MVE

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 20, 2005 10:24 PM PDT in News

The A's now have a most valuable Ellis. Yes, this thread is absolutely, positively dedicated to Mark Ellis, the A's unquestioned MVP at this point.

The guy was hitting .437 and has a 1.142 OPS in September going into the game tonight and once again he came through when Nick Swisher and Marco Scutaro couldn't do the job. Granted Swisher got called out on a ball that was way outside. But if Liriano gets out of that jam, perhaps we see a different result tonight.

Ellis' OPS has gone on an impressive trajectory every month this year...check it out:

April: .651
May: .725
June: .807
July: .855
August: .934
September: 1.142

If this continues, Ellis will be hitting like Bonds in October. I'm just kidding of course, but this couldn't have happened to a better guy or a guy that works any harder. So, stop for a moment tonight and be thankful for the presence of Mark Ellis this September night. A guy whose career seemed in jeopardy last year is now leading the A's offensive charge toward a postseason birth. I know Joe Blanton sure is.

Speaking of Cupcakes, he has the best ERA is the American League since June 1st. No small feat for a guy who many wanted to see back in the minors after May. He also finally reached the .500 mark. I'll be the first to say that my big worry was about Blanton pitching too much. Well, Big Joe is sticking that one right in my face as he just continues to excel in the midst of a pennant race.

FYI, I'm heading out to the game tomorrow, so I'll be opening some threads in advance for your commenting pleasure before I leave early in the A.M.

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If

the A's keep playing well for the rest of the season, but fall short, I'll still be happy. I just don't want to watch them stumble out of it like last year. That said, if they do keep playing well and scoring a million runs per game, I think they'll make it.

I mean the Angels only managed two runs of Juan F'in Dominguez

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Sep 20, 2005 10:41 PM PDT reply actions

i'm happy

people are forgetting that this was suppose to be a rebuilding year. And for us to be competing this late in the season we should all be thankful. No regrets!

Green and Gold=Big and Bold!

by Beanemyhero33 on Sep 20, 2005 10:42 PM PDT reply actions

a 89-90 win season...

...IS a rebuilding year for the a's.

We're not dunderheads here...

by bigelephant on Sep 21, 2005 5:57 AM PDT up reply actions

With each passing day,

I become more and more convinced that the A's magic number is 6: three wins over the Angels.

Nico

by Nico on Sep 20, 2005 10:43 PM PDT reply actions

I (heart) number-crunching

A's have 11 games remaining, and their magic number to clinch is 14; 4 against Anaheim; 7 against non-Anaheim teams.

In the 7 against non-Anaheim teams, their magic number is ...

14 if they win 0 of 4 (practically impossible; they'd have to win all 7 while Angels lost 7 of 8)

12 if they win 1 of 4
10 if they win 2 of 4
8 if they win 3 of 4
6 if they win 4 of 4

by rubin sierra on Sep 21, 2005 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions

By the way...

...if you haven't read the thread directly below this one, you're missing out. HILARIOUS. Too much happy AN leads to craziness.

I know nothing good happens when Kennedy is on the mound, but he is DUE. And this is a MUST-WIN. None of us wants to wait all day to root the Angels on to defeat, since they play way later tomorrow. It'd be nice to have a big old "A's Win - FINAL" up on their scoreboard when they are taking batting practice and trying to warm up to face a held-in-check-but-not-for-long Ranger's offense.

Congrats to EVERYONE tonight. Blanton, you're a stud, glad you are at .500! Ellis, wow, can't say ANYTHING, thank you; you're awesome! Swish, nice to see you back! Kendall you too! Witasick was just awesome; way to slam the door with zero drama.

Gather everything you have boys, storm the field tomorrow and keep it coming! WE NEED THE SWEEP!

Best Coliseum promotion of the year? 2005 Oakland A's baseball.

by baseballgirl on Sep 20, 2005 10:44 PM PDT reply actions

Witasick

Giving up a lead-off double to Mauer and a hard-liner to the next batter got my heart skip a beat. Almost mirrored Yabu's beginning last night.

by arch on Sep 20, 2005 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions

re

I'd finished my $7.50 beer by then so I wasn't worried. Alcohol does wonders:)

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Sep 20, 2005 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

oops...was talking about the 9th

he was awesome there.

Best Coliseum promotion of the year? 2005 Oakland A's baseball.

by baseballgirl on Sep 20, 2005 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Getting Witasick Back On Track An Imperative

With The Duke apparently ailing with a bad back, it would be a godsend if Witasick got his mechanics and confidence back to where they were when he pitched so well for the A's after arriving here from Colorado.

The A's can't run Calero out as a set-up guy in every instance and if Witasick pitch as he did tonight, it would help compensate for any games The Duke couldn't appear in as the A's head down the stretch...

by reztips on Sep 20, 2005 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions

duke

has there been any other mention of duke ailing other than on AN?

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Sep 20, 2005 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Yup.

Check out:

This article

by atomopawn on Sep 21, 2005 5:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Oh, early prediction:

Next year the Mariners will finish ahead of the Rangers. You heard it here first, mostly because at the moment, for good reason, nobody really cares.

Nico

by Nico on Sep 20, 2005 10:44 PM PDT reply actions

Another prediction

Kendall shall hit A homerun next year.

by arch on Sep 20, 2005 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions

that's a strech;

what are the odds on that?

Hell is sold out... but some people are re-selling their tickets on Stub-Hub.com, or you can just sit on Mt. Davis. - McFood

by Jjjsixsix on Sep 20, 2005 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions

When they get to...

Coors Field next year during interleague play, the odds increase by leaps and bound.

by arch on Sep 20, 2005 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions

but...

they also made the walls there huge; i'm thinking warning track power. (sigh) i hope i'm wrong; what is it now, 777 abs? (something said on radio broadcast)

i should capitalize correctly. too tired. yawn.

Hell is sold out... but some people are re-selling their tickets on Stub-Hub.com, or you can just sit on Mt. Davis. - McFood

by Jjjsixsix on Sep 20, 2005 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Kendall

has 2 HR lifetime at Coors

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Sep 20, 2005 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Is holding his breath....

waiting to see the A's at Coors Field. (Should I go stand in line to get tix now do you think?)

This picture makes me want to go to the dark side!!! YUM!! BobbyCrosbysGirl on Mon Sep 19, 2005 at 02:56:33 AM MDT

by 510inDenver on Sep 21, 2005 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions

I thought he had one for a minute

tonight. You know, the somewhat-deep flyball that the center-fielder dropped. I got distracted from my conversation when I saw it; then I had to explain that normally I don't jump up at every fly ball off any player's bat, but in this case I had special reason to get over-excited because it was Kendall who was up and he NEVER goes deep, and seldom comes close.

by rubin sierra on Sep 21, 2005 12:58 AM PDT up reply actions

same here

I think I've seen him hit the wall twice all year. The base of the wall. A grizzly wall.

by Apricot on Sep 21, 2005 1:15 AM PDT up reply actions

A bear trashed your wall?

A bear trashed my wall.
What kind of a wall?

Oh, excuse me, you already answered that.

Your car fell off a cliff?

by rubin sierra on Sep 21, 2005 2:51 AM PDT up reply actions

i was there

(one of only about 12k-don't believe what you read), and the outfielders were positioned as shallow as they play with one out and a guy on second in a tie game in the bottom of the ninth. Kendall used them: I just wonder if that's as far as he can hit a ball now. Does anyone know if he injured his RIGHT ankle when he had that injury years ago? If so, it might have ruined his power. I recently tried to hit softballs with a hurt right ankle, and I couldn't get any distance. I found myself setting up to go opposite field, and a lightbulb lit up over my head when I realized this may be Kendall's problem.

by Brian in 317 on Sep 21, 2005 7:38 AM PDT up reply actions

he hit two yesterday

off Washington during batting practice....

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 21, 2005 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Range and FP

He's got SS range and a .990 FP. Only 5 errors this year. How long is he signed for??

by Dig the Long Ball on Sep 20, 2005 10:45 PM PDT reply actions

Ellis is a refreshing sight....

in the batter's box and on defense. I could feel the comfort and confidence of every Athletic building up with every at bat. Hope the momentum pushes them to the playoffs.

by arch on Sep 20, 2005 10:47 PM PDT reply actions

Great Questions for Our Age

Now that I broached the subject earlier, just why does the thread become "threaded" at 200 posts, anyway?

Let us not continue to debate how many Angels can be dashed on the head of a pin. Let's just get to it while the gettin' is good.

by Checkswing HR on Sep 20, 2005 10:52 PM PDT reply actions

My Nominee for Most Annoying AN Feature

If there's something you can do about turning off the auto-threading at 200 posts, I'd be eternally grateful!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Sep 21, 2005 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions

yeah Ellis is just a real good story

just a great story plain and simple. blue collar worker, just shuts up and plays ball, didnt let the injury get him down, doesnt let struggles @ plate affect him in the field, etc.

awesome.

by rickeytime on Sep 20, 2005 10:53 PM PDT reply actions

Blue collar indeed

Hits a sure-fire HR and runs the bag like it's an infield hit. He's the AL's version of Scott Rolen. Humble yet awesome.

by arch on Sep 20, 2005 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions

All-Humble Squad

1B: Don Mattingly
2B: Mark Ellis
SS: Cal Ripken
3B: Matt Williams/Scott Rolen
LF: Joe Carter
CF: Torii Hunter
RF: Larry Walker
C: Jason Varitek
DH: Harold Baines
SP: Greg Maddux
RP: Robb Nen/Huston Street

by southofcruiseamerica on Sep 20, 2005 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions

You forgot...

QB: Roman Gabriel

RB: Wendell Tyler

Oh! I thought you said the All-FUMBLE Squad!

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 20, 2005 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions

What about Dave Krieg and Warren Moon?

by southofcruiseamerica on Sep 20, 2005 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I call your Krieg and Moon and raise you...

an Eric Dickerson.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 20, 2005 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Jason Varitek??

That's some kind of sick joke, isn't it? The guy who punched A-Rod in the face just to score points with the fans? Or how about the guy who blocks the plate by tripping runners even when he doesn't have the ball?

by OaktownTribesman on Sep 21, 2005 5:52 AM PDT up reply actions

You are sticking up for A-Rod?

did you read his lips? He called him out saying 'come on m-erf-er' - Varitek had no choice. Allegedly tripping Byrnes in the post-season is called trying to win. You would take him on your team any day - he is their captain and not some loudmouth like Millar/Damon/Lowe/Wells or pathetic like Manny. I could have said Matheny but that would be too many Giants.

Do you like A-Rod's face or something? You mention it as opposed to in the ribs, stomach or kidneys.

by southofcruiseamerica on Sep 21, 2005 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Garret Anderson

should be on this list. Even if you hate the Angels you have to admit it.

by Brian in 317 on Sep 21, 2005 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Also:

Michael Young, Brad Radke

Let us not continue to debate how many Angels can be dashed on the head of a pin. Let's just get to it while the gettin' is good.

by Checkswing HR on Sep 21, 2005 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions

Too Lazy...

Jim Edmonds disease

by southofcruiseamerica on Sep 21, 2005 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Eric Chavez

Humble player of the Year

by Brian in 317 on Sep 21, 2005 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Humbled you mean?

by southofcruiseamerica on Sep 21, 2005 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions

both

by Brian in 317 on Sep 21, 2005 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

what is shocking is that

Ellis isn't in the comeback player of the year category. This is a guy whose career was perhaps over. Zito is considered, but his stats except wins/losses was equal to Mulder's last year, what is he coming back from, and Giambi's inclusion is a joke.
Ellis is thriving in the leadoff position, he loves it and so does AN.
Like you Blez, I really thought Cupcakes would hit a wall, some wall! I know he won't even get a vote for rookie of the year, he doesn't have enough wins and they will ignore the 7 games he pitched where the A's were shut out, and they will ignore the ERA numbers since June, but why do I keep looking at him and thinking Catfish?
Same bulky build, well, Cupcakes has a few more layers than Catfish did, but Catfish didn't walk many guys, didn't strike out many guys, but the wins kept piling up, guys making outs all the time.
I think of all the rookies he surprises me the most. I thought Street would be great, I listened to him talk about pressure and knew he had the "right stuff". Swisher is doing what we thought, not a great average but some power, I was high on DJ, good discipline, and someday he will hit for more power. But Cupcakes, not a stirling record in Sacramento, a little inconsistent, not many K's, few walks. I was hoping he would win half his games, and he has but he has deserved much better than he has gotten.
I read today that Macha said he will pitch Zito on 3 days if a playoff is needed. To be honest, in any big game right now I would prefer Blanton on the mound.

by china bob on Sep 20, 2005 10:57 PM PDT reply actions

what!!!??? 3 days rest. That is crazy.

It just doesn't work for us. Man I hope this isn't true. where did you see this?

she was never able to watch me play because the games were too late back home, and now she's got front-row seats to every game.. Swish re: his grandmother

by alamedaman on Sep 20, 2005 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions

I read it in today's Sac Bee

I'll look for the link.

"I'm OK being the veteran, but I'm still just a kid" ~ Barry Zito

by AsGirl on Sep 20, 2005 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Here it is:

A's manager Ken Macha planned out the remainder of Barry Zito's regular season, and even some postseason if necessary.

With an off day Thursday, Macha will tweak the rotation and have Zito start Saturday to him to pitch the finale of the Los Angeles Angels series Sept. 29.

In the event of a one-game playoff Oct. 3, Macha said Zito will pitch on three days' rest.

http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/baseball/oak_athletics/story/13593420p-14434220c.html

"I'm OK being the veteran, but I'm still just a kid" ~ Barry Zito

by AsGirl on Sep 20, 2005 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions

thank you for this. I guess my initial reaction

was based on thinking Hardin would be back by then. If it's Zito, hardin, blanton and Haren available--this is obviously crazy. It may be crazy even if he's not available--how about a Saarloos/Kennedy four inning each combination. but at least upon reflection, I admit that without hardin, you have to think about it.

she was never able to watch me play because the games were too late back home, and now she's got front-row seats to every game.. Swish re: his grandmother

by alamedaman on Sep 20, 2005 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions

that is insane

Go with Haren on normal rest. I know there was that disastrous game in April when the Angels stole 6 bases off of him, but don't we remember the last and only time Zito threw on 3 days rest??

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 20, 2005 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions

zito on three days rest

he was great for 4 or 5 innings and then fell apart. I'd say go ahead and start him, but pull him when there is trouble. Doesn't sound like Macha though, does it? Here's to hoping the A's win it outright

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Sep 21, 2005 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Well

If Barry doesn't have IT on 3 days rest, he can always be pulled. No reason to hold anyone back in that game, if that's what it comes down to.

Street is a friggin physical marvel... -Mychael Urban

by rookieoftheyear on Sep 20, 2005 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Go with Danny

I would start a fully-rested Haren instead. He has pitched well in several big games lately (Yankees, Indians, Red Sox) and was excellent in the World Series last year.

"Young, cheap and talented is the best way to go through life, son." --Dean Beane

by dylantravis on Sep 20, 2005 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd go with Yabu and Cruz

at least we'd know what to expect.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 20, 2005 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd pitch Ginter

... or perhaps Watson or Bynum ...

put down the stick, and quit swearing -- MobiusKlein

by monkeyball on Sep 21, 2005 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions

haren's streak

yes, there was that one bad game, but no one seems to remember haren's 12 or something straight decisions where the a's won. not just no losses in 12 games, all W's. geez.

by rungood on Sep 21, 2005 7:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Joe B has been the stopper lately

but Barry's been the anchor all year. Any of the 2 can and should pitch the do-or-die, if necessary.

by arch on Sep 20, 2005 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions

A Point A National writer made

Neyer, or Phillips, or someone

Is that the healthy Mark Ellis of 2003 wasn't particularly good. so what is he coming back from?

The perfect comeback scenario is great/horrible/great again.

By that rationale, the winner is pretty obvious, much as we might not like it:

Benedict.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 20, 2005 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions

He is coming back from a way too close

of an encounter in Phoenix with Bobby Brittlesby

by southofcruiseamerica on Sep 20, 2005 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard

So it doesn't matter that Ellis came back from a potential career ending injury to become one of this years best offensive players because he wasn't that great before he was injured? That makes little sense to me. How about focus on the horrible year. Ideally, a player would be coming back from injury, not just a poor year like some candidates. I hate that baseball has turned this award into a popularity contest.

p.s. Why doesn't ellis have a sign in the bleachers?

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Sep 20, 2005 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions

i agree with you about the popularity contest

But I do think the logic about the award is accurate and doesn't really apply to Ellis.

You have to comeback from something. he wasn't a particularly good hitter in 2003-- pre-injury.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 21, 2005 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions

I just don't get that logic

I don't see why the year prior to the down year needs to be taken into account. If you are injured, have a bad year, whatever, that is your down year. How far the player has come back from the down year is the comeback. In Ellis' case, a horrible injury resulted in no plate appearances in 2004. In 2005, he is arguably the best player at his postion. His stats in 2003 are largely irrelevant. If anything, they show he's come back even further than other candidates as he is a far better player now than in 2003.

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Sep 21, 2005 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions

thank you, gojohn10

just because the award involves the word "comeback," the word isn't meant to signify coming BACK to where you started from. It is meant to signal coming back FROM ADVERSITY. Thus, Giambi and Zito get only minor extra points for being better pre-2004 ... because their pre-2004 success highlights the adversity they experienced in '04.

But absolutely Ellis should be eligible--any non-rookie who emerges in a big way can be, and an injury like Ellis' is absolutely the type of thing which, if overcome, should be rewarded here.

What you're right about, oaktoon, is that Giambi's probably going to win. If only because apparently he's already been nominated and Ellis was passed over, and also because as you pointed out, he was really good in 03, and his lousy dropoff in 04 does constitute adversity almost as difficult as a career-threatening injury. Then throw in the fact that Giambi actually did experience a career-threatening injury in '04, and he's a legitimate candidate.

by rubin sierra on Sep 21, 2005 3:02 AM PDT up reply actions

What About...

Comeback "from almost a career-ending" injury. Not just the great-down-great-again cycle. Ellis deserves that more than any other player in the majors.

by arch on Sep 21, 2005 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions

I somewhat agree

If there was an award for breakout of the year, Ellis would get it.

by OaktownTribesman on Sep 21, 2005 5:56 AM PDT up reply actions

Ellis had a sign

The bleacher sign "Ellis D" was up for months and months...last year too, I think...but it was not to be seen at Monday's game. Perhaps a Coliseum official finally caught the double entendre and felt it inappropriate.

That'll get you booted out of Disneyland too, as I understand it. Though It's A Small World will never again seem so poignant.

Beat the Angles (they're obtuse!)

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Sep 21, 2005 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions

your nominees for Three Stars of the Night...?

Me: Ellis, Blanton, Kotsay

Baby Winexp:

Sep 20, 2005 OAK Jason Kendall +0.224 4 Sep 20, 2005 OAK Mark Ellis +0.163 6 Sep 20, 2005 OAK Joe Blanton* +0.161 25

I gotta admit, Kendall had a heck of a night. He's had such a bad year that it's hard for me to notice his contributions when they come. Baby Winexp hates Kendall in general, but she had to give him his due. She looooves Ellis and thinks he's the MVP of Sept for the A's. But so does everyone.

Here's her top four A's of a crummy September.

OAK Mark Ellis +1.115 89 OAK Nick Swisher +0.694 67 OAK Huston Street* +0.601 45 OAK Kirk Saarloos* +0.506 82

for context, Baby Winexp's best in the majors for Sept:

BOS David Ortiz 1.916 83 ATL Chipper Jones 1.801 74 TEX Mark Teixeira 1.782 79 FLA Carlos Delgado 1.51 80

I don't quite get Baby Winexp's obsession with Chipper Jones, but I don't follow the NL too closely either. She's just looooved him all year.

by Apricot on Sep 20, 2005 11:00 PM PDT reply actions

Could it be true?

We didn't ground into one single DP tonight? Not even one? Huh? Now that, is a really good thing.

by eamb on Sep 20, 2005 11:04 PM PDT reply actions

Couldn't agree more about Ellis! I've always

liked him, but was just hoping he would be a solid D 2nd base with a .280--.290 average, and OPS of maybe .790 or so. I'm just hoping that what we're seeing now is, might be, the real Ellis--.300+ and .800 OPS. That is probably too much to ask for consistently, but with his work ethic and overall attitude--why not?

Could the infield hit 110+ home runs next year? I think they might. (of course the dreaded no injury assumption)

she was never able to watch me play because the games were too late back home, and now she's got front-row seats to every game.. Swish re: his grandmother

by alamedaman on Sep 20, 2005 11:16 PM PDT reply actions

"no injury assumption"

You're going to say that with a straight face and Bobby Crosby involved? ;)

Best Coliseum promotion of the year? 2005 Oakland A's baseball.

by baseballgirl on Sep 20, 2005 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions

yeah, I know. That's why I said

"dreaded".

she was never able to watch me play because the games were too late back home, and now she's got front-row seats to every game.. Swish re: his grandmother

by alamedaman on Sep 20, 2005 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions

No...

Unless they all have career years.

Ellis will have about 12;

Crosby 20-25

Chavez around 30

DJ at 20-25

best case would be 90 or so. 80-85 is more likely.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 20, 2005 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions

don't you think that Crosby, DJ, and

Ellis (remembering the lost year) are two young to use the "career year" logic. I think you can with Chavey, but I would argue that the other 3 are not close to setting expectations for their careers.

she was never able to watch me play because the games were too late back home, and now she's got front-row seats to every game.. Swish re: his grandmother

by alamedaman on Sep 20, 2005 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Elly

connecting w/ the bases juiced:

by eamb on Sep 20, 2005 11:35 PM PDT reply actions

look at that focus!

by rungood on Sep 21, 2005 7:32 AM PDT up reply actions

We've discovered his secret!

Look at his cheeks -- he's using his superhero-strength wind-breath to actually slow down the ball in flight so that he can hit it more easily!

put down the stick, and quit swearing -- MobiusKlein

by monkeyball on Sep 21, 2005 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions

And he's staying INSIDE the ball!

Brought to you by Motel 6, an Accor hotel.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 21, 2005 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions

The Ship is Finally Righted

For the first time in weeks i finally feel that this team is back on a solid foundation, even without Harden and with crosby at less than full strength.

would like to see DJ and hatty step up a notch, of course, and Chavez close strong, but overall the bats are reawakening, the starting pitching is solid every night, and I think they're primed for a 7-4 or 8-3 run to the wire that just might put them into the postseason.

Only down side of Ellis is the financial piece. he is arbitration eligible-- i would think the A's are gonna have to pay him at least 10-12 million for 3 years (and maybe more), which further reduces the payroll flexibility for Zito and another free agent bat.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 20, 2005 11:46 PM PDT reply actions

Well, it'll probably only take one loss...

to have you outside standing on the ledge again. :)

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 21, 2005 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Tomorrow's Game

Ellis will probably be signed for 3 years at closer to $8 to $9 million, rather than 10 to 12, but it will just be one of many off season decisions that will work into the "payroll flexibility" issue. Hopefully with the new ownership (.....sitting in the first row again tonight.....)"flexibility" will be more "flexible" this coming off season.

Hope to see you at the game tomorrow, Blez. I will be in Section 126, Row 1, Seat 6.

by robertmelvin on Sep 20, 2005 11:56 PM PDT reply actions

with an OPS

approaching .900-- best on the team and nearly 100 points higher than the team's highest-paid player-- and excelling at one of the two or three most important positions in the field..

there is no way that Ellis signs for less than 3 million a year. It'll be closer to 5-- easy.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 21, 2005 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions

Not really

The arb panel will look at seniority. Even Dotel as a 3rd year arb player got around 5 million, and that's after more than one year of pitching very well. Ellis has had only one great year, and in fact, they'll probably look at his ABs and feel that even his 2005 is too small a sample size. Besides, it's only his 2nd arb year, he's a Super Two, and he made only 400,000 this year. I've never heard of a player going from 400,000 to 5 million in arbitration. I see Ellis making around 2 million. Though in 2007 he'd be in line for 5 million plus if he keeps it up.

by OaktownTribesman on Sep 21, 2005 6:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Ignored the Rain; Enjoyed the Game

Had a great time with 18,000 of my newest, closest personal friends. Not bad for a rainy Tuesday night against The Twinkies. Just got home and have a few observations:

Did anyone else see Swisher when he ran past first in his first AB? One step past the bag he put both hands down to his "Groinal Area." Not so much a grab as a push. I'm guessing (Hoping!) it was just a little tightness caused by a hard run with little warmup due to the wet field. I held my breath for a minute though.

I'm a big fan of Scoots, but an error and a base-running mistake? hmmmm. But that DP he started in the 6th was a real rally-killer. Great Play.

Chavy would definately be on my all-humble team. Quiet night at bat but that pick he made of a hot liner just off the dirt was beautiful. And timely, too.

Nice to see Witasick back out there. Shakey, but infinitely better than last night.

All around sweet game. Sure missed Roy Steele. :-(

Oakland Coliseum: Home of Bene Gesserit Weirding Training. Or was is just a weird season?

by NomAd on Sep 21, 2005 12:08 AM PDT reply actions

Forgot one comment...

Swisher looked very comfortable at first base. Really looked good in all aspects.

Oakland Coliseum: Home of Bene Gesserit Weirding Training. Or was is just a weird season?

by NomAd on Sep 21, 2005 12:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Did anyone else notice

Swish was chewing bubble gum, no chew tonight!

while I'm GM, I'd get the black uniform tops back into the mix, make high socks mandatory and add a beer tap in the press box-Mychael Urban

by jb on Sep 21, 2005 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Yep, both him and Chavez

were blowing big pink bubbles :)

"I was the ugliest girl I've ever seen." - Noah Lowry

by Melody on Sep 21, 2005 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Blez

I think you mean a postseason berth although I and many other male A's fans will probably go into labor if we can get through the first round of the playoffs this year.

"Meanwhile, Kirk Gibson's a coach with Detroit and I'm in the Hall of Fame.'" - Dennis Eckersley

by El Payo on Sep 21, 2005 1:13 AM PDT reply actions

Dear AN,

Tonight I had the game on "Mute" while eating dinner with my parents in an adjacent room. As we were finishing I got up to check the score and saw the A's leading 2-1 with bases loaded, nobody out in the 4th. 60 seconds later there were two out, and I could just imagine the dread that could take residence in the clubhouse, in the dugout, in the AN threads when the A's blow opportunities like these. I started to feel the dread, started steeling myself for the worse, the 3 LOB and a 1-run lead to protect with little confidence.

So when Ellis' line drive evaded the reach of the Twinkies' second basemen, the relief was such that I actually jumped up and cried out "Yes!" with both arms in the air, causing my parents to look at me with concern, perhaps thinking that I should be either on more or less medication.

Have been putting off studying for going on two hours ... Good night!

by rubin sierra on Sep 21, 2005 3:12 AM PDT reply actions

Here's the article . . .

that made me fall in love w/ Ellis. Several things are noteworthy: 1) way back in '02 they were talking about how good a fit he was in the leadoff spot. Susan Slusser should have cc'd Macha on her submit; 2) Since Dickie Green was one of my favorite players on the powerhouse A's in the 70's, what are the odds that 2 players from Rapid City, SD, (not exactly San Pedro de Macoris), would end up playing the same position, for the same team, and doing it so well?; 3) there was something about the way his college coach talked about Ellis that made me start watching him and admiring him as a player and as a person. On a lark, I printed out the article and took it to a baseball card show where he was appearing (for free) and gave him a copy and asked him to sign my copy. It was a great moment. His reaction, all in a split second, was one of embarrassment, pleasure, awe, and humility. He also said, and I'm not kidding, "Thanks. I'm gonna send it to my mom." From that moment, he's been (and always will be), one of my all-time favorite players and people. I'd rather watch Mark Ellis be smart enough to get caught in a rundown to allow someone else to score, or make a relay throw to nail someone at the plate (ever notice how absolutely perfectly he is ALWAYS positioned, and his mechanics, on a relay?) than to see Bonds put one in the water any day of the week. His success doesn't surprise me at all and no one has ever been as worthy of the comment, "Couldn't happen to a nicer guy."

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/07/23/SP206475.DTL&type=printable

by camperdog on Sep 21, 2005 7:23 AM PDT reply actions

Dakota

It is so great to have him back and playing better than ever. That opposite field single was HUGE, and just the kind of hit the A's have missed so often this year.

Nice to see the Dick Green name drop. You and I are in the minority of fans who remember him. His defense in the '74 series was nothing short of BRILLIANT. Catfish Hunter said if he'd managed one hit in the series (he was 0-13), he would have been named MVP.

Thanks for the post (great story!) and link: can't wait to read it.

by Brian in 317 on Sep 21, 2005 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions

De nada

And you're right, Green was phenomenal in the '74 series. Class act, all the way, too. Must be something in the water in Rapid City.

by camperdog on Sep 21, 2005 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Harden-- not starting?

I heard somewhere that Harden was playing soft toss yesterday, and that while he was hoping to get back, he wouldn't be in the starting lineup, but rather, would be used out of the bullpen.

I mean, he is dirty regardless and will help the A's tremendously when he gets back, but 1) what is the AN reaction to this? and 2) what sort of role will he play in the bullpen?

by rungood on Sep 21, 2005 7:34 AM PDT reply actions

I'll take any Harden I can get

Plus it will help him get some work in to potentially start if we go deep into the playoffs. Otherwise, I see him as our 8th innings guy. The bullpen depth chart would likely be Calero-Duke-Harden-Street

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Sep 21, 2005 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions

A loophole!

According to Sluss today, Dakota still has a shot at the batting title:

"Ellis will finish about 10 to 12 plate appearances shy of the minimum 502 needed to qualify, but the missing plate appearances could be applied to his total as hitless at-bats (e.g., an 0-for-10 could be added). If the resulting lower average still led the league, the batting title would be his."

by ArakSOT on Sep 21, 2005 7:53 AM PDT reply actions

To those saying Haren

should start a one-game playoff instead of Zito on 3-days rest: I believe Haren's turn will come up for the season's last game, which will obviously be a "must-win" if a one-game playoff is in the picture. Blanton should pitch Oct. 1, Haren Oct. 2, leaving the choices as:

Zito on 3-days rest
Saarloos
Kennedy
Harden (perhaps not having pitched anywhere for over a month)

Zito, plus all-the-stops in the bullpen, sounds fine to me.

Nico

by Nico on Sep 21, 2005 8:12 AM PDT reply actions

Yahoo Sports on both Monday and Tuesday bashed

Oakland's low attendance. And they are right--for a team fighting tooth and nail for the postseason, the turnouts for these important games are an EMBARRASSMENT for the City of Oakland and the team's fans.

No one realistic can claim that Oakland is a viable MLB venue, something I'm certain is clear to Mr. Wolff (who was in attendance for both nights). And no excuse about the lack of a new stadium--this exciting young team is smack dab in a pennant raise, yet the fans are MIA...

by reztips on Sep 21, 2005 8:35 AM PDT reply actions

But that's been true for most of 35 years...

...right? And if so, why haven't they ever done something about it? Oh, I know, they've threatened and tried before, so why did all those attempts fail? Is the situation any more dire than it has been for most of the 35+ years? If so, what's different this time? If there are so many more suitable venues for MLB, why was there so much difficulty getting the Expos relocated?

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 21, 2005 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions

< Redundancy Alert >

There's got to be some kind of cap as to how many times you can post the same thing, right? Everyone's entitled to express their opinion, even if it's of such a nature as to rile up probably the majority of regular posters (and lurkers, like myself), but what's the point of saying the same thing over and over again? Do you think at some we'll be so overwhelmed by your redundancy, reach critical mass and all of a sudden agree with you? How about you stick to enjoying the run for the playoffs, analyzing the players and the performance of the team on the field. Leave the Oakland bashing to Anaheim.

by kcfries on Sep 21, 2005 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions

kcfries, if you don't like my posts is it all that

difficult to scroll by me? One would not like to think that you would not be lacking in such dexterity...

BTW, this is a question raised on most of the A's sites and again, if it seems redundant to you or is not of interest, please don't bother to read it. That's not so hard, is it?

by reztips on Sep 21, 2005 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Look dude.

Your posts about baseball are pretty thoughtful.

Your posts about Oakland are insulting. People respond when they're insulted. What's so hard about that for YOU to understand?

You post a lot. Many of your posts deride many of our hometown. Personally, I think you're looking for attention with it. And it's so old it stinks. Get out from in front of your computer and go outside every now and then. The graphics are incredible.

Really, deep down in your heart, don't you think it's time to get rid of Stomper?

by 66th Hegenberger on Sep 21, 2005 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions

dude,

i may agree AND disagree with your comments towards ol' rezie-boy....but, please, reassess what's in your heart and reconsider who you plan on getting "rid of".

We're not dunderheads here...

by bigelephant on Sep 21, 2005 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: Dude

God, my signature line is so old I had to think about your post for a while before I understood it.

No, I've been an EOS (enemy of Stomper) since he debuted. I'm not sure why, really... Maybe he's just too cute.

My wife, knowing this full well, has Stomper hug me whenever he's around. His fur feels like a dirty fraternity carpet.

Really, deep down in your heart, don't you think it's time to get rid of Stomper?

by 66th Hegenberger on Sep 22, 2005 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Baltimore's Owner Objected Till Paid Off

The #1 site for the Expos was always Washington and the primary obstruction was Baltimore's owner. When MLB paid him off, he ceased his opposition.

Look for the same scenario to ultimately happen in the Bay Area, as Wolff--unable to find reasonably expeditious help from either local pols or business owners in the sector encompassing the proposed new stadium--looks for a viable new venue in either San Jose, or barring that, Sacto.

At least those of us who want the A's to stay in the region had better hope the above reaches fruition, because the team sure as hell isn't going to remain in Oakland.

A grand total of 33,000 fans for two important, playoff relevant games this late in the year--PATHETIC!

by reztips on Sep 21, 2005 9:36 AM PDT reply actions

yeah, but

Angelos really screwed the Expos in that they have to give something like 95% of their television revenue to him for some period of years. Thats a huge blow. Do you really want a deal like that for the A's?

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Sep 21, 2005 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions

alien, what would be your choice? To keep the A's

in the Bay Area with financial concessions to the Gnats or have them move out of the region? Because that is what it will probably boil down to...

by reztips on Sep 21, 2005 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

well

I'm not necessarily opposed to the A's moving. Although I'd hate to see them go somewhere like Vegas. If I really thought San Jose would be a good option, I'd be fine with that. Personally, I'm probably not going to be in the area past the next couple of years so I'm not sure its going to affect me much anyway.

The thing is, I don't necessarily agree with you that they have to move out of Oakland. If, and I recognize its a big if, they can get a new ballpark in Oakland, I think they'll be just as well off as if they got a new park in San Jose or Fremont. I think people would come. All things being equal, I would like them to stay where they are.

However, they absolutely need a new park. If they can't get one in Oakland, then they have to move. But I don't think giving a king's ransom in concessions to the Giants is the way to do it.

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Sep 21, 2005 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks for not answering the questions...

evoked from your post...again. Which once again goes to show that you're not really interested in discussing issues, just in baiting people--PATHETIC!

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 21, 2005 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Clearly, unlike alien, you didn't read my post...

PATHETIC! ;-)>

by reztips on Sep 21, 2005 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions

What a game

Great game and Kotsay got his average up to .280 I believe and I wonder what could have happened had Ellis played 130+ games, basically I think Ellis is this years version of Kotsay (good leadoff hitter, some pop in the bat and stellar defense). As for Blanton he is awesome and it would be amazing if all 5 starters were over .500 and ERA's below 4 which would be huge going into next year.

You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club wont be worth a dime.-Babe Ruth

by doublehustle22 on Sep 21, 2005 12:02 PM PDT reply actions