Hollow Win Hooey

by eshock on Aug 13, 2006 9:32 AM PDT Comment 9 comments

The A's 19-9 post ASB record is the best in the majors. Why all the complaining? Is it frustration that they left too many men on base last night? What about their patience at the plate, Payton, of all batters, setting the tone. The Nico-inspired negativity is surprising. Where's the dissent? Is this place turning into sports radio where callers just parrot the opinions of the sportscaster?

I believe this last win was an example of the A's professionalism, an example of their 2nd half confidence. They do not look overanxious at the plate, trying to crush every pitch (except for a regression by Frank, popping out on the first pitch with bases loaded after 3 walks issued).

Smack-talking Scutaro for not rushing enough to get Carl Crawford out at 1st. Carl Crawford, the fastest guy in the majors. Scutaro was ranging to his left and threw after he regained control. With a 5 run lead, I'm okay with that. I'm also okay with his plate approach. With the consistent playing time, I finally saw the Marco we all remember from the last two seasons, a really tough out, making line drive contact.

The A's have handled themselves so well against the Devil Rays. They're playing with a can't lose attitude, and the Tampa players seem to know they can't win here. No let downs, one win at a time. Players are stepping up now, just like they have this whole millenia. This is a wonderful time to be an A's fan, and I don't want to spend it worrying about Crosby, Loaiza, Street, Chavez. I've learned that 2nd half has all new rules.

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Not hollow at all

I watched the game on tape late last night, so watched it pretty quickly, I'll admit. I thought the A's did plenty good and weren't sluggish at all.

They left some runners on, but that happens. A lot of guys had good at bats (Swisher, Chavez, Scutaro, Ellis, Bradley), Blanton threw very well, and the defense sparkled (Blandon, Chavy as usual, Ellis, Swisher).

All in all, a very good win that added a game to their lead. Nothing wrong with it at all, even from an aesthetic perspective.

by RLangford on Aug 13, 2006 9:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I tend to disagree with you a bit

It has looked a little bit like the A's know they are going to win, that there is no real sense of urgency playing TB, and a little difficult to get "up" for the game. That is understandable, and nothing to concern yourself with. In both games after TB closed the gap the A's put a run or two on the board, keeping them just far enough ahead to ensure a win.
Ellis had a terrific last at bat, finally hitting the ball the right center after being out in front of every other pitch. Regretably he is becoming a dead pull hitter this year, mostly groundballs to 3rd.

by china bob on Aug 13, 2006 9:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Bob.

I sensed no urgency in their play yesterday. If they had added onto their lead they might not have had to use Duke outta the bullpen. We need to rest that bullpen for close games. This game didn't feel like it should have been close.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 13, 2006 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly, IM4Oakgal--

perhaps that's why "Run Differential" is a good predictor, because teams that rely on winning close games all the time have to use their best relievers too often (until they are worn out or not available), whereas teams that win 8-3 (as we should have yesterday) don't always have to stretch out their best guys.

The reality is, Duke will be unavailable today and if Street pitches it will be on his third consecutive day. Both could, and should, be fresh and available today.

But a win's a win, and they also a lot of good things last night--which was also chronicled in the wrap-up.

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 Aug 13, 2006 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My point was that it was

a somewhat ugly win, in which the A's were handed half their success, yet couldn't put the game out of reach of having to use Duke and Street.

Perhaps the lack of negative response to my post came from the fact that my post was balanced, pointing out that the A's also had some great ABs and that a win is a win, or from the fact that many saw the game and had the same reaction before reading my post.

Just because people agree sometimes doesn't make them sheep or parrots--you can have your own opinions and happen to share them with others.

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 Aug 13, 2006 10:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And the scoot play

It certainly seemed from the replay he was out, IMHO.

And the other cool defensive play, where Crawford(?) tried to score from 2nd on a ground out - I tought the batter was out at first too.

And re the 'being handed' runs via walks? Are they supposed to swing at bad pitches? No. If Fossum had pitched in the strike zone, maybe some hitter would have swatted it out. Those runs were earned.

The complaint I had was Thomas swinging on first pitch when the starter was wobbling in the strike zone.

by MobiusKlein on Aug 13, 2006 11:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

God forbid

Someone mention anything even remotely negative in their analysis of an ugly win and solely just that win apart from analysis of the team or season as a whole.

Gary's Furniture gon hook you up with discount priced furniture....UP, IN, HERE

by walk off bunt on Aug 13, 2006 1:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The expresion is

'looking a gift horse in the mouth.'
As in, don't. If you win ugly, win. You could win while being no hit for all I care, just win.

by MobiusKlein on Aug 13, 2006 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like the A's

pretty much took your advice today--they got 3-hit, but won. :-)

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 Aug 13, 2006 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs