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Rany on Grienke

Rany with one of his longest works yet. He really wants to sign Grienke, but doesn't think it will happen.

What I found more interesting then everything though was the following quote:

"Baird didn’t get Beltran signed to a long-term deal, but as it happens, it wasn’t for lack of trying, or even for lack of succeeding – negotiations with Beltran were proceeding well until factors outside of Baird’s control intervened. (The more I learn about the Allard Baird Era, the more I’m convinced that the Allard Baird Era was not the fault of Allard Baird.)"

I'd love to hear that story.

Link about 1 month ago Zap_brannigan_tiny Top Ramen Comment 80 comments 1 recs |

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I hope that sentiment doesn't carry over to the KC Chiefs' apologists

to say that the Carl Peterson era was not the fault of Carl Peterson

The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from the terrors of the future. - Collected sayings of Muad'Dib

by buddyball on Nov 25, 2008 1:09 PM EST   0 recs

P.S. I hope they sign Greinke to a long, long contract

The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from the terrors of the future. - Collected sayings of Muad'Dib

by buddyball on Nov 25, 2008 1:10 PM EST   0 recs

p.s.s.

I hope Grienke WANTS to sign a long term contract here.

Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

by 306008 on Nov 25, 2008 1:25 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Most Importantly, How

Did this post earn a “scissoring” tag?

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 25, 2008 1:31 PM EST   0 recs

And not an "anal goe" tag?

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 1:43 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Fixed

Also added the obligatory Justin Huber tag.

by Top Ramen on Nov 25, 2008 2:32 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

also needs an Allard Baird tag, for sire

also I think I started a “poor sweet Allard” tag or something. “Baird Era” and “Owners who make you pine for the Steinbrenners” might also be good. Maybe also “at least it’s not Jeffrey Loria.”

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 25, 2008 3:22 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Allard Baird for sire?

you really did like the guy

The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from the terrors of the future. - Collected sayings of Muad'Dib

by buddyball on Nov 25, 2008 4:22 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Baird had his faults but

it can not be all his fault. When he was here the owners were not truly focused on winning, in my opinion. They wanted to make money. And while he had his faults, namely early round drafting, I wonder what he could have done if given the financial flexibility Dayton has had.

I would also like to know the Beltran story. He is one of my favorite all time Royals, or ex-Royals.

by TXroyal on Nov 25, 2008 1:35 PM EST   0 recs

Allard did a good job finding diamonds in the rough

I think it was his downfall because his owner’s thought he could do that at 15 positions and make us contenders.

Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

by 306008 on Nov 25, 2008 1:36 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Really?

I thought his strong point was finding lumps of coal and thinking they were diamonds.

Seriously, out of 4 star-caliber position players on the 2000 roster, the only one he thought to convince the Glasses to shell out big bucks for happened to be the one who developed a bad back. He signed or re-signed a slew of free agents in the 2003-2004 off-season (Brian Anderson, Curt Leskanic), and not a single one of them performed to expectations. I’m not saying I could have done better – I was happy when Leskanic, he of the under-2 ERA in 2003 re-signed with us – but I’m not a professional who should know how to evaluate talent, and how to separate the flashes in the pan from the performers who can repeat.

Allard Baird may indeed have been under serious constraints with the Glasses. But he was clearly a terrible evaluator of talent and/or health. He wasn’t completely unable to get the Glasses to spend a little (after all, they did for Sweeney), but he surely picked his fights wrongly.

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Nov 25, 2008 2:47 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I was talking about

The Emil Browns… when every player you sign HAS to be one, you won’t find many. But if you could take a chance on one guy cause you don’t need to have that diamond because your roster is full of studs, I’d feel comfortable letting him look.

Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

by 306008 on Nov 25, 2008 2:51 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I think its more

A result of having no talent. He was able to bring in every NRI that had an inkling of talent. If you throw enough crap at the wall, eventually some will stick. For every Raul Ibanez and Emil Brown, there were 5-6 Abraham Nunezes, Chip Ambreses and Donnie Sadlers.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 3:33 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Like, for every Tejeda, HoRam, and Soria

you wind up having to sift through the Yabutas, Nomos, Fulchinos, and Tomkos?

by Top Ramen on Nov 25, 2008 4:22 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

But

Part of a GM’s job is convincing everyone in the organization, including ownership, to buy into your plan. I don’t think anyone would confuse the Marlins or Twins ownership for doing all it could to win, but yet, they found themselves in the post-season.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 1:44 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

true

I still think Baird probably wasn’t (and isn’t) cut out to be a GM, and he made bad decisions that everyone knows about. Nonetheless, I think that the Glasses didn’t help him. Moreover, I think (ability [the most important attribute] aside), one difference between him and Moore is that Moore had leverage and “pull,” whereas it strikes me that Baird was hired because he was cheap and the Glasses could push him around. If he said “no way,” he was gone, and would never get a shot again. It’s not the same for Moore (thankfully).

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 25, 2008 3:25 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I don't doubt for one second that the Glasses were a huge obstacle

But there are other meddling/cheap owners in baseball. Carl Pohlad and Jeffrey Loria are notoriously cheap. And they not only avoided god awful 100 losses seasons, but they were quite competitive.

And I think you have to have the ability to convince ownership that what they’re asking is suicidal, and be willing to risk your job for it. If I were a GM and was told to deal Jermaine Dye for Neifi Perez, I’d tell them they’d have to fire me. Better to lose your job and get another chance somewhere else than be tagged the rest of your life as the guy who was dumb enough to deal Dye for Neifi.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 3:35 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

agreed

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 25, 2008 3:38 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

My early prediction

Zack Greinke is dealt next July.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 1:43 PM EST   0 recs

nnnooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from the terrors of the future. - Collected sayings of Muad'Dib

by buddyball on Nov 25, 2008 2:11 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Don't Worry, BB,

If that happens it will be only because Zack will not sign; I’m sure they have or will make him a ood offer. If we have to deal him, 7/09 will be the latest we can maximize his value. We’d be selling low after that. Nunie and RamRam were small change in the pitching currency world; I’d like to see what we could get for a big bill.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 25, 2008 2:36 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

if they trade Zack, I will no longer watch the Royals

unless they receive either Dougie or Huber in return, in which case I’ll watch the Royals twice as much

This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Nov 30, 2008 9:10 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

While not preferable, I think that's fine...

assuming that the Royals made all reasonable (or even slightly more than reasonable) attempts to extend him. And as long as Moore gets a nice haul of prospects (and maybe even an MLB-ready player or two) in return.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 2:32 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I Think We

Have to get at least one starting player in the deal, preferably two.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 25, 2008 2:37 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

You think he'll last that long?

It wouldn’t surprise me to see him traded this offseason

by Top Ramen on Nov 25, 2008 2:33 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I think that one of the reasons that Zack...

is balking at signing an extension is because he wants to be on a consistently competitive team. Part of his decision may be resting on seeing how well the Royals play during the first half of 2009. If the team looks like it will be competitive, then maybe he’d be more willing to sign at that point.

I think Moore probably needs to pin him down on that point for sure, though. If it’s really not that big of a consideration for Zack, then yeah, see what you can get for him now. Whoever trades for him would obviously like to get an extra half-season out of him, and the Royals would like to get whoever they are going to get for him and plug them all into their plans.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 2:44 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Think he'd agree

to a contract clause like the one Mike Sweeney agreed to? Over-500 within x years, or he can opt out?

Chaim Mattis Keller New York City's # 1 Royals fan!

by cmkeller on Nov 25, 2008 2:47 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I don't think Zack cares

He is more worried about ZG than KC or what they are putting together. He’ll go to the highest bidder.

Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

by 306008 on Nov 25, 2008 2:53 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

If he brings it up with Moore...

and doesn’t just throw it out there to the media, then yeah, that’s definitely a nice tactic you can use to see how serious he is about it being a major consideration. I guess it’s a little bit of a gamble, in that if you have a bad year, then you not only have a sub-.500 team to deal with, but one less valuable player to trade (assuming he opts out). Nonetheless, it’s a concession that at least needs to be seriously considered if Zack demands it.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 2:54 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Could be

that he also wants to go to the NL so he can at least occasionally hit. You are talking about a kid who used to sleep with his bat. I know he’s over a lot of that, but you know there’s something there in him that wants to get back in the batters box.

by labbadabba on Nov 25, 2008 2:58 PM EST   0 recs

note to Zack:

I’m not sure Colorado is the right place for you

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 25, 2008 3:26 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

but he could drop bombs there

Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

by 306008 on Nov 25, 2008 5:16 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I think that is a factor

Not a huge factor, but a factor nonetheless.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 3:36 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

The Weight Of

Factors may vary wildly on Planet Zack.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 25, 2008 4:16 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Chipotle is also a factor

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 4:27 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I'm confused about the Chipotle factor

Doesn’t pretty much EVERY major city have at least a few Chipotle locations? While I would be all in favor of the Royals forcing Chipotle to close down all non-KC locations in an effort to sweeten the plusses for staying in KC, I doubt Moore could pull that off (even with the Glass/Wal-Mart influence). Therefore, while it may be unfortunate, I highly doubt that KC has a distinct Chipotle-advantage in the Zack Greinke Extension/Free Agency Talks.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 4:43 PM EST   0 recs

What if

We built one in Kauffman Stadium? Would that not be an advantage? Perhaps built one right by his KC domicile?

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 4:47 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

If we're going that far, then...

why not a live-in Chipotle chef (and burrito construction staff) at Zack’s house? Dayton could set him up with a whole burrito line with all the fixins’, just like at your friendly neighborhood location. And the chef could even experiment with new menu items that Zack could test out.

And while we’re at it, why not set up another burrito line at the end of the Royals’ dugout, which could be incorporated into the Dugout Suite on the 1B side? All the suite guests could get free Chipotle, and Zack could run over in between innings and grab one while the Royals bat. Maybe they could even start wrapping his arm with the burrito foil to keep it warm between innings.

Alright, I’ve gone too far. I’ll stop now.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 4:57 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

That could put a serious reverse on the Guillen/Butler off season training table.

I could just see Billyboy rolling out to 1B with guacamole on his chin and cilantro between his teeth. We could see a real jump in OBP——Oversized Burrito Possession.

by Steve Hovley on Nov 25, 2008 5:55 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

This is the funniest

thing I’ve read in a long time…thanks

How come it's a penny for your thoughts but you have to put your two cents in? Someone is making a penny.

by Grantastica on Nov 27, 2008 8:31 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

That could work

We’d also have to find a way to get Brad and Jen back together.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 10:07 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

that made me so mad

This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Nov 30, 2008 9:11 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Maybe Zack is repped by Ari Gold?

Please God let him have an awesome brother, too.

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 30, 2008 4:18 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Seriously. Truth.

I live a ten-minute walk from the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley, and there is still a very popular Chipotle on the other side of campus. They’re everywhere these days.

by DarthYoshi on Nov 25, 2008 4:48 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

One of my law school friends...

literally ate nothing but Chipotle for an entire week once. I think it was during exams one semester, when we were all studying 12 hours a day (no time to make anything at home). He probably gained 8-10 pounds. But he did well on his exams—practices at a big fancy-pants NYC law firm now.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 4:59 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

nyroyal?

Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

by 306008 on Nov 25, 2008 5:17 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

ha!

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Nov 25, 2008 5:25 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Unlikely...

this guy was from Atlanta and was therefore a Braves fan to my knowledge.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 5:43 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I'm sure there's some sort of joke in there

about NYRoyal, Dayton Moore, the Braves, and divided loyalties, but I’m sure as hell not going to be the one to sort it out

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 25, 2008 6:32 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

INCORRECT!!!

http://www.chipotle.com/restaurants/map.asp?address=&city=Birmingham&state=AL&zip=

You are in luck, my friend. I have discovered three in your great state. Two in Birmingham and one in Tuscaloosa.

If Birmingham or Tuscaloosa is not close, then I suggest you move.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 5:47 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Wow, those must be somewhat new

Still several hours away from Huntsville though… :(

by Top Ramen on Nov 25, 2008 8:21 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

And I have confirmed that there are indeed...

absolutely NO locations to be found in the entire state of Arkansas (the home of the future Mrs. Sweep the Leg’s family). Probably a little known, but continuing, punishment from the Unionists due to their victory in the War of Northern Aggression. So, unfortunately, I will have to subsist solely on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey this weekend.

Maybe this is why Glass doesn’t understand why Zack considers Chipotle to be so important…

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 25, 2008 5:52 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

This is true.

No Chipotle in AR. We barely survive on knockoffs such as Flying Burrito (Little Rock and NW Arkansas — one down the road from Arvest Ballpark) and Blaze’n Burrito (Fort Smith).

by RATW on Nov 25, 2008 10:38 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

NO CHIPOTLE????

What is this, communist Russia?

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 11:03 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

And to add insult to injury...

Conway (Mrs. Sweep the Leg’s hometown) is Chipotle-less AND is smack in the middle of a dry county (yes, these things amazingly still exist in this country).

Needless to say, I visit as little as possible.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 26, 2008 1:47 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, but at least we know Zack won't sign with Birmingham

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 25, 2008 6:33 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

we have them in Omaha

maybe he wants to go down to AAA

The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from the terrors of the future. - Collected sayings of Muad'Dib

by buddyball on Nov 25, 2008 5:11 PM EST   0 recs

He'd Have A

Job selling lawnmowers in week.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 25, 2008 5:22 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

How did they miss this opportunity?

There’s a new restaurant coming in (down the right field line) in 2009, and it’s NOT going to be a Chipotle’s?

Marketing needs to talk to player personnel!

Mr Glass, this is a pro sports team, not a retail store - run it like one!

by loyal2sdad on Nov 25, 2008 5:44 PM EST   0 recs

I love how this has turned into a thread about Chipotle.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 25, 2008 10:08 PM EST   0 recs

you can't have one without the other

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 26, 2008 1:31 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

We just got 'em

in NYC about 4 years ago and they’re ALWAYS packed. Just had a fajita barbacoa for lunch myself. My question is, I ate Chipotle almost daily the summer of 2000 (92nd & Metcalf) and went from 175lbs to 210lbs. Is Greinkie’s metabolism that incredible? Now if we can just get Fat Tire out here so I don’t have to suffer through all this Sam Adams BS.

by labbadabba on Nov 26, 2008 2:16 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

of course it's packed in NYC

lived there for 7 years and loved it — but the Mexican food sucks

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 26, 2008 2:23 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

That's because

there are very few Mexicans here. All the Mexican food is made at Chinese food places. They don’t even bother to hide it. You can get chimichangas with a side order of General Tsaos from the same page on the menu. No MSG my ass.

by labbadabba on Nov 26, 2008 3:09 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

hey, I know

I’m in Canada now. It’s even worse. Even the BBQ is worse than NYC. Chinese food is a push.

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 26, 2008 4:40 PM EST to parent up   0 recs