Daily Link Dump 4/14: Whoa, Joe

by day-to-day on Apr 14, 2006 1:00 AM PDT

The battle of the Twinkies vs. Cupcakes did not have a sweet ending for the A's.

But Blanton has no fear after his outing at the Terrordome.

"That's the way it goes sometimes," Blanton said. "Maybe in the Seattle series the ball was going right to the infielders. Maybe in the next series they'll hit line drives right at people. That's the way baseball works."
Jay Witasick, however, does have cause for concern: his injured ankle, which (FIRE) Macha (NOW!!!) is not optimistic about.
Witasick was taken to a hospital for X-rays, which revealed a sprain. Manager Ken Macha did not paint a rosy picture of Witasick's condition, saying: "It's not good. He has significant swelling. It's either a pretty bad sprain or a fracture. He's not going to be available for some time."

And hopefully this (last paragraph) is nothing to be worried about:

Eric Chavez tweaked his hamstring in the game and was replaced in the seventh inning, but he is expected to be ready for Friday's game.

Our favorite general manager talks with Colin Cowherd.

secret ASian man posted a diary Sunday asking if the A's are purposely not wearing their road grays with "Oakland" on the front. The Mercury News asks the same thing.

In non-A's news: A grand jury is investigating whether Barry Bonds committed perjury.

And Chuck Klosterman gives his take on the Bonds saga.

It is not a problem the way global warming is a problem, nor is it a problem the way throat cancer is a problem. But it's a problem for anyone who considers sports to be a meaningful prism through which to understand life and culture.

Those crazy kids at the Onion say Dusty Baker is trying to get the Cubs back to their losing ways. The story includes this great sidebar:

Today's installment of the Daily Link Dump has been brought to you by an insomniac attention whore whose friends and family have abandoned her for some thing called sleep.

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Comments

I'm still awake

by breedingewoks on Apr 14, 2006 1:02 AM PDT reply actions

Sadly

I am, too, even though I have to get up in six hours. :-/

Nobody Girl

by day-to-day on Apr 14, 2006 2:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Billy Beane Podcast on ESPN

http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/podcast/player?id=2406300

More ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/ | Archive

by louismg on Apr 14, 2006 1:13 AM PDT reply actions

Nice job on the daily link dump.

You should be called athleticsgirl or something better than Nobody's girl .

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 14, 2006 1:26 AM PDT reply actions

Thanks

The name is from a song by Ryan Adams, one of my favorite singers.

Nobody Girl

by day-to-day on Apr 14, 2006 2:49 AM PDT up reply actions

ryan adams is wonderful

not to be confused with Bryan Adams

Cold Roses is one of the best double discs i have purchased in years...

I went to a doctor today and all he did was suck blood out of my neck. Never go see Dr. Acula!

by jrwolf on Apr 14, 2006 5:20 AM PDT reply actions

uniforms

The Merc is only talking about it because AN was! ;)

Inquiring minds want to know. Inquiring, conspiratorial message-board minds with perhaps too much time on their hands.

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 7:09 AM PDT reply actions

That's SAM, all right...

Why is everyone throwing chairs? -KendallGurl18

by ArakSOT on Apr 14, 2006 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Sun! Spring!

Just my luck I'm going to the rainy ol' Bay Area for a few days.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions

when I left work yesterday at 2:30...

...there was something horribly wrong with the sky! It looked like someone had pulled a large light-blue sheet of some kind across it, so I couldn't even see the clouds! In fact, the weird blue sky-sheet also seemed to actually be preventing water from falling on me!

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Blasphomy!

I will not hear any more of this herocy! Water has and always will fall from the sky forever until it covers all land...until nothing else is left but Kevin Costner's bad acting as he swims around fighting overpriced pirates!

by Threepwood XX on Apr 14, 2006 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm cool with that

I enjoy eating spam.

death to myspace!

by malikot on Apr 14, 2006 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions

No!

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

my Filipino upbringing

I grew up with Spam (pass the Jufran!), eggs, and rice in the morning. It's still a comfort food that I crave every once in awhile. Did you know that Hawaiians eat more Spam than residents of any other state in the US. Hawaiians also have the longest life expectancy of US residents. Coincidence? I think not!

death to myspace!

by malikot on Apr 14, 2006 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions

The reason they live longer...

They get lei'ed a lot.

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm still Green and Gold with envy

Will that include a trip to McAfee?

Why is everyone throwing chairs? -KendallGurl18

by ArakSOT on Apr 14, 2006 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Most certainly.

It is complete coincidence that I am attending a conference in the Bay Area during a home stretch. I wonder if I can put tickets on my expense report?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Only if

you take a co-worker or potential customer and claim you were trying to "encourage sales" in a creative and enjoyable manner!

"I hope everyone here gets 450 at-bats, makes millions and millions of dollars and we win the World Series. That's my utopia." - Macha 3/29/06

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Apr 14, 2006 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions

There you go, locals!

A chance to meet salb in the flesh. Some kind of magnifying device is recommended.

Why is everyone throwing chairs? -KendallGurl18

by ArakSOT on Apr 14, 2006 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions

I would recommend

one of these. I'm sitting in the bleachers; hopefully I'll be able to meet saint and DoLF.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

you going to the sunday game?

i'll be there...

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 Apr 14, 2006 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Dunno yet.

Definitely going Tuesday night. I might catch a weekend game, too.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm jealous.

"Any shots that I'll be callin' will be to the bartender!" -- Band Camp

by Sharon on Apr 14, 2006 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions

ooooh... you'll get a fleecey blanket Tuesday!

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions

<sob>

"Any shots that I'll be callin' will be to the bartender!" -- Band Camp

by Sharon on Apr 14, 2006 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions

NRAFs have it tough

but at least I'm a native and my family is still in the area, so I have a reason to go back. When I'm independently wealthy - which I will be just as soon as I win the lottery - I'll fly out all the AN NRAFs and we'll rent out a luxury box with cake and ponies.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

That might have to wait.

It seems we'll first be in need of a search party for Jennifer, and the money would be best used to pay off the ransom.

"Any shots that I'll be callin' will be to the bartender!" -- Band Camp

by Sharon on Apr 14, 2006 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

No.

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I'll be there Tuesday, too

...so I'll mug sal and steal his blanket for you.

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Ha!

How the heck will you find me? Coliseum security won't let you bring in a magnifying device!

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions

there are always ways

I might see Duke-o-LF tomorrow, I'll bribe him to mark you in some recognizable way... of course, you could then counter-bribe him to hide you inside his drum...

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions

As long as he doesn't,

you know, "mark" me.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Yay!

"Any shots that I'll be callin' will be to the bartender!" -- Band Camp

by Sharon on Apr 14, 2006 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions

that's the plan

by OaklandSi on Apr 15, 2006 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Saturday's game(s)

Sal, if you mean this weekend, I'll be in the LF bleachers saturday. And if you mean next weekend, I'll be in the LF bleachers saturday. Let me know if you're going to one of those games.

You don't want to lose your grip on your statuette when you mount the dais - monkeyball

by andeux on Apr 14, 2006 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

I mean tomorrow Saturday

I hope to go on either Saturday or Sunday. My father doesn't really like the bleachers, so we probably will be sitting elsewhere, but I'll try to swing by and say hello. You'll be the guy in the panda suit?

On Tuesday, I am going with colleagues and we will be sitting in the bleachers for sure.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

duuude, sunday

utter hotness RoY bobblehead!

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 Apr 14, 2006 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions

I'll be

the guy in the A's hat. Sitting with Nico, unless he manages to ditch me (or vice-versa). They may be checking tickets to get into the bleachers, though.

You don't want to lose your grip on your statuette when you mount the dais - monkeyball

by andeux on Apr 14, 2006 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions

I'll try to say hi before the fifth.

If I don't, then the Coliseum Security has barred me from the bleachers. In that case, come say hello to me: Sec 203, Row 9, Seats 20-21. We'll be the Pakistani father-son combo (should stick out).

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions

also...

...I guess I'm inappropriately smug that Bonds may be tried for perjury, but he probably shouldn't be the only one (coughRaffycough)

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 7:12 AM PDT reply actions

Careful with that cough.

Have you been smoking extracts of yourself recently?

"I think the Coliseum is... comfy. Not state-of-the-art, not trendy, not chic, just comfy. It matches my wardrobe." - poppy

by McFood on Apr 14, 2006 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions

apparently!

(see my response to xbhaskarx)

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions

bonds and raffy

there is a ton of evidence, presented in game of shadows, that bonds had been using steroids since 1998.
raffy's positive test was after his congressional testimony. how can he be tried for perjury based on that?

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 Apr 14, 2006 7:30 AM PDT up reply actions

errrrmmm...

I guess he can be tried for perjury in my mind... where his positive test was before his testimony... oops... :\

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Nico is to blame

I blame Nico for Blanton's rough outing. After his first start of the season Nico was heard to exclaim that he had now seen enough to stop doubting him.

Obviously, Blanton read that and decided to rest on his laurels with predictable consequences. Stop jinxing the A's Nico!

by Larry E on Apr 14, 2006 7:49 AM PDT reply actions

FIRE NICO NOW!!!!

"Put a Milo on him." -Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on Apr 14, 2006 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions

My question about Bonds. If the Game of Shadows

was written from grand jury testimony, who did he lie to? I don't like Bonds, but somethings jus remain unclear. no pun intended.

by theblackpearl on Apr 14, 2006 8:59 AM PDT reply actions

game of shadows

is not just written from grand jury testimony.

in the grand jury testimony, he said he was unaware the cream and the clear were steroids. in other words, that if he used steroids, he did so unintentionally.
there is evidence that this is a lie.

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 Apr 14, 2006 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Yes but the so called evidence is all hearsay, I

believe he did use, but I haven't seen anything that blatantly says he knowingly did anything. He seems to have covered his tracks well.

by theblackpearl on Apr 14, 2006 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions

i agree

i don't think they can prove he knowingly juiced unless they get anderson or conte to testify. kimberly bell isn't going to be enough.

i'm surprised they're not going after him for tax evasion instead. that seems like it would be much easier to prove.

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 Apr 14, 2006 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions

The BALCO case apparently...

..got the law access to all BALCO's records, which include Barry's records of use, and they're not tiny by all reports.

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Whoever leaked that testimony...

Should be in jail. Just horrible.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 14, 2006 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah.

Right next to the guy who leaked the Abu Ghraib photos, the guy who exposed Nixon, the guy from The Insider and Jose Canseco.

Damn those people who want the truth exposed! Who do they think they are, champions of justice?

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Yea, Champions of justice

Who break their confidentiality agreements. Untrustworthy weasels works a bit better for me. Man Id love for those people to get prosecuted...course they will never find out who the scumbags are.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 14, 2006 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Without whistleblowers...

..there would be no justice.

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

that's a little silly

there's a lot of justice-related stuff going on out there in the world that's not connected to whistleblowers in any way.

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 Apr 14, 2006 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions

And there's a lot that is.

That's why whistleblowers get special protection in the legal system.

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 15, 2006 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

A Poem from the Underground?

by Zonis on Apr 14, 2006 9:11 AM PDT reply actions

feast upon...

...Easter turducken.

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 9:25 AM PDT reply actions

Gross.

"Any shots that I'll be callin' will be to the bartender!" -- Band Camp

by Sharon on Apr 14, 2006 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions

any one of those elements is gross on its own

...without combining them... {{{grpft}}}

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions

mmmmm.....

I love Tuducken!!

by Zonis on Apr 14, 2006 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions

that is the coolest thing I have ever seen.

death to myspace!

by malikot on Apr 14, 2006 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Shouldn't that be called...

...a bunnpeepegg? Or chocobunnpeepemeegg?

Either way, I think I'll pass..

"There was talk about getting a big name manager. Casey Stengel, guys like that. But they were all dead." --Mark Kotsay

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 14, 2006 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Made with real turds?

Duck, Ken!

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

More easter recipes...

Um... yeah:

http://shmivejournal.livejournal.com/125746.html

by RickeySteals on Apr 14, 2006 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Turducken?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=uNclaksvBc4&search=Red%20vs%20Blue%20outtake

"First in War, First in Peace, Last in the American League" ~ Washington Senators

by RexH on Apr 14, 2006 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

That jersey article is so ridiculous

Talk about reaching for a story. And their quote on Wolff not wanting Oakland on anything comes from "a fan". Nice source, my god.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 14, 2006 9:50 AM PDT reply actions

Who didn't see this coming?

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/5503716

/RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - NASCAR driver Kyle Busch was ticketed for reckless driving in a Richmond suburb Wednesday night. /

Ummm...duh?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 10:17 AM PDT reply actions

Sorry if this has already been posted

SI's gallery of the 10 best pitching duos in the majors. Zito/Harden are #2 behind Schilling and Beckett.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0604/gallery.1-2punch/content.1.html?cnn=y es

by nycfan @ Athletics Nation on Apr 14, 2006 10:23 AM PDT reply actions

That's cool

Even if I don't always agree with their rankings. ;) However, they incorrectly put Rich's age as 25. (I saw that on ESPN the other day too). Guys, he's still only 24 - he's not 25 until the end of this season. ;)

Oh yeah, and Fat Bart and Curt Schilling are fugly.

Albert Pujols is God. But I think we knew that already. --oaktoon

by Chavinator on Apr 14, 2006 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Not as fugly as Colon and Lackey.

Yikes. That's ten kinds of ugly right there.

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Interesting list...

Prior/Zamby obviously shoots way up if Mark is healthy.

I think Id go A's 3rd after Oz and Pettite.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 14, 2006 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm retired, man.

But I might pitch for the Astros if they make the playoffs.

Don't you miss the days of martinis and greenies?

by Ozzz on Apr 14, 2006 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions

It was just 1-2...

not whole pitching staffs. Oz and Pettitte are a nasty 1-2. Id go Oz #2 overall after Johanna.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 14, 2006 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

the rankings kinda suck

i know pedro is still good, but glavine ranked fifth?
and how does santana + any random pitcher (radke) not make the top 10 list?

of the duos that are on the list, i'd go like this:

pettite oswalt
lackey colon
harden zito

beckett schilling
halladay burnett
carpenter mulder

johnson mussina
zambrano prior
hudson smoltz
martinez glavine

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 Apr 14, 2006 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions

ESPN Power Rankings

A's drop to 8th... but I cant blame them.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/powerranking?season=2006&week=3

by Zonis on Apr 14, 2006 10:30 AM PDT reply actions

you can't blame the A's for dropping to 8th?

I can.

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions

I mean ESPN :P

by Zonis on Apr 14, 2006 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions

I know ;)

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Carlos Pena fan club

Yanks, Red Sox, Dodgers, Marines are interested in Carlos Pena.

I have an irrational love of Carlos Pena, and it's pretty much all because of this game. (This game is also the origin of my unease with Billy Koch.)

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 10:32 AM PDT reply actions

The Marines are interested?

Did the Supreme Court recruiting ruling extend to dugouts as well as college campuses?

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Apr 14, 2006 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions

The Chibba Lotte Marines

of the Pacific League (Japan)

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 14, 2006 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions

But that's only if

you click on the link.

And that's no fun!

"Any shots that I'll be callin' will be to the bartender!" -- Band Camp

by Sharon on Apr 14, 2006 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah

I realized shortly after posting. That's what I get for "assuming"...

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Apr 14, 2006 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions

or chai latte Marines

Sig Mojo worked in Spring Training... so... *MaEl LuvR!*

by Poppy on Apr 14, 2006 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

That game was awesome...

I thought Los was going to be such a stud....boy was I wrong there.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 14, 2006 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

red sox??

while the a's stockpile starting pitchers, they're stockpiling 1Bs?

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 Apr 14, 2006 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Baseball Prospectus takes on two team markets

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4965

So the Bay Area is the bastard child of this little expiriment, saying basically that Bay Area Fans are "characteristically non-committal and indifferent."

Aside from that, however, he does bring up a good point, that two team markets should probably try to do some sort of split season ticket package between the two of them.

I also conclude from the article that there really isn't a reason for the Giants to hold on to San Jose. I mean, if the A's do better, the Giants will do better, and visa-versa, right?

by Zonis on Apr 14, 2006 10:49 AM PDT reply actions