Open Thread: Game 86 - A's vs. Angels

by Nico on Jul 7, 2006 6:37 PM PDT in News

Tonight is the matchup that can best be billed as "marquee," with Barry Zito taking the mound against John Lackey. Last time Lackey saw the A's, Jason Kendall was "sticking that f***ing thing out there," and last time Zito saw the mound, he pitched well but the A's got caught in Brandon's Webb and the A's lefty got dinged with a tough loss. Tonight, Zito will try to avoid losing three consecutive starts since his first three starts of 2005, as the A's try to guarantee no worse than a split in the series.

The games right before the All-Star are always interesting, as starting pitchers sometimes become available for short relief. Don't rule out seeing Bartolo Colon at some point. Kirk Saarloos should certainly be available over the weekend, and Esteban Loaiza ought to be available on Sunday as an extra arm. Depending on how long he goes tonight, Zito as Sunday's Super-LOOGY is not even out of the question. With this in mind, Ken Macha might use his "go-to relievers" more freely, perhaps squeezing two innings out of Calero or Street to grab a game that's there for the taking.

Tonight's starting lineups:

Figgins (2B)
Napoli
Cabrera
Guerrero
Quinlan
Rivera
Salmon
Morales
Murphy

Kotsay
Swisher
Chavez
Thomas
Payton
Crosby
Johnson
Kendall
Scutaro

Tweet Comment 137 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Anyone see the catch...

Jim Edmonds made on the hill in Houston tonight? Incredible.

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jul 7, 2006 7:02 PM PDT reply actions

my dad told me

but I haven't.

later on mlb.com.

Let's go Oakland; from Dominican Republic. 22-10 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jul 7, 2006 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Let's go Oakland

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 7, 2006 7:05 PM PDT reply actions

Let's go OAKTOWN!

Win this one for BUBB RUBB!
WOOOOOOT!!!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:06 PM PDT reply actions

You 'posed to be up cookin' breakfast.

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jul 7, 2006 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I find that incredibly funny...

perhaps more than I should.

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Silly Center Field Camera

Takes the fun out of the conventional camera view.

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

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 7, 2006 7:09 PM PDT reply actions

sweet dp

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

by ak_A on Jul 7, 2006 7:10 PM PDT reply actions

lovely!

DP! Nice start!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:10 PM PDT reply actions

Taylor made

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 7, 2006 7:10 PM PDT reply actions

Let's go WHACK-Y

on Lackey!!!!!!!!!!!

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 7, 2006 7:11 PM PDT reply actions

Zito is throwing strikes

I think I will stay around for this game.

by matthias on Jul 7, 2006 7:12 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah Kots!

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

by OaklandInvader on Jul 7, 2006 7:13 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah Kotsay!

And I'm feeling good. Leadoff doubley!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:14 PM PDT reply actions

Lead off double - I'll take that

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 7, 2006 7:14 PM PDT reply actions

I've got Lackey on my fantasy team...

and then Blanton with Weaver going tomorrow

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 7, 2006 7:15 PM PDT reply actions

Swish has got to learn to

stop swinging for the fences with RISP. Contact is all ya need.....

"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 7, 2006 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

come on Frank!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:19 PM PDT reply actions

THATS the ticket....Chavez

at least a sac fly gets us one....come on FT

"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 7, 2006 7:19 PM PDT reply actions

Unfortunately No Sac Fly with 2 outs...

by SD Erik on Jul 7, 2006 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions

DANG....

I was hoping no one noticed that faux pa.....gotta learn to stop confusing the out count with the drink count so early in 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 7, 2006 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL...

You were only up to 1 drink... Oh well - I hope that you drink heavy and the A's can keep up with their run count :)

by SD Erik on Jul 7, 2006 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions

ack Frank looking

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:22 PM PDT reply actions

I hate backwards K's.....

by SD Erik on Jul 7, 2006 7:22 PM PDT reply actions

though the good news is..

there were no quick outs. Hopefully it'll stay that way. Let's make Lackey work and get to their bullpen.

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:23 PM PDT reply actions

You've got to be kidding

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

Ouch.

"I've got a pizza that I didn't finish from last night, and I've got a video game that I can't beat, but tonight, I'm going to beat that game." Greg Maddux

by Elvez on Jul 7, 2006 7:25 PM PDT reply actions

Quit throwing so many strikes, Barry!

by matthias on Jul 7, 2006 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

That Quinlan guy is a machine...

by SD Erik on Jul 7, 2006 7:26 PM PDT reply actions

It sure is quiet here tonight....

maybe there's a large AN representation at the game

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:28 PM PDT reply actions

BOOM BOOM BOOM

Let's go Oakland!

BOOM BOOM BOMM!

by matthias on Jul 7, 2006 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Seems to be typical of Friday nights...

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

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 7, 2006 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions

All right!

2 down, plenty of time. Let's get those back now.

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:30 PM PDT reply actions

Quinlan

Looks like he could be a cop.

"Belliard is a pain in the ass" ~ Blez

by eamb on Jul 7, 2006 7:32 PM PDT reply actions

good call!

He looks like the cop who pulled me over for my whistle. WOOOOT

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Your whistle eh?

"Belliard is a pain in the ass" ~ Blez

by eamb on Jul 7, 2006 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Way to end that inning Z

by SD Erik on Jul 7, 2006 7:32 PM PDT reply actions

SlingBLADE!

You suck!

"Belliard is a pain in the ass" ~ Blez

by eamb on Jul 7, 2006 7:33 PM PDT reply actions

Angels are just hot

at the moment.

Maybe they'll be the A's this year?

I hope not, but that seems to be the trend in the AL West...

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

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 7, 2006 7:35 PM PDT reply actions

okay, not the offensive output I was hoping for...

but plenty of game left. Let's go Zito!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:35 PM PDT reply actions

Whooooooah

Kotsay! Nice catch!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:38 PM PDT reply actions

He was out of the basepath!!!!!!!!!!

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 7, 2006 7:41 PM PDT reply actions

it was safe

johnson has shown he doesn't know what to do with pickoffs

Let's go Oakland; from Dominican Republic. 22-10 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jul 7, 2006 7:42 PM PDT reply actions

kind of a half-measure

effort by DJ though.

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

by ak_A on Jul 7, 2006 7:42 PM PDT reply actions

Eerily familiar to...

Tejada in Boston in the playoffs..
Byrnes not taggin home plate

DON'T ASSUME ANYTHING!!! I don't think he was really out of the basepath... and I'm glad he called him safe with the lackadasical effort by the slugger

Retire #35 and #24 for Rickey Henderson

by Erik being Erik on Jul 7, 2006 7:43 PM PDT reply actions

Well I'm glad they figured that out

Now they should spend the next ten minutes determining how exactly "Chone" sounds like "Shawn".

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:44 PM PDT reply actions

does kuiper know anything about baseball?

serious question. listening to him bumble through the explanation after foss told him about 15 minutes earlier was pathetic.

by jayho on Jul 7, 2006 7:44 PM PDT reply actions

Shhh

don't make them bring back Hank Greenwald.

Or import Duane Kuiper.

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

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 7, 2006 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Why does DJ make me...

long for the days of Calos Pena.
I mean seriously... Pena was already by this time.

Retire #35 and #24 for Rickey Henderson

by Erik being Erik on Jul 7, 2006 7:46 PM PDT reply actions

whew

Ok... Kendall, Scutaro, Kotsay. I'm going against the odds and saying we pick up a run.

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:47 PM PDT reply actions

C'mon Jason!

Let's go A's!

by paradox on Jul 7, 2006 7:48 PM PDT reply actions

Arrrrgh

Wait for your ptiches, geezus.

by paradox on Jul 7, 2006 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions

0-2 to Scoot

Strike three looking, so pretty, Marco.

by paradox on Jul 7, 2006 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions

2-2 to Mark

Let's see.

Nice drive to left, three outs.

by paradox on Jul 7, 2006 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions

ack- what happened there?

MLB.TV missed the entire AB

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:49 PM PDT reply actions

One pitch swinging

Recipe for losinhg.

by paradox on Jul 7, 2006 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions

i was wondering about that

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

by ak_A on Jul 7, 2006 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Mom, dad..

is it really that easy to pitch in the major leagues?

Nick Swisher...is he amazing?

by Daveed on Jul 7, 2006 7:50 PM PDT reply actions

i should have kept to the odds...

uglyyyy

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:52 PM PDT reply actions

Very

Sometimes I'm surprised these guys can find their dicks in the morning, their AB's are so ugly.

Total lack of focus. Discouraging.

by paradox on Jul 7, 2006 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I have an intense desire...

to kick Rex Hudler down a flight of stairs....preferably the to of the Sears towers....

"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 7, 2006 7:52 PM PDT reply actions

disturbing pattern but familiar

settling in on this game.

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

by ak_A on Jul 7, 2006 7:52 PM PDT reply actions

How does a home plate ump

not notice that a pitch has caromed off the batter's foot? Bizarre.

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 7, 2006 7:53 PM PDT reply actions

nippy jones?

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

by ak_A on Jul 7, 2006 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions

nippy jones?

Then, in the top of the tenth, Hank Bauer tripled home Kubek, and the Yankees, (who were one strike away from defeat), pulled ahead, 5-4. Nippy Jones led off for the Braves as a pinch-hitter for Spahn. Umpire Augie Donatelli called Tommy Byrne's first pitch a ball, but the thirty-two year-old reserve infielder argued that he had been struck on the foot. In an effort to prove his point, Jones retrieved the baseball, showed Donatelli a smudge of shoe polish on it and was awarded his base.

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

by ak_A on Jul 7, 2006 7:56 PM PDT reply actions

how often (if ever)

are umpires convinced by a manager's argument?

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:57 PM PDT reply actions

Behind the back!

Holy cow, Z!

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

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 7, 2006 7:58 PM PDT reply actions

ZITO WEBGEM!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 7:58 PM PDT reply actions

Web Gem

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 7, 2006 7:58 PM PDT reply actions

Barry of the Gold Glove???

"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 7, 2006 7:58 PM PDT reply actions

SlingBLADE!

"Belliard is a pain in the ass" ~ Blez

by eamb on Jul 7, 2006 8:00 PM PDT reply actions

Swish!

That's just hard to watch

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:01 PM PDT reply actions

It just seems so futile for the A's right now

A's arn't even working the count.

by Zonis on Jul 7, 2006 8:01 PM PDT reply actions

I'm losing my patience

Thomas first pitch out, Chavy out on a weak stab.

Filthy stuff.

by paradox on Jul 7, 2006 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow...

12 straight retired!? I'm used to at least working a couple walks. I just feel bad for Zito.

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:04 PM PDT reply actions

nice Chavy

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:06 PM PDT reply actions

SONOFA!!!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:08 PM PDT reply actions

Dirty Panties

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 7, 2006 8:09 PM PDT reply actions

Ouch.

They're all over Zito tonight.

"I've got a pizza that I didn't finish from last night, and I've got a video game that I can't beat, but tonight, I'm going to beat that game." Greg Maddux

by Elvez on Jul 7, 2006 8:09 PM PDT reply actions

We're still in this game, easy

Let's Go A's!

by paradox on Jul 7, 2006 8:09 PM PDT reply actions

AGREED!

Let's go Oakland! (clap, clap, wince, clap, clap)

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions

We're one inning from making this a new ballgame..

and I believe this may be that inning

Retire #35 and #24 for Rickey Henderson

by Erik being Erik on Jul 7, 2006 8:10 PM PDT reply actions

payton

was that ole jay pay swing the first pitch guy he he

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:12 PM PDT reply actions

egads Bobby!

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:13 PM PDT reply actions

Same old trash.

"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 7, 2006 8:15 PM PDT reply actions

This is just

"one of those days"--Lackey's on his game, we can't win 1-0. A yawner, but not hard to analyze.

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 7, 2006 8:16 PM PDT reply actions

I concur...

though I can't help but keep thinking- "its only three runs". Stupid optimism. That should run out in about the 8th.

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Your eyes aren't deceiving you

I just got word that the A's are, in fact, throwing this game.

by RLangford on Jul 7, 2006 8:18 PM PDT reply actions

We're in Diamondbacks/Rockies territory

Just hoping for a hit.

by RLangford on Jul 7, 2006 8:19 PM PDT reply actions

nice hustle DJ

good way to get rid of Vlad

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:19 PM PDT reply actions

dj

alright didnt let vlad get on base.zito too

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:19 PM PDT reply actions

ok... lets see some offense. seriously.

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:23 PM PDT reply actions

<shrugs>

"Belliard is a pain in the ass" ~ Blez

by eamb on Jul 7, 2006 8:24 PM PDT reply actions

Rangers Win, 9-4

by Zonis on Jul 7, 2006 8:25 PM PDT reply actions

anyone who doesn't fall asleep at the park tonight

should win a GMC

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:26 PM PDT reply actions

snort

ungh what huh?

by Zonis on Jul 7, 2006 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Come on A's! Get your head in the game!

They look like they just don't care!

by Zonis on Jul 7, 2006 8:27 PM PDT reply actions

I was thinking the same thing....

reminds me of the late-season Minnesota Vikings of recent years. They look like they have given up before they even get on the field.

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions

That was all

Murphy's law.

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

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 7, 2006 8:28 PM PDT reply actions

catch

it was that guys birthday

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

kotsay

almost

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:28 PM PDT reply actions

kotsay

that was close but you know what he say. it only counts in horseshoes and hand gernades he he

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:30 PM PDT reply actions

sorry

they my fingers arent typing what im thinking lol

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:31 PM PDT reply actions

anyone else thinking...

we REALLY need to win these because its off to Fenway next?

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:32 PM PDT reply actions

yep

heard tv mention that

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:33 PM PDT reply actions

Someone will be taking

out the Brooms for A's Red Sox at Fenway.

That's for sure.

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

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 7, 2006 8:34 PM PDT reply actions

poor zito :(

Let's go Oakland; from Dominican Republic. 22-10 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jul 7, 2006 8:36 PM PDT reply actions

DL Chavez

This team needs his bat in the 2nd half if they are going to make any run. At his current rate he will hit .220 for the season. I would try to get him healthy.

by DKNJ on Jul 7, 2006 8:38 PM PDT reply actions

frank said

thats BS

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:43 PM PDT reply actions

"come on man, that's bull****"

by smash on Jul 7, 2006 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Man we are getting robbed by the umps...

on checked swings, bean balls, etc. But Lackey is dominating so I guess it doesn't matter

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 7, 2006 8:44 PM PDT reply actions

lol

like that one ump could have stopped frank

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:45 PM PDT reply actions

THIZZ FACE!!!

that was a nice Thizz face by FT

Retire #35 and #24 for Rickey Henderson

by Erik being Erik on Jul 7, 2006 8:46 PM PDT reply actions

when he thought he checked his swing

Retire #35 and #24 for Rickey Henderson

by Erik being Erik on Jul 7, 2006 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Angels live by the

Long Ball.

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

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 7, 2006 8:47 PM PDT reply actions

So let's play theoretical percentages...

The result thus far of this game being 100% in the Angels favor, what percentage of that is "Lackey is dominating" and what percentage "The A's are asleep at the plate"? And perhaps a small percentage of "The umps are jerks"

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:49 PM PDT reply actions

Def

0.01% Lackey (Got to give credit where credit is due), 0% A's and 99.99% Umps

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

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 7, 2006 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions

80% to Lackey

he's doin his thing..no question
15% to the A's and 5% to the umps..
you gotta create your own breaks sometimes...
like a bunt attempt
this ain't a no hitter

Retire #35 and #24 for Rickey Henderson

by Erik being Erik on Jul 7, 2006 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Exactly!

Lackey was cruising, working at his own pace, never interrupted in his rythem. This was entirely clear by the 4th inning, yet there was no bunting to bring him off the mound and perhaps wind him a little or at least make him think about something else besides blowing it by every hitter he faced except Kotsay.

No doubt a coincidence, but (forget inning), Angels have 1 out; next batter bunts for a base hit and fails, but Zito came off the mound to make the play. Next Angel batter hit a home run.

BTW, Zito really is a class act. No tantrums, no complaining in the press...he likely can't wait until he gets on a team that CAN HIT THE BALL AND SCORE RUNS. This man has the potential to win 20 games - no problem.

by doubleplayer on Jul 8, 2006 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Sorry...

...it's 'rhythm'.

by doubleplayer on Jul 8, 2006 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Crosby and DJ both jump on the first pitch

Apparently they want to help Lackey make history

by OaklandExPatriot on Jul 7, 2006 8:52 PM PDT reply actions

jay pay

dont forget him

by smasfan on Jul 7, 2006 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions

damn he looks focused..

lacky that is

Retire #35 and #24 for Rickey Henderson

by Erik being Erik on Jul 7, 2006 8:53 PM PDT reply actions

110 pitches for Zito

I hope the A's have someone warming up in the pen for the 9th.

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

by grover on Jul 7, 2006 8:53 PM PDT reply actions

FLASHBACK...

no exact date, but late 80s
Carney Lansford leads off the game with a single off the starting pitcher.
He's too hurt to continue. Someone comes in from the bullpen and records 27 in a row.
Can't remember who it was against but very similar to tonight's game.

sound familiar to anyone?

Retire #35 and #24 for Rickey Henderson

by Erik being Erik on Jul 7, 2006 8:54 PM PDT reply actions