Open Thread: Game 3 - A's at Baltimore

Ah...

Macha returns to his 2004 tendency to bat his best hitter sixth in service of his obsession with L-R alternating. Fun fun.

Oh yeah...MARCO!

by Vic @ Athletics Nation on Apr 7, 2005 4:08 PM PDT reply actions

I love Durazo...

but he hasn't exactly been our best hitter in the first three games this season...

I actually like having someone in between Chavvy and Durazo - as I mentioned in another diary earlier this week...

by LD on Apr 7, 2005 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions

I mean first 2 games...

I keep trying to count the win against the Giants in the exhibition game at the Coliseum, for some reason.

by LD on Apr 7, 2005 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions

SCUTARO!!!

This guy's already at 1/8 of his 2004 walk total. He sure is trying to impress Billy Beane.

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE YELLING ABOUT!!!" -Brick Tamland, Anchorman

by secret ASian man on Apr 7, 2005 4:09 PM PDT reply actions

Swisher

anyone listen to his pre-game interview? Talking about having to play mind games with himself in the outfield to keep himself in the game. It was hillarious! The guy's a character!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 4:10 PM PDT reply actions

Rhodes pitching well

Second straight good outing for Arthur with the Indians...I just think he had it in for us being from Seattle and all.

by runtru1 on Apr 7, 2005 4:10 PM PDT reply actions

re

hes not closing though, hes much better in a setup role. Theoretically it shouldnt matter 8th or 9th, but Rhodes is a headcase.

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions

rhodes

...is a headcase for the INDIANS.

Whew.

Keith

by kmonaco on Apr 7, 2005 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Byrnes

Capt. America gets his first crack at left handed pitching today. Here's hoping he picks up where he left off

by Hegenberger Road on Apr 7, 2005 4:12 PM PDT reply actions

Not a fan of the lineup

We'll see how it works out though

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 4:14 PM PDT reply actions

unless he's got some kind of injury it looks like Mark Ellis hasn't locked up the 2B job. Ginter makes 2 consecutive starts against a righty and lefty. If I'd told you before the season that Crosby would go down for six weeks and then said Ellis would be sitting on the bench would you have believed me. Macha has some real "old school" in him. Ellis has his work cut out for him if Ginter keeps popping.

The most important things in life are good friends and a strong bull pen. - Pitcher Bob Lemon, 1981

by Steve in Napa on Apr 7, 2005 4:14 PM PDT reply actions

former A's pitchers

Mike Wood took the loss for KC, allowing 3 runs in 2 1/3 innings after Greinke was hit by a line drive and left the game (apparently only a bruise). T. Long inexplicably went 3-for-4.
Aaron Harang did his Kirk Saarloos impression, and earned a win for 6 1/3 innings of 1-hit ball against the Mets.
Arthurly Rhodes picked up the win for Cleveland, pitching 2 scoreless innings in an extra-innings game against the White Sox. Two scoreless innings!
And of course Hudson is making his debut for the Braves, at the same time as our game.

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 4:15 PM PDT reply actions

I think i'm only gonna get the braves marlins game

GOD I HATE THIS!

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:15 PM PDT reply actions

At least its an awesome game..

Huddy vs. AJB. I will be watching that along with the A's game for sure

by OaktownPower on Apr 7, 2005 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Mulder

I listened to a Cards game yesterday and they announced Mulder to pitch today... ouch!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Braves/Marlins

Hey, at least you'll get to see Huddy.

"[Your blog is] pretty funny. Although I kinda wanna slap Charlie in the mouth. But I guess that's the point if you're an A's fan :-)" Blez

by Nate on Apr 7, 2005 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Do u have satellite?

because espn has an alternative channel besides espn and espn2, and i was able to see the a's on that channel last night

by oakwin2004 on Apr 7, 2005 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions

A's on ESPN

I finally get to see my boys play for the first time tonight!

Plus I am heading down to tampa on sunday to watch them play!

LETS GO OAKLAND!!!!!

Go A's! All the way from Orlando, FL Check my profile website! Please help me out!

by Ryan Hadden on Apr 7, 2005 4:16 PM PDT reply actions

So Angry.........

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:17 PM PDT reply actions

Hi-Def

Just a heads-up for all the fellow Hi-Def heads out there, today's game is featured on INHD2. The only downfall is O's announcers.

Lord Vader... ...yesss massster? ...RISE!!!

by Force on Apr 7, 2005 4:18 PM PDT reply actions

did anyone watch the pregame intro on FSN?

I swear, the music they played in the background while introducing Dan Haren sounded like the stuff they play in the background of late-night cinemax specials... (not that I would really know, but I do flip channels a lot...) too damn funny...

I half expected some woman to walk up to him and ask him if he was the "handyman," here to fix the sink...

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 4:18 PM PDT reply actions

ok, it just switched from the braves intro to a

commercial, are they switching over?

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:18 PM PDT reply actions

this sucks

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:19 PM PDT reply actions

haha YES FSN I LOVE FSN

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:19 PM PDT reply actions

No ESPN and no baseball makes JJ

very sad!!! And it's going to be this way alllllll season long. how sad (for me, happy for my wife!)

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Greenwald...

really makes me miss King.

"[Your blog is] pretty funny. Although I kinda wanna slap Charlie in the mouth. But I guess that's the point if you're an A's fan :-)" Blez

by Nate on Apr 7, 2005 4:20 PM PDT reply actions

Jason Kendall batting third...

...geez.

If you took Joe Torre, stuffed him full of heroin, dropped him off the Empire State Building, performed a lobotomy on him with a salad fork and then fed him a liter of LSD, he'd still be a more coherent, thoughtful manager than Ken Macha.

by jrbh on Apr 7, 2005 4:20 PM PDT reply actions

Batting order

I think Durazo 6th makes less sense than Kendall 3rd.

"[Your blog is] pretty funny. Although I kinda wanna slap Charlie in the mouth. But I guess that's the point if you're an A's fan :-)" Blez

by Nate on Apr 7, 2005 4:21 PM PDT reply actions

batting order

I think some people just have NO IDEA about how little batting order matters (short of something like batting Neifi Perez leadoff).

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions

maybe not in a single game

But, you want your best hitters getting more at-bats. Durazo batting 6th all season will get 40 or so fewer at-bats per year. Over the course of the season, it could make the difference of a few games, and as we saw last year, a few games does make a difference

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Balks happen.

That's a bumper sticker right there.

"[Your blog is] pretty funny. Although I kinda wanna slap Charlie in the mouth. But I guess that's the point if you're an A's fan :-)" Blez

by Nate on Apr 7, 2005 4:24 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah, batting order...

...isn't really that important.

Also, starting pitching is over-rated, as well as fielding. I mean, they're wearing cowhide. How could that be serious? And those cylindrical wooden things.... don't make me laugh.

by jrbh on Apr 7, 2005 4:25 PM PDT reply actions

like i said

you don't seem to have any idea

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Gee

Batting third he drives in a run

by theblackpearl on Apr 7, 2005 4:26 PM PDT reply actions

nice

end batting order discussion.

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:26 PM PDT reply actions

NICE

I'll take those bloops from Kendall all year long

1-0 A's

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 4:27 PM PDT reply actions

haven't we been saying it all along?

how wonderful this lineup is and how Macha should be manager of the year and how Kendall is the perfect #3 hitter for today!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 4:27 PM PDT reply actions

Kielty

hit a screamer

The most important things in life are good friends and a strong bull pen. - Pitcher Bob Lemon, 1981

by Steve in Napa on Apr 7, 2005 4:29 PM PDT reply actions

that commercial was f'n funny

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:29 PM PDT reply actions

totally...

gotta love the A's marketing department

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Which one is it?

by Kaybeejay on Apr 7, 2005 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Kendall...

... gettin' beat up but holding onto the ball...

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I must be watching the Special Olympics

because I learned from AN that only a retard would bat Kendall 3rd. :)

Nico

by Nico on Apr 7, 2005 4:30 PM PDT reply actions

Have an opinion, if you want, andeux,

but lay off the personal crap.

Any half-awake baseball statistician or analyst would tell you that batting order matters a lot. Batting Kendall third is well outside any halfway normal interpretation of how to best maximize production from your order.

In particular, you have to wonder why Macha doesn't bat Byrnes, who was one of the best hitters in baseball last year against lefties, in the third spot.

by jrbh on Apr 7, 2005 4:33 PM PDT reply actions

interested why you think that..

jrbh, what is your source for that? I actually don't have a problem with Kendall batting third. And Sports Illustrated wrote an article last week about batting order that would seem to conflict with your point that batting order matters a great deal.

by Dog Days on Apr 7, 2005 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions

does Haren...

throw anything other than high fastballs?

by goldenhammer on Apr 7, 2005 4:33 PM PDT reply actions

So much for that lead...

Roberts hits a bomb to right field

1-1

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 4:33 PM PDT reply actions

1-1 Tie

well that was fast first batter home run Ouch

ChrisB

by ChrisB on Apr 7, 2005 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

hmm...

... looks like we could be flirting with a rain delay. lotsa fans with umbrellas

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 4:35 PM PDT reply actions

Yep, rain is coming down hard....this sucks.

I hate weather delays

by OaktownPower on Apr 7, 2005 4:36 PM PDT reply actions

east coast

Always shitty weather

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 4:37 PM PDT reply actions

Is the game stopped?

tarp on the field?

by oakwin2004 on Apr 7, 2005 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

opinion vs. fact

There was nothing personal in what I said. You're the one spouting invective and claiming things to be totally obvious that are simply wrong. I've written some (admittedly simple) simulations myself, and over the course of a huge number of games (it takes about 100,000 to get the variance low enough that you can draw any conclusions at all) the difference between any half-way reasonably lineups (basically good hitters toward the top, and bad ones toward the bottom) is just miniscule. Every article I've read from other analysts has concluded essentially the same thing. Now what's the basis for your claims?

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

Seriously,

I'm flipping between Hudson against the Marlins and A's/O's and enjoying the hell out of myself while reading along with the posts. Then someone always has to suck the pleasure out of it. Stop insulting people. You've done your homework. You can spout stats and give an insightful argument. We get it. Congratulations. Now shut the fuck up and watch the game.

by TravelingAsFan on Apr 7, 2005 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

huh?

How did I insult anyone? I'm trying to correct a common misconception. Why don't you tell jrbh to shut the fuck up? Why don't YOU shut the fuck up? Seriously.

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions

because

you're the one who's annoying.

by TravelingAsFan on Apr 7, 2005 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

HR aside

Haren looks good. Too many strikes (like a hittable 0-2 pitch to Miggy)--nice problem to have.

Nico

by Nico on Apr 7, 2005 4:40 PM PDT reply actions

agreed

make the other team work, no free passes.

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions

There's simply no point in arguing with you...

...about it, andeux, and I'm not going to. You're as wrong as you would be if you said three balls was a walk.

The commercial FSN is showing is a generic commercial that they're showing on all the FSN broadcasts across the country, with only the radio call at the end different in different cities.

by jrbh on Apr 7, 2005 4:42 PM PDT reply actions

not true

According to the analysis I've read, andeaux is more right here. I'd be interested in hearing what you base your claims on, jrbh, because I've always thought batting order played a big part in production. It just doesn't seem to bear out in objective analysis.

by Dog Days on Apr 7, 2005 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Typical pathetic argument

by jrbh. Why do you even post this crap? If you aren't willing to discuss anything and if you are so sure that you're right, are you just here to bash people and be a snob? Give it a rest. Everyone knows you don't agree. It's just like your other famous "I'll take a stand" arguments like Ron Washington sucks, Chavez has terrible technique, and Esteban Loaiza is the greatest pitcher in the AL.

You'll probably write back with a "at least I don't rely on personal attacks, ad hominem, vis a vis, blah blah blah," which everyone knows is the biggest joke ever. You don't use names but you attack anyone who might have an idea that's inconsistent with your own. It's a great strategy for remaining indestructible.

How could that moron Macha use Kendall as the third batter????!!!! HORRORS! This has never been done before! This is egregious! VIS A VIS!

Tony Gwynn was a singles hitter who seemed to do just fine batting third.

by Reg on Apr 8, 2005 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions

So Andeux

are you claiming that Chavez kotsay and Kendall could bat 7,8, 9, and this would not have a negative impact on the offense?

by oakwin2004 on Apr 7, 2005 4:42 PM PDT reply actions

No...

No, that's not what I claimed at all. Note what I said about "half-way reasonable" lineups ("good hitters toward the top, bad ones toward the bottom"). But even for something that is so totally brain-dead, the difference is a lot less than people seem to think - on the order of about 15 runs per year.

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Does it begin to dawn on you

that people don't like being talked to like they're six years old? At this point I don't care if you're right or wrong, I just want you to stop talking you condescending little turd.

by TravelingAsFan on Apr 7, 2005 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

stop acting like a 6-year old then

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

devastating.

devastating reply. ouch.

by TravelingAsFan on Apr 7, 2005 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Just a qstn

often times I speed read the posts, because I'm not a 6 yr old, but I do have a masters and a J.D......I'm getting so sick of this site, can't wait for AN day, like to see some people talk shit to my face

by oakwin2004 on Apr 8, 2005 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Kendall hitting third

Okay, fine. He hit a bleeder and got an RBI because of the balk. But it's still dumb. Kendall is a lot of things, but he's not a #3 hitter.

I don't know Durazo's history against Bedard, so I'm ambivalent there. I don't mind righties (Byrnes, Kielty) getting more at-bats against a lefty pitcher.

by bear88 on Apr 7, 2005 4:42 PM PDT reply actions

why not?

Why isn't Kendall a three hitter? What is your vision of a three hitter, and how do you back that up?

I'm just curious, by the way. All of my "training" in baseball tells me the same thing, but I don't understand why you can't put a high OBP and BA guy in the third spot.

by Dog Days on Apr 7, 2005 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Kendall

My idea of a #3 guy isn't a spray-hitting singles hitter. This may be traditonal thinking, but I would like somebody with some pop - it doesn't need to be home run power, but the likelihood of doubles would be nice.

Kendall is a leadoff or #2 hitter. It makes little sense for him to hit anywhere else.

by bear88 on Apr 7, 2005 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions

They are just going with something different

With the lefty out there....Chavy will be back at 3 tomorrow Im sure.

by OaktownPower on Apr 7, 2005 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh, and Kendall had 32 doubles...

Which is more than Chavez and 3 less than Durazo.....so there's your doubles.

by OaktownPower on Apr 7, 2005 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions

A bleeder?

That was a great piece of hitting and what Jason Kendall is.....Theres a reason he hits .300..the guy knows how to hits and servinf pitches where they are thrown is what he is about.

by OaktownPower on Apr 7, 2005 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Kendall, again

I meant no insult to Kendall. It was a good job of hitting. My point is simply that I don't believe Kendall is a logical choice for a #3 hitter. He's a singles hitter, and as you note, a very good one.

I don't want to argue about this all evening. I think we've all stated our cases. I'm happy to agree to disagree.

by bear88 on Apr 7, 2005 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Ha, ha,

did anyone see the yankee fan get the boot from behind home plate?

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 4:43 PM PDT reply actions

So how about this game eh!

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:43 PM PDT reply actions

It is this game.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions

game

two flyouts

Big Nick Swisher up to the plate

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 4:47 PM PDT reply actions

oooooh

he was going for # 3 there.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 4:47 PM PDT reply actions

Good AB by Swisher

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 4:48 PM PDT reply actions

Korach

Talking about Haren in Game 1 of the WS. He was really impressive.

Also funny is Korach saying Kevin Millaaaaah.

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 4:53 PM PDT reply actions

Braves game

I will have a long time to get used to seeing Tim Hudson in a Braves uniform, but I'm not used to it yet.

It looks like he has slowed down his pitching motion, unless it's my imagination.

by bear88 on Apr 7, 2005 4:53 PM PDT reply actions

how is that a strike out

and the runner advance? I never liked that call.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

Math?

The average age is actually 24.4, I'm not sure who is in charge of the math for FSN.

by Furious George on Apr 7, 2005 5:00 PM PDT reply actions

Huddy

Strikes out against Burnett in his first AB. He worked the count full though.

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 5:00 PM PDT reply actions

National League baseball

That's going to help Hudson a lot.

by bear88 on Apr 7, 2005 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions

If it just me

Or is anybody else kind of annoyed by Haren's constant pacing around and his slow-mo delivery? Well, hopefully it annoys the opposing batters as well.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:02 PM PDT reply actions

Too many pitches for Haren...

He's already got over 40...

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 5:03 PM PDT reply actions

26 pitch inning

so far

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 5:03 PM PDT reply actions

another bb

and bases loaded for Haren.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 5:05 PM PDT reply actions

Haren's suffering from Zito-itis

Too much nibbling, not enough killer instinct.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:05 PM PDT reply actions

walks hurt

Did anyone see the CIN-NY box score? Cinci scored 6 runs on 3 hits!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 5:06 PM PDT reply actions

damnit

so much for throwing strikes...

Bases loaded for Newhan

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 5:06 PM PDT reply actions

scoop catch!

thank you kotsay!

by sec119 on Apr 7, 2005 5:07 PM PDT reply actions

It looks like...

I'm going to get my chance to see some of our new relievers (Cruz, Yabu) tonight.

Nice catch by Kotsay.

by bear88 on Apr 7, 2005 5:07 PM PDT reply actions

Atta baby Kots...

big play

by OaktownPower on Apr 7, 2005 5:07 PM PDT reply actions

whew

Way to go Haren

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 5:08 PM PDT reply actions

Kotsay saves the day

And to think we've had Byrnes and T-Long in CF...

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:08 PM PDT reply actions

phew!!

I love Kotsay.

"Because I ain't no hollaback girl... I ain't no hollaback girl..."

by oakasfan20 on Apr 7, 2005 5:08 PM PDT reply actions

Thinks look pretty slick out there...

I'd be willing to bet the rain is affecting everyone...

Great catch by Kotsay. Give the kid credit though, he kept dealing even though he got into trouble.

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 5:08 PM PDT reply actions

Bedard isn't missing too many bats

Pretty soon the hits are going to start falling in. I call a homer by Byrnesie this inning.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:10 PM PDT reply actions

Dayum

I just jinxed him.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions

15 runs

I seriouly doubt you could find a major league manager (or manager at any level of baseball, for that matter) who would say that 15 runs (due to batting order) is miniscule.

I forget the exact number, but last season A's scored about 950 runs. 15 runs is more than 1 percent. That's huge.

Scutaro's a good player, for example, but I'd rather have Chavez and Kotsay get their 40 or more extra ABs by being at the top of the order over Scoot, or other bottom hitters, at this point.

Cheers.

Just my two cents.

Keith

by kmonaco on Apr 7, 2005 5:15 PM PDT reply actions

I was wondering

So Kendall uses pine tar to get a grip on the bat, right? So how does he remove it all when it comes to catching? You'd think that, as a catcher, you'd want to have zero trace of pine tar on your hands, or else you might not be able to throw out runners as well. Odd.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:17 PM PDT reply actions

He pees on his hands

a la Moises Alou.

Although how he does it between each inning I'm not sure.

by TravelingAsFan on Apr 7, 2005 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Lots of coffee...

He's raiding Byrnsies locker.

"I refuse to belong to any club which would accept someone like me as a member." - Groucho Marx

by McFood on Apr 7, 2005 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions

whoops!

That joke was so not funny enough to post twice

by TravelingAsFan on Apr 7, 2005 5:23 PM PDT reply actions

Braves

only scored 2 runs in 2 games... it might be a struggle for Huddy to get 15 wins.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 5:25 PM PDT reply actions

Did you see Kotsay?

Holding off Byrnes with his glove like "Get outta here! Don't even come anywhere near this one! I'm getting this one!" :)

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:25 PM PDT reply actions

I don't blame him!

by OaklandSi on Apr 8, 2005 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Nice pitch by Haren

He's getting into the groove of things.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:28 PM PDT reply actions

Did you guys see the FSN commercial?

The one where the A's fans are relaying the catcher's signs all the way to Chavvy at the plate? Man, what a great portrayal of the AN spirit...

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:29 PM PDT reply actions

Shoulda ejected Bedard on the spot

What BS. Total retaliation.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:30 PM PDT reply actions

Did you see Kendall blow up

in the dugout, "you fucking cocksucker"! he yelled to the pitcher.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions

gotta love kendall!!!

backing up his teammates!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions

He would've been

if it were higher

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions

What's going on in the braves game

my yahoo sports game tracker hasn't been updated in a few minutes!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 5:31 PM PDT reply actions

Huddy RBI single

Sorry, I know it has nothing to do with this game, but....

by Dog Days on Apr 7, 2005 5:32 PM PDT reply actions

Let it go already!

He ain't coming back... there are other fish in the sea! :)

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions

but

but if we had kept him he could be our #3 hitter!

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Not expecting him back

but I did draft him on my fantasy team so I could have more reason to follow him.

I agreed with the trades, but I still miss the guy. How could you not miss him?!

by Dog Days on Apr 7, 2005 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions

I'll check the box score to see how he did

No real desire to watch a Braves game over an A's one though.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

I'm in the office, so I have the A's on the radio and the Braves on Gameday.

by Dog Days on Apr 7, 2005 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Ruby stares down Bedard

Nasty look!

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:32 PM PDT reply actions

yeah

that was sweet...this young team's showing some attitude.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions

too bad he didn't back the look up

K'ed looking. Not like Saarloos last night, backing his teammates up with a 5 pitch inning!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions

3-0 Braves

in the bottom of the 4th. Hudson's thrown a lot of pitches, though. 58 through three innings.

by Dog Days on Apr 7, 2005 5:33 PM PDT reply actions

huddy

just gave up a solo hr.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 5:39 PM PDT reply actions

Notes thus far...

Bedard started the 1-9 with a fastball slider 1-2 the first time through.
His change is an out pitch that he locates on the inside corner to righties, away from lefties.
Bedard gave us a run with his balk, without it it is a 1-0 game
Without Kotsay's D it is a 3 run game.
Kendall's error cost haren 19 pitches in the 2nd.

Gotta get back to the TV.

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Apr 7, 2005 5:39 PM PDT reply actions

19 pitches!!!

didn't even think about that

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions

wild pitch

The play in the second was scored a wild pitch. Was it a play Kendall should have made? (I'm following via gameday right now so didn't see it.)

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 5:42 PM PDT reply actions

Scored as a passed ball

There appeared to be some confusion between Kendall and Haren as to what the pitch was supposed to be. Or it just broke way too much. Kendall had the mitt up in the zone, the ball came down on the plate and just bounced away from Kendall.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

He got crossed up.

My rule is that if the ball hits dirt first or is totally uncatchable it is a WP.

That pitch just crossed him up. It went right under his glove.

Huh, no E-2?

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Apr 7, 2005 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

It was ruled a passed ball...

(unless the scoring was changed from what it was initially)

by HigherPie on Apr 7, 2005 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Nice inning...

1,2,3 on 9 pitches

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 5:43 PM PDT reply actions

These two kids are dealing!!!

This could be one of those rivalries that sticks for 10 years!!!

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Apr 7, 2005 5:52 PM PDT reply actions

Haren wishes

He had just a couple of Saarloos' runs from yesterday... :)

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:56 PM PDT reply actions

Two K's in the inning

I like what I'm seeing now from Haren.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 5:59 PM PDT reply actions

Fever Pitch

Is anyone else sick and tired of FSN hawking Fever Pitch during the game like this?

by Furious George on Apr 7, 2005 6:14 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah

And the commercials make me nauseous. Hopefully it'll be a total bust outside of New England.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions

This movie offends me...

The book was awesome. And then they made a decent movie out of it. This is a remake of that move. The only problem is... the book (and first movie) is about SOCCER!!! IN ENGLAND!!!!!!

At least give the thing a new name... Nick Hornby should be pissed...

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions

That's 3 Balls This Inning...

That have been killed. 2 for outs...

by HigherPie on Apr 7, 2005 6:16 PM PDT reply actions

Ah...stress!!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:19 PM PDT reply actions

Alright!!

Now lets score the kid some runs and get him a W!

by HigherPie on Apr 7, 2005 6:21 PM PDT reply actions

Haren!

Good performance. Kept the O's off the scoreboard for the most part. Good Job.

"It's head high and firing...No work today" ~me

by SurfingOC on Apr 7, 2005 6:21 PM PDT reply actions

Ruby

What a shot up the middle only to be robbed by Bedard's foot.

by Furious George on Apr 7, 2005 6:25 PM PDT reply actions

Haren

Got through that lineup three times, only allowing the one run. Nice work. I assume that's all for him (108 pitches, and I get the feeling the A's plan to be careful with their young starters).

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 6:25 PM PDT reply actions

Why not?

...we certainly have the bullpen.

Hell of a pitch to Swisher.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I know

what a difference from last yr. knowing Calero is warming up makes me feel comfortable the game's in good hands, now let's hope Rincon gets out of this unscathed...

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Is it just me...

or did Haren look pretty damn good tonight AND Scutaro impress a little bit at SS?

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:28 PM PDT reply actions

Ugh, Rincon

I'd rather see Cruz or Calero in the tight games.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:32 PM PDT reply actions

Haren's line looks pretty awesome...

...and better than Hudson's, I might add.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Rincon

It's lefty/switch/lefty this inning, so if you're ever going to use Rincon, this is the time.

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 6:33 PM PDT reply actions

Yep...

...the ONLY time, as far as I am concerned. This is his spot.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Oriole Bullpen!

Let's get out of here and score some runs!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:35 PM PDT reply actions

Rincon

This great bullpen we established in the off season but I still have to see Rincon pitching

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 6:37 PM PDT reply actions

Snicker...

...isn't he the only leftie though?

And he did just great both last night and tonight.

However, I can handle the Rincon/Colero/Dukescherer/Street combo a LOT better than Rincon/Mecir.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions

On Byrnsie Batting Second

The Elephants in Oakland blogger has a theory that Byrnes does much better when batting second and trying to get on base, then batting later in the order and straining to drive people in. Maybe that's what motivates the lineup.

I've also seen evidence that lineups don't matter much as long as they are somewhat reasonable. If swapping the top and bottom of your order loses 15 runs -- about 1.5 wins -- then switching roughly comparable hitters can't make much difference.

by floyd on Apr 7, 2005 6:37 PM PDT reply actions

Thank God

No more Rincon

Lets get some hits!

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 6:40 PM PDT reply actions

Kotsay's

been absolutely outstanding.

and Rincon survived.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 6:40 PM PDT reply actions

Kotsay really takes the excitement

(Or rather, for us, the anguish) of seeing those balls hit towards the outfield before we can see the ball on its descent. He makes it too easy.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:41 PM PDT reply actions

Hey everyone.

Had to go to class for 5 innings, how did Haren look? Any quick observations / thoughts would be greatfully appreciated.

I'm excited to see this new bullpen in action!

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 6:44 PM PDT reply actions

Three hits...one solo HR...

...against this lineup is pretty damn good. He pitched 6, went through the lineup three times, and other than the 2nd when he loaded the bases, he was pretty much great.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm digging the Orioles announcers

(I'm watching on MLB Comcast Cable)

They're funny, interesting, excited about the game, and they don't hate the A's.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:44 PM PDT reply actions

BB to Scutaro...

HELL YEAH! He battled back from a 1-2 count.

I'm really rooting hard for him.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:46 PM PDT reply actions

Great AB by scutaro

way to work that count!

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 6:46 PM PDT reply actions

Atta boy Marco!

lookin good

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 6:46 PM PDT reply actions

Love Scoot's new approach

Showing he can be patient and draw the walks, he just didn't feel like it last year.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:46 PM PDT reply actions

Lovely play!

Are you kidding? That's a new one!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:46 PM PDT reply actions

wow

"It's head high and firing...No work today" ~me

by SurfingOC on Apr 7, 2005 6:46 PM PDT reply actions

Scooter

is an entirely different player tonight (from last season). Sweet.

Forty isn't old -- for a tree.

by atomopawn on Apr 7, 2005 6:47 PM PDT reply actions

wow

Orioles blew it Kotsay safe at first on the bunt. Time to get it done.

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 6:47 PM PDT reply actions

LOL!

Whatta bunch of clowns!

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:47 PM PDT reply actions

I love Byrnsy

bring back the 3-run homer! WOW!

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions

That was bizzarre

SMALL BALL BABY!

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 6:47 PM PDT reply actions

two bunts in a row?!?!?!?!

whoa

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 6:47 PM PDT reply actions

2 runners on...

...and Byrnes ALMOST bunted for a base hit...just foul.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:47 PM PDT reply actions

Kotsay OWES someone!

That went as a SINGLE!

He TRIED to get out!!!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:48 PM PDT reply actions

Something very odd is happening

Or else my head is on backwards.

Forty isn't old -- for a tree.

by atomopawn on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

YES

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

am I reading sportsline right

O's are leaving Kline (lefty) in against Byrnes?????

Make 'em pay!!!

by Hegenberger Road on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

boy did he ever...

jack to straight away center

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions

woot!! Go Byrnes!!!!

I guess we can consider those runs baseball's version of the stupid tax

by Hegenberger Road on Apr 7, 2005 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions

AWWWWW.....YEAH!!!!

MISSED THE BUNT AND BYRNSIE HOMERS!!!!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

BURN BABY

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

BYRNES!!!!!

by HigherPie on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

YES!!!!

ATTA BOY BYRNES!!!!

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

Woooo!!

Small ball sucks! A's style, baby!

by textonly on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

I called it!!!

Way back in the game, but Byrnesie hits a homer in the end! Wow!

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

you sure did dude.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Is this the same Marco?

Don't think I'm complaining (because I'm not), but damn, the kid seems to have expanded his strike zone immeasurably in the offseason. A great, great at bat from him, I too am rooting for him and hope he continues to look as good as he has thus far.

And have I mentioned how great it is to see game threads on AN again? Coming to these threads, wearing my AN ringer shirt, and my new A's cap, it feels like home and I'm digging it completely. :)

In God We Trust... All Others Must Show Data

by Wes7 on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

byrnes! screw small ball...

by xbhaskarx on Apr 7, 2005 6:49 PM PDT reply actions

To be fair

We probably wouldn't have had that had it not been for Kotsay's "small ball gone wrong for the better" play...

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions

stop defending small ball

even if your point makes sense...

by xbhaskarx on Apr 7, 2005 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions

The credible threat of small ball

at the very least, is a valuable weapon. if the other team thinks the A's might do it they have to defend for it. Opens things up more for our hitters.

by OaklandSi on Apr 8, 2005 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Case in point

Everyone is saying Byrnes cannot lay down a bunt-for once, not a problem :)

by Doug on Apr 7, 2005 6:50 PM PDT reply actions

To be perfectly fair...

He almost dropped a base hit bunt down the line just before the homer. It JUST rolled foul.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Whoo hoo!

Go Byrnsie!!

"Because I ain't no hollaback girl... I ain't no hollaback girl..."

by oakasfan20 on Apr 7, 2005 6:50 PM PDT reply actions

CALERO TO DOTEL

Let's see it...God I'm glad baseball is back!

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 6:50 PM PDT reply actions

They should do that all the time

Feign the bunt, make the pitcher throw it hard and straight, and swing away.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:50 PM PDT reply actions

YES

I love the 3 run homer!!!

by DodgerLuv1 on Apr 7, 2005 6:51 PM PDT reply actions

The annoucers set that one up...

"This is OBVIOUSLY a bunt situation"

So the pitch was right down the middle. Byrnes says, "Um...okay. Three runs is better than one."

That's A's baseball, people!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:51 PM PDT reply actions

Byrnesy!

Couple of notes: first, though Fosse and Kuiper went on about how much better Byrnes is at bunting, his one attempt was actually kind of crappy, more like a bunt for a hit than a sacrifice, which is what he was asked to do.

The other thing is that I don't quite get why Kline is in the game; t wo of the three hitters he's facing, Scutaro and Byrnes, are much better against lefties. I'd think Julio would have given the O's better match-ups.

by jrbh on Apr 7, 2005 6:51 PM PDT reply actions

Byrnes!!

Here I am, waxing poetic on Marco's solid AB, and Byrnes is setting fire to the place right beneath my nose. Screw small ball indeed, this is the way to do it!!

In God We Trust... All Others Must Show Data

by Wes7 on Apr 7, 2005 6:51 PM PDT reply actions

There you go CHAVVY!

solid double. I live for this!

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 6:52 PM PDT reply actions

C'mon Kielty!

Drive Chavvy in!

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:52 PM PDT reply actions

Phooey...

Keilty should've been going to the opposite field to advance Chavvy...

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 6:53 PM PDT reply actions

but...

... Durazo (with some help from Matos) makes it all better...

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Not so impressed by Kielty...

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions

At least

He's very good in the outfield. Gets the correct reads. I'm just drooling at the thought of a Thomas-Kotsay-Kielty OF starting one day.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions

<does A's dance>

Durazo...RBI MACHINE!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:54 PM PDT reply actions

Terrible O's fielding

Leads to another run! They can only WISH they had a Kotsay in CF...

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:54 PM PDT reply actions

you said it,

what a bunch of clowns. Matos gave a very Barry Bonds like effort out there.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 6:55 PM PDT reply actions

Kielty!

At least he didn't hit into a double play. :(

by limecat on Apr 7, 2005 6:55 PM PDT reply actions

Love to see Steve Kline struggle

Ever since I read that GQ piece on him and the author who knew him growing up.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 6:55 PM PDT reply actions

wOOt!

Nice fielding! :)

by limecat on Apr 7, 2005 6:56 PM PDT reply actions

I don't know about anyone else...

...but I adore the thought of having a bullpen where I'm comfortable with a lead.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 6:59 PM PDT reply actions

I wish I could say the same

But I gotta see some results

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions

it should be obvious

by kvn on Apr 7, 2005 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions

There ya' go.

I love me some Kiko.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Shoulda pinch hit now

For Ginter... with Thomas or Hatty, then put Ellis in the game.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:00 PM PDT reply actions

Let's hope

Macha doesn't go with Dotel in the 9th with a 4-run lead. Make it Cruz then Calero and wrap this baby up.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:01 PM PDT reply actions

Totally Agree

No need for Dotel to make it interesting

by pickinmachine on Apr 7, 2005 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions

WORD

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Calero

Does anyone know if the team has a preference for who the 8th inning guy is? Do we prefer kiko or cruz?

I'm the guy with the Carney Lansford jersey

by gojohn10 on Apr 7, 2005 7:03 PM PDT reply actions

Calero is their eighth

inning guy. He's also probably going to get some shots at closing games when Dotel has been used too much.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 7, 2005 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

who would've ever though

that we'd se Hatty in there for defensive purposes?

by RickeySteals on Apr 7, 2005 7:03 PM PDT reply actions

Hell of a pitch, Kiko.

Excuse me...Kiki (that's what the Baltimore announcers called him at first...did I mention I LOVE THEM?)

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:05 PM PDT reply actions

Oh, I'm so sorry, Tejada!

That one just doesn't have the distance.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:07 PM PDT reply actions

Can we say BULLPEN!!!!

HELL YEAH!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:07 PM PDT reply actions

Swisher is gonna hit a lead-off jack

I'm sure of it.

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 7:08 PM PDT reply actions

If it's still Julio pitching

I agree

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

swinging for it!!!

"To Alcohol; the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - H.J. Simpson

by FireballerHARDEN on Apr 7, 2005 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Great pitching

What a series for A's pitching so far. just check out Baltimore's BA's down the lineup! If they hold the O's scoreless, their ERA's under 2!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on Apr 7, 2005 7:10 PM PDT reply actions

Scutaro

Let's go Scoot!

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:12 PM PDT reply actions

Oh yeah, we can most definitely say bullpen!

I hear you there, Christy, what a splendid inning from Kiki. Last year I probably would have been in throes of a heart attack of sorts (Mecir was the equivalent of a double bacon cheesburger in that regard, he was known to cause angioplasty). But damn, right now, I have a smile from ear to ear, and looking forward to seeing more of Kiki as the season goes on.

GREAT signature by the way. I've only smoked a few cigars in my time, but, well, I can definitely appreciate the sentiment. :)

In God We Trust... All Others Must Show Data

by Wes7 on Apr 7, 2005 7:12 PM PDT reply actions

I'm amazed at how calm I am!

Last year I would have been pulling handfuls of hair out even with the four run lead. One of the most painful parts of "Aces" was when Urban kept reliving the blown saves.

I'm not saying that we won't blow a save this year, but I'm going on record saying that it won't be the norm.

I EXPECT the bullpen to work. There's such a difference & it makes the game just that much more fun!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions

We can't hit off junkballers

But we crush the hard throwers with poor command.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:13 PM PDT reply actions

Who's in now?

Cruz? Yabu? The Duke? Or is Macha dumb enough to waste Dotel in this situation tonight?

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:15 PM PDT reply actions

Kiko's back...

...why not!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Calero out for 2 innings

Hopefully they don't ride his arm too much this year.

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:16 PM PDT reply actions

I think it's clear

Whom Macha/Beane think is the real ace of the bullpen...

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

Dotel throwing, kids.

The Oriole announcers WANT to see him...not good PR for him.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

The game's on ESPN now

and the announcers are praising H.Street's stuff last game.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 7:20 PM PDT reply actions

Huddy

got a win and an rbi single today.

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 7:23 PM PDT reply actions

But only went 5

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions

yea, solid though, we all knew he was a good hit-r

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 7:24 PM PDT reply actions

Absolutely FROZE B.J.

Lovely pitch, 2 outs.

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:24 PM PDT reply actions

Ring him up!

A's win!

by andeux on Apr 7, 2005 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

Kiko for Mayor!

Byrnes for President!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

steeeeeeeeeerike 3

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

I LOVE THESE A'S!

Fun year! CanNOT WAIT!

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

yay, were over .500

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

Haren for Guv'nor!

:)

by OaktownTribesman on Apr 7, 2005 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

nice game

pretty significant outing by haren. He's my game MVP

I'm the guy with the Carney Lansford jersey

by gojohn10 on Apr 7, 2005 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

thats two solid performances from a couple of

question marks

by robber23 on Apr 7, 2005 7:28 PM PDT reply actions

Anyone else see Kendall's Finger Paint?

Now that is a catcher!!!

It's dark and drizzly so he paints his fingernails white for the pitchers to see his pitches...

This CAN BE A GREAT YEAR OAKLAND!!!!!

On another note...

Mark Mulder pitched 8 innnings for the A's tonight. For 1/10 his salary.

Howe about that?

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Apr 7, 2005 7:30 PM PDT reply actions

Can't remember the last time the real one did...

A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.

by baseballgirl on Apr 7, 2005 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Beane Ball at it;s finest!!!

I vote that we strike the term Moneyball from our memories and insert Beane Ball...

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Apr 8, 2005 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Whaaat, I missed the beaning of Sosa by Haren

just caught it on Baseball 2nite.

"Hello again, everybody. It's a bee-yooo-tiful day for baseball". ~Harry Caray

by sf drift king on Apr 7, 2005 7:30 PM PDT reply actions

scutaro

significant at bats in the last two games. Two walks no less. He's gotta be getting the attention of beane with his approach this year. Let's see if he can keep it up. He'll be getting the at bats.

I'm the guy with the Carney Lansford jersey

by gojohn10 on Apr 7, 2005 7:32 PM PDT reply actions

Solid game all around

All things considered, I thought everybody stepped up nicely tonight. Haren pitched damn well, with six strikeouts to a mere three hits allowed. He wasn't dominating (he did walk three guys too), but he kept us in it and settled down nicely after the craziness of the second.

Throw in a solid effort from Rincon (not flashy, but not nearly as nauseating as he can be) and a splendid turn from Calero and I have nothing but plaudits for the pitchers. And to have Byrnes come up big and then Chavvy show his stuff to get an extra run, well it was just a heartening experience all around.

Oh and props to Kotsay for his great catch in the second as well. I'm sure it helps the young pitchers immensely to know that they have a solid defense backing them up and in Kotsay's case, they have an absolute stud.

In God We Trust... All Others Must Show Data

by Wes7 on Apr 7, 2005 7:32 PM PDT reply actions