (16-35)
NL - Pittsburgh (15-35)

Milestones:
Robin Ventura and Kenny Lofton collected their 2000th career hits.
Ray Durham, Raul Mondesi, and B.J. Surhoff scored their 1000th run.
Ivan Rodriguez hit his 300th home run.
Armando Benitez saved his 200th game.

[mattman1624]

June 2004

Record: 14-13 (50-26 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 9.5 games ahead of Texas (40-35)
Team BA: .289(.270) Team ERA: 4.02(4.80)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.357/20/77/.443/.620/61 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Placido Polanco (.263/1/25/.303obp/.328slg/27 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Tim Hudson (7-4/3.12/.217oba/103Ks/26BB/3CG/2ShO in 112.2 IP in 16 starts)
Who's Not Pitching: Chad Bradford (3-1/5.40/.307oba/1 blown save/16 ER in 20 appearances)

Mark McGwire Watch: .243/11/31/.385/.448/32 runs

Financials:
Cash: $6,574,317 (-$7.6M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (50-26)
NL - Chicago (55-22)
Worst Records:AL - Seattle (26-51)
NL - Pittsburgh (24-54)

Milestones:
Luis Gonzalez and Raul Mondesi drove in their 1000th run.
Todd Hundley hit his 300th home run.

[mattman1624]

July 2004

Record: 20-7 (70-33 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 17.5 games ahead of Texas (52-50)
Team BA: .283(.271) Team ERA: 3.82(4.79)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.347/26/104/.433obp/.599slg/78 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Placido Polanco (.291/3/36/.328obp/.366slg/ 8for14 steals/41 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Roy Oswalt (11-2/3.72/.263oba/114Ks/39BB/2CG/1ShO/138.0IP in 21 starts)
Who's Not Pitching: Grant Stewart (8-5/5.65/.319oba/1 for 8 in save oppoutunities)

Mark McGwire Watch: .236/15/42/.368obp/.432slg/42 runs

Financials:
Cash: $4,667,742 (-$9.5M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (70-33)
NL - Chicago (69-35)
Worst Records:AL - Seattle (32-72)
NL - Pittsburgh (35-69)

Milestones:
Mike Piazza and Mark McGwire collected their 2000th hit.
Frank Thomas got his 1500th RBI. Jeff Bagwell scored his 1500th run.
Ken Griffey Jr. lined his 2500th hit.
Manny Ramirez hit his 400th, and Juan Gonzalez hit his 500th home run.
Roger Clemens won his 300th game.

All Star Teams:
AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL STAR TEAM

C : Ivan Rodriguez (TEX) 3,270,510 votes
1B : Jason Giambi (OAK) 1,909,860
2B : Ray Durham (CHW) 1,631,021
3B : Troy Glaus (ANA) 1,671,876
SS : Alex Rodriguez (TEX) 1,446,881
OF : Magglio Ordonez (CHW) 945,929
OF : Raul Mondesi (MIN) 985,885
OF : Garret Anderson (BOS) 1,047,870
Bench : David Eckstein (BAL)
Bench : Jimmy Rollins (CLE)
Bench : Deivi Cruz (DET)
Bench : Robert Fick (KCR)
Bench : Derek Jeter (NYY)
Bench : Scott Podsednik (SEA)
Bench : Wayne Hulanicki (TBD)
Bench : Bernie Williams (TOR)
Pitcher : Pedro Martinez (BOS)
Pitcher : Tim Hudson (OAK)
Pitcher : Mark Mulder (OAK)
Pitcher : Frank Castillo (BOS)
Pitcher : Mike Mussina (NYY)
Pitcher : Barry Zito (OAK)
Pitcher : Mariano Rivera (NYY)
Pitcher : Vern Park (ANA)
Pitcher : Joe King (DET)
Pitcher : Keith Foulke (CHW)
Pitcher : Paul Shuey (CLE)

NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL STAR TEAM

C : Jason LaRue (CIN) 1,438,670 votes
1B : Tony Clark (CHC) 1,365,221
2B : Jerry Hairston (LAD) 1,286,825
3B : Albert Pujols (STL) 1,390,841
SS : Rafael Furcal (CHC) 1,101,810
OF : Vladimir Guerrero (COL) 1,460,105
OF : Geoff Jenkins (STL) 1,128,864
OF : Brian Giles (PIT) 854,004
Bench : Abraham Nunez (ARI)
Bench : J.D. Drew (FLA)
Bench : Lance Berkman (HOU)
Bench : Richie Sexson (MIL)
Bench : Edgar Renteria (MON)
Bench : Benny Agbayani (NYM)
Bench : Manny Ramirez (PHI)
Bench : Rich Aurilia (SFG)
Pitcher : Kevin Millwood (ATL)
Pitcher : Scott Elarton (SDP)
Pitcher : Freddy Wright (CHC)
Pitcher : Jose Ramos (FLA)
Pitcher : Ryan Dempster (NYM)
Pitcher : Greg Maddux (ATL)
Pitcher : Jeff D'Amico (STL)
Pitcher : Jason Christiansen (SDP)
Pitcher : Xavier Worthy (SDP)
Pitcher : Dave Andrews (CIN)
Pitcher : John Rocker (CHC)

[mattman1624]

August 2004

Record: 16-12 (86-45 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 18.5 games ahead of Texas (67-63)
Team BA: .278(.270) Team ERA: 3.79(4.70)

Who's Hot Batting: Johnny Damon (.313/16/48/.379obp/.462slg/120 runs/32 steals)
Who's Not Batting: Kenny Lofton (.245/8/56/.343obp/.340slg/88 runs/16 steals)

Who's Hot Pitching: Tim Hudson (13-6/2.92/.218oba/166Ks/56BB/5CG/3ShO/197.0IP in 28 starts)
Who's Not Pitching: Paul Leppiaho (1-2/5.27/.279oba/42 ER in 71.2IP in 31 games)

Mark McGwire Watch: .222/23/59/.360obp/.439slg/55 runs

Financials:
Cash: $1,377,853 (-$12.8M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (86-45)
NL - Atlanta (90-42)
Worst Records:AL - Seattle (41-90)
NL - Pittsburgh (43-89)

Milestones:
Jeff Bagwell recorded his 1500th RBI.
Both Vladimir Guererro and Ray Lankford got their 1000th career RBIs.
Delino DeShields lined his 2000th hit.
Jim Thome hit his 400th home run, and Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th home run.

[mattman1624]

September/October 2004

Record: 20-11 (106-56 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 20.0 games ahead of Texas (86-76)
Team BA: .275(.269) Team ERA: 3.82(4.66)

Team MVP: Jason Giambi (.336/42/150/.426obp/.602slg/109 runs/202 hits)
Team LVP: Placido Polanco (.287/7/54/.325obp/.375slg/10steals/66 runs)

Team Cy Young: Barry Zito (19-6/3.17/.183oba/186Ks/2CG/1ShO in 34 starts)
Team Jim Mecir: Grant Stewart (9-7/5.10/.301oba/10 blown saves in 74 appearances)

Mark McGwire Final Stats: .212/30/77/.347obp/.427slg/73 runs

Financials:
Cash: $1,651,885 (-$12.6M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (106-56)
NL - Atlanta (105-57)
Worst Records:AL - Seattle (55-107)
NL - Pittsburgh (56-106)

Milestones:
Johnny Damon stole his 300th base, and scored his 1000th run.
Darryl Kile struck out his 2000th batter.
Larry Walker slammed his 400th home run.
Jason Giambi scored his 1000th career run.

Regular Season Awards:

AL Home Run Leader: Alex Rodriguez (51)
AL Batting Title: Ivan Rodriguez (.349)
AL RBI Leader: Jason Giambi (150)
AL Stolen Base Leader: Johnny Damon (45)
AL ERA Leader: Rick Watkins (3.08)
AL Strikeout Leader: Pedro Martinez (267)
AL Win Leader: Barry Zito (19)
AL Save Leader: Jason Isringhausen (51)

NL Home Run Leader: Vladimir Guerrero (57)
NL Batting Title: Vladimir Guerrero (.336)
NL RBI Leader: Vladimir Guerrero (146)
NL Stolen Base Leader: Luis Castillo (73)
NL ERA Leader: Freddy Wright (2.35)
NL Strikeout Leader: Tom Dupont (275)
NL Win Leader: Freddy Wright (20)
NL Save Leader: Ray King (37)

Playoff Matchups:

Oakland Athletics (106-56) vs. Boston Red Sox (92-70)
Chicago White Sox (97-65) vs. New York Yankees (94-68)

Atlanta Braves (105-57) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (93-69)
Chicago Cubs (103-59) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (95-67)

Next: Playoffs Round 1

[mattman1624]

Playoffs 2004

Round 1: Oakland Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox
For the second year in a row, the A's tangled with the Boston Red Sox to open the playoffs. Game one saw Tim Hudson outduel Pedro Martinez 4-3. Hudson pitched the first eight innings, giving up two runs, and struck out eight. Game two was the complete opposite of game one, as Barry Zito was roughed up for eight runs in less than three innings in a 10-3 loss. Game three, in Boston, was Roy Oswalt's big night. Oswalt pitched a complete game shutout, and Jason Giambi homered in a 3-0 win for the A's. Game four was another dissapointment from Mark Mulder and the bullpen, as Boston won
9-4 to force the A's to play yet another game five. Which turned out to be almost a snoozer, as Tim Hudson was just one out away from a complete game shutout, but was pulled for Jason Isringhausen, who got the save. The Athletics won the game by a score of 1-0 thanks to a seventh inning home run by Eric Chavez.

Series Recap:

Game 1: A's 4-3 Red Sox
Game 2: A's 3-10 Red Sox
Game 3: A's 3-0 Red Sox
Game 4: A's 4-9 Red Sox
Game 5: A's 1-0 Red Sox

A's defeat Red Sox 3 games to 2.


Round 1: Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees
Game 1: White Sox 2-5 Yankees
Game 2: White Sox 11-3 Yankees
Game 3: White Sox 11-3 Yankees
Game 4: White Sox 3-4 Yankees
Game 5: White Sox 5-4 Yankees

White Sox defeat Yankees 3 games to 2.


Round 1: Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 1: Braves 5-11 Cardinals
Game 2: Braves 6-4 Cardinals
Game 3: Braves 3-5 Cardinals
Game 4: Braves 11-9 Cardinals
Game 5: Braves 5-4 Cardinals

Braves defeat Cardinals 3 games to 2.


Round 1: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Game 1: Cubs 1-3 Dodgers
Game 2: Cubs 7-4 Dodgers
Game 3: Cubs 5-10 Dodgers
Game 4: Cubs 4-3 Dodgers
Game 5: Cubs 8-5 Dodgers

Cubs defeat Dodgers 3 games to 2.


Next: Round 2, Athletics vs. White Sox.

[mattman1624]

2004 Playoffs

Round 2: Oakland A's vs. Chicago White Sox

For the third time in four years, the A's and White Sox met in the playoffs. In game one, the A's came back from a 4-3 defecit thanks to a 3 run homer by Eric Chavez as part of a 4 run bottom of the seventh inning. The A's won the game 7-4. Game two was more good news for the Athletics, as Roy Oswalt pitched eight innings, allowing only one run, as the A's took a 2-0 series lead with a 4-1 win. Game three was a heartbreaker for the A's as we lost 8-7, despite four home runs. Game four was another disaster as Chad Bradford gave up three runs on five hits in the bottom of the seventh to lose us the game 6-3. Game five was almost a repeat of game four, as the bullpen allowed three runs during a 5 run bottom of the seventh inning, and we returned to Oakland, down three games to two, and needing some postseason magic. Game six turned out to be one of those games that'll make your hair turn gray prematurely. The game was tied 3-3 in the top of the tenth inning when Aaron Rowland led off the inning with a home run off Grant Stewart (game 5's loser), bringing the season down to just three precious outs. Thankfully, Johnny Damon came through. With the bases loaded, and one out, Johnny singled up the middle, scoring Mario Valdez and Miguel Tejada for the win. Finally, game seven was Mark Mulder's chance to shine. While he didn't pitch well, giving up four runs in six innings, he didn't need to. The A's crushed six doubles, and a home run from Kenny Lofton in a 13-5 blow out. The Oakland Athletics were victorious, and were off to play in their third consecutive World Series, against those dastardly Atlanta Braves.

Series Recap:
Game 1: A's 7-4 White Sox
Game 2: A's 4-1 White Sox
Game 3: A's 7-8 White Sox
Game 4: A's 3-6 White Sox
Game 5: A's 5-6 White Sox
Game 6: A's 5-4 White Sox
Game 7: A's 13-5 White Sox

The Oakland Athletics defeat the Chicago White Sox 4 games to 3.


Round 2: Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs
Game 1: Braves 10-9 Cubs
Game 2: Braves 8-9 Cubs
Game 3: Braves 9-3 Cubs
Game 4: Braves 2-6 Cubs
Game 5: Braves 1-8 Cubs
Game 6: Braves 7-3 Cubs
Game 7: Braves 8-6 Cubs

The Atlanta Braves defeat the Chicago Cubs 4 games to 3.


Next: The World Series, a rematch with the Atlanta Braves.

[mattman1624]

2004 Playoffs

The World Series: Oakland Athletics vs. Atlanta Braves

Once again the Oakland A's faced off against the Atlanta Braves in the World Series. Game one was an embarrassment for Oakland. Despite eight shutout innings from Tim Hudson, the game went to extra innings tied 0-0. In the eleventh frame, Jason Kendall connected off of Jason Isringhausen for what would be the game winning three run homer, in the Braves 3-0 win. Game two was dissapointing as well, as Barry Zito could not hold a 2-1 lead, and the Braves took a 2-0 series lead with a 6-2 victory. Game three was a heartbreaker as Grant Stewart gave up two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to hand the Braves a 5-4 win, and a 3-0 series lead. Game four turned out to be the nail in the coffin, as Atlanta jumped all over Mark Mulder in the fifth inning, tagging him for 5 runs. They would add four more runs on their way to winning their second consecutive world series in a sweep.

Series Recap:

Game 1: A's 0-3 Braves
Game 2: A's 2-6 Braves
Game 3: A's 4-5 Braves
Game 4: A's 4-10 Braves

The Atlanta Braves defeat the Oakland A's 4 games to 0.


Next: Re-Signings, Free Agency, Awards, and the 2005 draft.

[mattman1624]

Post Season 2004

Resignings:

3B Eric Chavez 7 years at $7,900,000
RP Chad Bradford 3 years at $1,450,000
SP Carlos Zambrano 2 years at $1,200,000
SP Curt Schilling 2 years at $950,000

Released:
SS Miguel Tejada
1B Mario Valdez

Free Agent Signings:
SS Ramon Martinez 5 years at $2,400,000
LF Gary Sheffield 7 years at $4,700,000

Awards:
AMERICAN LEAGUE (2004)

Cy Young Barry Zito (OAK)
Player of the Year: Ivan Rodriguez (TEX)
Rookie Of The Year: Sergio Jiminez (SEA)

Gold Glove (P): Livan Hernandez (MIN)
Gold Glove (C): Ivan Rodriguez (TEX)
Gold Glove (1B): Kevin Millar (TOR)
Gold Glove (2B): Carlos Febles (KCR)
Gold Glove (3B): Wayne Hulanicki (TBD)
Gold Glove (SS): Alex Rodriguez (TEX)
Gold Glove (LF): Darin Erstad (KCR)
Gold Glove (CF): Sergio Jiminez (SEA)
Gold Glove (RF): Ichiro Suzuki (CLE)

NATIONAL LEAGUE (2004)

Cy Young Kevin Millwood (ATL)
Player of the Year: Vladimir Guerrero (COL)
Rookie Of The Year: Jack Wilson (NYM)

Gold Glove (P): Kelvin Martin (MIL)
Gold Glove (C): Jason Kendall (ATL)
Gold Glove (1B): Ken Harvey (FLA)
Gold Glove (2B): Ron Belliard (MIL)
Gold Glove (3B): Adrian Beltre (LAD)
Gold Glove (SS): Rafael Furcal (CHC)
Gold Glove (LF): Geoff Jenkins (STL)
Gold Glove (CF): Andruw Jones (LAD)
Gold Glove (RF): Bobby Rosenkranz (PIT)



2005 Draft:

Round 1: #30 RF Britt Ziedman 70/87 ...Could be a starter in a few years.
Round 2: #60 1B Bob Yarford 67/81 ...DH or starting first base.
Round 3: #90 RP Virgil Kierman 67/77 ...Short Relief or closer even.\
Round 4: #120 CF Reynaldo Gavilan 64/72 ...Hopefully a good lead off man; 96 speed.
Round 5: #150 C Wendall Hendel 62/72 ...Meh.
Round 6: #180 SP Ross Hawthorne 58/70 ...Long reliever or alternate starter.


Next: Lineup for 2005, including spring training statistics.

[mattman1624]

April 2005

Record: 16-7 (16-7 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 3.5 games ahead of Anaheim (13-11)
Team BA: .279(.273) Team ERA: 3.97(4.72)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.275/10/23/.377/.615/16 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Eric Chavez (.263/0/5/.349/.276/12 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Willard Kleinen (4-1/2.04/.219oba/30Ks in 39.2 IP in 5 starts/1 CG)
Who's Not Pitching: Mark Mulder (1-0/7.88/.250oba/14 ER allowed in 16.0 IP in 3 starts)

Financials:
Cash: $7,912,046 (-$4.1M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Oakland (16-7)
NL - San Francisco (16-8)
Worst Records:AL - Tampa Bay (6-18)
NL - Chicago (8-15)

Milestones:
Jim Edmonds scored his 1000th run.
Jason Isringhausen and Mariano Rivera saved their 200th and 300th games respectively.
Greg Maddux won his 300th game, and Mike Mussina won his 200th.
Luis Castillo stole his 400th base.
Todd Helton hit his 300th home run.

[mattman1624]

May 2005

Record: 10-16 (26-23 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 6.0 games ahead of Texas (20-29)
Team BA: .281(.272) Team ERA: 4.74(4.86)

Who's Hot Batting: Jermaine Dye (.332/10/43/.419obp/.560slg/37 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Gary Sheffield (.259/5/18/.381obp/.455slg/25 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Tim Hudson (5-2/3.79/.226oba/80Ks in 76.0 IP in 11 starts)
Who's Not Pitching: Mark Mulder (2-1/6.50/.284oba/1 ShO/33 ER allowed in 45.2 IP in 8 starts)

Financials:
Cash: $5,527,726 (-$6.4M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Chicago White Sox (34-15)
NL - Los Angeles Dodgers (30-19)
Worst Records:AL - Tampa Bay Devil Rays (14-37)
NL - New York Mets & Pittsburgh Pirates (22-28)

Milestones:
Mark Wholers and Keith Foulke saved their 200th games.
Alex Rodriguez hit his 400th homer, and Jim Edmonds slammed his 300th.
Brian Giles and Todd Helton collected their 1000th RBIs.
Jeff Kent scored his 1000th run.

[mattman1624]

June 2005

Record: 15-11 (41-34 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 5.5 games ahead of Texas (36-40)
Team BA: .277(.271) Team ERA: 4.70(4.79)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.293/22/64/.395obp/.578slg/53 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Placido Polanco (.256/0/21/.304obp/.313slg/30 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Willard Kleinen (9-4/4.17/.246oba/68Ks/1 CG/108 IP in 16 starts)
Who's Not Pitching: Mark Mulder (2-4/5.72/.291oba/46 ER allowed in 72.1 IP in 12 starts)

Financials:
Cash: $1,631,676 (-$10.3M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Chicago White Sox (51-24)
NL - Los Angeles Dodgers (46-29)
Worst Records:AL - Tampa Bay Devil Rays & Anaheim Angels (29-48)
NL - Pittsburgh (31-46)

Note of interest:
Every team in the AL Central is over .500.

Milestones:
Tony Clark, Brian Giles, and Andruw Jones hit their 300th home runs.
Sammy Sosa clubbed his 600th home run.
John Rocker saved his 200th game.
Roberto Alomar crossed the plate for the 1500th time in his career.
Pokey Reese stole his 300th base.
Derek Jeter lined his 2000th hit.
Pedro Martinez struck out his 3000th victim.

[mattman1624]

July 2005

Record: 13-14 (54-48 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 4.5 games ahead of Texas (50-53)
Team BA: .276(.271) Team ERA: 4.52(4.78)

Who's Hot Batting: Eric Chavez (.302/22/66/.387obp/.536slg/59 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Placido Polanco (.238/1/26/.298obp/.296slg/40 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Tim Hudson (10-2/3.18/.223oba/154Ks/55 ER allowed in 155.2 IP/1ShO)
Who's Not Pitching: Chad Bradford (5-6/6.94/.323oba/3 BS/45 ER allowed in 58.1 IP in 43 app.)

Trade:

JULY 31, 2005
Dodgers receive Roy Oswalt (SP), Mark Mulder (SP) and Jason Isringhausen (SP)
Athletics receive C.C. Sabathia (SP)
Athletics receive $10 Million

Financials:
Cash: $5,990,565 (-$16.0M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Chicago White Sox (68-34)
NL - Los Angeles Dodgers (63-40)
Worst Records:AL - Tampa Bay Devil Rays (38-66)
NL - Pittsburgh Pirates (40-64)

Milestones:
Rod Beck saved his 400th game.
Tony Clark and Garret Anderson both drove in their 1000th runs.


General Manager's Notes:
The trade was a great one for us. Mulder and Oswalt were having terrible years, and all three

were in the last year of their contracts. C.C. should really help the starting rotation, and the

money will obviously help keep us from falling back into debt. Grant Stewart takes over as closer

and Paul Leppiaho, our 2003 first round pick takes the fifth spot in the rotation.

All Star Rosters:
AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL STAR TEAM

C : Ivan Rodriguez (NYY) 1,928,826 votes
1B : Jason Giambi (OAK) 1,664,624
2B : Gil McDaniel (MIN) 1,563,911
3B : Chipper Jones (CHW) 1,694,344
SS : Nomar Garciaparra (BOS) 1,598,096
OF : Jermaine Dye (OAK) 916,074
OF : Ichiro Suzuki (CLE) 759,614
OF : Ken Griffey Jr. (TEX) 777,570
Bench : Terrence Long (ANA)
Bench : David Eckstein (BAL)
Bench : Neifi Perez (DET)
Bench : Tim Raines (KCR)
Bench : Alex Gonzalez (SEA)
Bench : Wayne Hulanicki (TBD)
Bench : Troy Glaus (TOR)
Pitcher : Pedro Martinez (BOS)
Pitcher : Tim Hudson (OAK)
Pitcher : Willard Kleinen (OAK)
Pitcher : Galeno Almendros (SEA)
Pitcher : Luis Parra (KCR)
Pitcher : Vic Jackson (TOR)
Pitcher : Scott Williamson (CHW)
Pitcher : Billy Koch (NYY)
Pitcher : Mariano Rivera (NYY)
Pitcher : Luis Kiko (BOS)
Pitcher : Byung-Hyun Kim (DET)

NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL STAR TEAM

C : Ben Petrick (COL) 1,127,728 votes
1B : Todd Helton (COL) 1,893,516
2B : Edgardo Alfonzo (STL) 1,186,080
3B : Adrian Beltre (LAD) 1,744,711
SS : Cristian Guzman (COL) 1,050,846
OF : Lance Berkman (COL) 2,780,259
OF : Andruw Jones (LAD) 1,703,126
OF : Cliff Floyd (COL) 945,538
Bench : Bobby Anderson (ARI)
Bench : Jim Thome (ATL)
Bench : Tony Clark (CHC)
Bench : Julio Lugo (CIN)
Bench : Preston Wilson (FLA)
Bench : Jack Wilson (HOU)
Bench : Alex Gonzalez (MIL)
Bench : Edgar Renteria (MON)
Bench : Carlos Delgado (NYM)
Bench : Scott Rolen (PHI)
Bench : Vance Beatle (PIT)
Bench : Ben Grieve (SDP)
Bench : Rich Aurilia (SFG)
Pitcher : Andy Butler (SFG)
Pitcher : Luis Pueyo (MON)
Pitcher : Ian Shields (CHC)
Pitcher : Nicolas Brooks (NYM)
Pitcher : Billy Wagner (NYM)
Pitcher : Tony Unger (HOU)
Pitcher : Robert Rozenblum (HOU)
Pitcher : Matt Mantei (STL)
Pitcher : Oscar Pinzón (STL)
Pitcher : Armando Benitez (NYM)
Pitcher : Scott Strickland (STL)

[mattman1624]

August 2005

Record: 17-11 (71-59 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 5.5 games ahead of Texas (66-65)
Team BA: .279(.273) Team ERA: 4.47(4.86)

Who's Hot Batting: Jason Giambi (.312/39/107/.415obp/.611slg/93 runs)
Who's Not Batting: Placido Polanco (.249/1/32/.305obp/.304slg/50 runs)

Who's Hot Pitching: Willard Kleinen (18-5/3.53/.250oba/3 CG/1 ShO/183.1 IP in 27 starts)
Who's Not Pitching: Chad Bradford (6-7/6.21/.295oba/4 BS/52 ER allowed in 75.1 IP in 58 app.)

Financials:
Cash: $4,171,701 (-$17.8M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Chicago White Sox (86-44)
NL - Los Angeles Dodgers (80-51)
Worst Records: AL - Tampa Bay Devil Rays (48-83)
NL - Florida Marlins (51-81)

Milestones:
Jim Edmonds, Nomar Garciaparra, and Andruw Jones collected their 1000th RBIs.
Carlos Delgado, Andruw Jones, Nomar Garciaparra, Shawn Green and Jason Kendall scored their 1000th run.
Ivan Rodriguez lined his 2500th hit, and Manny Ramirez roped his 2000th hit.

[mattman1624]

September/October 2005

Record: 15-17 (86-76 overall)
Place: 1st in AL West, 2.0 games ahead of Texas (84-78)
Team BA: .275(.273) Team ERA: 4.64(4.83)

Team MVP: Jermaine Dye (.302/36/127/.376obp/.534slg/111 runs/202 hits)
Team LVP: Placido Polanco (.265/3/47/.315obp/.337slg/65 runs)

Team Cy Young: Willard Kleinen (19-7/3.80/.248oba/3 CG/1 ShO)
Team Jim Mecir: Paul Leppiaho (3-8/4.46/.266oba/55 ER allowed in 111 IP in 12 starts and 20 other app.)

Financials:
Cash: $2,900,002 (-$19.1M)

Around The League:
Best Records: AL - Chicago White Sox (106-56)
NL - Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64)
Worst Records:AL - Tampa Bay Devil Rays (62-100)
NL - Florida Marlins (63-99)

Milestones:
Javy Lopez, and Todd Hundley recorded their 1000th RBI.
Pedro Martinez won his 200th game.
Chipper Jones and Garret Anderson lined their 2000th hit.
Garry Sheffield recorded his 1500th RBI.
Pedro Astacio struck out his 2000th batter.
Matt Mantei saved his 200th game, and Trevor Hoffman saved his 400th.
Carl Everett scored his 1000th run.
Jeff Kent hit his 300th home run.

Regular Season Awards:

AL Home Run Leader: Jason Giambi (45)
AL Batting Title: Nomar Garciaparra (.348)
AL RBI Leader: Chipper Jones and Craig Wilson (141)
AL Stolen Base Leader: Luis Castillo (69)
AL ERA Leader: Pedro Martinez (3.10)
AL Strikeout Leader: Pedro Martinez (258)
AL Win Leader: Willard Kleinen (19)
AL Save Leader: Paul Shuey (43)

NL Home Run Leader: Tony Clark (58)
NL Batting Title: Adrian Beltre (.345)
NL RBI Leader: Lance Berkman (180)
NL Stolen Base Leader: Rafeal Furcal (41)
NL ERA Leader: Andy Butler (2.40)
NL Strikeout Leader: Tom Dupont (301)
NL Win Leader: Andy Butler (21)
NL Save Leader: Jose Quehlas (45)

Next: The Playoffs, and later, an in-depth look at the first five years of my general managereal career.

[jonnymo]

Keep it up, Matt. The other dynasty threads do a good job taking small-market, losing teams and trying to improve them.

Yours is one-of-a-kind, however. It's the only one that takes a good team and attempts to keep them on top, while dealing with the financial woes inevitable for any team that tries to stay competitive year after year and which doesn't play in the Bronx.

Your commentary is the best part, so that's my recommendation. The GM note from July 2005 is interesting, and every post deserves more of your insight.

Thanks!

[jaykno14]

I really like the format you have posted your dynasty with. I agree with jonnymo, your dynasty is a one of a kind, considering that you have kept the A's winners. Keep it up!!

[mattman1624]

Playoffs 2005

Round 1

Oakland Athletics (86-76) vs. Chicago White Sox (106-56)

Game 1: A's 3-6 White Sox
Game 2: A's 9-10 White Sox
Game 3: A's 1-9 White Sox

The White Sox defeat the Oakland A's 3 games to 0.


Boston Red Sox (102-60) vs. Cleveland Indians (93-69)

Game 1: Red Sox 6-2 Indians
Game 2: Red Sox 5-6 Indians
Game 3: Red Sox 1-6 Indians
Game 4: Red Sox 3-12 Indians

The Indians defeat the Red Sox 3 games to 1.

Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) vs. New York Mets (89-73)

Game 1: Dodgers 3-0 Mets
Game 2: Dodgers 6-2 Mets
Game 3: Dodgers 6-4 Mets

The Dodgers defeat the New York Mets 3 games to 1.

San Francisco Giants (97-65) vs. Houston Astros (90-72)

Game 1: Giants 5-3 Astros
Game 2: Giants 3-9 Astros
Game 3: Giants 5-4 Astros
Game 4: Giants 3-1 Astros

The Giants defeat the Astros 3 games to 1.



Next: League Championships and the World Series

[mattman1624]

Playoffs 2005 Rounds 2 & 3

ALCS: Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians

Game 1: White Sox 6-2 Indians
Game 2: White Sox 4-12 Indians
Game 3: White Sox 6-0 Indians
Game 4: White Sox 9-5 Indians
Game 5: White Sox 6-8 Indians
Game 6: White Sox 4-3 Indians

The Chicago White Sox defeat the Cleveland Indians 4 games to 2.

NLCS: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants

Game 1: Dodgers 2-0 Giants
Game 2: Dodgers 8-5 Giants
Game 3: Dodgers 7-1 Giants
Game 4: Dodgers 7-9 Giants
Game 5: Dodgers 0-1 Giants
Game 6: Dodgers 8-1 Giants

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the San Francisco Giants 4 games to 2.




World Series: Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Game 1: White Sox 6-8 Dodgers
Game 2: White Sox 3-5 Dodgers
Game 3: White Sox 2-6 Dodgers
Game 4: White Sox 6-7 Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers sweep the Chicago White Sox to win the World Series.


Next: Free Agency, 2006 Draft, and Post Season Awards

[mattman1624]

Post Season 2005

Resignings:

none

Released:
CF Kenny Lofton
1B Mark McGwire
C Sal Fasano

Free Agent Signings:
3B Alfonso Soriano at $4,000,000 for 5 years

Trades:

DECEMBER 17, 2005
Cubs receive Placido Polanco (2B) and Theodore Watkins (LF)
Athletics receive $4,000,000

DECEMBER 17, 2005
Diamondbacks receive Chris Carpenter (SP)
Athletics receive $1,000,000

DECEMBER 17, 2005
Red Sox receive Carlos Zambrano (SP)
Athletics receive $4,000,000

JANUARY 17, 2006
Diamondbacks receive T.J. Mathews (RP) and Nick Mackey (SP)
Athletics receive $1,000,000

JANUARY 17, 2006
Rockies receive Paul Leppiaho (SP)
Athletics receive Josh Beckett (SP)
Athletics receive $3,000,000


Awards:
AMERICAN LEAGUE (2005)

Cy Young Tim Hudson (OAK)
Player of the Year: Chipper Jones (CHW)
Rookie Of The Year: Gil McDaniel (MIN)

Gold Glove (P): Brad Radke (SEA)
Gold Glove (C): Henry Blanco (MIN)
Gold Glove (1B): David Whitelaw (CLE)
Gold Glove (2B): Miguel Cairo (TEX)
Gold Glove (3B): Troy Glaus (TOR)
Gold Glove (SS): Neifi Perez (DET)
Gold Glove (LF): Darin Erstad (KCR)
Gold Glove (CF): Sergio Jiminez (SEA)
Gold Glove (RF): Chris Richard (BOS)

NATIONAL LEAGUE (2005)

Cy Young Andy Butler (SFG)
Player of the Year: Lance Berkman (COL)
Rookie Of The Year: Jonathon Fillmore (ATL)

Gold Glove (P): Josh Brunner (PHI)
Gold Glove (C): Jason Kendall (ATL)
Gold Glove (1B): David Ortiz (CIN)
Gold Glove (2B): Pokey Reese (CIN)
Gold Glove (3B): Adrian Beltre (LAD)
Gold Glove (SS): Cristian Guzman (COL)
Gold Glove (LF): Shane Spencer (LAD)
Gold Glove (CF): Andruw Jones (LAD)
Gold Glove (RF): Nathaniel Bardelli (MON)



2006 Draft:

Round 1: #21 1B Bruce Singer 69/85... I see this guy as Jason Giambi's replacement.
Round 2: #51 RP Sean Corcoran 71/81... The A's next closer.
Round 3: #81 SP Jose Ortiz 67/80... A future starter, or trade bait.
Round 4: #111 CF Oscar Santa 64/74... 94 speed, hopefully a reliable leadoff hitter.
Round 5: #141 SP Howard Spencer 61/69... may not be good enough to start.
Round 6: #171 RP Umberto Tarrega55/69... in a few years, should be good short reliever.


Next: I'll review my first five years as general manager, starting with 2001.

[mattman1624]

Oakland A's Dynasty: Year One

My first year on the job was a fun experience to say the least. I was excited about enheriting a team with such great talent and potential. Early on, Jason Giambi was hitting as a league MVP should. At the end of June, I replaced John Jaha with Olmedo Seanz at DH and Cory Lidle with Erik Hiljus in the rotation. Lidle had an ERA over nine. Oakland sent three players to the All-Star game: Jason Giambi as a reserve, Tim Hudson and Barry Zito. Tim and Barry did not play, Jason went 0 for 2. On July 24, I made my first trade by sending F.P. Santangelo and Mark Guthrie to the Cubs for Carlos Zambrano. I made two more trades at the deadline:

JULY 31, 2001
Mariners receive Gil Heredia (SP)
Athletics receive Jamie Moyer (SP)

JULY 31, 2001
Royals receive Jeremy Giambi (RF) and John Jaha (1B)
Athletics receive Jermaine Dye (RF)
Royals receive $4,000,000

Analysis: Heredia wasn't having a good year (7-7/5.38/.281oba) and Moyer is a pretty good replacement. Jeremy started the season well, but his production was falling, and Dye gives us another big bat in the lineup.


Jermaine Dye was an immeadiate success, hitting .310, with 17 homers, and 51 runs batted in for us. Moyer on the other hand was a bust, going 3-5 with an ERA of 7.15. Hey, every choice a GM makes isn't going to turn out for the best. Anyways, the team finished the year 97-65 and the AL Western division champions for the first year under my leadership.


As far as season ending statistics went:
Hitting
Games Played: Jason Giambi (t-3th) with 161
Homers: Jason Giambi (t-6th) with 50
Total Bases: Jermaine Dye (6th) with 384; Jason Giambi (7th) with 383
Walks: Jason Giambi (4th) with 104
Steals: Johnny Damon (5th) with 40
RBIs: Jason Giambi (3rd) with 156
OBP: Jason Giambi (7th) with .416
SLG: Jason Giambi (10th) with .597
OPS: Jason Giambi (9th) with 1.013
Sacrifice Hits: Johnny Damon (t-3rd) with 9


Pitching
Wins: Barry Zito (t-1st) with 20; Tim Hudson (t-3rd) with 17; Mark Mulder (t-5th) with 15
Win%: Zito (2nd) with .741; Hudson (3rd) with .739; Mulder (8th) with .625
Saves: Jason Isringhausen (3rd) with 36
Save%: Jason Isringhausen (7th) with 85.7%
Ks: Zito (2nd) with 199; Hudson (3rd) with 198
CG: Hudson (t-2nd) with 4; same for Zito
ShO: Hudson and Zito (t-1st) with 3
Innings: Zito (1st) with 235; Hudson (2nd) with 217; Mulder (6th) with 199 & 2/3
ERA: Hudson (2nd) with 2.57; Zito (3rd) with 2.91
OBA: Zito (1st) with .203; Hudson (2nd) with .207
OSP: Hudson (1st) with .332; Zito (3rd) with .347
OOB: Zito (2nd) with .277; Hudson (3rd) with .278
Runners/9IP: Zito (2nd) with 9.84; Hudson (3rd) with 9.87
QS: Hudson and Zito (tied for 1st) with 23
QS%: Hudson (2nd) with 74.2%; Zito (3rd) with 67.6%


As you can see, it's no wonder I named Giambi as our team MVP, and Zito as team Cy Young narrowly over Hudson.

While the regular season was a fun ride, the playoffs were a big dissapointment, losing in the first round, swept by the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox would lose to the Boston Red Sox in six games; The Red Sox swept the Colorado Rockies to win their first World Series since 1918.

My first off-season would prove challenging, but I felt I did the best I could. I re-signed Barry Zito and Tim Hudson to seven year deals, both in excess of 13 million per year for each. I also made three big free agent signings: Curt Schilling, Roy Oswalt, and Octavio Dotel. I had signed up a good middle reliever, and had a bang up rotation for years. So despite the playoffs, and the fact the team didn't win any awards, I was feeling like a million bucks. As January 1st, 2002 came around, things were looking great for the organization as I readied myself for the 2002 draft.


Next: 2002