First let me just say; you are up way to early for a sundaymorning.
Ok, let me give it a try (not knowing if you are a bit familiar with the 737 or are even a pilot).
One way of getting rid of the autothrottle is to disconnect it completely. Speedprotection (autothrottle will come back when the speed falls below selected speed to maintain the that speed) is not available as well as Autothrottle GoAround thrust in case of TOGA selection.
The other way to get rid of Autothrottle is to deselect it on the MCP, and yes, in this case all the above is still available (as displayed by 'ARM' in the FMA).
Hope this sheds some light.
Who needs a coffee..