Unsung

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 29, 2006 5:39 PM PDT in News

This thread is brought to you by Joe Morgan, who once said that a walk rarely ever wins a game. Now, back to our regularly scheduled celebration.

Over the course of a 162-game schedule, a team needs to pull out some unlikely wins here and there if they're going to be a division-contending team. And often times, certain players who are routinely ripped by a team's fanbase will contribute to an unlikely victory.

This thread, this VICTORY thread may be brought to you by Morgan, but it is dedicated to Ron Flores and Antonio Perez. Flores, who I've made a habit of saying still doesn't belong at the ML level, proved me dead wrong today, pitching four spectacular innings.

And Antonio Perez who has been roundly criticized here and elsewhere for his Ginterish season, came in and provided something that the A's stars could not. A bases loaded walk to basically win the game in extra innings. Lightning does indeed strike twice. The A's have basically had 31 innings decided by a walk.

Jay Payton also deserves a ton of credit today with his clutch two-run home run.

Huston Street is starting to become quite the concern. He's been erratic this year, and even though he probably should've gotten out of the game today with a save were it not for DJ's mistake, Street has been absolutely enigmatic this season. He had a stretch in early June when he was just slamming the door, and now he's blown his last two. Speaking of concerns, is anyone worried that Swisher might be distracted? And could it have been perpetrated by the whole Slusser article blowup? The guy had seven ABs today and struck out five times. That's Swisher circa 2005. I don't necessarily agree with Bochy's decision to walk Chavez in the 14th considering Eric is now sporting a .179 average in June with a .606 OPS. Then again, with Flores on deck and an empty bench, it was probably a good percentages play. It's just that knowing how badly Chavez is struggling right now, maybe you even go for the unintentional intentional walk. He might've swung at some bad balls.

The A's were also the recipients of two fortunate double plays, including the one that Sauerbeck got and Gaudin's to end the game. I was starting to believe the game was going to go six or seven hours.

I feel bad for Danny Haren, who pitched very well today against a tough pitcher in Peavy. He was in line for a win until Calero coughed it up. But that's the way it goes sometimes.

By the way, I will be pulling the AN Day 3 thread up to the top in a few hours just so folks have their final reminder. AN had more than 1,380 comments for the game. That very well may be a new record.

I'll send you out with one more dedication to Perez and Flores, a little song by Helmet called "Unsung":

Your contribution left unnoticed some
Association with an image
Just credit time for showing up again
Attention wandered I'm left with it

I apologize to Ron...Mr. Unsung when there was no one left.

Tweet Comment 141 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

roster moves on Friday

Ellis and Thomas are expect to get of the DL.

After today's performance I would DL Chavez
and Flores will probably go down even though
he was the best player out there today.

by oak1 on Jun 29, 2006 5:43 PM PDT reply actions

A Walk is as Good as a Hit

Especially when the walk presents the winning run. Crosby pulled it off in the 17 inning game, and Perez here in the 14th.

Another common theme? Street blew the save in both games.

It was mentioned in the thread, but you're right on with this, Blez. Street is not automatic in the way Eck was, or even in the way Foulke and Isringhausen, or ... Billy Taylor... were in years past. I haven't been overwhelmed with his results in 2006.

But I love the outcome. Another 1 run game. I just like being on this side of it.

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

by louismg on Jun 29, 2006 5:43 PM PDT reply actions

Also against the NL West

Macha is a great manager. -Ron Washington

by pachydermOAFC on Jun 29, 2006 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Street

Doesnt seem to be good for 4/5 out saves. He goes
cold on the bench and really isnt sharp when he
comes out for the 9th. I hope Macha recognises
this the next time a similar situation arises.

by oak1 on Jun 29, 2006 5:46 PM PDT reply actions

Blez...

It is Bochy, not Bochte.

Bruce played a mean firs tbase tho :-)

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 29, 2006 5:47 PM PDT reply actions

ugh..first base.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 29, 2006 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Fixed

the game went so long I was delusional. I felt like I played this mutha f^*($%.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 29, 2006 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Haha....

I felt the same way

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 30, 2006 1:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Crosby part of the double switch

in today's game. I hope this doesnt mean he's
hurt and Macha's decision was purely tactical.
With Croz you never know.

by oak1 on Jun 29, 2006 5:50 PM PDT reply actions

It's over?

So soon?

by Jennifer on Jun 29, 2006 5:51 PM PDT reply actions

lol

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I wonder if Street was really

well enough to come back? I love that Kid...If he isn't hurting I expect him to get back on track soon.

by IM4Oakgal on Jun 29, 2006 5:53 PM PDT reply actions

re

Ron Flores doing exactly what his Sacramento numbers said he would. Great job. I hope he's in the bigs to stay now. He's been earning it, and there's no reason that shouldn't continue.

I really don't think Huston can struggle like this if healthy. I'd bet cash he's got something bothering him again.

by 31Boots on Jun 29, 2006 5:54 PM PDT reply actions

I'll bet it was the Hamdan decision

He no longer feels secure.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Astute game analysis aside...

I just want to say (and I know it's been said before) to all you naysaying nabobs of negativity:

YOU WERE WRONG!

AGAIN.

The A's did win.

I don't care how they did it. And I don't care how they do it. I WANT THEM TO WIN!

When I follow a game, I'm an A's fan first and foremost. I WANT THEM TO WIN!

Unless they're hopelessly out of it, I WILL ROOT FOR THEM TO WIN!

I don't want to hear from you during the game thread how much the team sucks, or this player or that player sucks. We can pretty much tell who sucks.

Just root for 'em, anyway, o.k.?

Tutti Frutti

by Ice Cream on Jun 29, 2006 6:02 PM PDT reply actions

You suck!

by Jennifer on Jun 29, 2006 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions

you're a nabob

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions

a NATTERING nabob

Not "naysaying nabob"... pfffff... Ice Cream's a bumb...

Bobby does NOT need to see my synaptic vomit. ~ cirquegirl14

by Poppy on Jun 29, 2006 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, yeah. I know.

I used it before here.

And it's negativism not negativity.

I was just giving the phrase a swirl.

Tutti Frutti

by Ice Cream on Jun 30, 2006 6:14 AM PDT up reply actions

<succumbs>

Tutti Frutti

by Ice Cream on Jun 30, 2006 6:16 AM PDT up reply actions

<succotash>

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 30, 2006 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions

<succor!>

Tutti Frutti

by Ice Cream on Jun 30, 2006 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions

<Slusser!>

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 30, 2006 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions

<Pusser!>

"Walking Tall"

Tutti Frutti

by Ice Cream on Jun 30, 2006 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions

nice!

Sorta Spiro Agnew-meets-Bobby DeNiro-as-Al Capone.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Shouldn't...

....William Safire and Brian DePalma be invited to the party?

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 29, 2006 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions

technically ...

... the Untouchables script credit goes to David Mamet.

Though the performance of the lines, with the emphasis on final words as above, probably should be credited across RDN, BDP, and DM.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Plain and simple

Macha needs to stop using Street in the 8th. Period. Done! Just stop doing it.

He doesn't look good in the 9th if he cools down on the bench.

Street is close to automatic when he enters a game. But, everytime he has to sit in between innings, he is shaky!

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Jun 29, 2006 6:05 PM PDT reply actions

Agreed

For the 9th, and the 9th alone, Huston is close to automatic. But if you add in the eighth, then we start having problems.

Jay Witasick on shockwave treatments: "That's gotta be the equivalent of giving birth out of your ankle."

by Chavinator on Jun 29, 2006 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions

YES, YES, YES

by china bob on Jun 29, 2006 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions

And if you are going to bring him

into the 8th to get out of a big jam (not a bad idea), then someone else needs to pitch the 9th.

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Jun 29, 2006 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions

The bullpen hates Danny.

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 6:07 PM PDT reply actions

Dare I say

The Tim Hudson syndrome?

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

by jb on Jun 29, 2006 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions

<sigh>

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't want to 'Wear It'

It doesn't match my shoes.

by Jennifer on Jun 29, 2006 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Guffaw chortle snort

New sig line!

"I don't want to 'Wear It.' It doesn't match my shoes." --Jennifer

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jun 29, 2006 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions

<steals Jennifer's shoes>

There ya go. Now they match.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Being Harened is the new Hudsoned?

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

by Kyli on Jun 29, 2006 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmmm

Maybe he needs to be more generous with his stash.

Knucklehead over there is second or third in the league in home runs. - BB

by andeux on Jun 29, 2006 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions

manys the guy who does need to be ...

"more generous with his 'stash"

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Fate is just running a little late, is all

Last season, the offense got him several wins and no decisions he probably didn't earn. Now the offense and bullpen are stealing from him.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Jun 29, 2006 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Let me disagree and say

I think it's fine to use Street for 4-out saves in the near future. Personally, I think the two blown-saves being "4-out save" tries is coincidence, and that more significant is that Huston was simply overused over a 21-game stretch (in which he pitched 14 times). In other words, I imagine he'd be struggling now if these had been one-inning save attempts.

I think with both Calero and Street, we are seeing the effects of overused pitchers--and I'm not necessarily indicting Macha, as it got us a 17-4 run while Duke was out. As long as they're not injured, it was probably well worth it--but I think the workload is taking its toll, and has nothing to do with those 8th inning outs.

A great win we didn't really deserve, but hey--the Lovable Muppets deserve any win they can get!

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 6:15 PM PDT reply actions

Four-out saves

Street is going to have to gut out those 4+ out saves sometimes - it's part of a good closer's job to pitch when he's needed most, not just in the ninth inning - but given his recent struggles with those situations (coincidence or not) I'd prefer that it only happened when it's really necessary.

Last weekend in SF I thought it was warranted, even though Street had been used the day before. The tying run was already on base, and Calero had already worked more than an inning himself, and seemed to be at the end of his rope. Getting that out was crucial.

Today, it made less sense to me. Halsey had worked less than an inning, the potential tying run was at the plate, not already on base, and Greene isn't exactly a great hitter. It seemed to me that leaving Halsey in there to face him would have been fairly safe, unless there's something about that matchup that I don't know.

Knucklehead over there is second or third in the league in home runs. - BB

by andeux on Jun 29, 2006 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I disagree

Eck had the same problem, as does Rivera. Not all the time of course, but often enough to stop doing it.
LaRussa learned that Eck getting 4 outs was a lot different than Eck coming in ready and raring to go for 3 outs. Some here speculate he is hurting, I doubt it with the velocity hitting 93, but both of his last two blown saves follow a pattern, come in in the 8th to get a key out, then start the 9th with control problems.

by china bob on Jun 29, 2006 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Over his career,

Rivera has NOT had a problem going more than one inning!

BTW, for those kibitzing about our roster moves, don't forget about Doug Clark--he should be one of the ones sent down tomorrow.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions

But he broke our oh-so-significant PH drought!

That's got to be worth something, no?

;-)

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 29, 2006 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm with you on Flores

But one clutch walk ain't gonna change my mind on Perez -- especially in a game I couldn't see, so don't even know how notable a walk it was. Were the pitches way out of the zone, or close enough to be tempting (and require actual restraint of an urge to swing)?

Bobby does NOT need to see my synaptic vomit. ~ cirquegirl14

by Poppy on Jun 29, 2006 6:26 PM PDT reply actions

The last one was kind of close,

but the others weren't really. Soriano would have swung at the last one.

by WaddellCanseco on Jun 29, 2006 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Long game

I kept thinking it was going to be over. It's always good to win those long games...Does anybody know our record for extra inning games?

"I've heard the hangovers are worse." -Zito on high altitude

by Squeaky on Jun 29, 2006 6:26 PM PDT reply actions

4-3

"The hard... is what makes it great."

by Jjjsixsix on Jun 29, 2006 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Perez hasn't had much of a chance...

to get into the groove. But still his contributions when playing are quite meager. I wish that Beane would unload him in a trade.

by IM4Oakgal on Jun 29, 2006 6:29 PM PDT reply actions

Has he really had a chance?

I don't know the number of at bats he has had, but I do know that for two months DJ was in the lineup with a BA under .200. For 3 weeks Chavez is under .200 but he plays every day. How can a guy show he can hit getting 3 AB's every 3 weeks. I do know he hit close to .300 last year which suggests he knows how to hit, and a few times this year he has hit the ball real hard. I just can't understand why Chavez isn't rested more and give Perez a chance to see if he can hit.

by china bob on Jun 29, 2006 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Dudes

Can we get some love for the effin' Giants and what they've done to the Rangers? I mean seriously. A moment of silence for our appreciation.

by ORthey on Jun 29, 2006 6:56 PM PDT reply actions

Screw the giants

They can thank us for what we did to the Dodgers!

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Jun 29, 2006 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Seattle 2 out playing AZ

by WaddellCanseco on Jun 29, 2006 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions

<five seconds later>

GIANTS SUCK!

(I hope someone gets this. I, by the way, was NOT the one who screamed "Yankees suck!")

"The hard... is what makes it great."

by Jjjsixsix on Jun 29, 2006 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Love for Flores.

I've been a fan of that guy while he was in Sac and I've been so happy whenever he's been called up with the club... I can't believe I was at work today and missed his four innings. Great to see the guy get to have a day like this. Go Ron!

Gaining a game in the standings is a beautiful thing. Though... damn, look out for Seattle!

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

by Kyli on Jun 29, 2006 7:01 PM PDT reply actions

Caught the game on XM..

...still missing our T1 at work (ONE MORE DAY!!!) so I missed all of you, nearly died about 14 times, but we WON!!!

"Let's face it, some pitchers have upside or downside---Blanton has backside." ~Buck18

by baseballgirl on Jun 29, 2006 7:37 PM PDT reply actions

Was there a blow-up that I somehow missed,,,

after Slusser's article last week about Swisher's carousing? Did he get pissed or something? I wasn't quite sure when reading it why it had been written...if the guy is not running into problems and if he is not hurting the team, what he does on his own time is his own business. And that is coming from a journalist who usually subscribes to the notion that very little is off-limits when it comes to people in the public eye. But what is this "blowup" referenced by Blez?

by willcmatthews on Jun 29, 2006 7:49 PM PDT reply actions

Fwisher was all fwowny-faced about it

... mostly b/c he got called on the carpet by management about it.

Here's another possibility: maybe Headstrong Nick Who Won't Change Who He Is decided hell with 'em all, kept up the carousin', and now it's catching up to him?

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions

<Taps pipe ashes out, adjust glasses

and puts down clinicians manual.> <clears throat> Could be something to that. Could be that Swish, and I surmise he is a sensitive type, is having a negative re-action to outfall of the Slusser article alright. It's stuck in his head and has gotten out of proportion....so he is not 100 percent in the game.

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

by ak_A on Jun 29, 2006 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Whew!

I was afraid you were about to tell me I had a brain cloud.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions

<stops typing your email address with

the bad news>

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

by ak_A on Jun 29, 2006 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions

<buys 4 immense steamer trunks>

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions

My thoughts exactwy,

Monkey. If he can't take a Chronicle article or a slap on the wrist from the principal, how can he handle the nasty slider?

Maybe it's the article getting him down and maybe it's his lifestyle catching up to him--or maybe it's a 2-week slump in the ebb and flow of a season, not helped by the circumstances but not caused by them either. That's my real guess, when you get down to it.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions

agweed

If Swish was half the man Kendall is, he would have put Slusser in a headlock.

I mean ... I agree with the 2-week slump under likely unrelated circumstances.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm puzzled

This team is playing good baseball but do it without many stars and at the same time lose leads in late innings, props to Flores and is Chavez really that bad because unless the A's trade for Jack Wilson or some hot prospect there is no way the A's DL him.

"Talk about impressive. My point is this: Break's over."- Josiah Bartlet

by doublehustle22 on Jun 29, 2006 8:20 PM PDT reply actions

If someone is having their period,

could they share it with doublehustle22? :-}

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought Sal had 'em all?

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Brain Dead

I watched it on MLBTV today and it appeared that Street was slinging it up there. Well, sling the damn thing over the plate for Christ's sake. His inability to throw strikes with a lead in the game seems to mesh perfectly with our brain dead approach to situational hitting and our manager's do nothing approach to running the club. This perfect harmony will probably result in our beloved team winning the AL West. Someday before I die find me an outfielder that can hit, a relief pitcher that can throw strikes with a lead in the game and a manager with at least a little league understanding of the game[does the name Casey Stengel ring a bell?] I will go to my grave a happy man

by skeeter1 on Jun 29, 2006 8:34 PM PDT reply actions

I think we found the period Nico was looking for

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners

by Helloooo 1st on Jun 29, 2006 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh how the tide has turned

I find it very interesting that we are so quick to accuse Swish of something just because he is sliding into a little bit of a slum.

This is the same man who was essentially carrying this team, (along with Chavey) for the better part of April and May. I shudder to think where we might be had it not been for him during the first part of the season.

Sure, he may be having his issues, and some of them may have something to do with the article, but chances are, scouting reports are better than we are giving them credit!

If there is one thing that I know about Swish, it is that he has an amazing ability to adjust and refocus. Sure, he may be a little distracted by this recent drama, but I don't think he is the kind of person who is going to let it get to him for too long.

And frankly, it is about time the rest of the team carries him for a little while, return the favor in a way.

I have total faith that he will snap out of it soon.

And then there is the possibility that Big Frank had a bigger impact on this team than we realized. And now we are seeing the effects of not having him in the line-up.

In all honesty, I am just happy to get our butts back into the American League, where the Pitchers Pitch, the DH is the big man on campus, and the Bunts come few and FAR between!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jun 29, 2006 8:35 PM PDT reply actions

Swisher's moving to the Tenderloin?

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Unless he moves to the DL...

with a tender loin.

Tutti Frutti

by Ice Cream on Jun 30, 2006 6:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Well said, BCG!

As for Street not throwing enough strikes (comment above yours), this is the same guy who opened the season walking 3 batters in his first 28 innings, IIRC--and that includes his struggling period in April.

How quickly we forget that for much of the season, Swisher has been consisently good and Street has been "lights out"--until used so heavily to get 10 wins in a row that he may have a bit of a dead arm.

Sure we miss Thomas, Bradley, and Ellis--you can only go so long with a AAAA lineup before it catches up to you.

And the way it has caught up to the A's is a 2.5 game lead in the division. Somehow.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions

I wasn't slighting Swish

at all...I was just saying that he could be a little distracted right now. He's one of my faves, and always has been. I just want to make sure that I make that really, really clear.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 29, 2006 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Why, would it

just be KILLING you if Swish was mad at you?

by Nico on Jun 30, 2006 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions

i am a LITTLE confused...

...about why Melhuse stayed on the bench, but...

Perez did the job.

"Let's face it, some pitchers have upside or downside---Blanton has backside." ~Buck18

by baseballgirl on Jun 29, 2006 8:40 PM PDT reply actions

I assume it was because

Macha didn't want to use his last backup catcher. Which is ironic, because the Padres played the last 5 innings with no one to replace Josh Bard if he got hurt--both Bowen and Piazza were used and removed by the time the 10th inning began.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Sensative Swisher.

Nick needs some thicker skin. We are going through the same issues that arose last year after his Grandma past away. He seems to have a problem leaving personal stuff in the dugout. As for Street, that lame ass world baseball classic B.S. seems to have taken it's toll on a lot of players. He will be fine but he's probably cost himself an all-star bid along with Chavy during this streak. And can we please leave Ellis in the minors until he catches fire, we need him back at the top of the order hitting .300+ with that gap power.

by jjham15 on Jun 29, 2006 8:55 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah

Cause having a not so nice article writen about you and having your Grandma die are the same thing! That's It!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jun 29, 2006 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions

song dedication

Blez, I know you mentioned Perez as a hero, but you forgot his song moniker: Mr. Unswung.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:04 PM PDT reply actions

Seattle COMING ON STRONG!

Just turned a 2-1 loss into a 3-2 win.

"If you have the horses, you'll win. If you don't, you'll lose." ~Tony LaRussa on managing

by baseballgirl on Jun 29, 2006 9:10 PM PDT reply actions

AZ still has last AB

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions

If Putz blows it,

I will eat my hat.

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

<shakes up mustard bottle>

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Is that in case

the Diamondbacks catsup?

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd relish that

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Made no difference.

AZ has got nothing.

Say what you want about the A's, but they never gave up today.

"If you have the horses, you'll win. If you don't, you'll lose." ~Tony LaRussa on managing

by baseballgirl on Jun 29, 2006 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions

yyyyyyyyyyeah ...

Neither did the Padres. Who were an inning away from losing. Against a closer, regardless of his recent struggles, better than Putz. And AZ's got a better lineup than the A's.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Sure, but MaEl will be back.

And no one can stop MaEl!

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah.

I was trying to make myself feel better about the team.

I wasn't really meaning 'you', per se, just talking out loud ;)

"If you have the horses, you'll win. If you don't, you'll lose." ~Tony LaRussa on managing

by baseballgirl on Jun 29, 2006 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh, I know

I'm grumpy being still stuck at work at 9:45.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions

That's odd--

I could swear the zoo closed at 6:00pm.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions

sure, for the "exempt" animals

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Stupid kangaroos

and their damn unions.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Kangaroo marriages threaten the institution

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't know--

I've been institutionalized for a while, and it doesn't appear to me to be threatened.

Stop following me.

Seriously, stop it.

Not you, the toaster.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions

were you institutionalized by a ...

... kangaroo court order? Those activist judges do pursue a marsupial agenda, you know.

(And, yes, I myself used to have a marsupial agenda -- a nice opossum-skin folio.)

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd be grumpy too...

I have to go to bed now. Leaving for Oakland tomorrow night. I'll be at Sunday's game...anyone else?!

"If you have the horses, you'll win. If you don't, you'll lose." ~Tony LaRussa on managing

by baseballgirl on Jun 29, 2006 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Not me. :(

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks for not telling me!

I'll be there Sunday, with batgirl, in the bleachers, had no idea you wuz going.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions

I had no idea I was going either!

Until last night when I wrote that!

"If you have the horses, you'll win. If you don't, you'll lose." ~Tony LaRussa on managing

by baseballgirl on Jun 30, 2006 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Sort of like, you wrote it

and then realized, "Sheesh, now I have to go," and made sudden travel arrangements?

by Nico on Jun 30, 2006 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Throwing Strikes

Please throw strikes now when we have a lead in the game. Thank you

by skeeter1 on Jun 29, 2006 9:14 PM PDT reply actions

I can't help rooting for Seattle

Maybe it's the "I can't take them seriously as a division threat" factor, maybe it's the "I really do like Ichiro" factor, or the "I TOLD you they'd finish ahead of Texas!" (even though they won't) factor, but...

GO MARINERS!!!

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 9:16 PM PDT reply actions

I can't help rooting for truffles

One needs a pig for that, not a monkey.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions

What's the matter with J. J. ?

He's a Putz!

by Richmond on Jun 29, 2006 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

My original comment stand.

3-2 loss.

And ^(&)%^$# that we have to go face them after this loss.

"If you have the horses, you'll win. If you don't, you'll lose." ~Tony LaRussa on managing

by baseballgirl on Jun 29, 2006 9:24 PM PDT reply actions

Maybe we should take Seattle more seriously.

Since our team is playing like crap.

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions

No no, thats ok, keep ignoring us.

Keep thinking we aren't a threat.

We like that you don't notice us as you go on your annual run. We like that you don't notice us as this time, we run beside you.

We've very quietly worked our way into the best Run Differential in the AL West(+30). We've very quietly worked our way from one the worst offensive teams in the AL to the upper half. And we've very quietly worked from being in last place, 10 games under .500, and about 7 games back to 2 games over, 2nd place, and knocking at your door at 2 games back.

But remember, we're not a threat.

M's fan. Our young Ace, is better than your young Ace.

by Goose on Jun 29, 2006 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions

I read LL every day, so I've definitely noticed.

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 30, 2006 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions

You've also very quietly....

Worked your way into a 1-9 record vs. the A's. Now that's a way to win a division!

Huston Street is my hero.

by EastBayA on Jun 30, 2006 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions

True and I'll readily admit that you guys have

owned our asses so far this season, and winning the division becomes a hell of a lot tougher if we can't beat you, but we'll see if that continues.

M's fan. Our young Ace, is better than your young Ace.

by Goose on Jun 30, 2006 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Indeed we will see...

You guys have been playing great ball the last two weeks, and as a native Oregonian it's nice to see some good baseball finally coming out of the Pacific Northwest.

By the way, for this site, you should amend your signature line from better to healthier ;-).

Huston Street is my hero.

by EastBayA on Jun 30, 2006 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions

C'mon, Saarloos with

a completely depleted bullpen behind him? Piece o' cake.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions

<Macha insults piece o' cake>

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions

hehe

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm still bitter ...

... that my "Icin' Joe" nickname for Cupcakes hasn't caught on.

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions

The real question is...

does the icing have to be bitter?

"The hard... is what makes it great."

by Jjjsixsix on Jun 29, 2006 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

lil' bit of espresso in it, sure

Mmm, espresso icing ...

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Cupcakes

Man, that really sucks for you, I am liking it

by skeeter1 on Jun 29, 2006 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Ellis: 1-4 in Sacramento

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 9:29 PM PDT reply actions

And Windsor had a nice game,

but I've noticed that he seems to throw a lot of pitches in his 5 to 6 innings of work.

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Jun 29, 2006 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions

While college coaches

stand idly by.

Grrr....

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

110 in 5 1/3.

only walked 3, but had 10 ks. 69 strikes out of 110.

Statline sounds like Z on a good night.

"The hard... is what makes it great."

by Jjjsixsix on Jun 29, 2006 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions

hahaha

just about to say something about Windsor's likeness to Zito.

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners

by Helloooo 1st on Jun 29, 2006 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

i didn't get to watch the game today, but good

lord swisher struck out 5 times!? and now kendall has a higher BA then him. i never thought that would happen this season

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

by larrysgurl on Jun 29, 2006 9:42 PM PDT reply actions

yup

all five were swinging too.

"The hard... is what makes it great."

by Jjjsixsix on Jun 29, 2006 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions

my god! what happened to good swish?

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

by larrysgurl on Jun 29, 2006 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Street should start a

"blown saves for troops" campaign. That way, some good could come of these outings, and Armando Benitez would actually be useful.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 9:46 PM PDT reply actions

maybe swisher should pay everytime he strikes out

barry would get a lot of money out of him.

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

by larrysgurl on Jun 29, 2006 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions

"icin' joe"

It caught on with me,sorry
skeeter

by skeeter1 on Jun 29, 2006 9:50 PM PDT reply actions

<notches "1" mark in air>

Don't make me bring the Scrabble board to the locker room. I will bring it. -- Jonathan Papelbon @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 29, 2006 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions

The Lamer, and the Big Pain

I can't wait for them to come off of the DL so that they can go right back on it, and we can keep on winning. Get well, Chavvy, lets go Oakland

by skeeter1 on Jun 29, 2006 9:54 PM PDT reply actions

observations....

Okay, this is only mildly conscious rambling at this point because I'm tired and sunburned and annoyed at Southwest Airlines for taking so long to get me home, but I just had to mention this...(forgive me if it's in the game thread or somewhere else already)...Street was pissed in the ninth inning at the call to intentionally walk Giles. I thought at first that they were just getting their signs crossed up, but when Kendall went out to talk to him, it looked like Huston was yelling and him, and then taking his sweet dang time before throwing the pitches. He was not happy about putting a guy on base. I think it messed with his concentration - and if he can't get through a distraction like that, he needs to get his head cleared up...

Also, any word on DJ? He went running into the wall going after a foul ball in the ninth, and the very next play was a pick off attempt that he didn't bend down enough to get - worry was that he smashed his knee on the colision and that's why he wasn't moving well. Did they say anything up here about it? (This was the play that immediately preceeded the above Street incident, so perhaps that also pissed Huston off, but again, he needs to focus...)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 29, 2006 10:10 PM PDT reply actions

I couldn't see any of it,

but I imagine if Street was upset about something it was the two walks that started the inning. Especially the first one, which wasn't even the tying run. He was furious at himself for falling behind Sweeney, and for walking Bonds, on Saturday. I doubt he was too thrilled at walking the first two hitters in his "bounce back" outing.

by Nico on Jun 29, 2006 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions

i'm sunburned too!

I put sunscreen on and everything! Silly extra innings. I didn't really notice that about DJ (the play kind of caught me off guard to be honest), but I did hope that Croz wasn't hurt when they pulled him out and that it was just a strategy w/the pitcher spot coming up (I would've liked Chavez to be replaced instead because of his gimp status, though in the end it worked out best the way they did it... oh well). We shall see, but obviously I hope no one was hurt and we can start a new win streak. Though, I think my biggest observation of the game was how quiet it was. Especially after everyone left in the 8thish inning. I think by the end there were more A's fans than Padres fans there haha. GO A'S!!!

"I never saw a hooligan I did like. They're like left-handed pitchers, they all have a screw loose somewhere." - The Asphalt Jungle

by drmmerchk on Jun 29, 2006 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

My favorite Joe Morgan moment

Joe Morgan,in a playoff game or the series:

"The secret to the Diamondbacks' defense is good defense."

by Concord Fanz Dad on Jun 29, 2006 11:04 PM PDT reply actions

The last time

Swisher had a game like this (that 0-for-4 one with four strikeouts against the Mariners), he came back and had his 36-game on-base streak. Time for a new streak, Swish!

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

by day-to-day on Jun 29, 2006 11:54 PM PDT reply actions