DLD 8/23: No comment

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 9:32 AM PDT

This day in Baseball History

1952 Bob Elliot of the Giants is tossed from the Cardinal game for protesting a strike two call and his replacement, Bobby Hoffman, is also thrown out for arguing the third strike of the same at-bat.

1980 A's owner Charlie Finley sells the club for $12.7 million to the Haas family of San Francisco, owners of the Levi Strauss clothing empire, thus keeping the team in Oakland.

1989 Cincinnati manger Pete Rose agrees to a lifetime
suspension from baseball due to allegations of betting on baseball.

"Around the League in 90 seconds, I'm Lamont Germany"

Angels gain a game on our loveable muppets against a very tired Boston club. Panther in the Laundry Basket (whatever that means).

The BIG STIX of the West Come up empty, again and fail to gain any ground.

The Mariners lost again, oh wait, no, they won? Maybe, I don't really believe it, but I guess they are now 57-68. Speaking of the Mariners, Jamie Moyer's debut went very well for the Fightins - debut at Wrigley.

Today's matchup at the Rogers Centre:

A's and Jays, first pitch: 4:07pm PDT

---------- ----------

Loiaza (6-7, 5.58) Chacin (6-2, 5.61)

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Comments

that is just a terrible picture of chacin.

and WHAAAT? i can't believe loaiza has a better ERA than somebody!

by gotgreen on Aug 23, 2006 9:37 AM PDT reply actions

Sadly, Chacin is actually photogenic.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Bad picture, but it smells great.

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Battle of Cologne!

Chacin's customized scent vs. Loaiza's Jim Beam stench.

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Aug 23, 2006 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Chacin's so ugly

he should be an L.A. Angel

by Ray of Lite on Aug 23, 2006 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks Manny

You're a real pro.

"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 23, 2006 9:40 AM PDT reply actions

What did Manny do exactly?

Not play? Wasn't he ailing a hammy or something?

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Prolonged urination in the monster;

missed flight to Anaheim.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Useless

Without pics.

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions

well, uh...

heard that he asked out of the 5th yankees game with a cramp, and missed the anaheim game.

apparently, the cramp has lasted upwards of 24 hours. unless you believe the providence journal, in which case he's pissed off at an official scorer. sounds like hogwash (and that is a link to the globe), but with the manny being manny shit they put up with, i wouldn't be surprised. err, here's the projo link.

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

by Jjjsixsix on Aug 23, 2006 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Some links from Primer:

Mulder is "progressing."

Both his manager and his coach believe Mark Mulder will be a work in progress when he returns to the mound for his first start in two months tonight. But even before the lefthander twirls a pitch or finishes an inning against the New York Mets, Mulder has made progress, Tony La Russa said.

Shawn Green traded to the Mets. Finally, they'll be able to able to attract the coveted Jewish New York sports fan.

The New York Yankees are ::cough:: losing money.

The New York Yankees are losing money even as they're winning games, General Manager Brian Cashman said.

The team's highest-in-baseball payroll, revenue-sharing outlay and other expenses eclipse its revenue, Cashman said in an interview on Bloomberg radio's ``On the Ball,'' to be aired this weekend.

``We're making a lot, but we're spending more than we're making,'' Cashman said. He declined to say how much the team is losing.

His comments come a week after the team broke ground for a $1.2 billion stadium project next to their current home in the Bronx that is funded mainly through municipal bonds. It's scheduled to open in 2009.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 9:46 AM PDT reply actions

My day at the office...

I've got one of those "funny" assignments at work today, high profile and all that - where if everything goes smoothly, status-quo, no big whup. If I screw it up royally, I'll probably get fired. Cool huh?

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 10:00 AM PDT reply actions

sweet!

I just got an interim pseudo-promotion at work (which means bigger title and workload only), so no matter how much i screw up, everyone loves me today. By tomorrow, they'll all be over it and I can get fired anytime...

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Aug 23, 2006 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Cue Dilbert ;- )

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions

hey I have one of those too

my boss goes on maternity leave as of Sunday, and our district has been realigned. My new vindictive cyborg of a DM with the fuccon smile is just waiting for me to make some tiny mistake after my "promotion."

death to myspace!

by malikot on Aug 23, 2006 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions

You guys got the wrong job!

My company just hired a supermodel as my personal assistant, and her duties are to fan me with palm leaves and feed me peeled grapes as I surf the internets all day long. Sometimes I get foot massages and she washes my car every week too. Ooh, break time! Now is when I go up to the driving range on the roof of our company high rise and hit golf balls that rain down on the corrugated tin roofs of the poor, huddled masses below.

"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 23, 2006 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions

you, sir, are a paragon of benevolence

We at Monkeyball Command Center don't give our poor rooves at all (and, yes, we call the pitching sectors of multiple team rosters "staves") -- we do, however, allow our golden micturation to "trickle down" upon them, so that they may reap the fruits of our untaxed labors. Afterwards, we chart our enjoyment of the scene on a Laugher curve.

aka Baron Monkey Von Ballheimer -- FormerHuntsvilleStar @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 23, 2006 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

From Will Caroll:

An MRI on a groin is a delicate matter. Without being crass or descriptive, it's just not... comfortable. Huston Street had one of these uncomfortable procedures, but at least he got a good result. Street's groin has no major tear, and is being classified as "mild" by most sources. As expected, he'll miss the minimum. Rich Harden continues to play catch, but there's some indication that he'll move to the mound sometime in the next week. There's still no real indication of what Harden will be able to do or when he'll be able to do it, but hope's a commodity with value.

link (sub req'd)

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 10:00 AM PDT reply actions

HAH!

{sees Huston's infrequent MRI, raises him a mammogram every couple of years}

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

(of course...

...I mean "sees" and "raises" in the poker sense...)

(and I mean "poker" in the card game sense...)

oh god, never mind.

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah...

...lol

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

by Sharon on Aug 23, 2006 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions

<snerk>

"raises" ... in the "tarp" sense?

aka Baron Monkey Von Ballheimer -- FormerHuntsvilleStar @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 23, 2006 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions

LOL

I was thinking See's as in the candy bar sense, and raises as in the misspelled raisins sense.

Day to day

by oblique on Aug 23, 2006 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions

lunchtime?

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

If you're into that kind of thing.

Day to day

by oblique on Aug 23, 2006 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions

Just about...

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions

i hate 99% of cats

there's only one that i've ever loved. she's a Russian Blue! (however she's gray, not blue)

If we don't talk to strangers, how would any of us make friends?!

by griffisgurl on Aug 23, 2006 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Was the deli out of puppies?

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions

HeY

whoa....gotta have love for most dogs!!

If we don't talk to strangers, how would any of us make friends?!

by griffisgurl on Aug 23, 2006 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions

What the hell is THAT?!

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions

sadly

it's and ugly dog....you can look them up on google images under "ugly dog" and THAT will come up!!

If we don't talk to strangers, how would any of us make friends?!

by griffisgurl on Aug 23, 2006 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions

No.

But puppy every day gets old after a while.

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Have you tried...

...the baby squash?

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions

It's in season, I hear.

I thought about ordering the panda sandwich, but was deterred when I heard that they fight back.

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Yet another...

...book I haven't gotten around to reading...

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

I have

I kicked his booty.

Day to day

by oblique on Aug 23, 2006 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Awesome!

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Thank you for the clarification

I was thinking "seize" and "raze" as in the tyrranical methods and fashion reminiscent of Genghis Khan.

4 8 15 16 23 42

by LowcountryJoe on Aug 23, 2006 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions

Yay!

I never thought I would be so happy about the health of any groin other than my husband's.

And the Harden news... it's like I don't want to get hopeful, but... I'm starting to get hopeful. I can't stop myself!

Just imagine the three great pitches he could make for us in the <insert some important series of games in October, that, you know, it would be cool to see some local team from Oakland play in> before his head fell off!!

"Frank Thomas=misunderstood he-man" ~geogrman

by tankerraid on Aug 23, 2006 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions

re: harden's return from death

i think it's safe to say that it's almost certain that there is a possibility of the potential that harden probably may, depending on how things go, pitch for us at some point hopefully this season.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Aug 23, 2006 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions

Come on!

Don't leave us hanging (no pun intended) about the details of an MRI on the groin. 'Cause I'm picturing clothespins, shaving cream, a flashlight, and a cute little story on the ceiling above the exam bed.

"The student is trying to keep up with the teacher," Swisher said. "It ain't easy chasing a dang Hall of Famer, though."

by Jennifer on Aug 23, 2006 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions

You're supposed to remain

completely still for an MRI. So they're probably a picture of Estelle Getty on the ceiling, not a cute little story...

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions

lmao

The exam room ceiling will have a poster demonstrating utter relaxation...

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Is that a throw rug on your couch?

And why is it happy to see me?

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

okay...

this link dump is entirely too snerkitudinous...

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm entering a monastery.

One of those cool ones in Belgium that brew ridiculously tasty beer...

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions

No comment

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions

Udder relaxation?

Is that what this guy is thinking about? Is this what cows dream about?

"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 23, 2006 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I forgot to link this a few days ago.

Hornfans on how Huston injured his nether region:

what has been swept under the rug, for fear of witchcraft accusations, is the way huston was injured. he was shot 14 times at point-blank range with a .460 weatherby magnum, and all he got was a strained groin and the 15-day dl. he is the best player ever.

"The student is trying to keep up with the teacher," Swisher said. "It ain't easy chasing a dang Hall of Famer, though."

by Jennifer on Aug 23, 2006 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Wikipedia is wildly addicting

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

by JLaff on Aug 23, 2006 10:30 AM PDT reply actions

That was before

I just edited the "Dallas Cowboys" page down to a single link.

by mikeA on Aug 23, 2006 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions

Ouch

It's okay, Dallas will beat SF to ring #6 :-P

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

by JLaff on Aug 23, 2006 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Football's version

of a footrace between Frank Thomas and Benjie Molina.

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions

Maybe...

But I'd rather be perfect in the Super Bowl.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 23, 2006 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Worst Skills

Daniel Brown of the murky news polled a few scouts about which players were the worst in certain skills.
Results
Thomas, Damon, Byrnes (not for fielding!), Loaiza (not for driving!) mentioned, among others.

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

by andeux on Aug 23, 2006 10:33 AM PDT reply actions

Dude

hasn't seen E-Lo's fastball lately, has he?

Go E-Lo

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Aug 23, 2006 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions

dammit crosby

slusser points out crosby may head back to the DL following increased back pains. they might keep him off it considering roster expansions are coming up, but it definitely seems like he's out for the near future. yet another sign that his swing needs to go...aside from crappy offensive numbers this season (and not-too-pretty ones his rookie year, along w/ a very bad slump at the end of last season), the swing definitely puts a lot of strain on his back. they talk about crosby possibly having to work out like kotsay on his abs and back extensively...he should also look at kotsay's swing. short and compact. he absolutely needs to change it, either whenever he comes back (you're a freaking professional, you're telling me you can't tinker w/ your swing a little during the season????) or this offseason.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Aug 23, 2006 10:33 AM PDT reply actions

Bobby Crosby tradebait for off-season?

It seems as though his "flukey" injuries have become chronic maladies.

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Aug 23, 2006 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Trade Duke Now!

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

by Sharon on Aug 23, 2006 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions

Bite your tongue!

Or I'll bite it for you!

"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 23, 2006 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions

No market for a guy who can't stay healthy.

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

No doubt...

Cant trade him now...market is way way too low.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 23, 2006 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

depends on what u want in return

Crosby is still very young, and has appeal with the ROY still. His value is considerably lower, but I guess it all depends on what u want back for him.

What do the A's do if he continues to get hurt/struggle. What are the A's options, doesnt sound like theres anything in the minors that would be a solution.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch." - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Aug 23, 2006 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Tejada and Jeter?

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 23, 2006 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions

sold!

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch." - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Aug 23, 2006 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

Right now

You could get an A-ball prospect. Maybe.

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

While not as extreme as Crosby...

A physically flawed Mulder netted the A's a nice return.

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Aug 23, 2006 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Has Crosby always had chronic back pain,

like dating back to college or did it just start when he came up to the majors?

by alamedagirl on Aug 23, 2006 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Or did he get back problems

while dating in college, and if so, did chronic help?

by Rickeyfan on Aug 23, 2006 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions

lmao

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions

qotm nom!

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

by Jjjsixsix on Aug 23, 2006 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

just put him down already

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch." - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Aug 23, 2006 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions

now now

"put him down" sounds bad. The correct term is "destroy."

death to myspace!

by malikot on Aug 23, 2006 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Silly daydream...

Tejada clears waivers and returns to the A's for the stretch drive. OK, not going to happen, but a guy can dream can't he?

by LoveDemAs on Aug 23, 2006 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions

can you imagine?

how awesome would that be.....

www.myspace.com/roneal

by signmebilly on Aug 23, 2006 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions

i don't think he needs to be traded

i'm down on him, but he has the tools to be great...but if he doesn't finally start making adjustments, such as changing his batting stance for the sake of his back, i am ready to throw him under the bus. look at our own frank thomas...future 1st ballot HOFer, yet has been more than willing to play around w/ his batting stance over the years.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Aug 23, 2006 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions

Run!

Pirates!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 11:21 AM PDT reply actions

yet another argument for ...

... the floating A's stadium on the Bay:

An Iraqi captain was saved from marauding Somali pirates by U.S. Marines, and made sails with old cloth to power his 3,000-ton cargo ship to the Seychelles when the engines failed ...

We could use the third-deck tarps for sails!

aka Baron Monkey Von Ballheimer -- FormerHuntsvilleStar @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 23, 2006 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions

...only when our engine fails...

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions

Happy 48th(?) birthday...

Julio Franco!

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

by JLaff on Aug 23, 2006 11:25 AM PDT reply actions

Happy 28th(!) birthday...

Kobe Bryant?

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Happy 152nd birthday, Moritz Moszkowski!

It's a shame that families get torn apart by something as simple as wild dogs. -Jack Handey

by JediLeroy on Aug 23, 2006 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

awesome

In his rookie season, Franco finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting to Chicago's Ron Kittle and just ahead of Baltimore's Mike Boddicker. Kittle retired 15 years ago and Boddicker 13.

by Eric in Atlanta on Aug 23, 2006 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions

This guy must

REALLY irk Rickey

"the only way Joe Morgan can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy"Michael Lewis

by 510inDenver on Aug 23, 2006 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions

OT: palindrome.

If you sent an email to your friend about whether Tejada was a better shortstop than Jeter, and if that friend hit the reply button, the return email would have the subject "Re: Tejada, Jeter."

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 11:47 AM PDT reply actions

Haha....

And how exactly did you come up with that?

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 23, 2006 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Boredom.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Awesome

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions

L.A. snow Job: O.J. won, Sal

Tulsa night life: filth, gin, a slut.

It's a shame that families get torn apart by something as simple as wild dogs. -Jack Handey

by JediLeroy on Aug 23, 2006 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions

Awesome!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions

bwahahaha!

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Golf clap

Wow. I see that MIT education sure does come in handy! :-P

I use emoticons far too often. Can we all just assume that I'm rarely serious?

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

by JLaff on Aug 23, 2006 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions

No.

They're urban raccoons, and they're not afraid.

by Poppy on Aug 23, 2006 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Dr. Awkward

"The whistles are woooooooo" - Bubb Rubb

by Philip Christy on Aug 23, 2006 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions

palindrome + haiku

Use a palindrome
You abalone diver
Ukiah haiku

aka Baron Monkey Von Ballheimer -- FormerHuntsvilleStar @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 23, 2006 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Grant's at it again:

link

The difference between Closer X and Closer Y could be that Closer Y doesn't have the "closer's mentality". But it might be that Closer X has allowed four home runs and eight balls fouled straight back to the screen, while Closer Y has allowed 12 home runs. How can you separate mental failings from blind luck over just 70 innings? It seems both illogical and unfair to start dragging perceived character flaws into the ring when the sample size is so minute.

...

But this doesn't really apply to Armando Benitez, because that dude just stinks.

Awesome.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 12:18 PM PDT reply actions

ok i think it's just me when i say that every

time i see Loiaza's name I immediately switch to Robert Loggia....just, don't ask!!

If we don't talk to strangers, how would any of us make friends?!

by griffisgurl on Aug 23, 2006 12:23 PM PDT reply actions

Probably old hand around here <snicker>

But this "aquarium" seems like a pretty nice addition to the reading room.

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 12:35 PM PDT reply actions

$#@E$%^#Q$W

Wow, that had me laughing out loud in the office today....especially the little bubbly noises it makes when you go to the links...

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Aug 23, 2006 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions

The Fish N Flush...

was also that bad seafood buffet I had in Reno a few years ago.

Licorice

by Ice Cream on Aug 23, 2006 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions

As opposed to the Flush 'n Fish...

which is what you do when your wallet falls out of your back pocket into the bowl as you're pulling your pants up.

"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 23, 2006 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Daic Barton out again.

Daric Barton's comeback has been delayed again. The A's top prospect sustained a hamstring injury last week while on a rehabilitation assignment.

Barton appeared in two games for the A's rookie league team in Arizona last Tuesday and Wednesday. De Francesco didn't know the severity of Barton's injury, but he said Barton is out indefinitely.

"I think every memeber of AN should send every memeber of LL 20 bucks." ~ Goose on LL

by AsGirl on Aug 23, 2006 1:21 PM PDT reply actions

Lou unavailable for comment

"No, I haven't been drinking or taking Ecstacy... " ~ Poppy

by eamb on Aug 23, 2006 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Fire the A's Medical Staff

From Top to Bottom. Something needs to be done.

Enima.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Aug 23, 2006 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Tango Tiger's defensive Scouting...

Report by the Fans for the Fans. Tango Tiger is conducting his annual Scouting Report by the Fans for the Fans again. Go here to stuff the ballot for Chavez, Swisher.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Aug 23, 2006 1:24 PM PDT reply actions

Note to Bill Simmons:

Wear it

Q: You poked fun at "Moneyball" saying that all the players profiled (other than Nick Swisher) have been complete failures. Scott Hatteburg is hitting .325/.418/.498 for the Reds this year, making less than $1 million. Can't argue with those numbers at that salary, exactly the point of "Moneyball." Not everyone can have a $200 million payroll, or $120 (million) like the "tortured" Red Sox.
--Nick, Cincinnati

SG: Very good point. I haven't been following the National League for the same reasons that I don't follow the International League and the Pacific Coast League, so I didn't realize Hatteberg was having such a good season. Actually, so is Chad Bradford for the Mets. Just a little more research and I would have been right back in that thing. Look, don't forget that I'm an idiot. Don't forget this for a second.

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

by JLaff on Aug 23, 2006 2:37 PM PDT reply actions

First of all, Bill Simmons should

be prohibited from writing about any sport except basketball. That's clearly his expertise, and the size of his attention span. Nice potshot at the NL, by the way. Unfortunately, he fails to follow not only the NL, but the entire AL as well save for the Red Sox and Yankees. That's his right as a fan, but it's a disservice to the readers that consider him an educated sportswriter.

I know a lot of people say, "Just ignore his attempts at analysis and enjoy the humor." Bollocks, says I. His pathetic attempts at analysis wouldn't be so bad except that readers -- and maybe it's just a Boston thing -- accept it as gospel under the mistaken impression that he had a logical basis for his conclusions. Disabusing them of that notion is not exactly easy, either. Bill Simmons ranks right up there with the reasons that I hate the Red Sox "nation."

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Completely agree

If he were writing for say, the Boston Globe, he'd be fine. But for a national media outlet, you hope for at least competance in other matters aside from your specialty. I've been reading him for a while, I can't recall a time where I've seen him try for such.

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

by JLaff on Aug 23, 2006 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't think

Simmons ever comes off as trying to analytical about much of anything. He has an opinion and finds stats to support that opinion is missing the boat. That isn't analysis. That's having an opinion with numbers.

If he is attempting analysis, well, he's dumber than I am.

by towndunce on Aug 23, 2006 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions

*Erase "is missing the boat"

I told you I was a moron.

by towndunce on Aug 23, 2006 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Huh...

To me, Simmons is the only tolerable part of the Red Sox "nation." Certainly one of the more rational (take that for what you will...)

His football commentary is pretty solid (in addition to basketball). Granted, his baseball commentary is somewhat weak, but I'm willing to accept that. I think his appeal stems from the fact that he is writing with the "fan's voice," not that of an analyst. People that take what he says as gospel do so at their own risk. He routinely issues disclaimers ("I am an idiot") -- if people choose to ignore them, that's hardly his fault!

by RickeySteals on Aug 23, 2006 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Bill, don't forget that you're an idiot.

Don't forget this for a second. Now, do these kind people a huge favor and stop writing.

Dumbass.

Just a little more research? Or maybe any research at all!

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

by Sharon on Aug 23, 2006 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions

someone should point out

that three other players picked by the a's in the moneyball draft are doing quite well:
blanton, teahen, and f'in PAPELBON.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 23, 2006 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Lineups, with Ellis in the 2 hole

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/gameTrax?gameId=260823114

by Dr Pez on Aug 23, 2006 3:21 PM PDT reply actions

Dear ESPN, SI, FOX, and every other

major sports outlet in the country:

PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT F---ING FOOTBALL.

Warm regards,
salb918

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 3:27 PM PDT reply actions

Funny thing is...

New York and LA don't even have professional football teams.

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Now YOU'RE talking about football!

Oh no, now I'M talking about football! F---!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm getting pumped up!

Raiders-Argonauts is in less than an hour!

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Aug 23, 2006 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions

WOO HOO!

The Talahassee Tipplers take on the Bumstead Wingnuts in 2008 pre-pre-pre-pre-season action this Thursday morning at 2:43 am!

"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 23, 2006 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Is it that time again?

Lemme just repost this:

http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2005/8/31/17852/0255

"the only way Joe Morgan can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy"Michael Lewis

by 510inDenver on Aug 23, 2006 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Woohoo!

Word up, brother!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions

i like how

in agreeing with sal, you posted a link to your diary where sal posted a link agreeing with you.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 23, 2006 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions

I liked that, too.

I totally agree with you that it was likeable.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 23, 2006 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions

no link

to support this?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 23, 2006 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions