Is This The End?

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 24, 2006 10:07 PM PDT in News

Was that the last time we're going to see Barry Zito walk off the mound at the Coliseum wearing green and gold? I'm not sure, but my gut is telling me it very well could've been.

Regardless, it's not the way you want to end a fantastic career as an Oakland Athletic. The A's actually threatened to come back in this game several times, but were just that one hit away from doing it. Then again, giving any team seven runs is tough to come back from.

The worst part is that the A's are wasting a remarkable stretch from their bullpen. The team's pen has gone the last 20 2/3rd's innings and allowed exactly 0 earned runs over the past seven games. That's some amazing pitching and it comes just in time for the A's starters to experience one of their poorest stretches in a while. Granted, they're facing offenses like Detroit, Baltimore and Boston, but the bullpen has been able to shut them down. Of course it has to make you wonder how much longer the pen can continue to perform like that when the starters have only been going five innings or less.

The A's are now tied with Anaheim for first place in the West, and the schedule isn't any friendlier tomorrow with Jason Windsor facing Curt Schilling while the Angels continue to face the Devil Rays. It's a bit bumpy, ladies and gents, so make sure you're buckled in.

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The A's bullpen is FANTASTIC!!!

Now if only their starters could just be AVERAGE!!!

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 10:08 PM PDT reply actions

It's funny

the offense started waking up after four innings or so (typical after a long 10-game road trip), and it's been good of late. The thing that's hurting now is starter performances. The team can't seem to get the pen, the offense and starters going at the same time.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 24, 2006 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions

It's funny.

Isn't that the manager's job?

EdFol's Mom

by lowispete on Jul 24, 2006 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions

And to put salt in the wound...

Ethier hit 2 dingers tonight. Ugh.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jul 24, 2006 10:10 PM PDT reply actions

4 for 5. Pity...

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jul 24, 2006 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Not only are the Angels

playing an easy schedule right now, they miss Kazmir in both series against the D-Rays. Dhere oughtta be a law.

I wonder if the quality of Windsor's outing will have any bearing on the A's willingness to deal Zito. Probably not, but the "one affects the other" aspect is, at least, interesting.

Nothing would thrill me more than to beat Curt Schilling tomorrow--especially if his last pitch resulted in a Frank Thomas line drive directly off of Schilling's balls. I know, that wish is very specific. It has to be Thomas, it has to be a searing line drive, and it has to bisect the testicles like a beautiful 7/10 split.

Put a bloody sock over that, you freak.

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:15 PM PDT reply actions

HEEEEEE!

Tell us how you really feel!

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions

They beat Kazmir earlier this season

IN Tampa Bay.

But agreed, it has been the softer part of the schedule for "Anaheim" as you call them.

by RevHalofan on Jul 24, 2006 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions

As you probably know, Rev,

even when the Angels were buried 10 games under I said I thought it would be the A's and Angels fighting it out in the end. And I don't see either team pulling away the next 6 weeks, because frankly I don't think either team is good enough. The other two are just a bit worse.

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm beginning to think

Seattle's just as good as the other three.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jul 24, 2006 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I think the biggest thing

impacting the dealing of Zito is who Minaya is willing to part with...or Colletti...or whoever else. I'm pretty sure a starting pitcher has to be coming back in return.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 24, 2006 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions

how many tonight nico? come on be honest with me.

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Hookers: 3,

Bourbons: 5, Paxils: 8, impressionable sheep: 2, Vodkas: lost track.

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions

noted in my clinicians pad. very good

see you tomorrow, but be on time.

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions

and we can start working on

your arrogance and presumptiousness too while we are at it. <heh-heh>

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I just disclosed that I've

binged on three downers and you're worried I won't be on time for our daily 10:00am appointment? It will be a miracle if I wake up. See you at the crack of 1:30pm.

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions

That's no way to talk about a girl

even if she is a prostitute.

by hunter on Jul 25, 2006 7:04 AM PDT up reply actions

The Red Hot Chilli Peppers

popped into my head when you mentioned that..

"I don't know if you know but France made it to the World Cup final. They all tested positive for being assholes" -Lance Armstrong

by sf drift king on Jul 25, 2006 12:55 AM PDT up reply actions

When Do We Wave the White Flag??

I think we all sense the same thing. This team cannot hit on a consistant basis. The starters are expected to keep the opposition down and hope their teammates can muster 3 runs. There is not huge trade in sight. Are we looking at the only team in baseball to trade off their parts while still (hopefully) in first place??

by Murph21 on Jul 24, 2006 10:17 PM PDT reply actions

I guess it's accurate

to say that we "sense" that "the A's can't hit on a regular basis," as the eyes indeed provided one of the senses. Oh, and my nose tells me that the offense stinks, so that's two...

Seriously, though, whether to wave the white flag while in first place in late July, in order to "reload" (again) for the future, is management's conundrum to ponder. But for a fan to wave the white flag, they would have be a masochist, a complete idiot, or both. Our job is easy: root hope, and thank heaven that the division is weak.

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Bull....

You are so arrogant and presumptuous and think you know better.

I want this team to be really good. It isn't. And has little prospect of being so with the current batch of players. So if that means "waving the white flag" is, IMHO, the best way to do so, don't belittle that view by saying it is the product of someone who is "Masochist, complete idiot, or both"

I think those terms are actually much more descriptive of someone who still clings to the notion that this team could somehow win the WS this season.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jul 24, 2006 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions

From the community guidelines:

The following are simply not acceptable on AN :

Relentless negativity will not be tolerated. What constitutes "relentless negativity"? It's simple: simply posting the A's suck 100 percent of the time without reasoning or proposing solutions. There is nothing helpful about someone who constantly says that their team "sucks" and complains. We're all fans and we all get frustrated when the team doesn't perform or has bad luck, but regurgitating the same venom over and over again doesn't help anything or anyone. AN is aiming to be better than that. If you continue to do nothing but post negativity, you will lose posting privileges without warning. There's a difference between someone who aims to point out flaws and be constructive and someone who is destructive. 10 diaries, or 10 comments, in a row about how the A's stink with no reasoning or proposals is basically trolling and that's how it will be treated. The goal is to make this community fun for everyone.

And not to mention:

Personal attacks on community members, directly or through sarcasm/belittling

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions

I am proposing solutions

People don't want to hear it, but I now believe Zito should be moved and between now and the beginning of next season Beane should see what he can get in return for Chavez, harden, Crosby and possibly Swisher. Baseball girl, i have been saying this over and over. You may not want to hear it, but I'd say that's certainly not "no reasoning or proposals"-- I am in fact doing nothing but reasoning and making proposals.

Nico called me-- let's not mistake who he was talking about-- an "idiot" or "masochist"-- before I ever said boo about him. I reacted by calling him presumptuous and arrogant-- ad I think that's a fair criticism of someone who uses those terms with no cause. So white is black with you, tonight, baseball femme.

if this site has grown so narrow as to have somebody claim they are citing CG against me when in fact the reverse is true... wow, I don;t want to be here anymore.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jul 24, 2006 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, to be perfectly honest,

that's the best damn news I've heard all day.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

and for you

one of the exalted ones who posts after the games in the "official" space, speaks volumes about what I guess the official view of this site is.

When the going gets tough-- take a hike.

Sorry-- not gonna go along with that one.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jul 24, 2006 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Lucky for you....there IS no 'official' view.

I am an A's fan, first and foremost, before anything else. I came to this site because I wanted a chance to hang out with other A's fans, through better and for worse; to follow my team with other people who love the A's, and no matter what, root for the team.

I LOVE the A's. I don't agree with the management a lot of the time (I am the original Macha-basher), but that doesn't make me love the A's any less. I will root for this team, whoever happens to be in green and gold at the time, as hard as I can until they are mathematically elimated.

People who have nothing but negative things to say about the A's get in the way of rooting sometimes. I'm tired of the venom, and the A's-bashing crap and this is not why I came to this site.

I'm TIRED of it, and I should be able to enjoy a fantastic A's win once in a while without being worried about how my writing is going to be attacked, because I'm not criticizing A's managment enough. I'm tired of my passion for the A's and for writing in general waning because of people like you. And I'd lay down some serious Vegas odds that I'm not the only one.

That's the last thing I'm going to post to you, and THAT is my official view.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions

God, I looooove catfights.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 24, 2006 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

At this rate...you totally owe me a beer.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, I'm 14.

And Mormon.

But besides that, totally.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 24, 2006 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions

That is without a doubt....

...the funniest comment I've read tonight. Thanks.

And...um...we could split a lemonade?!

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, and diabetic.

But a glass of water......in.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 24, 2006 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm....out of suggestions!!!!

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions

And all I'll simply say in response is...

Do you not think I love this team, too?

Do you not think i root for them, too? That i deperately wanted Thomas to go yard when the score was 7-2 and there were two men on?

We each have different reactions to our passion, don't we? I'm sorry you get tired of the "venom", though I would submit that most of the true venom around here doesn;t emanante from those who deign to criticize management, but instead from those who criticize us. I get tired of the mediocrity-- and lately of the decision-making that created the mediocrity.

I'm sorry if that doesn't comport with your belief of what this site should be. But just because that's true doesn't mean those of us who are growing more critical don't have a right to say so. Your attempt to do CGV on me tonight was very sad-- when in fact I am doing everything possible to be constructive. Remember that I never felt Zito would or should be traded-- i could never imagine that the team was going to be this bad. I was the one insulted in a very mean and destructive fashion by someone who should know better.

don't try to impose your view of what an A's fan should be on others, OK?? What have I done-- criticized you twice or maybe three times in your game wraps-- and now you're all "worried" that you aren;t being critical enough??? Just go with the flow, for crying out loud. These are difficult times for a franchise that did a lot of things right for many years-- and we're all goinjg to react to the adversity differently. Just don't try to claim that your way of rooting for the team is somehow better than mine.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jul 24, 2006 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Then you should also mention

"Harassing/Baiting of users, e.g., "How about that Chavez; isn't he great?" posted five consecutive times that Chavez makes an out, "The A's will never win this game" posted 10 times in 30 minutes, etc."

That's a CGV, too. I mean, he pretty much just said anyone who doesn't agree with his theory is an idiot. I'm a lifelong, diehard A's fan, but you know what? I think that getting some value for our parts that are leaving anyway is a bette roption for the health of this franchise than trying to chase fool's gold. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I don't really think that makes me an idiot. I may not agreee with Oaktoon that much, bu I've clearly seen him being egged on and baited repeatedly. And by a lot of the same people.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 24, 2006 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

And on a side note

I'm bummed we lost.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 24, 2006 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Me too, Tony, me too.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I will be more bummed if we lose tomorrow.

I know it's Windsor against Schilling. But I detest Schilling!

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 24, 2006 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I would like not only to beat Shilling...

...but to completely embarrass him.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah

I would like that too. he is obnoxious and I am still angry about Nick getting hit in the back. So I hope Windsor pitches beautifully...Ellis hits TWO homeruns...and Antonio Perez goes 4 for 4.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 24, 2006 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions

And I hope Thomas takes him deep

Twice...and 'accidently' runs into him covering home another time.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Actually, I have more

ambitious hopes for Thomas...

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Do tell.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 24, 2006 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions

He already did ;)

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/7/25/179/97864/4/

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions

OH I didn't read his comment thoroughly.

I do love the way Nico thinks.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 24, 2006 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions

You have to wonder

How much the trade talk affected Zito performance? Zito lives inside of his head so much anyway, it has to be difficult to focus.

"I try to figure this team out, and if I could, I'd be a genius," Mark Ellis

by Little Lebowski Urban Achievers on Jul 24, 2006 10:18 PM PDT reply actions

The 6 Game Pack

doesn't start until Sun Jul 30.

I guess they market it when the team is hot and then when it's time to pay dividends, the team gets a little sour.

Now I know what a Philadelphia sports fan must feel like!

This year's Peja-Artest, Willis for Zito! aim: encryptthisthat

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 24, 2006 10:19 PM PDT reply actions

I'm confused

The right lineup was out there but they forced hitters to be in positions they were not supposed to be in such as Payton having runners on but he is better having 2nd and third since he is prone to swing at the 1st pitch. As for Zito you can't trade him as they won't get anything for him unless a young arm comes in who is proven to shut it down.

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

by doublehustle22 on Jul 24, 2006 10:26 PM PDT reply actions

has Payton batted second or third

in any games this season?

by OaklandSi on Jul 24, 2006 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Twice

In games 61 and 66 Payton batted #3.

Hasn't batted #2 this year.

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Jul 25, 2006 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions

oh great macha on extra innings next.

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 10:32 PM PDT reply actions

"Well, eh, they got some

hits off our guy, a couple of 'em left the yard...We tried to come back, couldn't get the big hit, but, eh, had some good swings there in the later innings and our bullpen really shut the other guys down, so, eh, hope we can take some momentum into tomorrow's game, tomorrow's another day, hopefully get 'em tomorrow, we got Windsor going and, eh, hopefully he has his good stuff and go from there."

Am I close?

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions

your right there.

"three games up in seattle these guys swung the bats really well, they were kind of hot" eh...when your swinging the ball well...etc.

Really reaching back to the past there Ken.

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions

So we lost.

The lead in this division will trade around a few times before it's over. I love our pen ...the offense has come back from some deficets in recent games. The Halos have some serious problems..Texas historically folds in Aug..and the Mariners are pretty inconsistent. We can definitely take this division..and we have shown that we can beat good teams. I feel hopeful.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 24, 2006 10:35 PM PDT reply actions

I'm pretty hopeful too

Because so many of the teams in the West are mediocre. The one thing that could separate the Angels is that their already solid starting pitching got even better with Jered Weaver. And people have always said starting pitching is the great divider between good and great teams.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 24, 2006 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions

And ours is mysteriously lost...

Terrible outings for Blanton, Loaiza, and Zito.

We need to come up big tomorrow.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Hopefully Windsor got the

jitters out last time and will be on tomorrow. Throw that freaking Bugs Bunny changeup repeatedly, kid. You'll be fine.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 24, 2006 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions

BUT NOT TO FIRST BASE,

JASON--Not to first base!!!

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Windsor did really well

one earned run in 5 innings! This team always finds a way to do "just enough" and they will all the way through the rest of the season and the playoffs. The starting pitching will rebound and all will be great, starting tonight when we beat The Schill.

by A'sfansince1970 on Jul 25, 2006 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree, but some of that

gets balanced back the other way by the rather glaring discrepancy between the Angels' and A's defense. Neither team will score much, neither team will blow a lot of late leads, the A's will give up a few more earned runs, the Angels will give up a few more unearned/preventable runs, and nothing will be decided by September 22nd--when they go head to head for the first of 7.

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions

God, I hope so

This stretch of the schedule has been really tough.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 24, 2006 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions

If Zito gets traded...

the differential between the abilty of the Angels starters and ours is a little daunting. But the Angels have proven that they have some significant defensive troubles so I am still HOPEFUL. I am not saying we have an overwhelmingly wonderful team but we have an excellent chance to take this division. and WS history has plenty of examples where the best team didn't win. This is another exciting year for A's fans. Patience is required in this sport.I wish that more people on this site would show their maturity as fans and practice that quality. We all get frustrated and I do understand that but it seems like so many people are ready to give up and we truly are right in there. Let's all hope for the best in the next few weeks and hopefully we do better with the easy schedule in Aug.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 24, 2006 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Barf......red sox fans on extra innings

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 10:43 PM PDT reply actions

I wanted to just reach right through the radio...

...and smack the snotty, superior tone right off that bitch who Buan let on the air first. Pardon my venom, but I've never before been so close to calling a radio station for the express purpose of calling a previous caller a few names that would get people scrambling for the delay button.

"I meant to make cookies today (real, edible, yummy, non-innuendo cookies)" ~ JLaff

by Poppy on Jul 25, 2006 6:29 AM PDT up reply actions

that was my intestitudinal

re-action too! i was expecting paris hilton to call in next..."oh yeah, i am a redsox fans, soxs don't fall."

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

by ak_A on Jul 25, 2006 6:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Wrong on Chavvy

I was wrong to think I wanted him to bat 8th. He needs to sit, and sit and sit. 2 K's (I called), a bleeder into left, and a pop out on the infield. I've never understood the I-hate-Macha crowd, but why was it, again, that Chavvy wasn't put on the DL? Were they afraid they were going to win too many road games without him, like they did when he was on the DL 2 years ago?

by solotar on Jul 24, 2006 10:46 PM PDT reply actions

It's funny, but when Chavy

slapped the single to left I thought it looked really familiar but I couldn't place it. And then I realized it reminded me of Jason Kendall. Our power-hitting franchise player has been reduced to trying bloop the occasional single somewhere amongst the myriad of fielders so he can go 1/3 with a walk on a good day.

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Ethier Batting Clean Up

Single to left, single to right, homer to left, homer to right.

Ug.

Is he our Francisco Liriano, and is Bradley our Przzzz?

by solotar on Jul 24, 2006 10:49 PM PDT reply actions

Maybe

But at least we didn't put Huston Street and Jason Windsor in the deal as well.

"You are not very good, Dad. You always lose." --Dylan

by dylantravis on Jul 24, 2006 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Right

That's the equivalent trade. If WE had traded for AJ in 03 or 04 or whenver it was, the equivalent trade would likely have been:

AJ for Street, Harden, and Windsor

Yikes.

by Crosbino on Jul 24, 2006 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions

I can't picture any fathomable string of events

that could make it that bad of a deal.....

Liriano is specialo, man. Ethier might make a solid pro, but Liriano is going to win Cy Youngs if he stays healthy.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 24, 2006 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions

since most pitchers haven't

had time to adjust to Ethier -- and he is in the National League, it's probably best to wait a bit to lament him on the scale of Nathan and Liriano for Pierzynski.

by OaklandSi on Jul 24, 2006 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions

How Dare You

compare Billy Beane to Brian Sabean? We're not that lost are we?
...yet?

"Anybody who's ever had the privilege of seeing me play knows that I am the greatest pitcher in the world." -Dizzy Dean

by The Lonesome Undertaker on Jul 24, 2006 10:59 PM PDT reply actions

swisher making remarks

...disappointed at lack of support from crowd. sure, but hit well and pitch well and they will cheer more.

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 11:01 PM PDT reply actions

Seriously!!

It's hard to cheer when you're down 5-0, 6-0, and 7-0 early to good clubs.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz

by baseballgirl on Jul 24, 2006 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions

in other years, the third deck was open

the place was packed, and there were more A's fans there as well.

by OaklandSi on Jul 24, 2006 11:05 PM PDT reply actions

Gee, it's almost like

closing the third deck was a mistake.

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions

yes

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Did anyone see the article

in today's Contra Costa Times about the third deck closing?

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 24, 2006 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Are you sure you weren't

reading Behind The Times?

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

by Nico on Jul 24, 2006 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL

Ok ...discussed to death I guess.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 24, 2006 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions

HANGOVER GAMES & Barry Zito

- The A's are now 2-6 after road trips (including Spring Training). They have been outscored 30-49. Only two wins are against the Seattle Mariners (What else is new?)...

4/3 vs. NYY 2-15 (Loss)
4/14 vs. TEX 3-6 (Loss)
5/16 vs. SEA 12-6 (Win)
5/29 vs. KC 4-6 (Loss)
6/13 vs. SEA 2-0 (Win)
6/30 vs. ARI 4-6 (Loss)
7/24 vs. BOS 3-7 (Loss)

- Zito is not a big game pitcher. Self admitidly, he still gets WAY to amped for "Big Games". He throws differently - He hit 91 MPH with his fastball tonight, puts too much pressure on himself, and gets blasted...again.

This was a BIG GAME for the A's and Zito. That's the last time I'll have to write that sentence.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Jul 24, 2006 11:05 PM PDT reply actions

on the other hand

Zito was more of a big game pitcher in the playoffs than most of the other starters

by OaklandSi on Jul 24, 2006 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions

And Donny was more talented than the rest

of the New Kids, but did it really matter in the end?

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 24, 2006 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions

ManRam

2003: A's vs. Boston - Game 5

Zito gives up 3-Run Bomb to Manny Ramirez. A's lose game.

Sound Familiar?

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Jul 24, 2006 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions

I knew that was coming

Thanks. Feeling a little nauseous, dude.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 24, 2006 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions

different situation

Zito working on short rest, still gave 5 good innings. It was clear he was losing it in the sixth and should have been taken out.

...and anyway, the series should have never gone to 5 games.

by OaklandSi on Jul 24, 2006 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Statement Night

I was totally up for the rematch against Lackey, after the brawl. And we know what happened. The A's were horrible that night, getting a leadoff hit and then the next 27 went straight down.

After Swish gets nailed twice, the A's have another "statement" opportunity against Schilling tomorrow. I'll be there...

by solotar on Jul 24, 2006 11:08 PM PDT reply actions

right on...i am looking forward to it

another day and see if we can cement over tonights let down.

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I'll be there

by OaklandSi on Jul 24, 2006 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions

lucky you!

i am optimistic about it...thinking Windsor could = Golem.

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

by ak_A on Jul 24, 2006 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions

I wish the trading deadline wasn't July.

It's bad enough that Billy always goes out of his way to wreck Christmas, if he trades BZ and wrecks my birthday too, there's gonna be hell to pay.

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

by Kyli on Jul 24, 2006 11:27 PM PDT reply actions

Amen Sister!

I have the same EXACT problem with the trade deadline!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jul 25, 2006 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions

On a more pleasant note...

I will be attending Tuesday and Wensday's games. That means the A's will take at least one, and quite possibly both. They have yet to loose a series which I have attended....and I have made it to at least five this year. So take heart....and I do hope that the A's blow Schilling out of the water, and that our starter goes a strong seven, and is ejected for drilling his third batter. Hopefully, at least one switch hitter on the red sox has a matching bruise on each ass cheek! So if it's the end of the first place A's, I hope they take the old proverb to heart....."before you seek revenge, first dig two graves." Can't wait....see ya at the game.

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

by alox on Jul 24, 2006 11:34 PM PDT reply actions

Lastings Milledge

I just read that Mets GM put out the word that Lastings is untouchable....whatever that means.

I think that means that he is touchable, but if BB wants him it's going to be for Zito and we aren't getting anything but Lastings.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jul 24, 2006 11:42 PM PDT reply actions

Texas Hold 'Em

Omar Minaya = Big Slick
Billy Beane = Pocket Aces (On the Button)

Omar raises (Pelfrey for Zito)
Billy calls (Pelfrey for Zito)

Flop = Jack, 7, 4 (Rainbow)

Omar Checks
Billy Raises (Zito for Pelfrey/Maine)
Omar Calls (Zito for Pelfrey/Maine)

Turn = Two of Hearts

Omar Checks
Billy Checks

River = Ace (Trade Deadline is Approaching)

Omar Raises (Zito/Payton for Pelfrey/Maine)
Billy Re-Raises - ALL IN (Zito for Pelfrey/Milledge)
Minaya is on the clock...

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Jul 25, 2006 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions

According to Rosenthal's latest

Millidge is on the table.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5803144

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

by grover on Jul 25, 2006 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions

according to Rosenthal

who isn't on the table?

by OaklandSi on Jul 25, 2006 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I hate ESPN.

by Jennifer on Jul 25, 2006 6:39 AM PDT reply actions

I hear they fired Harold Reynolds

link

/ESPN yesterday fired analyst Harold Reynolds from Baseball Tonight, sources told The Post. The reason was not immediately known.

"We are not going to comment," ESPN VP Josh Krulewitz said.

When asked how they are going to explain that Reynolds will never be on the air again, Krulewitz still declined comment.

Reynolds did not return calls.

Reynolds, 45, had been with ESPN 11 years. He had been a fixture on the show, which is a gathering spot for baseball fans, players and team executives. /

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jul 25, 2006 6:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah...

That's what I was talking about. Bitches. He wasn't Gammons, but he was way <censored> better than that <censored> <censored> Kruk and <censored> Blinky Phillips.

by Jennifer on Jul 25, 2006 6:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Phillips

Phillips is sorta an idiot and I can't believe he was EVER a GM of a professional baseball team considering how little he seems to know about baseball but ...

I've actually been surprised how fairly he seems to treat Billy Beane on the air. Considering that Moneyball portrays Phillips as a stooge that Beane walked all over, you'd expect Phillips to hold a grudge. I guess it's good he probably never read the damn thing.

by Crosbino on Jul 25, 2006 7:04 AM PDT up reply actions

wow...

There goes the last reason to watch it at all...

"I meant to make cookies today (real, edible, yummy, non-innuendo cookies)" ~ JLaff

by Poppy on Jul 25, 2006 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions

No kidding.

This day sucks. The game last night, reading AN this morning, thinking about Curt Schilling tonight, and this. BOOOO!

Hey, someone just shot my puppy!

by Jennifer on Jul 25, 2006 7:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Weird.

I wonder what he did.

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

by Sharon on Jul 25, 2006 7:09 AM PDT up reply actions

He nailed the producer's wife.

I don't know, but what the hell, it's a fun rumor.

In other news, the A's are now 0-8 when I wear my AN t-shirt... even in my living room. I'm not going to wear it on game days any more.

"I meant to make cookies today (real, edible, yummy, non-innuendo cookies)" ~ JLaff

by Poppy on Jul 25, 2006 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Wow, Poppy,

you make adjustments as fast as A's management does!

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

by Nico on Jul 25, 2006 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions

AN statheads should be proud of me!

I just didn't want to make a wardrobe decision until I'd gathered as much data as I could stand!

And in other other news... What did the leper say as he paid the prostitute?

"You can keep the tip."

(I'm sorry. Boredom kills.)

"I meant to make cookies today (real, edible, yummy, non-innuendo cookies)" ~ JLaff

by Poppy on Jul 25, 2006 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions

So...

...you're going to watch topless then? (I really hope, for the sake of your marriage, that Mr. Poppy doesn't read AN.)

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jul 25, 2006 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm going to have my torso amputated.

My neck & arms will attach directly to my legs. I'll look like a starfish, but I won't have to worry about what shirt is safe to wear.

"I meant to make cookies today (real, edible, yummy, non-innuendo cookies)" ~ JLaff

by Poppy on Jul 25, 2006 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah!

What the hell are oaktoon and grover thinking?!?!

Blow up the team!??!

Blow up Poppy's AN shirt, that's THE answer!!!!

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Jul 25, 2006 8:48 AM PDT reply actions