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Link Dump 6/8: It's not safe in here

This isn't how it was supposed to be. Sure, losing Harden and Bradley for some time wasn't surprising, but Duchscherer, Kennedy, Street, Loaiza, Witasick, Crosby, Ellis, DJ, Blanton...whether they were hurt or just plain sucked, it wasn't something I saw coming.

That streak we're all waiting for? The big turnaround? I'm afraid that's only going to happen if the A's stay healthy, and I'm not sure that they can. Duke could be closer to returning (scroll down), but Kennedy seems nowhere near that...he paid a visit to Dr. Lewis Yocum. "No rotator cuff tears, just tendinitis, so he needs more rest."

Chavy was scratched from last night's lineup due to back stiffness.

Chavez took two rounds of batting practice before shutting it down. He was bothered by the same problem the night before, first feeling it on a routine chopper in the second -- and it was still bugging him when he homered off Scott Sauerbeck in the eighth.

The five-time Gold Glove winner revealed after the game that he's been playing all year with a strain in his left hamstring where that muscle is attached to the glute, an injury he expects to linger all year. As a result, he has been running differently, and he believes that has led to some recurring irritation in his back. (He was scratched from an eventual rainout at Kansas City in late April with the same problem.)

Larry Davis said the A's planned to rest Chavy for one day in Cleveland anyway. But that hardly makes me feel better since that planned day of rest was to come in a series following a day off (Monday). This is pretty serious, and while a lot of people have called for Davis to be fired for all of the injuries the team has endured, this is where I expect him to shine. He has to keep Chavy healthy. The hamstring is going to be an issue all season, so Davis needs to be proactive. Chavy should get rest from time to time, because the last thing this team needs is to lose him. There's just too much going wrong right now. If Chavy gets hurt because he's not getting the rest he needs, the blame goes directly to Davis. Not Macha.

As for the game, it sucked.

"Whatever," Blanton said. "A three-run homer, a solo homer, yeah, that's four runs, but I felt like I give up a lot of bloop hits, balls through the infield, off the end of the bat, like that." Pitchers make comments like that all the time. But it's been two months. Although Blanton had a fine rookie season, I expected less from him this year. However, I didn't expect this implosion.

Jay Witasick sucked, too. Though he's probably rusty.

Jay Witasick, in his first action since spraining his ankle in April, gave up two hits and two walks -- one of them intentional and the other to Martinez with the bases loaded, forcing in a run in the sixth.

Asked if Witasick's ankle was a factor Wednesday, Macha said, "He's been cleared to go 100 percent, so there are no excuses on that."

The offense? Sucky and stupid last night. Frank Thomas needs to understand that he has no business going for a double when he can't run. He's also one ugly slide away from hurting himself again.

Loaiza starts tonight. I'm hoping he's effective (duh). I want the A's to win, and I want Loaiza to be the pitcher Beane thought he was getting when he offered that contract. But also, Macha will have a short leash for Haren and Zito in New York. Zito has thrown 120+ pitches in two of his last three starts. Haren threw 122 pitches in each of his last two starts.  Harden will be on a pitch count of 90, I believe. I don't think the A's can afford to have Loaiza completely bomb tonight. If he does, it could get ugly against the Yankees. The A's offense will be facing Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, and Shawn Chacon.

JASON GRIMSLEY

Ozzie Guillen and Jeff Nelson will share the Most Amusing Reaction to the Jason Grimsley Investigation Award.

In discussing Grimsley's situation, Nelson brought up Rafael Palmeiro, who reportedly said teammate Miguel Tejada provided a vitamin that might have led to Palmeiro's positive test for steroid use.

The difference? Palmeiro compiled Hall of Fame-caliber numbers. Grimsley journeyed to seven teams and has a career ERA of 4.77.

"This isn't some superstar player who's coming out and naming names," Nelson said. "How much credibility is this guy going to have? You look at the guy's past.

"You'll figure out this guy can't be very credible for what he's gone through in his life."

"I didn't like him when he was playing because he was nasty," Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said.

"A former player should shut up and go," Guillen continued. "Shut up and move on."

Who's in charge of PR over there? Holy cow, someone needs to staple Guillen's mouth shut. You didn't like Grimsley because he was "nasty"? And what the heck is Nelson talking about? Palmeiro is credible because he's a superstar?!

Grimsley's lawyer says feds targeted Bonds

The attorney for Jason Grimsley said Wednesday that federal agents tried to pressure the former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher into wearing a listening device to lure other major league players into confidential conversations in an effort to find incriminating evidence against superstar Barry Bonds.

"It was a specific effort to target Bonds," said Edward F. Novak, one of the pre-eminent criminal attorneys in Arizona. "We were told that Jason's cooperation was necessary to their case."

Novak said Grimsley "was outed by the feds" because he refused to cooperate.

Novak denied Grimsley volunteered the names of any fellow players and former players. He said, instead, federal agents questioned Grimsley about specific athletes and asked what he knew about their illegal drug habits. "They asked him specifically about Barry Bonds and Jason said he didn't know Bonds well and didn't know if he did or didn't use drugs."

Novak said investigators then asked Grimsley whether he knew anybody on the San Francisco Giants, Bonds' team, who he might get to confide about the slugger who is now second on the all-time home run list.

Grimsley refused and, according to Novak, told investigators that "baseball players don't go around talking about who is using and who isn't."

Novak said: "There is a lot in the affidavit that my client would dispute."

Grimsley affidavit links O's, scandal

"It's like another Palmeiro issue," said Orioles designated hitter Javy Lopez . "I just hope he didn't mention any guys here. That would be shocking news again. That's the last thing we need here, the same kind of thing that pushed us back last year."

Third baseman Melvin Mora agreed.

"I hope nothing negative comes from this in the clubhouse," Mora said. "We have a lot of young guys in here, and we don't need what happened last year to happen again."


Update [2006-6-8 9:55:9 by Sharon]: Thanks to asfaninTX for this news...Harden is on the DL with a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Harden returns to DL with elbow injury
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5676002
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 8, 2006 6:54 AM PDT   0 recs

sharon, just ignore jeff nelson's statement
because he's not a superstar and therefore lacks credibility.
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 8, 2006 6:56 AM PDT   0 recs

I GET IT!
It CAN get worse. For the last time! I've learned my lesson!
I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 6:57 AM PDT   0 recs

<throws chair>
...if the A's stay healthy, and I'm not sure that they can.

WHY?!

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

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 6:59 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

"Every team has injuries."
MY. ASS.
I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 6:58 AM PDT   0 recs

<Sharon placed on DL with sprained ass>
I thought you were a promiscuous gal from Oroville. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 8, 2006 9:42 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey!
Thanks for the credit for the article, for once I felt like I was ahead of the game.  You guys are always so on top of things around here!

by asfaninTX on Jun 8, 2006 6:59 AM PDT   0 recs

Oh, and <censored> Dan Meyer.
I officially hate him.
I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 7:01 AM PDT   0 recs

WTF?
What did Meyer do to piss you off?
Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Jun 8, 2006 7:03 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

grover,
I'm ranting here. I don't really hate Meyer. But the source of my anger is that I had hoped that he would be an option at some point this season, just in case of an injury.

Actually, I had hoped he would be an option last season.

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

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 7:09 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

And I'm sorry about that,
but I just wrote a diary talking about injuries. That and Chavy, Duke and Kennedy...I'm so tired of this. When does it end?

And think of the players. What have they been saying for the past month? "Wait until we get these guys back."

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

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 7:13 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Sharon...
just a reminder...the game starts at 9:05 a.m. PST. Cup of coffee time...
Root Beer Float

by Ice Cream on Jun 8, 2006 7:09 AM PDT   0 recs

world cup starts tomorrow!
and i just noticed that sbnation has a futbol blog, check it out:
http://www.globalfutbol.com/

the main blogger dude combines saint's use of multiple exclamation marks with oaktoon's use of all caps.

my somewhat bold futbol prediction: US makes it out of the group by beating ghana and one of the two favorites (czech or italy).
not so bold prediction: as E runner up, they face F winner brazil next and lose.

OT: hell, michigan adds a new resident, a few days after the 6/6/6 festivities...
http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/2006/06/zarqawi-killed.html

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 8, 2006 7:09 AM PDT   0 recs

I'm blown away but staying positive.
harden or not....we have 25 healthy guys who will fight everyday and i'm behind them.  no quitting for me......
$1000 worth of liquor for Cupcakes and Swish and 'friends'. Hope it worked...

by jrwolf on Jun 8, 2006 7:10 AM PDT   0 recs

Today's game is on EI...
at least it is on DirecTV. The online schedule didn't have it, but DirecTV listed the game on channel 743, I think. Check your local listings. :)

by Jennifer on Jun 8, 2006 7:11 AM PDT   0 recs

I'm thinking of worse ways to start my day.
Still thinking...still thinking...

Y'know, A's pitchers over the last 7 or 8 years haven't really had arm injuries.  Why did Rich have to be the first?

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jun 8, 2006 7:11 AM PDT   0 recs

joe morgan would say we were due
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 8, 2006 7:12 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

<kicks sal in the [censored]>
<pours hot coffee over his head>

by Jennifer on Jun 8, 2006 7:12 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

No way.
Hearing Harden is hurt is way worse.
Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jun 8, 2006 7:14 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You're right.
DAMN IT!

Why? WHY?!? Son of a bitch.

Get your earmuffs out, kids.

by Jennifer on Jun 8, 2006 7:17 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 7:18 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Our cup runneth over.
Those poor Pacific Timers, having to wake up to this.

by Jennifer on Jun 8, 2006 7:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Good news for NRAFs...
"the poop stain on the collective AN pantalones." -ohad

by ArakSOT on Jun 8, 2006 11:40 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Because he was the best.
Or...whom the gods wish to destroy they first call promising.

<barf>

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

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 7:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

New plan.
Scrap the whole 'Harden as the future lead of staff' idea. Offer him to Zito as a cabana boy in exchange for a hometown discount on a four-year contract.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jun 8, 2006 7:12 AM PDT   0 recs

he can't ask for anything more
I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on Jun 8, 2006 7:45 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

non-white people should probably avoid germany
for the next month.  just watch the world cup on espn from the safety of your home...

It's the World Cup of soccer security
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/06/07/MNG2UJ9UOO1.DTL&hw=nazi+soccer&s n=001&sc=1000

Fears have also been fueled by homegrown hate groups, mostly in eastern Germany, who have targeted Asians and Africans in recent years. Since reunification of West and East Germany in 1990, at least 133 people have been killed by racist or extreme conservative groups, a Berlin human rights organization reported.
...
Frankfurt police are bracing for a demonstration reportedly planned by neo-Nazi groups on June 17, when Portugal plays Iran. Media reports indicate the groups are planning to show their solidarity with Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is adamant that the Holocaust never happened and has called for the elimination of the state of Israel. Ahmadinejad has said he might attend the match.

fortunately for the US...
U.S. national team prepared for the hate
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=370304&root=worldcup&cc=5901

Over the last decade, at matches in Latin American countries such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, U.S. players have been pelted with everything from batteries and coins to screws and saliva. In one match, former coach Steve Sampson said his players were bombed with bags of urine and animal blood. In the mid-90s, defender Paul Caligiuri was treated for welts on his back after being sprayed with a chemical substance, presumably acid.

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 8, 2006 7:24 AM PDT   0 recs

Did you see the Sportscenter feature
on racism and European soccer?

It was really interesting. I think the most surprising thing was just how accepted it was.

And apparently the "I'm not a racist, I have a black friend" excuse is used all over the globe. Who knew?

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Jun 8, 2006 2:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Now
Would be the proper time to start talking to Zito about extension...
Larry Davis couldn't treat a cold-Tony My.....Space?

by ohad on Jun 8, 2006 7:28 AM PDT   0 recs

i'm starting to think the A's just need to trade
harden. he does this team no good if he can only make 15 starts a year.
"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 8, 2006 7:29 AM PDT   0 recs

Difficult trade to make
It would be bitter as a fan if he went elsewhere and put together a healthy season.  But with so many injuries in a very young career suggests that this will be an ongoing problem.

But you must also consider that the A's as an organization tends to be very quick on shutting guys down if a problem arises.  This could be merely precautionary.  And of course, this makes us all second guess the reasoning in bringing Harden back so soon.  Maybe having him pitch out of the bullpen for a week or two would've been more beneficial...

I like Mickey Morabito's hair.

by franks a lot on Jun 8, 2006 7:36 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

No way.
His contract is still reasonable.  If we eat his money for the next two years hoping for him to be healthy, it's not the biggest financial loss in the world.  We just have to prepare our pitching staff to be ready to go without him.

We can't rely on Harden, but there's no need to trade him either.  Any possible return will be muted  given his injury history.

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jun 8, 2006 7:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yep
Couldn't agree more

by asfaninTX on Jun 8, 2006 5:05 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I meant the two above
  1. Sign Zito
  2. start thinking about dealing Harden-- though it will have to be after he comes back from this injury
oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jun 8, 2006 7:51 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i can't find harden being put on the DL anywhere
else. are we sure it's not a mistake.
"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 8, 2006 7:38 AM PDT   0 recs

I hope it's a mistake.
Wouldn't it be funny?

by Jennifer on Jun 8, 2006 7:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yes
it would also be a relief.
"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 8, 2006 7:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

ken rosenthal has NEVER been wrong
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 8, 2006 7:40 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

How's Huddy pitching
for the Dodgers these days?
Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jun 8, 2006 7:41 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

he's actually doing very well there
VERY WELL.  trust me.
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 8, 2006 7:47 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i hate baseball

why'd he have to come back for one start and get us all excited?  i can't decide if i should throw something, curse a lot, or crawl into a ball and cry.  think i'll do them all.  

by Eric in Atlanta on Jun 8, 2006 7:56 AM PDT   0 recs

I'm thinking about...
finding a new team to root for.

by Jennifer on Jun 8, 2006 8:00 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm going to start watching the poker
tournaments on ESPN. I quit baseball.
I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 8:02 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 8:03 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

it really is

i'm so over reacting.  (over reacting?  that doesn't sound right)

but, damn, i'm sad about this news.  it's like my puppy died.  i keep saying "he's just a baseball player", but then i sigh and get sad.  stupid baseball.  sometimes i hate being a fan.

by Eric in Atlanta on Jun 8, 2006 8:08 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

<puts sobbing face in shoulder>

hehe, i IM'd my friend this news with a sad face and aptly replied:

<blowing up big mattress under cliff>

by Eric in Atlanta on Jun 8, 2006 8:13 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

puppy died?
I bet you didn't do this with it...
There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 8, 2006 10:05 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

LET'S GO PI-RATES
Being an A's fans has its ups and downs, but being a fan of some other teams just has downs.  We're lucky, believe me.
Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jun 8, 2006 8:02 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

is it just me...
or is this a little odd?  Since when did the A's DL players before we even heard about there even being a problem?  What happened to the minimum 20 days?  This is a total betrayal of team philosophy.  Next thing you know frank will start bunting and stealing bases and maybe even run.  Until we here it from a real source, I'm not sure I'd trust FOX news for anything.

by DMOAS on Jun 8, 2006 7:57 AM PDT   0 recs

i'm really starting to think this is a mistake.
no one but fox sports and ESPN are reporting it. it's not on rotoworld. it's not on the A's official site. it's not anywhere.
"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 8, 2006 8:01 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i too want to stay in the happy bubble
i can't believe it. ESPN is always wrong about the A's.
I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on Jun 8, 2006 8:02 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

UGGGHHHHHHHHH
not a good way to start my morning!!!! =(

by gotgreen on Jun 8, 2006 8:02 AM PDT   0 recs

It's official.
A's  press release
I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 8:05 AM PDT   0 recs

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

by Sharon on Jun 8, 2006 8:06 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

don't take this personally Sharon
but right now i hate you for that.
I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on Jun 8, 2006 8:06 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

she probably helped them write it
bitch.
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 8, 2006 8:21 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Do you ever check your e-mail?
Or are you too busy bitching at Sharon? ;)
Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Jun 8, 2006 8:23 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

not really
i'm so far behind with my email that it's intimidating to look at.
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 8, 2006 8:33 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Then how am I gonna rip you off?
Turn on your Yahoo Smiley face 'cause I'd like to talk trade.
Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Jun 8, 2006 8:51 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i have a strange urge to strangle someone
i wonder how close Sharon is...
I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on Jun 8, 2006 8:24 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

might be a little difficult
I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on Jun 8, 2006 8:27 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

No
We need Jay. Or do we?
Stephen Colbert: "Kids who look up to athletes become athletes themselves."
The Word: Or bitter sports journalists.

by JLaff on Jun 8, 2006 8:41 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i looked horrible last night
and the season is over, so why not? my optimistic soul went up in flames, and if i don't stop grinding my teeth i will need to go to the dentist.
I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on Jun 8, 2006 8:43 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i thought yesterday sucked. today is even worse.
"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jun 8, 2006 8:08 AM PDT   0 recs

Cuss jar
Where is it and how do I fill it?
I can't remember what I was going to say, but I assure you, it was brilliant!

by oblique on Jun 8, 2006 8:19 AM PDT   0 recs

Rich Harden: Canadian for F&*%ing Injured.
Or F%^&ing Broken.  F%&^.  F%^&, F%^&, F%^&ity F%^& F^&*.
"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 Jun 8, 2006 8:21 AM PDT   0 recs