Open Thread: Game 109 - A's at Kansas City

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 4:46 PM PDT in News

The hapless Royals play host to the hapful A's tonight, as the two teams finally meet for the first time all season. Historically, the A's have played well in Kansas City. Unfortunately for the Royals, they haven't, posting a 23-29 home record that only looks good in comparison to their road record of 15-41.

KC sends 21-year old Zack Greinke to the mound. The highly touted Greinke is the least run-supported pitcher in the American League, which partially explains his 3-13 record. Greinke has also struggled in his own right since opening the season with six solid weeks of pitching. Overall, left-handed batters are hitting .337 against Zack for the year, which is enough to make anyone a bit Greinke. The A's counter with Kirk Saarloos, fresh off his complete game almost-shutout of the Tigers. In his last 9 starts, Saarloos is 6-2 with a 3.78 ERA, and Kirk has now gone at least 5 innings in 16 consecutive starts.

Today's "fun fact" is downright eerie. Check out the similarity:

Dan Johnson, 2005:
.319 AVG, .396 OBP, .524 SLG, 1 HR per 23.1 AB

Erubiel Durazo, 2004:
.321 AVG, .396 OBP, .523 SLG, 1 HR per 23.2 AB

Today's starting lineups:

Kendall
Swisher
Crosby
Chavez
Johnson
Kielty
Payton
Melhuse
Scutaro

DeJesus
Long
Sweeney
Stairs
Brown
Teahen
Berroa
Buck
Murphy

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Comments

They may have similar

numbers, but I won't be calling DJ Chewbacca.

No, I do not want to FIRE MACHA NOW, nor do I think Blanton is fat. Now leave me alone.

by pbruins92 on Aug 5, 2005 4:53 PM PDT reply actions

Hapless

I wouldn't be woofing so hard.

Lots of boys wtih something to prove--

4 ex A's or A's farmhands-- T, Stairs, Teahen and Berroa; plus Buck, the guy who came from Houston in the Dotel-Beltran deal.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 5:01 PM PDT reply actions

I'm a big believer

in the "any team can beat any team on any given day" principle, regardless of the pitching matchups or records. But KC does have the lowest winning pct in the AL, hence the lack of hap.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions

i agree........

no doubt they could sweep us this weekend......... but we'd win 75 of 100.

by brenarlo on Aug 5, 2005 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions

i know

I just hate calling a team loaded with ex A's "hapless".

Olmedo hit a 3 run bomb tonight, btw

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions

and those ex-A's

plus Buck, the guy who came in the Dotel trade-- are responsible for all4 of the Royal runs so far (bottom of 7th).

Don't do it again, Nico, or demand a self-arrest since the rest of the Thought Police won't have the balls to pull it off!

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions

ok-- youre off the hook

If street blows this in the 9th, it's just one of those things.

sorry if I had to get a bit harsh-- but desperate times called for desperate measures.

And I was in a pissed off mood to begin with-- having nothing to do with this site or the A's, or baseball, for that matter.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions

and to be more accurate, Nico

for those of sense of history goes back more than 5 years, historically this was always the worst venue for the A's-- including both the Bash Brothers era and the Swingin' A's.

In the last 5 years we have played well there.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 5:03 PM PDT reply actions

true that

I used to rue the days the A's played in Kansas City when they were division rivals. Mark Gubicza, for criminy sakes - hated that guy.

by Dog Days on Aug 5, 2005 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Tremendous Fun Fact

A's Fan in Philly

by Duby on Aug 5, 2005 5:03 PM PDT reply actions

Johnson, Swisher, Crosby, Street, Blanton, Haren..

Saarloos, Scutaro, and Ginter weren't on the "choke" teams of a few years back. They are fearless and all belong in the bigs on an everyday basis. This will be the team no one wants to play in the postseason...............................

but there's a lot of season left.............

Let's ssssssssswwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppp the Royals

by brenarlo on Aug 5, 2005 5:03 PM PDT reply actions

There is an "A" in "hap."

Happy, happy, joy, joy! I hope. :)

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:06 PM PDT reply actions

Let's Go A's!!!

A's Fan - Est. 1982

by elephantbaseball on Aug 5, 2005 5:11 PM PDT reply actions

Nice

I like that earlier in the year the A's had absolutely no hap whatsoever but that lately we've been able to regain our hap. What a difference finding all that hap has made.

by NP15 on Aug 5, 2005 5:15 PM PDT reply actions

If you count the catch Buck who was in the 3 way

Dotel trade... 5 of the 9 Position Players for KC were with Oakland

A's Fan in Philly

by Duby on Aug 5, 2005 5:16 PM PDT reply actions

Low strike zone tonight

apparently. Hope it stays that way for Saarloos.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 5:17 PM PDT reply actions

Royals TV is excellent

On MLB.TV

by NP15 on Aug 5, 2005 5:19 PM PDT reply actions

I did find it funny...

...that the showing of Greinke's fastball and changeup grips was sponsored by a deli.

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions

the reverse fantasy jinx

is already paying dividends...

"Peter you're drunk again!"... "No, I'm just exhausted because I've been up all night drinking."

by ChavyFan03 on Aug 5, 2005 5:21 PM PDT reply actions

Hustle double for the Croz!

Awww. That's nice to see, given his struggles lately. Go Croz!

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 5:21 PM PDT reply actions

Way to hustle, Crosby!

Turn the single to a double!

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:21 PM PDT reply actions

Nice piece of hitting

Takes the fastball on the outside corner the other way.

Does Greinke look really good to anyone else? Running the 4-seamer up to 95, good sink on the 2 seamer, solid break on the curve, tight slider, nice drop and separation on the change. Really gotta like his assortment.

by NP15 on Aug 5, 2005 5:22 PM PDT reply actions

Really encouraging

Crosby AB. He owns the right-field line when he wants to.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 5:23 PM PDT reply actions

Wow

Looking at the Royals lineup... soooo many ex-A's

"So I think, yeah, (God) watches ESPN." -OctAHHHvio Dotel

by JLaff on Aug 5, 2005 5:24 PM PDT reply actions

go Kirk!

by high street on Aug 5, 2005 5:24 PM PDT reply actions

perhaps i can use you...

friendly folks to help me with a computer problem.

I'm on an IBM Thinkpad T42 laptop. After every shut down, I must turn on the damn thing at least 10 times (and sometimes drain the battery multiple times) before it finally actually turns on.
What is the problem and how do I fix it?

.... on a community related note, the a's better win this game.

let's go oakland [clapclap clapclapclap]

the a's fan lj community.

by Jjjsixsix on Aug 5, 2005 5:24 PM PDT reply actions

Options:

Once you get it on, you'll want to update and reinstall all drivers that control the actual computer - IMB can help you with where to find them online. Also, you'll want to make sure the battery connection to the computer is clean (lint-free rag). Also you'll want to check the power-saving settings (for when it hibernates ectera) to make sure they are not odd - try resetting them to defaults.

Finally help support.

Go A's and DJ.

"The game has a cleanness. If you do a good job, the numbers say so. You don't have to ask anyone or play politics..." - Koufax

by Zakolantern on Aug 5, 2005 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions

ah.

thank you much!

I actually updated the BIOS and (something else) and it seems to be working. so far.

let's go oakland [clapclap clapclapclap]

the a's fan lj community.

by Jjjsixsix on Aug 5, 2005 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Good

When I said "main drivers" I should have explicitly said BIOS as well.

"The game has a cleanness. If you do a good job, the numbers say so. You don't have to ask anyone or play politics..." - Koufax

by Zakolantern on Aug 5, 2005 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions

T-Long! Bum-bum-bum-bum! T-Long!

It still sounds good.

by louismg on Aug 5, 2005 5:26 PM PDT reply actions

The whiff...

...that "sounds" good too.

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Ahh, T-Long

You can change uniforms, but I guess it's harder to change swings.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 5:27 PM PDT reply actions

tlong swinging at a pitch out the zone ...

sounds about right.

by mookyee on Aug 5, 2005 5:27 PM PDT reply actions

That pitch

was closer to his foot than his bat.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Remember:

T-Long only takes pitches that are down the middle to end a division series.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 5:29 PM PDT reply actions

Community Standards Addendum

References to painful endings to playoff games, and life-changing miscues should be kept to an absolute minimum.

(Polonia - 1998 WS vs. LA, Jeremy Giambi vs. NYY, Tejada & Byrnes vs. BOS)

by louismg on Aug 5, 2005 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions

By 1998 I meant 1988

Obviously. D'oh!

by louismg on Aug 5, 2005 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed, louismg:

that and references that are off by 10 years for any reason.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Good job Kirk...

...quickly getting Stairs after the Sweeney double.

I just have this feeling Sweeney's going to get his hits this series, so keep those bases empty when he's at the plate!

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:31 PM PDT reply actions

The pitch that Kielty just grounded out on...

RSTN said it was 103 mph...Greinke's fast, but I'm a tad skeptical about the accuracy of that.

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:33 PM PDT reply actions

Hatteberg hurt??

A's Fan in Philly

by Duby on Aug 5, 2005 5:33 PM PDT reply actions

yeah....what's

up with Payton batting in Hatte's spot?

by high street on Aug 5, 2005 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Who was originally scheduled to DH?

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Hatteberg

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Fosse stated that Hatte would serve...

...as the back up catcher now.

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Hatteberg

"Slight ribcage strain"...

by LoveDemAs on Aug 5, 2005 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions

New Member

Represting the A's in SoCal...I hate Anaheim...their fans are totally scared of the A's...it's hilarious listening to the radio callers...the Angel talk hosts are such homers too...

A'S NATION!

by Song Song on Aug 5, 2005 5:34 PM PDT reply actions

Greetings, Song Song!

Welcome aboard!

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Yep they stink...

The most common refrain...

"The A's have got to cool down. And, the Angels wil win the divsion by 5 or 6."

"They can't leep playing .800 ball."

No, they won't but very soon all they will have to do is play better ball than the Angels.

by Donner on Aug 5, 2005 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks!

and yes they're unable to comprehend 44-15 since the A's started 17-32

I hate big money teams...and I love love love when they fail or underachieve...like the Angels are doing....

Go A's...Hope Scott Hatteberg is okay....my fav

by Song Song on Aug 5, 2005 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Hatteberg:

"slight rib cage strain."

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 5:38 PM PDT reply actions

Gameday is hosed

They can't deal with the lineup change on the fly.

Hope Scottie is OK. Let's go Adam!

by Ray in Chicago on Aug 5, 2005 5:39 PM PDT reply actions

have we lost dh for entire game??

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 5:39 PM PDT reply actions

No...

Melhuse was inserted at DH just before the game started.

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions

ok

but we're short with Kotsay still being in Bay Area. Anything happens to Kendall and we do lose the DH-- pitcher would have to bat leadoff.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions

We wouldn't lose the DH anyway

You can always pinch hit for the DH. The only thing that forces the pitcher to hit for the rest of the game is moving the player who's DHing into the field.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

So if Kendall went down for something

and Adam had to catch, Kirk would bat? That would be humorous in a train wreak kind of way

by Ray in Chicago on Aug 5, 2005 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Actually...

...as Fosse stated, Hatteberg is available to catch if necessary. So I'd assume they'd go with Hatteberg in for Kendall if something happened.

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions

hello everyone

Celebrate good times, come on!

by gojohn10 on Aug 5, 2005 5:41 PM PDT reply actions

DP! Yehaw!

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 5:42 PM PDT reply actions

I've adjusted the lineups above,

since Hatteberg is in fact available.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 5:45 PM PDT reply actions

ouch!!!!

go kendall

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 5:46 PM PDT reply actions

Nico sighting??

I saw some guy in a black Mustang today with a license plate that said AzFan (he had an A's hat on, so unlikely an Arizona fan). I was in Berkeley on the corner of Oxford and Hearst. Nico, I don't suppose that was that you?

Celebrate good times, come on!

by gojohn10 on Aug 5, 2005 5:47 PM PDT reply actions

Did he have

a wooden leg and a bra on over his sweater? No, it wasn't me, sorry.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Aw shucks

maybe next time

Celebrate good times, come on!

by gojohn10 on Aug 5, 2005 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Swish!

nothing but net.

Celebrate good times, come on!

by gojohn10 on Aug 5, 2005 5:47 PM PDT reply actions

Go Swish!!!!

Woo Hoo!!! sportin the Foo Man Chu!!!!!

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 5:47 PM PDT reply actions

I feel for the Royals fans...

... KC Royals were once a "good team" and won regularly. Now they are a speed-bump for competeing teams. Despite being a "1960's Era" ballpark, it is one of my favorites. I found their fans to be very passionate and friendly too. It's sad to see what the "economics of modern baseball" has done to this franchise.

KC fans must be hoping for new owners with deep pockets; as we're all too familiar with.

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 5:50 PM PDT reply actions

Their ballpark looks pretty nice...

...at least on TV since they put in real grass. I've always thought those waterfalls behind the outfield fence are pretty cool. And Kansas City's been known for being a pretty good baseball town too. 'Tis a shame.

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Kaufman stadium is great

the Royals are my second favorite team...gotta love the one with the lowest payroll...and they swept the Yankees earlier in the year

by Song Song on Aug 5, 2005 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Spent a couple of weeks there

this winter for some work stuff. Exchanged baseball talk with a variety of locals, even at George Brett's eatery....nice-nice people.

Royale with cheese. (resubscribed to cable recently)

by ak_A on Aug 5, 2005 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions

"Buck" O'Neill still goes to games...

...I watched the A's play KC in July 2003 (I watched Harden's Major League Debut from behind home plate). As it turned out, Buck O'Neill was sitting a couple rows ahead of me, wearing a KC Royal jersey, cheering on the team. The other fans around me all knew him too.

He was very friendly, I shook his hand, and he continued to visit with other fans and talked with kids.

It was awesome!

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions

I was surprised by KC since I

had not been there before and was supposed to do two weeks in San Diego or Denver, so I was a little bummed. BUT...had a great time....good bbq, negroe league baseball hall of fame and jazz museums were very good, steamboat arabia museum blew me away, did i mention the bbq?

Royale with cheese. (resubscribed to cable recently)

by ak_A on Aug 5, 2005 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Gates BBQ!!!

I flew out to Chicago for a wedding, and took the "El" to SOX 35th to watch the White Sox play Detroit as soon as I landed (2nd game after All-Star game. Then (after the wedding)... arranged for a layover in KC, to catch the A's during their two game series.

I only ate BBQ, except for breakfast... it was great. Cool town, even if it is "land locked."

The A's swept the series too... awesome!

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions

My favorite player ever

That is so awesome that he goes to games. He's in his 90's now, I believe. Truly a fine human being.

by sarajune13 on Aug 5, 2005 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions

He's in his 90's, but...

... still has a big hand, and a firm hand shake! He's known to be a regular at Kaufman Stadium, with season tix a couple rows up, behind home plate.

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions

While I was browsing to find his age

I found this beautiful article.

This quote pretty much defines him for me:

"...everyone departing the high school's library after his talk wondered the same thing: How can I be more like this guy?"

by sarajune13 on Aug 5, 2005 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions

No doubt...

...he's truely one of the most enjoyable story tellers I've heard. When you think of what he went through, the ugliness he's dealt with, and yet the kindness which he exudes to everyone; I marvel.

Listening to him talk of Satchel Paige, and the other greats of the Negro Leagues... it was truely an honor for me to meet him.

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions

of Jesus

what kind of name is that?

Celebrate good times, come on!

by gojohn10 on Aug 5, 2005 5:54 PM PDT reply actions

I wonder if there are any mice

in this stadium for Kirk to rescue...

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by whiteshoes40 on Aug 5, 2005 5:55 PM PDT reply actions

I noticed

at least two batters with OBPs under .300 (plus Long at .313). Other than Sweeney/Stairs, they really scuffle just to get on base.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 5:57 PM PDT reply actions

Teahen =/= Chavez.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 6:01 PM PDT reply actions

C'mon KRUSTY

by firedog on Aug 5, 2005 6:02 PM PDT reply actions

In reference to nothing

the Royal's color guy is Paul Splitorff (ironic, no?). I wonder if anyone will ask him about Chicken Stanley.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 6:02 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah.

These DPs? Not cool.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 6:03 PM PDT reply actions

KC Announcers

Anyone else notice how laidback the KC announcers are? It's like you expect them to take a nap during the 7th inning stretch.

Also, is that two games in a row that Ellis isn't starting?

by SA on Aug 5, 2005 6:04 PM PDT reply actions

Right about Ellis

KC's announcers...they're OK to me. <shrugs>

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Scutaro

I think he had a good game against Greinke last time he pitched vs the A's

Celebrate good times, come on!

by gojohn10 on Aug 5, 2005 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions

DJ's future

Is it just me, or is Dan Johnson about 10 years and 100 cases of beer away from being Matt Stairs?

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 5, 2005 6:06 PM PDT reply actions

you, me,

and Dan Johnson.

Except I've already had the 10 years and beer.

by MobiusKlein on Aug 5, 2005 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Is that a buzz cut

on Stairs? I didn't see any hair sticking out from under his helmet.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 6:10 PM PDT reply actions

facial hair....

Whats up with all of the A's sporting the facial hair??? Anyone???

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:11 PM PDT reply actions

Road trip...

Just kind of a pain to pull out the shaving stuff on a road trip. Wives not around to complain?

by Donner on Aug 5, 2005 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions

I guess

that works... sounds good to me... :-)

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, maybe the rookies

are sick of being carded in bars? :-)

Or they just want to be hardcore.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions

you have a point

Some of our boys look so very young... I am diggin the new looks.... I think they have something going...

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions

That was a smart

"pitch carefully" to Stairs. KC's "heart of the order" is pretty much 2-hitters deep; no need to challenge Canadian Matty, eh?

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 6:12 PM PDT reply actions

Alright!!!

go JP!! woo hoo Kendall!!!!

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:19 PM PDT reply actions

Way to hustle there,

Terrence.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 6:19 PM PDT reply actions

Stupid T Long!

A's Fan in Philly

by Duby on Aug 5, 2005 6:19 PM PDT reply actions

Run Payton Run!

by Ray in Chicago on Aug 5, 2005 6:20 PM PDT reply actions

aarrrrghhhhh!!

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:21 PM PDT reply actions

kendall

new thread mojo!

well, new to me...

If I weren't playing baseball, I'd be... "in the Ultimate Fighting Championship." -Rich Harden

by xbhaskarx on Aug 5, 2005 6:21 PM PDT reply actions

I love it--

Wash knew Payton would be out at the plate if T-Long hit the cut-off man...so naturally he sent Payton all the way.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 6:22 PM PDT reply actions

pet peeve

I hate it when outfielders don't hit the cutoff man. T-long gives one back.

Celebrate good times, come on!

by gojohn10 on Aug 5, 2005 6:22 PM PDT reply actions

oh damn....

by high street on Aug 5, 2005 6:25 PM PDT reply actions

Dang it!

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 6:26 PM PDT reply actions

no!!!!!!!!!!!

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:26 PM PDT reply actions

Are you kidding?

It was going so well.

by nycfan @ Athletics Nation on Aug 5, 2005 6:26 PM PDT reply actions

GAH!

Crap. Poor 'Loos. Time to settle down, get the outs, and try to hit freakin' Greinke.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 6:27 PM PDT reply actions

ouch

by Wander on Aug 5, 2005 6:27 PM PDT reply actions

D'oh.

My mom just said "Saar-loose" instead of "los." Of course, I corrected her.

Joe Kennedy up in the bullpen. Hmmm.

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by whiteshoes40 on Aug 5, 2005 6:27 PM PDT reply actions

The dreaded 5th inning for Sarloos...

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 6:28 PM PDT reply actions

You know how in the old days

fielders left their gloves out on the field at the end of a half inning when they went into the dugout for their turn at bat? I think TLong may have left his brain out in left field, and Kielty accidentally picked it up at the start of the 5th.

Unfortunately, Buck's homer made missing the cutoff man moot.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 6:29 PM PDT reply actions

Meh.

Okay, T-Long. You're too hated to get a hit. Stoppit.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 6:30 PM PDT reply actions

in the words of

George Michael... "you gotta have faith".....

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:31 PM PDT reply actions

His actions speak louder then words...

...perhaps a different personality please? 8~)

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions

uhhh

yeah... I forgot about that...whoops!!!

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 6:32 PM PDT reply actions

Sheez, I step away and come back

to KC up by two. great, just great.

Royale with cheese. (resubscribed to cable recently)

by ak_A on Aug 5, 2005 6:32 PM PDT reply actions

Yes

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 6:32 PM PDT reply actions

Awww.

Poor Kirk. :-( Hell of a letdown after that last sensational start.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 6:32 PM PDT reply actions

They sure got to him the second time around...

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Greinke has like a 6 ERA

The offense needs to step up.

by nycfan @ Athletics Nation on Aug 5, 2005 6:36 PM PDT reply actions

Oh yes,

we looove letting inherited runners score.

Of course, Kennedy hasn't pitched in so long I can't blame him too much.

But I still don't like it.

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by whiteshoes40 on Aug 5, 2005 6:37 PM PDT reply actions

Wow...what happened to Stairs'

hairline? Yikes... it's receded like Zito's pitch count!

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 6:38 PM PDT reply actions

not so hapless now, eh nico??

You don't do that, OK. That's asmuch an offense as any of the other BS that Blez and the Thought Police have been dreaming up.

And oh by the way, almost two weeks ago I predicted the A's would drop 2 of these three. I hope I'm wrong, but tonight sure doesn't look good.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 6:39 PM PDT reply actions

c-ya later all

got 2 go.....

Lets go Oakland!!!!

"You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, but you gotta have a lot of little boy in you." - Roy Campanella

by rocketgirl on Aug 5, 2005 6:40 PM PDT reply actions

Dan Johnson....

Home Run! Awesome!

by louismg on Aug 5, 2005 6:44 PM PDT reply actions

Hey, DJ!!!

One run game...

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 6:44 PM PDT reply actions

DJ is the man....

by high street on Aug 5, 2005 6:44 PM PDT reply actions

I knew he was going to do that,

Go DJ!

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 6:44 PM PDT reply actions

Holy hell, DJ!

HR time!!!! Man, he should ALWAYS have friends watching.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Aug 5, 2005 6:45 PM PDT reply actions

OK I'm sold

ROY- hands down. and the game is still in play.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 6:45 PM PDT reply actions

Love the turnaround 'toon...

What'd that take...5 posts! :-p

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions

no I'm still mad a t Nico

and i said it before the game. You don't call a bunch of major leaguers "hapless". That was arrogance to the hilt, and we're gettign what we deserve. I had pegged this weekend as trouble all along-- needless to say I'm sticking to that view.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Greinke...

is a stud. I love that kid - he's got great stuff and has an idea of how to pitch. We don't get 36, so I can't see the game.

HOw's GReinke lookin'?

by BleacherDave on Aug 5, 2005 6:48 PM PDT reply actions

Lima bothers me, anyone else have that?

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 6:54 PM PDT reply actions

Don't worry

macha played with lima back in the 70's with Pittsburgh Macha knows how to read him.

by firedog on Aug 5, 2005 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I wonder...

...will we need a second thread for this game? ;)

Probably will, of course. It's just your typical, quieter-than-usual Friday night...

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 6:55 PM PDT reply actions

Just something I've noticed:

Because he plays so seldom, when he starts Melhuse seems to lock in right in his 3rd AB of the game. This will be his 3rd AB coming up. (cross fingers)

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 6:56 PM PDT reply actions

Hmmm...

...maybe the fourth time will be the charm today... :P

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions

dang.

it's quiet today.

MY COMPUTER IS FIXED.
i restarted five times without incident.
and probably jinxed it now.

let's go oakland [clapclap clapclapclap]

the a's fan lj community.

by Jjjsixsix on Aug 5, 2005 7:00 PM PDT reply actions

Scary--

that was Greinke's best inning. Totally dominant every pitch.

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 7:00 PM PDT reply actions

We're funny...

We hit most of the great pitchers well, its those damn sub 500 pitchers we have problems with.

by runtru1 on Aug 5, 2005 7:02 PM PDT reply actions

Grienke is so sub .500...

...he's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea .500.

But he did have a good April/early May, and he recently pitched seven shutout innings at Cleveland on July 19. He probably should have a few more wins than the three he has.

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Roster management

Yeesh. Our bench today is ... Ellis and Ginter, with Hatteberg available to work a walk and then be pinch-run for.

With Kotsay's back situation, and the team knowing about his wife's status (that's, um, not the sort of condition that sneaks up on you), wouldn't it have made sense to have simply DL'ed Kotsay retroactively a week/10 days ago?

It's tough out there, Pootie. You got drugs ... crime ... gorillas ...

by monkeyball on Aug 5, 2005 7:02 PM PDT reply actions

this game is all on Nico

for calling a team loaded with ex-A's "hapless".

If the Thought Police don't intervene on this one, I will.

But maybe DJ will hit another bomb and take us all off the hook.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 5, 2005 7:03 PM PDT reply actions

Nope

If KC wins, they can wear it, they would own it.

by MobiusKlein on Aug 5, 2005 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

If Blanton can beat Santana, in MN...

...then never under estimate a team like KC!

Let's go A's!

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 7:03 PM PDT reply actions

greinke

probably only good for 1 more inn

by oakfan808 on Aug 5, 2005 7:03 PM PDT reply actions

I love Fosse

Talking about baseball fashion again.

by Melody on Aug 5, 2005 7:05 PM PDT reply actions

Ewww

the opposite of the high socks: pull your pants down around your shoes. Bleh. Me no like.

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by whiteshoes40 on Aug 5, 2005 7:05 PM PDT reply actions

That's better than what Justin does

His pants end bunched up with elastic about half an inch above his shoes so you can see a bit of geren sock. I kinda like the pants around the shoes look. Pretty modern.

by Melody on Aug 5, 2005 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Well in each of the Twins wins the winning runs

were scored after the 7th inning. Let's hope the pattern continues

by theblackpearl on Aug 5, 2005 7:05 PM PDT reply actions

That's a rare sight:

seeing T-Long swing and miss. <snerk>

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by whiteshoes40 on Aug 5, 2005 7:07 PM PDT reply actions

How 'bout some...

...new thread mojo?

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 7:09 PM PDT reply actions

new thread mojo for zoning board

It's tough out there, Pootie. You got drugs ... crime ... gorillas ...

by monkeyball on Aug 5, 2005 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Thinkin' the same thing...

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Leadoff walk!!

Here we go...

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by whiteshoes40 on Aug 5, 2005 7:10 PM PDT reply actions

aight kids,

let's do this! let's go oak-land!

by mookyee on Aug 5, 2005 7:11 PM PDT reply actions

Affeldt's GameChannel photo ...

... makes him look like an amateur magician ...

It's tough out there, Pootie. You got drugs ... crime ... gorillas ...

by monkeyball on Aug 5, 2005 7:11 PM PDT reply actions

Argh

That was a nice play

by nycfan @ Athletics Nation on Aug 5, 2005 7:12 PM PDT reply actions

Chavez has yet

to earn any money today.

by BruceBochte on Aug 5, 2005 7:12 PM PDT reply actions

Since I'm posting from work

Neither have I!

Woo, cheatin' the man!

by MobiusKlein on Aug 5, 2005 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions

DJ time...

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 7:14 PM PDT reply actions

C'mon DJ!

Show'm how they do it in Coon Rapids

by Ray in Chicago on Aug 5, 2005 7:14 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah let's load the bases :D

Gosh, how much more can we love DJ?

by Melody on Aug 5, 2005 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

He's unflappable

A rookie working a BB from a 1-2 count...another thing of beauty from DJ.

by sarajune13 on Aug 5, 2005 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Dan Johnson is our new...

... Gene Tennace (physically and offensively)

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Affeldt didn't want to touch my Johnson

by BruceBochte on Aug 5, 2005 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

Bases full of green...

...and a head full of red is up.

Come on, Ronnie Mac!

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

Ladies and Gentleman...

... now is the time.

LET's GO OAKLAND! LET's GO OAKLAND! LET's GO OAKLAND!

"I don't want to win the wild card. I still want to hunt down the Angels and win the division." -Eric Chavez (SF Chronicle)

by BillyBall 81 on Aug 5, 2005 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

No dp!

PLEASE!

by nycfan @ Athletics Nation on Aug 5, 2005 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

I'd looove to

pinch hit Kotsay here, but...

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 7:19 PM PDT reply actions

"Ambiorix Burgos?'

Let's hope he hasn't taken any of Getafix's magic potion.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 7:20 PM PDT reply actions

He'd better stay away from 'magic potions'...

...or he'll have an Asterix next to his name.

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Did you happen to catch

any of his vitalstatistix?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorry, I didn't...

I know, I have a lot of Gaul for saying that...

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions

YEAH!

~~~

by baseballnut020 on Aug 5, 2005 7:21 PM PDT reply actions

Pay more attention Chavez!!

He could have made a break for it when the ball bounced away ;) Oh well... Not his fault.

by Melody on Aug 5, 2005 7:21 PM PDT reply actions

Actually, it was Crosby...

...but oh well. :P

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by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 5, 2005 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions

What?

Crosby scored. Chavez is on third, DJ second, Ronnie first. When the ball bounced off the catcher, Chavez would have made it if he broke for home on contact. [But he did the right thing holding up initially...]

Oh well, at least Chavez scored now on that wild pitch :)

by Melody on Aug 5, 2005 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Affeldt: amateur magician

Hilarious and totally on point, Monkeyballs!

by BruceBochte on Aug 5, 2005 7:21 PM PDT reply actions

LET'S GO OAK- LAND

clap clap clap clap clap

by mookyee on Aug 5, 2005 7:22 PM PDT reply actions

wait!

what the heck happened! game day had bases full one minute, now we're tied!@ YEAH!

now a WP!! YEAH!!!

by mookyee on Aug 5, 2005 7:23 PM PDT reply actions

YEAH BABY!!!

Thank you KC

by baseballnut020 on Aug 5, 2005 7:24 PM PDT reply actions

We will take that

by Ray in Chicago on Aug 5, 2005 7:24 PM PDT reply actions

Ok, well, DJ has something to work on... baserunin

Go Oakland Invaders!

by OaklandInvader on Aug 5, 2005 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

YEAAAAAA

This team NEVER gives up!

Kansas City is A's NATION!

by Song Song on Aug 5, 2005 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

Wild Pitch

Chavez scored, everyone else moved up a base

by Ray in Chicago on Aug 5, 2005 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

And to think...

I was just rooting for not taking a third strike.

by plusrich on Aug 5, 2005 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

Rookie Mistake

No sweat though, the bullpen should be able to hold a one run lead for two innings.

by BruceBochte on Aug 5, 2005 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

Payton K'd

swinging, then Buck threw to 3rd and picked DJ off. Tagged him out in a rundown.

I love DJ, but he really does need to work on his baserunning.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

I was hoping to get more out of that inning

but a one run lead is better than losing

by Ray in Chicago on Aug 5, 2005 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

What happened:

Swisher walked. Crosby hit into a fielder's choice, Swisher out at second. Chavez walked, so it was first and second, one out. Then DJ walked as well, so the bases were loaded. Kielty hit a bloop single into right field, so Crosby scored, but Chavez held up at third. The throw coming back to home plate bounced off of the catcher and rolled to the wall; however, Chavez didn't break for home on contact - he stayed at first. Then Chavez scored on a wild pitch to Payton. Payton ends up striking out, while DJ [on a blotched hit and run?] got caught in a rundown between third and home and the Royals doubled him off. The score is now 5-4, A's leading.

by Melody on Aug 5, 2005 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

Er I mean, Chavez stayed on third

After Kielty's bloop single. Not first.

by Melody on Aug 5, 2005 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions

ouch...

still having problems bringing in a runner at 3rd with 1 out

by oakfan808 on Aug 5, 2005 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

New thread open

Nico

by Nico on Aug 5, 2005 7:27 PM PDT reply actions

Looking at the replay again

Teahan ran DJ almost all the way to home before tagging him out. And DJ was kind of looking over his shoulder, not running all-out.

Here's the thing: Buck was in the basepath, waiting for the throw. If DJ had just kept running hard, and had bumped into Buck while Teahan still had the ball, trying to tag him out, the ump would have had to call interference on Buck for impeding the runner without trying to make a play on the ball.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Aug 5, 2005 7:28 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah DJ should have just sprinted and dove

and hope for the throw to miss or something.

by Melody on Aug 5, 2005 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Except...

The hesitation and looking back I think caused Teahan to hold on to the ball. The trick was at 3/4 of the way to home he should have accelerated to a sprint to time his arrival at home with the ball. Actually, he would have been blokbing the throw to the catcher. But, that takes some really good instincts to pull off. Maybe Kendall pulls that off.

by Donner on Aug 5, 2005 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions