Pack Your Bags, We're Going To Motown!

BRING IT!!!!!

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 4:33 PM PDT reply actions

Wild Card Champion Tigers

I fear the Detroit pitching, and wish we were facing the Yankees who are imploding.

The last time the A's played the Tigers in post season they were managed by Billy Martin!!

This will be very tough for the A's; however if they get past Detroit, they will certainly beat the national league representative to the WS.

Girling!

by girling on Oct 7, 2006 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Keith Gintner

Will we sign him for the Tigers playoff? The rumor is he is eligible if signed.

by girling on Oct 7, 2006 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Clarification--Billy Martin

Billy Martin was manager of the Tigers the last time the two teams met in post season which I think was 1972.

by girling on Oct 7, 2006 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions

All signs point to yes

I think the A's have no choice but to sign Ginter. What I am more concerned about is the defensive drop off from Ellis to anyone else. How is Meilio with the glove?

by CyberFT on Oct 7, 2006 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Kenny Rogers just put on a show

atop the dugout, spraying the fans and the cop with champagne

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

wow, that display made me almost like him

almost

"We need to bring back those orange glow-in-the-dark balls we used to have growing up for games here." - Zito on the Metrodome

by aymlam79 on Oct 7, 2006 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I think its funny that Zito

opted to not rabble rouse, so he wouldn't get hurt.

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Oct 7, 2006 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

well the A's

still have work to do

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions

i meant

Zito good approach, Rogers ??

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Oct 7, 2006 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Did he hit the cameraman?

Uh, I mean spray the cameraman?

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

by Nick on Oct 7, 2006 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Not funny......ROFL

by Catfish on Oct 7, 2006 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Nice to see Detroit celebrate so hard...

Because that's the last shower of champaigne they'll taste this season!!

by enz on Oct 7, 2006 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Bring it On! We're not afraid :)

The only thing that worries me is that how can I get out from work two days in a row?

by gilaASfan on Oct 7, 2006 4:36 PM PDT reply actions

It's a night game

by sf drift king on Oct 7, 2006 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Night game? Yayyy! Great!

by gilaASfan on Oct 7, 2006 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Finally a playoff game I won't have to skip school

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Oct 7, 2006 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions

2nd Game Time

When will they finally announce the Game 2 time... its ridiculous having it still TBA!

"I see Milton Bradley being the Oaktown player that breaks out this year." breaks out... breaks out of where? jail?

by gdub171 on Oct 8, 2006 12:57 AM PDT up reply actions

12pm Pacific listed

by fox sports, although I'd wait for MLB to post the time before considering it official.

by snowflake on Oct 8, 2006 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Was anyone else....

expecting the A's to come back out last night? I was waiting, and frankly, a little disappointed. THere were hundreds of people waiting long after the game was over.

The Tigers did it up right with their fans. I was screaming at the celebratory scene. Kenny Rogers? Who woulda thunk it!

by BleacherDave on Oct 7, 2006 4:36 PM PDT reply actions

I was also a little disappointed...

...yesterday that the A's just party in the locker room and didn't come back out to celebrate with fans. They'll have to save it until we win the ALCS!

by bringbackgallego on Oct 7, 2006 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree.

Watching the Tigers share it with their fans was fantastic.

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

by El Payo on Oct 7, 2006 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Tigers overdid it

We haven't won anything yet. No one remembers ALCS losers. you have to get to the world series. The Tigers apparently think they've won it already.

by MikeyJ on Oct 7, 2006 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

They celebrated

after clinching a playoff spot, but before they clinched the division (and never did).

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions

The Tigers nearly set a record

for losses in a season a couple years ago. Guys like Inge, Nate Robertson were on that team.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 7, 2006 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I understand how exciting it can be to win a playoff series, especially when you're 3 years removed from a 110 loss season and even more so when you beat the Evil Empire, but come on it isn't like you just won the world series.

by enz on Oct 7, 2006 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Spraying the Fans

I'd much rather have the team celebrate as a team. They validate me when they play their heartest, not when they spray me with bubbly.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions

I waited. :-(

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 7, 2006 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions

better than

waiting until next year? lets just wait til the ALCS GO A'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i think I will have sleepless nights until tues

Ray Fosse > Joe Morgan

by istylez on Oct 7, 2006 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions

because they came out in 2003

after winning the division, I too hung out hoping

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions

totally agree!

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Oct 8, 2006 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions

I remember

in 1972 last time when the A's and Tigers met in the playoffs, when a pitcher by the name of Larren Lagrow, (hope my spellings' close), threw a pitch at Campy's legs and Campy lost it and hurled his bat at the pitcher and the guy had to duck. Now, that was hardball!

by Salvatore on Oct 7, 2006 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

Classic picture on the front

of the sports page. Campy's bat in mid-flight.

by BleacherDave on Oct 7, 2006 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions

What a moment for Detroit. Congrats to them

Too bad we'll have to crush their hopes and dreams now.

"We need to bring back those orange glow-in-the-dark balls we used to have growing up for games here." - Zito on the Metrodome

by aymlam79 on Oct 7, 2006 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

SEE YOU AT 5PM TUESDAY!

Let's beat up the Kitties.

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

by El Payo on Oct 7, 2006 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

Why do the A's have home field advantage?

Doesn't Detroit have a better regular-season record, or does that not matter?

by NYC A's Fan on Oct 7, 2006 4:42 PM PDT reply actions

wild card doesn't get homefield

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Oct 7, 2006 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

But ESPN discussed the Tigers...

....for about 30 seconds a day, and the A's only about 10 seconds a day during the regular season.

That's gotta get the Kitties something, no?

"I got a good feeling in a bad city tonight / I got a good feeling everything's gonna be alright." - Rancid, "Detroit"

by GreenNGoldSooner on Oct 7, 2006 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions

champs v wild card

AL West Champs > AL Wild Card

Ray Fosse > Joe Morgan

by istylez on Oct 7, 2006 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Wild-card

teams don't get home-field advantage.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

tigers won the wild card

which means they can't have home field until the world series

by snowflake on Oct 7, 2006 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Tigers are the wild card

No home field for them!

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions

The wild card never gets home field.

That's just how it works.

RIP MAC DRE, BILL KING, AND 2006 FIELD

by jme on Oct 7, 2006 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Ok then

by NYC A's Fan on Oct 7, 2006 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Tigers' Celebration

Looks like individuals celebrating. Great that Rogers was celebrating with the fans. The locker room doesn't look like that much of a team celebration.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 4:42 PM PDT reply actions

Bring It

The only concern for oakland is Rogers he owns them but than again so does the metrodome and look at what they did there

GO OAKLAND !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by antmans athletics on Oct 7, 2006 4:43 PM PDT reply actions

the tigers

that rogers game, they looked like the tigers from the first half.

Ray Fosse > Joe Morgan

by istylez on Oct 7, 2006 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Conventional Wisdom

Johan Santan owned opponents at the Metrodome
The Metrodome owned the A's
1st round of playoffs owned the A's
Big games owned Kenny Rogers

Let's hope the opposite holds true with Kenny Rogers owning the A's at the Coliseum.

"I realize that I'm generalizing here, but as is often the case when I generalize, I don't care." -Dave Barry

by tmail on Oct 7, 2006 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Detroit was the wild card

and oakland was a division winner

by antmans athletics on Oct 7, 2006 4:43 PM PDT reply actions

Was Leyland the Pirates manager when

Kendall was there? If so, I hope Kendall is taking his memory pills.

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Oct 7, 2006 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

Nope

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Leyland was his manager for his rookie year.

Josh Suchon actually had something about it in his blog:

Jason Kendall, the A's catcher, wanted to play Detroit because his dad, former major-league catcher Fred, ended his season in Detroit and they were going to meet up. It was also a chance for all of his big-league managers -- Jim Leyland, Gene Lamont, Lloyd McClendon and Ken Macha -- to be on the same field at the same time. Leyland is the Tigers manager. Lamont and McClendon are coaches.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 7, 2006 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Interesting

and a very odd occurence

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Oct 7, 2006 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I stand corrected...

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Robertson Game One

Go Barry Go. Take the lead and keep it!

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

I wouldn't count on

Robertson starting Game 1.

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Robertson likely for game 1

leyland says he'll talk to his staff, but probably Robertson.

I miss Bill King :(

by gojohn10 on Oct 7, 2006 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

Oakland has way to much

Mojo going right now to lose. This team is diffrent from those other teams this team finds ways to win when the others were finding ways to lose

by antmans athletics on Oct 7, 2006 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

Robertson vs Zito

1-0 Oakland

by antmans athletics on Oct 7, 2006 4:46 PM PDT reply actions

Woofing Gods Take Note

The opinions expressed on this thread represent the fervent hopes of the A's fans who express them. They are not predictions, let alone bulletin board material for the Tiggers, Fox, Bless You Boys, let alone the Woofing Gods themselves.

"I got a good feeling in a bad city tonight / I got a good feeling everything's gonna be alright." - Rancid, "Detroit"

by GreenNGoldSooner on Oct 7, 2006 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions

You speak...

of Woofing Gods? Don't you remember when me and Erik being Erik? declared divison victory in August?

by BleacherDave on Oct 7, 2006 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions

No offense to the Tigers

but if they're putting AN comments on their bulletin board, that's gotta be the lamest motivator around.

"Look at this, Inge! Robb thinks you're only 5'8"!!"

"Hey, Jones! Some A's fans think you have a pornstache!"

"Look! They posted a picture of a little kittie. A LITTLE KITTIE!!!!!"

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

by Nick on Oct 7, 2006 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Man,

how juvenile can you get.

by Salvatore on Oct 7, 2006 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions

To be fair,

...I was really thinking of Bless You Boys more than the Tigers locker room, but one wants to keep all bases covered when presenting oblations to the Woofing Gods.

"I got a good feeling in a bad city tonight / I got a good feeling everything's gonna be alright." - Rancid, "Detroit"

by GreenNGoldSooner on Oct 7, 2006 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions

The Tigers are going to get Hooked!!

Wait, wrong team

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Oct 7, 2006 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Congrats to Your Whorns

My Sooners won the first half by a nose. Y'all dominated us in the second.

Thanks goodness one of my sports obsessions had a good week!

"I got a good feeling in a bad city tonight / I got a good feeling everything's gonna be alright." - Rancid, "Detroit"

by GreenNGoldSooner on Oct 7, 2006 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions

lets not get ahead of ourselves.

dont u remember the talks of santana v a's? 1-0 twins? the series will be great, but w/ the yanks v tigers series, nothing is forsure. lets go a's!

Ray Fosse > Joe Morgan

by istylez on Oct 7, 2006 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

so the game for next tuesday is 5 pm here right?

by gilaASfan on Oct 7, 2006 4:47 PM PDT reply actions

Good old oakland

by antmans athletics on Oct 7, 2006 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions

What time is game #2

5:00 pm PST

by baseballbill on Oct 7, 2006 4:47 PM PDT reply actions

Yep

For TV: ALCS Game 2 and NLCS Game 1 will be simultaneous -- parts of the country will get the A's-Tigers on Fox and the NLCS on FX, the rest get it in reverse.

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 7, 2006 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

yess

since i couldnt get tix for game 2 at least I can watch it somewhere in crystal clear HD!

go Frank go...500 > 756*

by money baller on Oct 7, 2006 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions

If they throw Robertson 1st...

then we don't see Rogers in Oakland. He will pitch game 3 in MoTown

MEOW

by smith1051 on Oct 7, 2006 4:48 PM PDT reply actions

Living on the east coast

Monday is gonna be fun at work. Everyone there is a yankee fan.

by antmans athletics on Oct 7, 2006 4:48 PM PDT reply actions

ha!

I miss Bill King :(

by gojohn10 on Oct 7, 2006 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

My guess

is they'll start Verlander in Game 1 and Rogers in Game 2

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 4:49 PM PDT reply actions

Good guess...

...especially Rogers. Four days rest, at the Coliseum...easy.

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 7, 2006 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

good guess

by sf drift king on Oct 7, 2006 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Four days rest for rogers

i would like to see that

by antmans athletics on Oct 7, 2006 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions

As much as

I would have liked to see them duke it out for 5 games, if you have a chance to get rid of NYY, you do it.

KILL!

"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Oct 7, 2006 4:50 PM PDT reply actions

<meow>

by sf drift king on Oct 7, 2006 4:52 PM PDT reply actions

A's Have TEAM Mojo

The Yankees had the best offense ever. But where is/was the team chemistry? In the toilet.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 4:53 PM PDT reply actions

A team of All-Stars

it didn't work for the USA Basketball team and it didn't work for the Wankees. When will Steinbrenner learn?

by sf drift king on Oct 7, 2006 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions

THOME WINS COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

by 1991batboy on Oct 7, 2006 4:53 PM PDT reply actions

Another example

of overlooking the A's (and Frank). It's all of a piece.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Just ridiculous

But the bright side is, he'll be cheaper to re-sign!!!!!!!!!!

by 1991batboy on Oct 7, 2006 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

also, to state the obvious fact: Frank is in the playoffs, while Jim Thome is sitting at home, crying.

"We need to bring back those orange glow-in-the-dark balls we used to have growing up for games here." - Zito on the Metrodome

by aymlam79 on Oct 7, 2006 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Rogers

If Rogers pitches Game 3, then he'd be on line to start game 7 as well. Makes sense to me...

"A base hit would have been better, but the ground ball was just as good", Ray Fosse

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Oct 7, 2006 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

WE Dont want individual awards

we just want the team trophy

by antmans athletics on Oct 7, 2006 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

I can't find

the ALCS schedule... anyone know?

Asked where Zito's perfect fit would be, Hudson said, "Do they have a league on Mars?"

by JLaff on Oct 7, 2006 4:57 PM PDT reply actions

Try here

Schedule

by cynthia2003 on Oct 7, 2006 4:59 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks!

Asked where Zito's perfect fit would be, Hudson said, "Do they have a league on Mars?"

by JLaff on Oct 7, 2006 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Date and times of games

What are the date and times of the games. Have they been anonced yet

I am a sports writter.

by scottofchico on Oct 7, 2006 5:02 PM PDT reply actions

ALCS Schedule

All games on Fox. Times tentative.

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/schedule/ps_06.jsp?c_id=oak

GAME 1: Tues. 10/10 -- Detroit at Oakland, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET
GAME 2: Wed. 10/11 -- Detroit at Oakland, TBD
GAME 3: Fri. 10/13 -- Oakland at Detroit, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET
GAME 4: Sat. 10/14 -- Oakland at Detroit, 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET
GAME 5: Sun. 10/15 -- Oakland at Detroit, 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET
GAME 6: Tues. 10/17 -- Detroit at Oakland, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET
GAME 7: Wed. 10/18 -- Detroit at Oakland, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 7, 2006 5:04 PM PDT reply actions

Wednesday's gametime not set?

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Looks like we

could get another 1pm start because of the Mets.

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 7, 2006 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Playing havoc with my job

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions

No big deal...

That would mean up to five games from each LCS would be in prime time. Seems reasonable to me.

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 7, 2006 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Unfortunately for me,

this Wednesday afternoon is the only time during this entire month that I can't watch the game.

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 7, 2006 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Wednesday (Game 2) game time

FormerHuntsvilleStar, I'm wondering whether your statement above that ALCS Game 2 and NLCS Game 1 will be simultaneous is correct, since both games are listed on "Big FOX" in the playoff schedule. I know that in the past it's been done the way you described with one game on FX and the other on FOX. However, with the times listed as "TBD", I'm thinking that the Mets (just assuming) might get prime time on Wednesday while A's-Tigers is banished to the afternoon. We'll see.

by cynthia2003 on Oct 7, 2006 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions

I know...the simultaneous bit...

...was based on a NY Daily News blog that showed the MLB on Fox postseason schedule back in September, and it's something Fox and FX have done before. However, the above is from MLB.com, so I'd put more stock in it.

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 7, 2006 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Oakland vs. Detroit

I think Detroit probably takes the edge in urban blight, but we can take 'em on the field.

by kvn on Oct 7, 2006 5:09 PM PDT reply actions

Fox TV ALCS storyline

Team of unsung heroes in a city with something to prove versus Team of unsung heroes in a city with something to prove

and subplot--

Beane (new school) vs. Leyland (old school)

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Oct 7, 2006 5:10 PM PDT reply actions

That would be better

if Beane was the actual manager of the team

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Oct 7, 2006 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Duuhhh!

I know, I took a leap, not a direct comparison of managers. I think Beane gets identified with Moneyball, not Macha.

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Oct 7, 2006 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions

How about our own rotation.....Harden, Zito,......

Loiaza, Haren, Harden, Zito, Loaiza.

by Vegas Ace on Oct 7, 2006 5:10 PM PDT reply actions

not gonna happen

Zito will start Game 1 for sure

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions

got a new headline for the Yankees home page

It goes Pride, Power, Pinstripes, and now...PPPPPPPPFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTT in the playoffs for 6 years in the row. Money can't buy love and money can't guarantee a World Champion. Turn the page, George - this group ain't gettin' it done.

by groversson on Oct 7, 2006 5:20 PM PDT reply actions

Bye bye A--Rod, hope you like CA.

Becauyse he will be playing for LAA, LAD or Padres next year. Guess he will have do his art colecting in the off season. But more time for poker in Vegas.

by Vegas Bettor James on Oct 7, 2006 5:21 PM PDT reply actions

I'd like to see him in San Diego

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Oct 7, 2006 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions

I woke up this morning

with a huge grin on my face. <Sigh>

Now that we have found out the ALCS opponent, I'm back to freaking out mode.
AAAAAAHHHHHHHH. :-P

by AsGirl on Oct 7, 2006 5:22 PM PDT reply actions

Yankees are shitty team when it counts

Big surprise there, eh? I'm looking forwward to this next series and hope fully I can score some tix. for the games.....see my diary.
http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2006/10/7/202123/498

keep the mojo flowing.....go A's!

by mrod on Oct 7, 2006 5:26 PM PDT reply actions

ESPN

still loves us like always.
They said the Tigers will beat the A's because they were built to win.

by Athletix Man on Oct 7, 2006 5:44 PM PDT reply actions

and the A's were built to lose?

such insightful baseball analysis -- not

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Also, they come to play

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

by Nick on Oct 7, 2006 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Fine By Me

Detroit's been lousy lately when playing as the favorite. Let them be the favorite. Being the underdog works for us.

by Dann on Oct 7, 2006 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Kevin Kennedy of FOX picked the Tigers.

Although, Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies picks his hometown team.

Macha is a great manager. -Ron Washington

by pachydermOAFC on Oct 7, 2006 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions

well

you know billy beane is writing a follow up to moneyball about building teams to lose. :)

by Athletix Man on Oct 7, 2006 5:52 PM PDT reply actions

MUCK FICHIGAN!!!!

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 6:03 PM PDT reply actions

So, based on your screen name (and that reaction)-

I take it you're an Ohio State fan as well? :)

by anomaly_kat on Oct 7, 2006 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Detroit will be the sentimental favorite

also because ESPN is determined to diss the A's

"We need to bring back those orange glow-in-the-dark balls we used to have growing up for games here." - Zito on the Metrodome

by aymlam79 on Oct 7, 2006 6:05 PM PDT reply actions

Just checked flight to DeTwat

for the weekend. Spirit Airlines has an almost perfect itinerary for $405. Red eye out of SF Fri night, return Sun. eve. Friggin nigeht baseball. If they played a 1 PM start like they're supposed to on weekends, that 7:30 return would be golden. Curses - foiled again!

I was about to buy the tix when my wife warned me to check the schedule. What a woman. Did I tell you guys she was the VERY FIRST person in line to get in at Gate D yesterday?

by BleacherDave on Oct 7, 2006 6:12 PM PDT reply actions

Pride. Power. Pinstripes. Pitching Wedge.

by calvin @ Athletics Nation on Oct 7, 2006 6:22 PM PDT reply actions

Getting a little ahead...

if the Oaklanders get past Detroit, wouldn't it be most fun to see them play the New Yorkers?

by Salvatore on Oct 7, 2006 6:28 PM PDT reply actions

If...and it's a big if...

Any team would do:

Dodgers-- Payback for Kirk Gibson
Cardinals-- A's vs. Tony LaRussa
Mets-- Rick Peterson returns
Padres-- A's vs. Sandy Alderson/Paul DePodesta

That's the order I'd like to see them. San Diego concerns me. They were a tough series.

by Dann on Oct 7, 2006 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Dann the man,

You're sure on top of things. I'm thinking more from the perspective of the East Coast Media and how they feel so superior , they'll create an atmosphere that'll stir things up. We're just a buncha hicks out here compared to the great New York City. That'll make for some fun.

by Salvatore on Oct 7, 2006 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

a's vs cards

both teams are also tied for second with 9 world championships, so they would both be playing for #10.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 7, 2006 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Awesome.

I'll admit, the idea of Billy versus Sandy/Paul is funny.

Of course, playing the Dodgers also means a Moneyball vs. Team-That-Rejected-Moneyball-and-Paul. And perhaps the real test of the Bradley/Ethier trade.

Damn shame the Cards don't have all the A's on the roster at the moment that they had last season. Stairs, Mulder, Izzy... Woulda been one hell of a reunion.

And I guess the Mets gives us the Revenge of Chad Bradford. :-D

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 7, 2006 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions

I dont' want the Dodgers

because I don't think I could stand seeing Gibson's HR 8 million times a game, it would be like Fox showing Babe Ruth during Yankees-Red Sox in 2004

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Oct 7, 2006 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Is it too easy to pick on A-Rod?

Check out the $252 million dollar man's play-off line vs. Scoot's!

Bring on the Tigers!

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=mlb&section1=3&statSet1=1 &statType=1&sortByStat=RBI&timeFrame=1&timeSubFrame=19&baseballScope=mlb&isC ompare=true&teamPosCode=All&box2=XXXX121347nya5&checkBoxTotal=0&playerLocator=Scutar o

by PhillyCraig on Oct 7, 2006 7:19 PM PDT reply actions

Just read that Ginter can play in ALCS

if the A's sign him to a 2007 contract. Wonder if Beane will do it. I know Beane was not happy when Ginter refused re-assignment and forced the A's to pay him $1 million to play AAA.

by bolt on Oct 7, 2006 7:35 PM PDT reply actions

Detroit Might Be ...

... the only team with a better bullpen than the A's.

Lineup: 4-4
C - Tigers
1B - A's
2B - Tigers
3B - A's
SS - Tigers
LF - Tossup
CF - A's
RF - Tigers
DH - A's

Starting Pitching:
If they are all at 100%, slight edge to Tigers. Depends on Verlander and Harden. I'll call it even.

Defense: 5-3 A's
C - Tigers
1B - A's
2B - Tigers
3B - A's
SS - Tigers
LF - A's
CF - A's
RF - A's

This is going to be a close series! Whichever team's starting pitching makes fewer mistakes will win. I think it's too close to call.

by Eck on Oct 7, 2006 7:45 PM PDT reply actions

I actually don't agree with

the Tigers having the defensive edge at catcher. Pudge has a way better arm, but he is dreadful at blocking balls in the dirt and is considered a below-average game-caller, while Kendall excels in those areas and is also prone to great plays on foul pops, nubbers, "weird plays," etc. Edge: Oakland, IMO, for a 6-3 advantage.

Also, while Scutaro is not a great SS, neither is Guillen--I'd say that one is about even. No other quibbles in this corner.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 7, 2006 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions

True ...

... on both catcher and SS.

My thoughts are that "calling a game" becomes more of a pitching category -- at least that's where we see the results. I-Rod also does make the circus catches.

At short, I agree that Guillen botches a lot more plays, but I think he has slightly better range than Marco. Could go either way.

I think we agree, these teams are very evenly matched.

It would be intersting to see the A's and Yankees, only because the Yankees are so far superior on offense but so far inferior to the A's in every other facet of the game.

by Eck on Oct 7, 2006 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions

I wouldn't be surprised if

the series came down to K. Rogers-R. Harden. One might dominate and one might struggle...Could make the difference which might be which...

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 7, 2006 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions

The Funny thing is ...

... that could be said of almost every starting pitcher on both sides: Zito, Verlander, Loaiza, Robertson.

So many things we'll have to watch unfold, but number one on the list for me is: Is Chavvy really back?

by Eck on Oct 7, 2006 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions

3 days off can only help Chavy,

as well as Kotsay. And nice to have Duke rested to where he can pitch another 2-inning stint anytime. I really like those! I don't think there's another pitcher with whom I feel so at peace when he's in the game.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 7, 2006 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions

The Tigers

did have the best defense in baseball this year.

Why do you think that Kotsay is a better player than Granderson? Both offensively and defensively?

And why do the A's the edge in LF offensively?

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 7, 2006 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions

I can't read.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 7, 2006 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions

You're Right

Granderson had a better year than Kotsay -- both offensively (OPS: .773 to .719) and defensively (range factor: 2.66 to 2.47; Zone Rating: .886 to .854).

And Monroe had a better year at the plate than Payton: .783 OPS to .743

I think it's safe to say the A's, as a team, were better defensively than the Tigers.

The A's only gave up 48 unearned runs for the season while the Tigers gave up 57 unearned runs -- despite giving up fewer runs overall.

by Eck on Oct 7, 2006 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Well the Tigers

do have the best DER in baseball by far. Part of the reason why their pitching is so good is that the defense gets to a lot of the balls that the pitchers put in play.

Personally, I believe that the Tigers are a slightly more unbalanced version of the A's. More defense and pitching, less offense.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 7, 2006 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions

I May Be Underrating the Tigers' D

Amazingly, both teams' pitching staffs struck out exactly the same number of batters, but the Tigers allowed 105 fewer hits.

Or put another way, over the course of the season the pitchers for both teams allowed almost exactly the same number of balls to be hit into play and Tiger defenders converted 105 more into outs (minus the 3.2 additional innings the A's played.)

I may have underrated the Tigers' Defense a little, but it looks like these two teams are very close.

by Eck on Oct 8, 2006 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions

No....

The Gamer lives for the leather. Better than Jerri curl Mags. By a lot...do you remember Milton blowing a bubble while making a sliding catch? Magglio has to battle just to keep the activator out of his eyes...

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I Agree With All Three Points

by Eck on Oct 7, 2006 8:08 PM PDT reply actions

Here's a subject

that's more escoteric, {I'm in one of those moods } ,but, I used to hear it said in earlier times that the players , as a whole, reflect the attitude of their managers. I know there's always some exceptions--like Milton probably marches a different beat--but how true do you think that is, and how does that play out against an old warhorse like Jim Leland?

by Salvatore on Oct 7, 2006 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Robertson is listed as probably

starting Game 1 on Tuesday for the Tigers. The announcers during tonight's game between the Mets and the Dodgers also questioned whether the Tigers might not decide to start Verlander instead.

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 8:16 PM PDT reply actions

So with Nate Robertson going

in Game 1, does Kielty get a start? In Oakland, in contrast to the spacious Comerica, I think it would be ok to spare a little defense to get his right-handed bat in there. Or is he saved as a pinch-hit specialist to match Jamie "LOOGY" Walker?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 7, 2006 8:17 PM PDT reply actions

might also depend on

how Kotsay feels by then

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Keith Law

Keith Law, in his preview of the Twins series, actually said that the A's are better defensively with Kielty in there. I don't know what he was going off of, there, but I do agree that the defensive loss of going from Payton down to Kielty is negligible.

Kielty NEEDS to be in there. He can be taken out the second Robertson comes out, no big deal. But to go into this game WITHOUT our best hitter vs. LHP would be dumb.

by SeanR on Oct 7, 2006 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Against a Lefty ...

... Kotsay would be the one coming out, not Payton. There is certainly a drop-off from Kotsay to Payton in center and Kielty in left.

by Eck on Oct 7, 2006 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions

JayPays bat

keeps him starting every game.

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions

I hate everything right now

I'm glad we're playing the Tigers over the Yankees. But once again, the A's are the red-headed stepchild of Major League Baseball. Watching Baseball Tonight, special mention was made that, "we should give credit where credit is due, this isn't just a Yankees collapse, the Tigers played great baseball." Meanwhile, in other news, the A's were lucky to escape the ALDS with their lives, let alone a 3-win sweep.

I cannot stand this bullshit anymore. The A's beat this Twins in 3 with 40 minutes left to go until the next playoff game, and what happens? ESPN does not go to the clubhouse to show the celebration. They go straight into 40 minutes of Yankees-Tigers pre-game. Later that night, they don't lead with the first team to advance to the LCS. In fact, they don't show A's-Twins highlights until 40 minutes into the broadcast.

No more. 1-9, the Tigers are weaker than the A's. Their best hitter is Ordonez, and their next-best hitters are far more interested in making contact than hitting for power (Casey, Pudge, Granderson). They get a lot of noise for how their offense performs, but it largely was a bunch of hot air for the second half of the regular season. Pitching-wise, they rely on a rookie, a graying vet, and a dude who sports goggles to hold down their starting rotation.

The A's will win this. They have the better rotation, and, yes, they have the better offense. Baseball Tonight's picks? A resounding sweep for the Tigers.

Let's do it again.

by Joey C. on Oct 7, 2006 8:29 PM PDT reply actions

Magglio Ordonez is not

the Tigers' best hitter. And you have forgotten their best player and best hitter -- Carlos Guillen. Both Craig Monroe and Marcus Thames have prodigious power.

The rookie throws a 100 mph fastball with good command. Did you watch Bonderman against the Yankees? Have you watched Zumaya?

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 7, 2006 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Zumaya

That guy straight f-ing deals. That stuff is filthy, and I don't want anything to do with it. Hoping his arm actually ignites, and the blisters keep him out of the rest of the series.

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Prove it

The Tigers lineup is largely comprised of role players. The majority of their success? It came during the first half of the season when they were hitting an unusual amount of bombs. Then they evened out and started playing less convincing baseball. There's a reason they slid all the way until the point where they handed over the lead of the Central to the Twins. I'm not trying to make a case that they are an illegitimate playoff team-- I'm just arguing that they are not nearly as frightening as ESPN makes them out to be. Bottom line, they are a team that gets by on scrappy hitting and a pitching staff whose most important members are still pretty damn green, no matter how high on the gun they register.

Consider me confident going into the ALCS with a largely experienced, talented staff (Zito, Haren, Loaiza), and a lineup that delivers.

by Joey C. on Oct 8, 2006 4:20 AM PDT up reply actions

If Billy Beane...

...has taught us anything, it's that having the MLB Establishment/ESPN behind you doesn't necessarily mean winning. Last year, they were positve it was gonna be a Yankees/Red Sox rematch and they got White Sox/Angels. The year before, there was no way the Red Sox could come back against the Yankees. WRONG. These guys are wrong constantly, so why should we want them choosing us? If anyone should be concerned, it's Detroit. Suddenly, they're the New Yankees. All the pressure's now on THEM.

by Dann on Oct 7, 2006 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Yankees suck!

the thought of that chant from yesterday's game still brings a smile to my face...my only qualm is that I cant bring my "1/3 the payroll, 3x the fun...LET'S GO OAK-LAND!" sign to monday's game

go Frank go...500 > 756*

by money baller on Oct 7, 2006 8:37 PM PDT reply actions

guess not

especially since the game is on Tuesday

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions

oops

i'm just that excited...im working from home all this week so if the colissum has decent wifi, i might as well get the party started on monday

go Frank go...500 > 756*

by money baller on Oct 7, 2006 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I certainly wouldn't mind ;-)

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I say bring the sign anyway!

Won't it be wonderful to NOT HAVE ANY Yankee fans in the stands!

I've tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones. I've worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan.

by guyn216 on Oct 8, 2006 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions

loaiza's record at comerica?

anyone know this info? I'm sure from his white sox days he's made enough starts over there to garner a not-so-small sample size. His record there vs. Harden's record at home/against the tigers could determine who starts games 2 and 3

go Frank go...500 > 756*

by money baller on Oct 7, 2006 8:41 PM PDT reply actions

Loaiza career at Comerica

is 3-3, 3.48 ERA in 41.1 IP. He's given up 43 hits, but interestingly has walked only 2.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 7, 2006 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, but...

In 2003 Loaiza was 21-9, 2.90 and the Tigers were 43-119.

Loaiza made three starts at Comerica Park in 2003:

April 11: 8 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
July 10: 8 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K (a 1-0 loss, BTW)
Aug. 31: 8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K

So that's 24 of your 41.1 IP, the near-Cy Young Loaiza vs. the incredibly putrid 2003 Tigers. I think those stats are pretty much irrelevant as to the 2006 ALCS.

by cynthia2003 on Oct 7, 2006 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Ha, just you watch:

I bet in Game 4, Loaiza pitches 41.1 innings and gives up exactly 15 earned runs.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 7, 2006 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Following up...

No appearances for Loaiza at Comerica Park in either 2004 or 2005.

His start there for the A's on July 23 this year was rather undistinguished:

3 IP, 8 H, 8 R (5 ER), 0 BB, 2 K (Tigers 8, A's 4).

by cynthia2003 on Oct 7, 2006 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

On the other hand

He went 6 innings against the Tigers back in April, you know, when he sucked and gave up 3 earned on 6 hits and a walk. Loaiza has had a good amount of success against the Tigers over his career. Yes, the Tigers sucked for a while but so did he!

In 127.2 IP vs. the Tigers he has posted an 11-5 record with a 2.96 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. That's an awful lot of data to ignore.

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 7, 2006 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Night and day

E-lo can beat anybody...if he is on. If not, any one can hit him. I saw a couple starts in a row where JK did not move his glove on a single pitch. His control was just sick. That guy can mow anybody. Also has good Starbucks juju.

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Mets just clinched

and the announcers already said that the Mets open the NLCS on Wednesday Night.

that must mean that Game 2 of the ALDS will be at 1 pm at the Coliseum....gotta move fast to make sure I can get off work...

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 9:01 PM PDT reply actions

ALCS

Is the ALCS T/W or T/TH? I thought maybe they would stagger the days.....

by bkrawez on Oct 7, 2006 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions

it's T/W

the NLCS is W/TH

by OaklandSi on Oct 7, 2006 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions

You must be thinking of me.

I'm staggering these days, but the games aren't.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 7, 2006 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions

dodgers and mets

my prediction:
bill plaschke blames depodesta b/c of lo duca, green, and mota.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 7, 2006 9:50 PM PDT reply actions

Weather alert - Next weekend in Detroit

This is of dubious accuracy this many days in advance, but I stumbled upon an interesting comment from the National Weather Service:

THE GFS (that's a computer model used in weather forecasting) IS DEVELOPING A MONSTER UPPER LOW OVER THE GREAT LAKES BY THE END OF NEXT WEEK. IT HAS BACKED OFF FROM WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN AN HISTORIC EVENT TO WHAT WILL MOST LIKELY BE A MAJOR FALL RAIN AND POSSIBLE SNOWSTORM FOR THE GREAT LAKES AND EASTERN US.

Which results in this forecast for Detroit:

Friday: A chance of snow or rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 44.

Friday Night: A chance of snow or rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.

by cynthia2003 on Oct 7, 2006 10:18 PM PDT reply actions

WTF?

MUCK FICHIGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions

baseball tonight

according to tino martinez, the a's need to play small ball and not try to hit the big home run.

and of course all four of the bbtn morons picked the tigers to win the series.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 7, 2006 10:20 PM PDT reply actions

why do i continue to watch BBTN?

by gotgreen on Oct 7, 2006 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions

that's great news!

We'll have something to prove AGAIN. Hopefully the Mets win the NL so we can be underdogs all-the-way

I miss Bill King :(

by gojohn10 on Oct 7, 2006 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, just as the Twins

played smallball. Or the Dodgers. The A's should really learn from real teams who know how to win.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 7, 2006 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions

BBTN

C'mon man. It will only lead you to drink!

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 7, 2006 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmmm...

The way you say it, you make it sound like a bad thing.

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions

EXCELLENT NEWS!

Kruk, Martinez, Perez (Eduardo) ALL pick the Tigers over the A's. ESPN could not be helping us more!

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 10:30 PM PDT reply actions

I wonder

if they're doing it on purpose now?

Hell what am I saying...they're just fucking idiots.

"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith

by Boonee on Oct 7, 2006 10:35 PM PDT reply actions

Not Idiots

Just predictable spouters of big-market-think. "Well, well, well -- if the Tigers beat the mighty (big-market) Yankees, well (chin stroke). . . the Tigers must be great."

by FanSinceKC on Oct 7, 2006 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Of Course

They're trying to develop storylines for the teams that are still in it. The Tigers are easily cast as the inept 119 loss bumblers who turned it around. So how to do the A's? At first, they were the team that couldn't win a series. Now, it's be the team that got no respect. Plus, the only way to tell a story about a team not getting respect is to give them no respect. It's a manufactured storyline to make up for the fact that they really don't know most of the teams. It's more cost effective than expanding your coverage and having people who closely watch all of the divisions.

The guys on camera might not be that bright, but the producers and Disney are. After all, we're still watching.

by Dann on Oct 8, 2006 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions

True, we're still watching.

But I think that has more to do with bbtn being the only game in town. If and when a serious competitor with ESPN arises, we will see how smart Disney is. I for one would drop ESPN in a heartbeat.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 8, 2006 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm not watching...

The four fat heads usually make me so upset that I have to go sit in a dark room for a few minutes before I am ready for polite society. The only thing worse is Joe Morgan. I actually went out and bought a radio so I didn't have to listen to the czar of the fat heads...

I've tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones. I've worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan.

by guyn216 on Oct 8, 2006 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Sportsbooks place the A's are slight underdogs...

Detroit -112, Oakland, +102. Assuming 5 cents for homefield advantage, this means that the line on skill is really -117, +107 i.e. Detroit are 12% favourites.

I guess this reflects:

The Tiger's impressive performance vs the Yankees who a week ago were viewed as the overwhelming favourites to win it all.
Oakland's win total was artificially high according to baseball prospectus and other such statistical measures by 10-11 games.

If you don't see clutch hitting and pitching daily as we have (the magic the A's have this year) it is easy to discount it statistically (see White Sox 2005....). Of course anyone who cites this should keep in mind that Harden's absence probably directly cost the A's 10 games -and additional games indirectly given the extra stress on the bullpen...

3. The very large bias in the national media cited throughout recent threads.

Personally, I would have thought Oakland is better positioned for several reasons:

Although Detroit's rotation had a lower ERA for 2006 by 0.50 the A's current rotation is much better than it was on average in 2006 with a rejuvinated Loaiza and a healthy Rich Harden. Also, I think it is becoming increasingly clear thta Dan Haren is a big game pitcher.
Zumaya is the best reliever on either staff but I would take Street/Duke/Calero over Detroit's next 2-3 options. In a 7 game series, bullpen depth is more important than in a 5 game series.
Since the All-Star break, the A's OPS is 35 basis points higher than Detroit.

Both teams depend on timely hitting and a balanced line-up but I think Thomas and Swisher are the two best hitters on either team.

The only edge (defense is an edge for Oakland) I see Detroit having is managerial but as other commentators have noted, Macha has performed better as of late.

Outside of the reasons cited above, why would Detroit be favourites over Oakland?

by Vegas Bettor James on Oct 7, 2006 10:57 PM PDT reply actions

Why is defense an edge for Oakland?

Detroit has a phenomenal defense.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 7, 2006 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Detroit Gave Up More Unearned Runs Than the A's

by Eck on Oct 7, 2006 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions

As you know

Vegas is not saying the Tigers are better. They are only saying that the money will favor the Tigers. I don't care about Bob in Accounting losing a hundo on the Oregon game, and then trying desperately to recoup. Zumaya is filthy, over/under on hits against? Just curious...guessing 4... Oakland edges- Bonderman was nasty today, but I like the A's rotation in a long series. Current batting; What a hitter did in April and May does not mean shit right now. A's #'s over the past 6 weeks are sick.

btw- you are welcome for all the money you have made of my beloved Buckeyes.

MUCK FICHIGAN!!!

Miller-You forgot about Scutaro! Morgan- So did Santana...

by tresselfan on Oct 7, 2006 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions

We have to respect Detroit...

they have an awesome lineup that is capable of just about anything. They got clutch hitters, power, speed, and aggressiveness. Granderson with 25+ HRs looks like the second coming of Willie Mays, and Monroe and Thames will together hit everything. Placido Polanco owns the A's pitching staff, plus Ordonez and Guillen are old foes. Bonderman is out for revenge against his old org. Kenny Rogers will own the A's no matter what place or what decade. Plus they have superb bulls in the pen. These guys are a team with a furious personality. The A's need to strike first to establish themselves in this series cuz the Tigers just squashed the Yankees and nobody actually knows what Detroit is capable of. I say put Harden in Kenny Roger's game and build off that. A win in that game will definitely be a bonus.

Let's GO OAKLAND!

Underdog Revolution!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 8, 2006 12:48 AM PDT reply actions

Well stated, sumbitch.

by Salvatore on Oct 8, 2006 1:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Let me add something

to this besides the nice compliment. The "furious personality" of the Tigers, as stated above, worries me most, more than any other stat you Cyborgs can spit out. And, they got that furious personality from none other than their manager, General Jim Leland. Now, I know that's freaking escoteric and nobody really wants to talk much about that little intangible. The A's showed some of that too, I thought, from a number of their players. It's going to be fun to watch this one.

by Salvatore on Oct 8, 2006 1:59 AM PDT up reply actions