Open Thread: Game 69 - A's vs. Dodgers

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 4:00 AM PDT in News

First of all, Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, including my own, who is the greatest! (Hi Daddy, I know you're reading! Thanks for being so patient and supportive all these years of your daughter with a crazy baseball obsession!)

Wow. How can you possibly follow up last night's game? Had it been a weekday, I would have felt sorry for our East Coast A's fans, but it was a perfect Saturday night, and what better way to spend a Saturday than watching a double A's game. Mmmmm...more A's baseball. I was pretty sure several times last night that the A's were fighting a losing battle, so no one was more surprised to see the final walk than I. I simply reminded myself that this is "June", not "May" and this is the time that the universe pays us back for all of those terrible one-run losses earlier in the season.

On May 28, I wrote something like `Hang on, June is coming' and someone posted a comment to the effect of `Honestly, what is going to change in June that wasn't happening in May?' And they were right. There was nothing really to look forward to from May 31 to June 1 except the A's traditional run into the summer. And what a run it has been so far this year. The A's have won nine games in a row, and they're going for number ten today, and a third series sweep. And this Dodgers team is by no means a bad team. This team can hit. But when things are going well, they're going well, and even when they go badly, you still win.

Some observations about this June:

-    Eric Chavez started out hot this year; in the past, him heating up is something that usually contributes to the annual June push
-    Rich Harden is still on the DL, same as May
-    We have no Justin Duchscherer, same as May
-    We have sophomores, not rookies, in key positions on our team, so the `rookies are learning the league' explanation has dubious merit, at best
-    Aside from the first game, Zito has been remarkably consistent. Oh yeah, and also amazing. But he was in May too.

So what is the discernable reason for winning games that we weren't a month ago? Because it's June? Is it something truly mental/superstitious in the clubhouse? Is it mere coincidence? Is it just a widely-accepted `that's what the A's do' thing? What is it about the calendar switch that causes the A's to go from the team that struggled to take just one game from the Royals last month to the team that's steamrolling both leagues?

And does this writer really care? Nope, not a bit. There's just not much to be upset about today; everything's coming up puppies and rainbows (and hopefully, Cupcakes!). We have a tired team on the field, but they're in much better shape than their opposition, who also played the game last night, but have nothing to show for it.

Another day, another game, gunning for another win. The A's sure could use a strong start from Blanton today to rest the pen. There weren't many that didn't pitch last night.

Blanton vs. Sele. A's try for the sweep. Coming up...
Starting Lineups

OAKLAND

J. Kendall c
N. Swisher lf
E. Chavez dh
B. Crosby ss
J. Payton cf
D. Johnson 1b
M. Scutaro 3b
B. Kielty rf
M. Rouse 2b

LA Dodgers

R. Furcal ss
W. Aybar 3b
N. Garciaparra 1b
J.D. Drew dh
M. Kemp cf
A. Ethier lf
J. Cruz Jr. rf
S. Alomar Jr. c
R. Martinez 2b

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Comments

whoa

today's father's day? thank goodness for AN

Other kids my be sayin' hi-ho, but The Gooch just says yo.

by whobob on Jun 18, 2006 5:48 AM PDT reply actions

You're right, this June thing is mysterious

As May wound down and it looked like the team would get a few key guys back, all the talk was about how the A's would be in good shape once they got healthy. Well, they haven't gotten healthy at all (or every instance of someone getting well is immediatedly counterbalanced with a couple more owies) and they've still taken off.

Now, once they get healthy...

by Faust on Jun 18, 2006 5:57 AM PDT reply actions

One problem from the east coast

Direct TV has decided to go dry on A'S games
The last game they gave was last Wendsday game agaisnt the mariners and I am not even getting my game today on Fathers day. I will just have to follow the boys on the internet again. But enough about that and LETS GO A'S.

by antmans athletics on Jun 18, 2006 8:21 AM PDT reply actions

Extra Innings is a damn farce

A much worse product this year than last year. I have it through Comcast, but I assume the service, such as it is, is the same as through Direct TV.

I expect my team to be on, with a few exceptions, unless the game falls in the Fox exclusionary window on Saturday. Last year this was pretty much the case, with 4-6 A's games available per week. Right now the A's are in a stretch where just 3 games available in 15 days, which is flatly unacceptable. Couldn't get the Seattle finale, not one of the Dodger games is on, only one of the 3 Colorado games, then 2 of the 3 Giants games, the another 0-for-3 for the Padres series. Ridiculous. It's not mostly schedule congestion; last night's game was up against a very light schedule and plenty of channels were unused.

Plus, they've been horrible this year about moving to an unused channel when an earlier game runs late. It seems the A's are always scheduled on the same channel as an earlier Yankees, Red Sox or Mets game (teams that always play loooong games) but they won't shift the beginning of the A's game to an available channel even when the Eastern game goes into extra innings. I've had A's games almost entirely displaced by a long-running earlier game while furiously checking to see if they could be bothered to use another available channel (which is something they did last year and do occasionally, but far too inconsistently). The obvious lack of effort to take the simplest measures to increase fan satisfaction is infuriating.

It goes without saying that they make not the slightest effort to communicate the reasons for anything. MLB truly doesn't give a rat's ass about its customers.

by Faust on Jun 18, 2006 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Hmm

If you're not in "blackout", try MLBtv . . . this monthly subcription thing is nice . . . and living in West Virginia, the only "blackout" games are against the Indians. :)

by bluelightrain84 on Jun 18, 2006 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

I went spastic on Friday...

because the online schedule for EI on DirecTv didn't have a single game listed for the A's after 6/14/06. I called around to DirecTv and MLB and found out that the DirecTv online schedule isn't updated until after the 18th of the month. We aren't getting any of this weekend's series because none of the games are on FSN for either team. I understand that. The second person at DirecTv told me to check the online schedule after the 18th to see the rest of June/July.

Last night, however, the on-screen guide listed the A's/Col games for the 19th and the 20th. I didn't check any days after that.

Are there difference in EI on cable versus satellite? I know I don't have problems with the games running over (except when the Giants play on FSNBA right before the A's and the first game runs late) because each game is on a different channel, but do they show different games?

by Jennifer on Jun 18, 2006 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

On cable...

...there used to be a problem with having only 10 channels available to show games. This year, however, they've opened up four channels normally used by NBA League Pass for MLB Extra Innings, so that hasn't been much of a problem.

Dorian on Bonds: "Still, I love it when Bonds wins at the game that he plays."

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jun 18, 2006 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions

ya man

this SUCKS. I've been used to the occasional A's snub, and FOX games but this is ridiculous. I was really looking forward to seeing the highlights from last nights game. The problem with MLB.tv is the quality isnt good enough to watch on a large display.

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Jun 18, 2006 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Wow. After reading the headline

I was sure it was greekpride08. Then finish reading the post and come to find out it's the esteemed pickinmachine. Like, ya.

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions

I guess we all have our moments

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Jun 18, 2006 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

if you click on the mlb.tv link, specific for the

a's feed early enough, i mean, thirty minutes before the game starts, or right when it pops up, it must be too early for the mlb.tv system to check your server location, because it'll let you right in-- most of the time.

but it has to be before the game, during the game this doesn't work.

oh yea, and you need to have the subscription paid for.

Frank Thomas is big.

by robber23 on Jun 18, 2006 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions

man

Me and my East Coast MLB.tv are still tired from last night

by SeanR on Jun 18, 2006 8:34 AM PDT reply actions

I considered that

But i have a 50 inch TV that i really enjoy watching the green and gold on

by antmans athletics on Jun 18, 2006 8:36 AM PDT reply actions

East Coast A's fan here...

I was out at a bar for part of the game, and they didn't have the game on, but they did show the score on ESPN... so I was chill until it was tied 4-4. Then all of a sudden the "beer before liquor..." rule kicked in and the whiskey sour went straight to my stomach, combining with all of my A's nervous-nausea. yikes. Fortunately I didn't puke and my date was patient.

Anyway, I'm SO glad we won, because I sent my dad to that game for Father's Day :-)

by poetwee on Jun 18, 2006 8:46 AM PDT reply actions

6PM start

Remember before last night's game when people were wondering why it was an early start. I think that question has been answered now.

by Larry E on Jun 18, 2006 9:02 AM PDT reply actions

Pitching...Pitching...Pitching...and Timely Hits

The biggest difference I see in June is that our starting pitching is getting us into the sixth and seventh innings. We are also now getting a few more timely hits and breaks.

I was once a non believer in the change in month thing makes a difference...but maybe there is something to it.

Also, Halsey pitched a heck of a five innings last night. He has quietly been a key to the A's success.

Finally, kudos to the fans who stuck it out last night. I'd say 1/3-1/2 the crowd was still in the stands after 5+ hours.

by EastbayBen on Jun 18, 2006 9:02 AM PDT reply actions

Main difference was in the May's

The current June recovery is not as dramatic as last year's June recovery because last May was a total S***hole. Two 8 game losing streaks. This May was just mundanely bad.

That, and B.B. has better backup pitching to cover for injuries.

by MobiusKlein on Jun 18, 2006 9:11 AM PDT reply actions

BBG

some things you forgot to note about June:
no kotsay
no frank
no bradley
no duke
no rich
also
dj is dj again
crosby is letting the game come to him
dui is pitchin with velocity
and last but not least having RonnyMac in the outfield and in the batting order doesn't kill us.

the home run that Eric Chavez did was tight. Sprots4Kids quote

by Satchmo22 on Jun 18, 2006 9:33 AM PDT reply actions

HA! A nick is borned

Esteban (or is it Autobahn?) DUIza.

Thanks, Satch!

by The Dogfather on Jun 18, 2006 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

How about:

Esteban-the-accelerator DUIza.

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Yup--

Esteban-it or Esteban-the-gas, and it's just about perfect.

by The Dogfather on Jun 18, 2006 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Not to take anything away

from how well the A's are playing, but it almost seems like the difference between May and June is luck. Kind of the "better to be lucky than to be good" principle. In May, the A's were barely losing and in June they're often barely winning.

Right now, every key dribbler, every long drive, every corner pitch seems to be going our way when we most need it; surely, the reverse was true 3 weeks ago. For example, last night Calero hung a slider to Jeff Kent that Kent parks in the bleacher 9 times out of 10. Last night, a harmless foul back. The 3-2 pitch to Kielty was awfully close--could have gone either way. And so on...

Then again, the A's have capitalized on opportunities, and they played another 17 errorless innings. So it's not ALL luck.

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 9:35 AM PDT reply actions

I disagree with this, I think

You like the "I think"? No, the team is much better now. Their wins are more convincing. If you look at the streak so far, several of the victories have been pretty decisive. As for the close games: The difference hasn't been luck; the difference has been Street.

But, yeah, luck is often huge.

by RLangford on Jun 18, 2006 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I watched the game

with Street having 1 more strike to win it and he blows it. Then i go see Nacho Libre not excepting one bit to when i get back to the car, i hear Ken Korach doing play by play. And it wasn't recording. Sweeet.

"It was pretty sweet. I could see the Oakland Airport."

by Daveed on Jun 18, 2006 9:37 AM PDT reply actions

Wow...

I was reading upstairs during most of the game...Chavinator said she was going to come up and talk to me after the game ended. I kept going down, and she'd say, "The game is still going on!!" So up I'd go. Finally I just crashed around 11;45 (MST). I didn't hear her come up. I actually assumed that the A's had lost, because I figured if they did, she'd be running in to tell me the news! I made a guess in my head - lost in 18. I was so happy when I woke up and saw the news!!

Not all who wander are lost. The rest, they say, are history.

by Squeaky on Jun 18, 2006 9:37 AM PDT reply actions

That's funny, because

I also thought Chavinator was going to come upstairs and tell me what was happening. Until I realized that I was watching the game downstairs, and that Chavinator doesn't live here.

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions

just like that movie

Operator

Ma'am, that guy Nico is POSTING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE! RUUUUUN!

by Apricot on Jun 18, 2006 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Anyone see

Bradley at the front of the pack when the a's won? I love this team.

"It was pretty sweet. I could see the Oakland Airport."

by Daveed on Jun 18, 2006 9:41 AM PDT reply actions

yeah that was good to see

i just hope MB didn't get injured chasing scutaro down the third base line...

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 Jun 18, 2006 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Two other reasons...

Bobby Crosby
Dan Johnson

I was so SO SO proud of Bobby last night.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 10:21 AM PDT reply actions

Me too.

As someone who has given Croz his share of analytic grief, I should be overt in saying, "Croz, you rocked last night."

I LOVED his quote saying he was trying to hit the ball the other way, and that he pulls the ball more successfully when he's actually looking to hit the other way. Remember that, Bobby, and you might actually turn the corner to the anticipated stardom!

He was awesome last night.

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks for the Father's Day wishes

and like everyone I'm savoring the win.

We, the wife and I, went Father's Day shopping for our son so when we got back to the car and the play by play was still going on I was worried the Dodger's had some momentum going and would mount a come back on our weak bullpen.

It is amazing how this team can make me a predictor to the E X T R E M E reverse so damned often!

Weak bullpens don't provide 8 innings of shutout against offenses like the A's did against the Dodger's do they!

<So, in keeping with this role as provider of reverse predictions: Everything would have been cool this week with Monday as the typical A's off-day but it isn't. The A's will play at Mile High Monday thru Wednesday and will have to wait for that off day until Thursday. There is no way in the baseball world this bullpen can survive those 17 innings AND the upcoming Dodger's & Rockies games!>

Go A's!

P.S.

If today's game goes extra innings my wife and I will be shopping for the Grandson's (9 years old)Grad gift.

"Carlos Lee joins Kotsay and MB? Swisher to 1B? ...well YEAH!!!"

by A s Eh on Jun 18, 2006 10:37 AM PDT reply actions

With a Coors series coming up,

no off-day in between, and the pen having just worked 10 innings, might a Kiesler or Flores callup be in the offing. Maybe we can pull a Jared Weaver and tell Rouse, "Thanks for being incredible--here's your rail pass to Sacramento!"

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 10:44 AM PDT reply actions

I honestly think the biggest difference

is two-fold. The starters have been better and more consistent in June as group, giving the A's less innings with Keisler, Flores and the rest of the AAA crew. This has led to the bullpen being better because the A's pitchers have been going deeper. With this team it begins and ends with pitching and defense. Calero and Street have also been better. The last 30 days, the A's pitching, both bullpen and starters have a 3.67 ERA.

You add a heating up DJ, Frank Thomas mashing the ball when he was healthy and you have enough offense to combine with the stellar pitching. The A's starters have the fifth best ERA in all of baseball right now and the sixth best BAA right now.

By the way, didn't Joe Morgan say that no one wins games with walks? Hmmmmm...bet Bobby Crosby has a tape for him to see.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 18, 2006 10:45 AM PDT reply actions

I totally agree,

and guys like Saarloos and Halsey deserve their due credit for their scoreless innings. But it seems to me that if we were having "May" luck while playing like we're playing in June, we'd be on a nice 7-2 or 6-3 run, but not 9-0. That being said, with "June" luck in May, those agonizing stretches might have been no worse than .500.

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions

pardon me

but didn't May Luck use to say 'come up and see me sometime'?

the home run that Eric Chavez did was tight. Sprots4Kids quote

by Satchmo22 on Jun 18, 2006 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Yes, she said it the same year

she won the AL Luck by 5 games.

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions

no end to it..ever, never, ever

i just casually view the game thread early and my first view is "May Luck, West, June," the whole bloody deal.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Well you always hear them say, you don't walk

your way to the Major Leagues. They usually ride buses in the minnors, and fly when they get called up. No walking allowed.

by theblackpearl on Jun 18, 2006 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions

hilarious!

in the newest Athletics magazine, jason turbow's article talks about how the A's have always played lots of practical jokes. i thought this one was so funny!

Or the time that Adam Piatt hired a dwarf to don Frank Menechino's uniform in a not-so-subtle dig at the 5-foot-8-inch second baseman's sature.

hehe! that would have been so funny to see!

by gotgreen on Jun 18, 2006 12:29 PM PDT reply actions

lineups

OAKLAND
J. Kendall c
N. Swisher lf
E. Chavez dh
B. Crosby ss
J. Payton cf
D. Johnson 1b
M. Scutaro 3b
B. Kielty rf
M. Rouse 2b

LA Dodgers

R. Furcal ss
W. Aybar 3b
N. Garciaparra 1b
J.D. Drew dh
M. Kemp cf
A. Ethier lf
J. Cruz Jr. rf
S. Alomar Jr. c
R. Martinez 2b

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 18, 2006 12:30 PM PDT reply actions

Wow, I was sure Kendall would sit.

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 18, 2006 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't think he can

He's still squatting behind homeplate, same place he's been since last night....

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 18, 2006 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions

you have to hand it to Kendall..

With all of the years of catching (and he plays darn near every game every year), he is still quite nimble and beats out infield hits. He is pretty unique in that way.

My A's lineup: Rickey (LF), Dw Murphy (CF), Miggy (SS), Reggie (RF), McGwire (1B), Giambi (DH), Chavez(3B), Fosse (C), Dick Green (2B).

by BobbyKrosby on Jun 18, 2006 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Kendall is <gasp> catching??

"Belliard is a pain in the ass" ~ Blez

by eamb on Jun 18, 2006 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Yankees lose

Rookie Ryan Zimmerman just hit a walk-off 2 run homer in the bottom of the 9th to give the Nats a 3-2 win over the Yanks.

by Larry E on Jun 18, 2006 12:46 PM PDT reply actions

Should A's go for Soriano?

Yes, we'd only have in for a few months, but, man...Soriano could put us over the top and make this the year for a WS ring. Put him at 2b and look at this lineup:

Soriano 2b
Swisher LF
Chavez 3b
Thomas DH
Crosby SS
Johnson 1b
Kotsay CF
Kendall C
Payton/Kielty RF

I'm not sure of the trade parameters, but ideally we could offload that big tumor (Bradley) as part of the deal.

My A's lineup: Rickey (LF), Dw Murphy (CF), Miggy (SS), Reggie (RF), McGwire (1B), Giambi (DH), Chavez(3B), Fosse (C), Dick Green (2B).

by BobbyKrosby on Jun 18, 2006 12:54 PM PDT reply actions

That intro...

KICKED ASS!

"Baseball is a skilled game. It's America's game -- it, and high taxes." - Will Rogers

by OaklandInvader on Jun 18, 2006 1:01 PM PDT reply actions

just caught it...very cool

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Perez really is the new Ginter...

He is persona non grata or Blanton ate him for his pre-game meal...

"Baseball is a skilled game. It's America's game -- it, and high taxes." - Will Rogers

by OaklandInvader on Jun 18, 2006 1:08 PM PDT reply actions

The Finger

See that guy in the stands with the broom?

by paradox on Jun 18, 2006 1:09 PM PDT reply actions

Damn that Nomar

Seeing-eye single, dern that guy is killing us.

One pitcher later, all is well. Joe looked sharp.

by paradox on Jun 18, 2006 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Bad KICU...

Caught dude giving the single-finger salute with Nomar comming to the plate...

"Baseball is a skilled game. It's America's game -- it, and high taxes." - Will Rogers

by OaklandInvader on Jun 18, 2006 1:09 PM PDT reply actions

lol

It was on for at least five seconds. The hosers in the truck were just oblivious.

by paradox on Jun 18, 2006 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Ken Macha is a doophus

1.He doesn't sit Kendall after he catches 17 straight innings. Let Melhuse play!

2.Put Antonio Perez at third base.... At least give him a chance against a lefty!

3.Why is Scutaro hitting in front of Kielty!!!!! Kielty is a much better hitter than Scoot.

I don't care if Scoot goes 3-4... I'll still think he made the wrong decision. Because that won't happen very often.

July 11th... My.....Space?

by ohad on Jun 18, 2006 1:11 PM PDT reply actions

C'mon Jason!!

2-0. 2-1.

This guys is a weenie, wait for your pitch. 3-1.

3-2. All right, stay with hi.......base hit!

by paradox on Jun 18, 2006 1:13 PM PDT reply actions

Doofus?

I read yours and was like, "What's a doop hus?"

"Baseball is a skilled game. It's America's game -- it, and high taxes." - Will Rogers

by OaklandInvader on Jun 18, 2006 1:14 PM PDT reply actions

will swisher ever get another hit?

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 1:17 PM PDT reply actions

nice throw, Bobby!!

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 1:24 PM PDT reply actions

JayPay!!

woohoo!

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 1:30 PM PDT reply actions

JAYPAY!!!

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 1:30 PM PDT reply actions

D'backs tie it up in Texas

"The scrubs beat the Yankees!" -- Ronnie Mac

by day-to-day on Jun 18, 2006 1:33 PM PDT reply actions

Arizona ties Texas

Save-blowing machine Francisco Cordero teed up the ball for Sean Green the first hitter he faced in the 8th. Sweet.

Now, let's just destroy Sele. He's ripe.

Scoot should bunt. No doubt. After he takes one strike.

by RLangford on Jun 18, 2006 1:33 PM PDT reply actions

How do you not bunt with Scutaro

When will Macha realize he's awful? This is one of those things that at the end of a season can just haunt a team. Giving all these at bats to an awful hitter.

And for god's sake, how do you not bunt him there.

by RLangford on Jun 18, 2006 1:35 PM PDT reply actions

surprise!

Scutaro is anemic.

July 11th... My.....Space?

by ohad on Jun 18, 2006 1:35 PM PDT reply actions

Late to the party...

Mike Rouse playing on Father's Day!

<sob>

by Jennifer on Jun 18, 2006 1:43 PM PDT reply actions

awwww

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 18, 2006 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Rouse has more hits in a week

Than Scutaro in a month.

by RLangford on Jun 18, 2006 1:44 PM PDT reply actions

So that is why Rouse hasn't been sent down, he

will stay up at least until the A's lose

by theblackpearl on Jun 18, 2006 1:44 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah Swish!

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 1:46 PM PDT reply actions

Texas razing Arizona

The awful Diamondbacks about to be swept. God the NL West is a joke.

by RLangford on Jun 18, 2006 1:48 PM PDT reply actions

wow..

Rouse.

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 1:54 PM PDT reply actions

Can we keep Rouse?

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 1:55 PM PDT reply actions

Only if he doesn't pee on the carpet.

by Jennifer on Jun 18, 2006 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Be. Clutch.

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 18, 2006 2:03 PM PDT reply actions

Why isn't Marco bunting?

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 2:03 PM PDT reply actions

yay!

Marco!

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 2:04 PM PDT reply actions

MAAAAAAAAAAARCOOOOOO

LET'S GO OAKLAND; FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 14-2 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jun 18, 2006 2:04 PM PDT reply actions

Scutaro!

Woo hooo!

"If Ken Macha's presence in the dugout isn't proof enough that God doesn't exist, I don't know what to tell you." -Hawk

by athleticsINky on Jun 18, 2006 2:04 PM PDT reply actions

Hot.

SO HOT

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

woohoo!

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

KIELTY!!!!!!

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

Booby!

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 18, 2006 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

BOBBYYYYYYY!!!

LET'S GO OAKLAND; FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 14-2 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jun 18, 2006 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

I f'in love June

"The scrubs beat the Yankees!" -- Ronnie Mac

by day-to-day on Jun 18, 2006 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

ahhhh June

Great hit.

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

by El Payo on Jun 18, 2006 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

KLOWN POWER!

Good job guys!

by sprtsnwyn on Jun 18, 2006 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

Boo!!

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 2:08 PM PDT reply actions

boooo!!!

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 18, 2006 2:08 PM PDT reply actions

His dad is going to kick your ass, Sele.

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 18, 2006 2:08 PM PDT reply actions

KENDALL!!!

YAY!

"If Ken Macha's presence in the dugout isn't proof enough that God doesn't exist, I don't know what to tell you." -Hawk

by athleticsINky on Jun 18, 2006 2:10 PM PDT reply actions

Rangers win. Meh.

"The scrubs beat the Yankees!" -- Ronnie Mac

by day-to-day on Jun 18, 2006 2:14 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah Scootero!

by Vegas Ace on Jun 18, 2006 2:16 PM PDT reply actions

HOLY CRAP SCUTARO!

That was a freakin' great play!!!

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 2:16 PM PDT reply actions

Ethier vs. MB & Perez.....better value????

Did Beane outfox himself on this deal or will a healthy Bradley redeem him?

by Vegas Ace on Jun 18, 2006 2:18 PM PDT reply actions

One thing I think

needs to be taken into account is that fact that the entire NL, save two teams, is very mediocre, and it's pretty easy to have good stats. Also, Andre's playing well has as much to do with the fact that the pitchers don't know him, so they aren't sure how to get him out. Yet. This happened with DJ last year, but by September, he was figured out. I don't think Andre would be doing that well in the AL because it is a much tougher league.

by sprtsnwyn on Jun 18, 2006 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions

The Dodgers might have fared better...

...if they had started Perez over Sele.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 2:26 PM PDT reply actions

Vin Scully is HILARIOUS

About the giveaway tie:

"It's a busy little rascal, but it does have a green "A" on it"

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 2:31 PM PDT reply actions

Wow,

give that fan a Web Gem.

Sweet.

by Kimberly on Jun 18, 2006 2:40 PM PDT reply actions

only Yankees fans get web gems.

"When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful." ~ Barry Zito

by digsthelongball on Jun 18, 2006 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions

It be funny

if it wasn't so true.

by sprtsnwyn on Jun 18, 2006 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions

It WOULD be funny...

too many Miller Lite's today.

by sprtsnwyn on Jun 18, 2006 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions

ha ha..

i knew what you meant. and i agree..

"When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful." ~ Barry Zito

by digsthelongball on Jun 18, 2006 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah Scoooootero!

by Vegas Ace on Jun 18, 2006 2:41 PM PDT reply actions

I gotta have more cowbell!

"If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life" - Brooke Shields

by Philip Christy on Jun 18, 2006 2:41 PM PDT reply actions

Another Yeah Scoooooooooootero!

by Vegas Ace on Jun 18, 2006 2:42 PM PDT reply actions

so gameday says no out recorded but then it says

martinez grounded out to scutaro. is that correct?

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 2:50 PM PDT reply actions

i'd love to see some insurance runs

blanton looks great, but may tire eventually, and we have no bullpen tonight. wouldn't really like to see flores have to come in with the game on the line.

Zito: You ever think about the space time continuum?
Huddy: Uh... no.

by mendelbob on Jun 18, 2006 2:50 PM PDT reply actions

Does any one else love Vin Scully as much as I do?

"Macha hates you"- Tacoma fans heckling Kielty

by zaniac75 on Jun 18, 2006 2:51 PM PDT reply actions

i like him but i also find him boring

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions

My feelings, too.

Scully's a real pro. Certainly preferably to LA's other favorite announcer, the late Chick Hearn, who after Johnny Most was the second most unlistenable famous announcer (at least to non-fans of the teams they broadcasted for). But I've always found Scully pretty dull.

I was always partial to Ernie Harwell, the great old Tiger's announcer.

Bad Bud Selig ideas of the last decade: accepting steroids, contraction, interleague play. We've abandoned the first two. Let's ditch the third.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 18, 2006 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions

oh me for sure.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Boy that wasn't even close...

...why did Washington send Swish?

Bad Bud Selig ideas of the last decade: accepting steroids, contraction, interleague play. We've abandoned the first two. Let's ditch the third.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 18, 2006 2:58 PM PDT reply actions

wondering the same thing.

by homerozzieandthestraw on Jun 18, 2006 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

testing ethier's arm?

regardless of how many games he's play so far, ethier sure has played well this series

by smash on Jun 18, 2006 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions

swisher

maybe because people say we dont try stealiing bases enough

by smasfan on Jun 19, 2006 7:35 AM PDT up reply actions

no karsay to get in ump's way that time

nice play by DJ

by smash on Jun 18, 2006 3:02 PM PDT reply actions

Blanton ROCKED.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 3:02 PM PDT reply actions

gameday is frozen what's going on

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 3:03 PM PDT reply actions

blanton

got 3 outs on 6 pitches on the 8th.

LET'S GO OAKLAND; FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 14-2 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jun 18, 2006 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions

thanks

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions

you're welcome

LET'S GO OAKLAND; FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 14-2 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jun 18, 2006 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions

go for the CG Blanton

bullpen will be so grateful.

LET'S GO OAKLAND; FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 14-2 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jun 18, 2006 3:03 PM PDT reply actions

excellent, i come back to a lead.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 3:04 PM PDT reply actions

scully

anyone notice he has said the same things over and over and over. he is obsessed with the cowbell which is pretty funny. also what is with the baby blue wristbands

by viveksap on Jun 18, 2006 3:04 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah.

And what was up with the flag burning discussion?

BTW - 10 bucks says that cowbell is on eBay tonight.

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

by El Payo on Jun 18, 2006 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions

30 years ago Rick Monday had something to

do with stopping a guy who was burning a US flag. I think it was during a game.

by theblackpearl on Jun 18, 2006 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Here it is

The Greatest Play in Baseball "In 1976, baseball player Rick Monday stopped a flag burning during a game in Los Angeles. Rather than stand around waiting for somebody to pass a law or amend the Constitution, Monday simply snatched the flag from the desecrators. Rick Monday proved you don't need the government or a law to do the right thing."

http://vikingphoenix.com/Holidays/flagday.htm

by theblackpearl on Jun 18, 2006 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions

I believe they are

for prostate cancer awareness (father's day) All the teams/umps are wearing them today.

by homerozzieandthestraw on Jun 18, 2006 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions

It's to support prostate cancer.

Sweet.

by Kimberly on Jun 18, 2006 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions

A's announcers also obsessed with the cowbell

And the blue wristbands I believe are related to prostate cancer - $$ per homer all this week going towards prostate cancer research.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 18, 2006 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions

nice day at the plate for scutaro

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 3:07 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah Scoooootero! Hit #3 plus great defense!

by Vegas Ace on Jun 18, 2006 3:08 PM PDT reply actions

Totally Weak...

I missed the cowbell catch. I knew I should have never left the TV.

Street in the 9th is like the American Government when it comes to war: automatic!

by Boonee on Jun 18, 2006 3:08 PM PDT reply actions

I'm sure they'll replay it,

the A's announcers can't stop talking about it.

Sweet.

by Kimberly on Jun 18, 2006 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions

whoa, did you see it?

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

kietly's really all or nothing. he's either

hitting rbi triples, homers or grounding into DP's

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 3:10 PM PDT reply actions

i wonder if the cowbell actually...

would be admitted to cooperstown. if so the guy shouldnt be tryign so hard to get it out. also kendall is still hitting with a pinking bat from all the way back from mothers day breast cancer...whats up with that

by viveksap on Jun 18, 2006 3:10 PM PDT reply actions

what is the cowbell?

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions

cowbell

some guy caught a foul ball in his cowbell.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 18, 2006 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Cowbell!

Bad Bud Selig ideas of the last decade: accepting steroids, contraction, interleague play. We've abandoned the first two. Let's ditch the third.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 18, 2006 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions

kendall's bat

it's red - it's the one he always uses.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 18, 2006 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Kotsay needs to get back out to Center, that was

a terrible route to the ball from Payton.

by theblackpearl on Jun 18, 2006 3:14 PM PDT reply actions

I don't like Blanton's new cupcake-saver

It looks silly on Kiko...it looks ridiculous on Blanton.

Bad Bud Selig ideas of the last decade: accepting steroids, contraction, interleague play. We've abandoned the first two. Let's ditch the third.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 18, 2006 3:15 PM PDT reply actions

let's just win this thing?

Zito: You ever think about the space time continuum?
Huddy: Uh... no.

by mendelbob on Jun 18, 2006 3:15 PM PDT reply actions

great job by blanton today!!

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 3:15 PM PDT reply actions

Street v. Ethier

this will be a very telling at bat to some as to the analysis of the Bradley trade

"That guy is money." -DJ on Huston
--
My Blog.

by rungood on Jun 18, 2006 3:15 PM PDT reply actions

Is it ever easy?

Finish it guys!

by sprtsnwyn on Jun 18, 2006 3:16 PM PDT reply actions

Awww, Cupcakes!

"Get up!" ~ Ray Fosse, 5/31/2006

by KendallGurl18 on Jun 18, 2006 3:16 PM PDT reply actions

acccck, two on no outs???

mlbtv crapped out.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 3:19 PM PDT reply actions

Two on, two out

Sweet.

by Kimberly on Jun 18, 2006 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions

2 on, 2 outs

Jeff Kent up...

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions

II on, II out

IX Inning, Jeff Kent up.

"That guy is money." -DJ on Huston
--
My Blog.

by rungood on Jun 18, 2006 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions

FASTBALL, GOT HIM!

I heart Huston.

"That guy is money." -DJ on Huston
--
My Blog.

by rungood on Jun 18, 2006 3:19 PM PDT reply actions

It is going to be very sad.

When Huston Street's arm falls of on the mound.

by Bigtoe on Jun 18, 2006 3:20 PM PDT reply actions

left

As long as its his left arm.

by Larry E on Jun 18, 2006 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Nice change from the last time....

...Lofton faced Street.

Bad Bud Selig ideas of the last decade: accepting steroids, contraction, interleague play. We've abandoned the first two. Let's ditch the third.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 18, 2006 3:20 PM PDT reply actions

k-kent pleeze....come on come on.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 3:21 PM PDT reply actions

Get out your brooms!

Sweep!

Sweet.

by Kimberly on Jun 18, 2006 3:23 PM PDT reply actions

Rouse!!

yay!!

by high street on Jun 18, 2006 3:23 PM PDT reply actions

yahoo!!!!!

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 3:24 PM PDT reply actions

Woo-hoo!!!

"The scrubs beat the Yankees!" -- Ronnie Mac

by day-to-day on Jun 18, 2006 3:24 PM PDT reply actions

10 Straight! Woot!

Bad Bud Selig ideas of the last decade: accepting steroids, contraction, interleague play. We've abandoned the first two. Let's ditch the third.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 18, 2006 3:24 PM PDT reply actions

NEW STREAK!!!!!

by kvn on Jun 18, 2006 3:24 PM PDT reply actions

YYEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSS

A's wins.

LET'S GO OAKLAND; FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 15-2 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jun 18, 2006 3:24 PM PDT reply actions

Wow, I got all teary-eyed for a sec.

With Stomper and the broom! Go figure!

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 3:24 PM PDT reply actions

oh yeah....

i was crackin up over here in So Cal...

Badges, we don't need no stinkin Badges!

by henry85 on Jun 18, 2006 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm assuming ...

we won???

by Larry E on Jun 18, 2006 3:25 PM PDT reply actions

Excellent!

by Larry E on Jun 18, 2006 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions

And there it is!

10 in a row baby!

Street in the 9th is like the American Government when it comes to war: automatic!

by Boonee on Jun 18, 2006 3:26 PM PDT reply actions

thanks to...

Blanton, Kielty, Street.

LET'S GO OAKLAND; FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 15-2 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jun 18, 2006 3:26 PM PDT reply actions

i love this team.

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 18, 2006 3:26 PM PDT reply actions

Ride the wave baby....ride the wave....

Badges, we don't need no stinkin Badges!

by henry85 on Jun 18, 2006 3:29 PM PDT reply actions

damn you scoot

damn you.

Am i a genious or what? He's what i posted just before the game (ranting about Macha's ineptitude):

3.Why is Scutaro hitting in front of Kielty!!!!! Kielty is a much better hitter than Scoot.

I don't care if Scoot goes 3-4... I'll still think he made the wrong decision. Because that won't happen very often.

Basically... Ugh. I still don't think he should be playing everyday. Because if he keeps up a hot streak, he'll keep playing even when he gets cold, because Macha will think he's a "professional hitter" or something.

July 11th... My.....Space?

by ohad on Jun 18, 2006 3:31 PM PDT reply actions

i forgot to add

That he did go 3-4.

July 11th... My.....Space?

by ohad on Jun 18, 2006 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions

you are psychic today

ohad, are you really Ms. Cleo?

Call ohad now for your free psychic reading!

"That guy is money." -DJ on Huston
--
My Blog.

by rungood on Jun 18, 2006 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Did anyone see Bradley

go straight to Street after he got Kent out? He was the first one over to Huston, and I'll bet anything that MB said something to the extent of "You are the man. I'm so f-ing glad you got that little bitch out." lol.

In other news, Go A's!! 10 and counting! :)

"That guy is money." -DJ on Huston
--
My Blog.

by rungood on Jun 18, 2006 3:31 PM PDT reply actions