A's Claim Jerome Williams

by Charlie Wilmoth on Sep 7, 2006 2:01 AM EDT in News

This isn't a headline-making move or anything, but it's worth mentioning here. The A's have claimed Jerome Williams off waivers from the Cubs. Williams is 24 and has about 400 major-league innings under his belt, during which he has an ERA or 4.03. He has been a good starter in the past and could be one in the future. I just watched a little bit of his April 15 start against the Pirates, and to my untrained eye there doesn't appear to be anything unfixably wrong with him, unless something has changed since then.

Williams has had a terrible season, but let's keep in mind that the Bucs are the same team that just added Juan Perez and Shane Youman to their 40-man roster. They could've had Williams; why are they bothering with non-prospects like Youman or Carlos Maldonado when they could have Williams instead?

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Headcase

Williams has a reputation for being something of a headcase. That and his unremarkable stint in AAA, let alone the bigs, would probably sour a team on giving him a spot on the 40 man roster.

Secondly, this is an organization that employs a hitting coach that think OBP is overrated and to prove it he created his own "stat". There is no logic in the coaching staff or front office.

That said, I think it is a fine thing to promote Youman et al as it sends a good message to the rest of the farm system.

by Greg Schuler on Sep 7, 2006 8:07 AM EDT reply actions

No way...

What is Manto's "own stat" that is more important than OBP? I have to know. Does it have something to do with contact per swing attempts or productive outs?

by Slick @ Bucs Dugout on Sep 7, 2006 11:08 AM EDT reply actions