A's Win: First Place Baby

by Tyler Bleszinski on Aug 2, 2006 3:47 PM PDT in News

No cutesie titles today for AN. I was half tempted to just put up a diary like saint did that got about 100 recommendations a few weeks back.

First and foremost, Loaiza had one of his best starts in a while. Granted, that's not saying much, but he performed admirably against a team that normally tears the cover off the ball when he is the opposing pitcher. Their roster (not lineup, but ROSTER) had a collective OPS above 1.000 against the guy.

And the A's offense as able to squeeze blood from a turnip once again getting three runs (although they should've scored more, especially in the eighth against Shields). As many have said, if this offense can just produce 4-5 runs a night, the starting pitching and pen should be good enough to make sure they make it stick.

The Angels defense reverted to what they've been doing all season and that's making errors with three today.

This was such a crucial series for the A's to win and make sure that they're serving notice that the team will not fade. They also did it without their best offensive player right now in Bradley. The Angels plunked the A's second best offensive guy right now in Payton. Let's just hope it's nothing serious. Boy, you can certainly feel the rivalry now, can't you? I'm glad Payton didn't charge the mound because it would've been really unfortunate to lose him to suspension.

I'm really proud of the team today and how it pushed through. Escobar hasn't been easy on the A's in the past and Loaiza has been Paris Hilton to the Angels in his career. Easy as hell. Regardless, Macha managed the game as if it had a ton of meaning. He stretched Calero and Street out and was rewarded for doing so. It's awful that Loaiza hasn't been the innings eater the A's had hoped for, but they got a very key W today with him on the hill.

There is a good diary talking about Swisher's problems right now that I suggest you read. I'm definitely in favor of DLing him until he gets his strength and energy back. He's not the same player he was and he probably won't get there until he gets better. It also gives the A's the chance to see if DJ has really turned a corner. Then again, depending on what happens with Payton's hand, who knows, Swisher might HAVE to stay on the active roster.

As for more analysis, F it...A'S WIN...WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

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This feels GOOD

Stephen Colbert: "Kids who look up to athletes become athletes themselves."
The Word: Or bitter sports journalists.

by JLaff on Aug 2, 2006 3:47 PM PDT reply actions

Awesome!

A's 2006 record when I attend: 7-6

by peanut gallery on Aug 2, 2006 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions

well played

Like Lazarus, the A's offense has awakened from the dead!!- Bill King

by Floridafan on Aug 2, 2006 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Key...

Vlad 1-10, 1 rbi in the series.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 2, 2006 3:49 PM PDT reply actions

Very key

The A's seem to know how to pitch him...it's just a matter of whether or not the pitchers can execute and get the pitches inside far enough.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Aug 2, 2006 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions

also keeping Figgins off the bases

by OaklandSi on Aug 2, 2006 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Huge win, huge series

Especially considering that both Seattle and Texas (don't forget about them) took two of three as well.

A's 2006 record when I attend: 7-6

by peanut gallery on Aug 2, 2006 3:51 PM PDT reply actions

AWESOME WIN!!!

I'M SO SO SO SO SO HAPPY!!!!

And someone in the other thread said it best: One of the reasons we DO win Loaiza's starts is because our kick-ass bullpen gets to shine for four (sometimes more) innings.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz
"I'm your huckleberry." ~grover

by baseballgirl on Aug 2, 2006 3:54 PM PDT reply actions

unfair

Loaiza pitched well against a team that usually owns him.

Credit where credit is due

by OaklandSi on Aug 2, 2006 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions

He did pitch well today!

But our bullpen has picked up a lot of his starts; that was my only point!

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz
"I'm your huckleberry." ~grover

by baseballgirl on Aug 2, 2006 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Loaiza

Good News: Couple of Loaiza's pitches touched 93 MPH today - The gun in Anaheim is a little jacked (too high), but Escobar only hit 94. The majority of the time, he was between 88-91 with his fastball.

He might actually be coming around the BEND-er.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Aug 2, 2006 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions

re: scoring more against Shields

Even Angels fans know it:

I can't believe they can't hit this piece of crap

by LA Seitz on Wed Aug 02, 2006 at 07:51:25 PM EST

<sigh>

But it's an important win (two of them, in fact) against the team we most need to beat right now.

"He should have been out for blood, like a two-mouthed bear at a monkey eating contest!" ~ McFood

by Poppy on Aug 2, 2006 3:54 PM PDT reply actions

shields made sure Payton

didn't get the chance

by OaklandSi on Aug 2, 2006 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions

WOOOO!!!!! HOOOOO!!!!!!!

I wish I could truly express how HAPPY I am right now! This game was AMAZING! So nerve racking, I don't think I breathed for 3 hours! YAY!! Seattle here we come!!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Aug 2, 2006 3:55 PM PDT reply actions

You and me both!!!

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz
"I'm your huckleberry." ~grover

by baseballgirl on Aug 2, 2006 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Are you giong to Seattle?

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Aug 2, 2006 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Sadly, no...

...but you must collect some ANers for a cheer!

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz
"I'm your huckleberry." ~grover

by baseballgirl on Aug 2, 2006 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions

what a series

14 total runs. 2 one-run games, one 2-run game, all 3 down to the very last pitch. 3 runs scoring from second on balls not leaving the infield. Unlikely strikeouts of the side (Loaiza in the 3rd, Shields in the 8th with the sacks juiced). 6 out saves. Old school-type pitching. Timely HRs. The works.

You have to wonder why the mass media doesn't get its collective head out of Alex Rodriguez's and Curt Schilling's asses long enough to hype this rivalry, bacause the games these 2 teams play are on a consistent basis every last bit as thrilling and memorable as the goddamned Yankees vs. Red Sox.

1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Aug 2, 2006 3:57 PM PDT reply actions

Completely agree with you

These A's and Angels games are always breathtakingly dramatic.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Aug 2, 2006 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes

I agree too.

by oaklandbbfan on Aug 2, 2006 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions

15 of 31 games in the last two seasons

have been 1-run affairs.

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Aug 2, 2006 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Just this year...

Of the 12 games:
5 decided by 1 run
5 decided by 2 runs

by calgbear on Aug 2, 2006 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions

33 of the last 80 Games have been 1 Run Games...

41%

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Aug 2, 2006 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions

And a lot of them

have been really close!

-Cindi.

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 2, 2006 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Well of course a lot of them have been close

- its only 10 miles from the Coliseum to Berkeley.

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Aug 2, 2006 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

10 miles--

or, as the Canadians say, 30 meters. Can you tell who's been studying the metrical system in Summer school Math? :-}

-Cindi.

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 2, 2006 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions

No.

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

by Jjjsixsix on Aug 2, 2006 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Bitch.

"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 Aug 2, 2006 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh and for the record

I completely agreed with Macha's use of the pen today. Loaiza has deserved a quick hook and with a day off tomorrow why not stretch out Calero and Street.

There very well may be something to the fact that Street does fine coming in in the eighth when he starts the inning. He always seems to blow it when he comes in with a runner or two on in the eighth and one out to get. Then he comes back out in the ninth and seems very hittable.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Aug 2, 2006 3:57 PM PDT reply actions

Street's Stuff....

Was absolutely vicious today.

I couldn't get the game on tv, but just listening to Ken's call, it seemed like Street was 0-1, 0-2 and just nailing the spots with all his pitches.

And most importantly his breaking stuff was unhittable... change-up and slider both working...

It was a beauty to hear.

Huston Street is my hero.

by EastBayA on Aug 2, 2006 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Great win bitches!

Let's steamroll Seattle.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Aug 2, 2006 4:02 PM PDT reply actions

Swisher

Awesome plays in 1st Game and today's game. Loved the pick of sharp grounder, step-on-the-bag, fist-pump, end the inning play in the 6th. Very Frankey-ish.

I was in favor of DL'ing him, but maybe he's our best option defensively at First Base - Just keep him in the bottom of the order - 7th or 8th.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Aug 2, 2006 4:03 PM PDT reply actions

I agree...

He's played some awfully sharp defense of late. People on this site crucified DJ's lack of defensive skills regularly. I'm not sure the A's shouldn't just let Swisher work it out while playing first.

Like Lazarus, the A's offense has awakened from the dead!!- Bill King

by Floridafan on Aug 2, 2006 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions

The problem is

that if it is truly weight loss and strength loss from mono, he's not going to work that out by playing.

He probably does need some rest and recovery. And definitely some healthy weight gain.

So the question may be WHEN do you want him to sit?

"There's not a moment of peace and quiet in this damn clubhouse." ~~ Nick Swisher

by luvsthecurveball on Aug 2, 2006 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions

maybe..

They could call up DJ when they play tampa/sea/kc and have Swisher DLed.... or maybe in November. I haven't really worked out all the details yet.

Like Lazarus, the A's offense has awakened from the dead!!- Bill King

by Floridafan on Aug 2, 2006 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Swish's 1B D is adequate only when ...

... he's playing keeper on a PK (i.e., the balls right at him or right next to him) or when he can play outfielder and track a long popup.

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 2, 2006 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions

problem is you can only carry

so many light hitting defensive whizzes on your team. The common wisdom is to accept inferior offense from superior up the middle defense (ie, catcher, 2b, SS, CF), but then the corners all need to be mashers.

If you keep Swish in every day for his defense, at least three out of four from the other spots (C, SS, 2B, DF) have to be more productive

by OaklandSi on Aug 2, 2006 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Fair, but..

Those Swisher plays were key. Maybe after this week, if he doesn't get his swing back, then they DL him and let DJ hit against teams with lighter pitching.

Like Lazarus, the A's offense has awakened from the dead!!- Bill King

by Floridafan on Aug 2, 2006 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions

The bullpens

As has so often been the case recently, today's win was all about the bullpens.

Very nice move bringing in Street for the 8th. Even though Street has sometimes been less effective when used for more than 1 inning (including his last outing on Sunday), we don't have any other relievers who match up well against Guerrero, while the hitters who would be up in the 9th are somewhat less imposing. Put in our best reliever to hold the lead against their best hitter, and worry about the 9th inning when you get to it. Simple. (By the way, why did Scioscia pinch-hit Curtis Pride instead of Mike Napoli?)

On the other side, there was Scot Shields. In his career against the A's, Shields had a 2.95 ERA, and a .198 batting average against, but a W-L record of just 3-8. Now it's 3-9. Keep up the good work Scot.

We hold these truths to be self-evident / We drink beer in bars and act irreverent - Lambchop

by andeux on Aug 2, 2006 4:05 PM PDT reply actions

Copacalero!

The A's bullpen may collectively be the team MVP for the season thus far. I'd call them the A's unsung heroes, except that I literally sung their praises back in April.

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

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 2, 2006 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions

I really hate the Angels

And I take pleasure whenever the A's beat them. That plunking of Payton was classless. The A's should drill one of those punks next time. Yah, it's July, but I'll gloat, ever since that Rev Halofan said the Halos would be in 1st by Wednesday. Keep talkin' assclown.

by GreenNGoldForMe on Aug 2, 2006 4:07 PM PDT reply actions

more or less went as expected ...

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/8/2/152019/4836/89#89

Loaiza will give up 3 in 5 2/3 IP (2 in 5.1)
Scutaro will get his first hit off vs. the Angels this year. (Check)
Payton will extend his hitting streak, maybe even a multi-hit game. (Check)
Thomas goes yard. (Not quite)

Situational
http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/8/2/17405/79230/64#64
Kendall HR is lofty
I'd settle for H & R .. 1st and 3rd would be nice.

by Rickeyfan on Aug 2, 2006 4:09 PM PDT reply actions

great in many ways

Swish made up for his lack of hitting with another key defensive play, saving at least one run.
To do it without Milton was HUGE, and fortunately, he has tomorrow to rest further. Darn it, Milton, get well quick!
This Seattle series is one to look forward to, and having Blanton pitching will hopefully guarantee us at least one win...along with the other two, since we own them.
A's fans have much to continue to be proud of, although Bay Area baseball fans/media tonight will instead be celebrating the midgets for snapping their losing streak. Still a great day for the first place bay area team though.

by wolffpackdavid on Aug 2, 2006 4:10 PM PDT reply actions

Someone on the Buan show...

...REALLY said, "Intestinal Fortitude".

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz
"I'm your huckleberry." ~grover

by baseballgirl on Aug 2, 2006 4:21 PM PDT reply actions

wild

Street gets his 23rd save on his 23rd birthday, wowza.

1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Aug 2, 2006 4:22 PM PDT reply actions

Way to go...

...young buck!

by Dan_Honolulu on Aug 2, 2006 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Payton?

What happened to Payton? I was in a meeting and came out to see that he'd been hit and either: broke his wrist, or not. I also see that he almost charged the mound. And, to top it off, he never left the game.

by Dr Pez on Aug 2, 2006 4:26 PM PDT reply actions

He got beaned by Shields in the 8th

with two out and runners at 2nd and 3rd. Apparently, he was pissed but ultimately fell short of charging the mound. Hope his wrist is okay. The bean was "allegedly" unintentional.

"And Guardado deals. It's a drive to left field deep. Jones going back. Looking up! It is GONE! IT'S GONE! TEJADA WINS IT! DO YOU BELIEVE IT! 18 WINS IN A ROW!"

by Plunkage @ Athletics Nation on Aug 2, 2006 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Allegedly?

The pitch asnt that far inside, Payton dove in a bit....but it was up. But he aint hitting him there to load it up.

No doubt it was not intentional

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 2, 2006 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions

But...

...it was Swisher on deck.

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz
"I'm your huckleberry." ~grover

by baseballgirl on Aug 2, 2006 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

It wasn't intentional

Hitting him doesn't cost the Angels that much, but throwing at him risks a wild pitch with a runner on third.

by mikeA on Aug 2, 2006 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed--No doubt

I think even Payton, given some time to let the pain simmer down, would agree it wasn't intentional.

The reason I think he was pissed is because it fucking hurt. Intentional or not, that type of thing will make you want to kick somebody's ass.

by rubin sierra on Aug 2, 2006 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Very true...

Hard to control that initial anger in a tight tense game like that

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 2, 2006 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions

plus, literally having the bat

taken out of his hands in a crucial RBI situation

by OaklandSi on Aug 2, 2006 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions

In pictures ...

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Aug 2, 2006 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Angry Payton will be played in the movie by ...

... Ben Kingsley from Sexy Beast.

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 2, 2006 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Macha will be played by

Chew-A-Lot from The Care Bears Movie.

"Even if you know the deck is stacked in your favor, you still have to have the discipline to trust the math and the cojones to go to the ATM." BB

by green star oakland on Aug 2, 2006 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions

With the A's, isn't it the

OK-it's-the-2nd-half-of-the-year-fine-now-I-care bears?

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 2, 2006 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions

How Tall is...

... Macha, anyway?

Is he, like Chewmacha tall?

by Dan_Honolulu on Aug 2, 2006 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions

So Macha's about 6'6"?

"He should have been out for blood, like a two-mouthed bear at a monkey eating contest!" ~ McFood

by Poppy on Aug 2, 2006 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow

Thanks for making me notice--that is a freaking hilarious picture of Macha right there.

by rubin sierra on Aug 2, 2006 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions

It reminds me of

Frank Drebin as undercover umpire, patting down the different players for weapons.

It also reminds me of Big Bird.

by rubin sierra on Aug 2, 2006 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, but

Can Macha sing the national anthem? "And we still had our flag..."

Nice tie to the Angels there, by the way.

A's 2006 record when I attend: 7-6

by peanut gallery on Aug 2, 2006 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions

It's Enrico Palazzo!

We hold these truths to be self-evident / We drink beer in bars and act irreverent - Lambchop

by andeux on Aug 2, 2006 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions

He got beaned by Shields in the 8th

with two out and runners at 2nd and 3rd. Apparently, he was pissed but ultimately fell short of charging the mound. Hope his wrist is okay. The bean was "allegedly" unintentional.

"And Guardado deals. It's a drive to left field deep. Jones going back. Looking up! It is GONE! IT'S GONE! TEJADA WINS IT! DO YOU BELIEVE IT! 18 WINS IN A ROW!"

by Plunkage @ Athletics Nation on Aug 2, 2006 4:32 PM PDT reply actions

Something to keep in mind for the Sept series

All 7 of Scot Shield's losses this year ...
Have come when he entered a tie game. (including 2x vs. us)

I don't have the time to dig through all the game logs, but I bet that his stats entering a tie game are a lot worse than when he enters with a lead.

He's someone I want to see come in when the game is tied.

by Rickeyfan on Aug 2, 2006 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

LOL--maybe that's because

if he gives up one run, he gets the loss if it was tied but not if the Angels had the lead!

re DLing Swisher, I don't think the A's should, simply because that window of optimal opportunity is come and gone, same as with Chavy. Swish is now on the mend from mono, whereas recently he was getting weaker or still not getting stronger.

Now he's getting stronger, and it's just a matter of convincing him not to swing from his ass--perhaps we could borrow the Angels' instructors for a day or two...or almost any other team's, for that matter...?

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 2, 2006 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions

It might be a situational thing in that maybe

Shields is not the pitcher to bring in when the game is tied.

by Rickeyfan on Aug 2, 2006 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks

Thanks for clearing it up. Gut feeling is that he's OK, he would've come out if they were really concerned about it. Ice it down, tomorrow's an off day and strap it up on Friday.

(I know, I know. It's Larry Davis).

by Dr Pez on Aug 2, 2006 4:35 PM PDT reply actions

i'm just now watching the game and am i the

only one that wonders if the angels announcers ever breath? they just talk and talk. no pauses no nothing. 90% of the time i don't even know what they are talking about.

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

by larrysgurl on Aug 2, 2006 5:38 PM PDT reply actions

Wow

That's something because I'm convinced that 95% of the time the Angels announcers don't know what they're talking about.

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

by grover on Aug 2, 2006 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL they probably don't

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

by larrysgurl on Aug 2, 2006 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Didn't see that coming

Loaiza a solid start against the Angels sounded compelling when first thought of, but it happened and the A's scored enough runs to give them a good reminder why they are the best two teams in the westand it will go down right till the end. Anyway, nice clutch double by Scuatro which they need from a team like this.

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

by doublehustle22 on Aug 2, 2006 6:01 PM PDT reply actions

Loaiza is capable of giving quality starts

he's been generally a disappointment in that the A's haven't been able to count on him this season. But as long as he's healthy I have to think he'll get the job done at least half the time.

by OaklandSi on Aug 2, 2006 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions

The A'S need to be the home team ....

...who finally wins a series for the next time in September.

Macha is a great manager. -Ron Washington

by pachydermOAFC on Aug 2, 2006 6:24 PM PDT reply actions

Paris Hilton?

For a second I wondered if I somehow ventured onto ONTD. Yep! Guilty pleasure as charged. Still, very funny and appropo ref. I cracked up!

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Aug 2, 2006 6:25 PM PDT reply actions

Great win...

I missed the game thread, but I had to check it at the point when Street came in in the 8th, considering what happened Sunday. Like the thread as a whole, I was torn -- I knew he had three of his blown saves while pitching more than an inning, but I knew he had some saves too in pitching more than one inning, so I was worried and confident at the same time.

I needn't have worried -- he was absolutely wonderful. Changeup was a thing of beauty. Happy birthday!

And if that's how he can get a six-out save at the age of 23 years, 0 days, then I'm just not going to worry about it at all anymore. :)

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

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Aug 2, 2006 6:43 PM PDT reply actions

Is Duke OK?

Is that I-slept-on-it-wrong shoulder still bothering him?

"Their team is full of a bunch of shitty nobodies pieced together from the moneyball scrap yard." -- Halos Heaven 7/31/06

by SportySpice @ Athletics Nation on Aug 2, 2006 7:31 PM PDT reply actions

DL Swish

Great play by Swish today; saved the game. This infield defense is as good or better than Boston's. BUT you cant have all 4 out there not hitting. DL Swish, (less than .200 for two months) see if DJ and Kotsay can help. and BTW Chavez Kotsay, run hard out of the box on a groundball and we score a run in the 3rd.

by KCB on Aug 2, 2006 7:55 PM PDT reply actions

Credit where's it's due...

Ken Macha creatively employed his relievers and stopped Payton from blowing a gasket.

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Aug 2, 2006 8:53 PM PDT reply actions

It is hard to understand

why we have Perez and Flores on the roster and never use them when we could have DJ up to spell Swisher. Most of slumps are caused by mental tiredness rather than physical. Swisher is undoubtedly being told by everyone what he should do and instead of going to the plate reacting, he is trying to think, can't do that and hit a baseball, or a golf ball for that matter. He needs a few days off, I fear we are going to have our Sept. slump, we are playing guys too much and not resting them enough, and please come back Bradley, Chavez should NOT be hitting 3rd, he is not back YET. Chavez should still be hitting 7th, and please, when Crosby comes back, bench Ellis in favor of Scutaro. It is not the best option but it is the only option. I would love to see Rouse brought up again and put in the lineup. It won't happen I know, but that is a better option than what we are doing right now. The A's can't win with only 3 guys hitting.

by china bob on Aug 2, 2006 10:27 PM PDT reply actions