Spot 'Em Two And Get To Work...

by Nico on Sep 20, 2006 9:55 PM PDT in News

Tonight's win, the usual "fall behind 2-0, climb on Thomas' back" winapalooza, ended with a dilemma made more interesting by the Angels' impending visit that is now just around the corner. On Friday, the games become more important--not 100 times more important, but exactly twice as important, as a win against the Indians reduces the magic number by one while a win over the Angels reduces the magic number by two.

The A's know they need to grab every win they can, no matter whom they are playing, and so Justin Duchscherer and Huston Street were both called on yesterday in a game that wound up not even offering a save situation. Tonight, Duchscherer finished the 8th inning, pitching for the second night in a row. Duke could have pitched the 9th, but when Street got the call it meant each has now worked two days in a row. But before the Angels come calling, there's still one game against Cleveland, a game half as important as each of the three that follows but a game that is still a heck of a lot more important than an off-day.

Do you want to see Duchscherer pitch for a third day in a row tomorrow if the A's have a chance to win? Do you want to see Street pitch for a third day in a row tomorrow if the A's have a chance to win? Should Duchscherer, who has proven himself capable as a closer, albeit over a smaller sample size, have finished up tonight to avoid facing these dilemmas going into the Angels series?

And would we even have the luxury of such a discussion were it not for the awesome settle-down job by Loaiza and the 3-4 punch known as Milton Bradley and Frank Thomas?

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bradley

a day after he got more of that "tired act" criticism, he came up big. maybe the guy just needs a little bit of controversy in his life in order to be motivated.

aside from the big hits and the stolen base that didn't count, bradley jumped in the air and screamed as he scored on the thomas double.
that and loaiza wanting to stay in the game were the two things i was most glad to see tonight.

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 Sep 20, 2006 9:56 PM PDT reply actions

Let 'em throw

If all goes well between now and Sunday there's a whole week to arrange rest and the optimal workload. For now, let's get it done.

We have to be gone for the weekend (going to NY, sure to be bombarded by much Yanks/Mets talk) but the good news is we gave our final Sunday tickets to a friend who is trying to wean his 10-year old son off the Giants to become an A's fan - what better way than to see a pennant clinching game against the Angels. Go A's!

by sslinger on Sep 20, 2006 9:58 PM PDT reply actions

Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em

Until the A's have clinched the post-season, barring injury, they should put their very best chance to win the game out on the field. That's why we've seen Kendall start 30 straight games at catcher, and why we will see more of Duke and Street at least until the Angels leave town licking their wounds.

It's another great story tonight with Loaiza hanging in there, and Milton and Frank doing what they do best. Think of where this team would have been with tonight's game without those three guys, and realize none were here last year. That's William Lamar Beane for you, making a difference deep into September.

The A's Magic Number Is now Five...

More ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/ | Archive

by louismg on Sep 20, 2006 9:58 PM PDT reply actions

Let's win this damn division

and then rest the guys and COaaaaaaaaaast.

by IM4Oakgal on Sep 20, 2006 9:59 PM PDT reply actions

"Don't worry Papi.....

...we'll get the like we always do." -Swish (to E-Lo after the 5th)

www.myspace.com/roneal Proud to be an Athletic Supporter!

by signmebilly on Sep 20, 2006 10:00 PM PDT reply actions

I heard that...

I thought he was telling me not to worry... ;)

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 20, 2006 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey, does anybody know who's

pitching tomorrow?

:-)

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 20, 2006 10:01 PM PDT reply actions

Didn't Blez say he was pitching?

Or did I read that wrong...

More ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/ | Archive

by louismg on Sep 20, 2006 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Some guy who is fragile

I think.

by IM4Oakgal on Sep 20, 2006 10:02 PM PDT reply actions

emotionally fragile?

don't tell me it's julian tavarez...

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions

This Julian Tavarez?

http://www.leaptoad.com/ahp/bronxzoo/bignose.jpg

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

by capper3 on Sep 20, 2006 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Zito, Haren, Loaiza....(Harden not considered yet)

who do you want starting a must win game come October? At this point I really have to say Es-teban (Kill Bill 2 anyone?). He is on. And compared to Zito much more reliable at this point. I think when it comes down to it, the A's will choose Z just on principle. I'm not sure that's the best choice.

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

by capper3 on Sep 20, 2006 10:03 PM PDT reply actions

ugh, prinicple...smacks of mulder in 04

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 20, 2006 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't know who I would trust most to start...

but I trust Duke the most in relief.

by IM4Oakgal on Sep 20, 2006 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions

No doubt.

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

by capper3 on Sep 20, 2006 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I trust all them guys...

I'd give any of them the ball in a do-or-die situation. Even Blanton. All these guys have proven that they want to be the guy in those games.

However, despite the HRs, I would prefer Haren.

Live forever or die trying.

by oaklandpete on Sep 21, 2006 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Payton's hit in the 4th extended

his hit streak to 10 games. He has now had three 10+ game hitting streaks this season. Who knew?

"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Sep 20, 2006 10:04 PM PDT reply actions

Oops,

my [i]glass[/i] window just shattered.

"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith

by Boonee on Sep 20, 2006 10:04 PM PDT reply actions

OK so the italics didn't work.

What did I do wrong?

"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith

by Boonee on Sep 20, 2006 10:05 PM PDT reply actions

Wrong brackets

Should be like <i>this</i>

"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Sep 20, 2006 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Which raises a further question...

eamb, how did you get that to print with the html tags displayed, so that it didn't just look like this?

"It took eight hours...seven-and-a-half to find the heart." -- Steve McCatty on Charlie Finley's heart surgery.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Sep 21, 2006 7:01 AM PDT up reply actions

We heart Jennifer.

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/9/7/53054/51473/57#57

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 21, 2006 7:03 AM PDT up reply actions

I think this was Kennedy's fault more than

anything. Had he been able to get Martinez out (granted, it was a great pitch that Victor hit) then I wouldn't have been surprised to see Duke close out the game. But this does create a bit of a serious problem tomorrow with Harden likely to only go a max of six innings, if that. So that means that the offense needs to score some runs off of Sabathia, which isn't a nice proposition.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 20, 2006 10:10 PM PDT reply actions

35 Saves

For not having a spectacular season, Street still has 35 saves and about a 2.9 ERA. very impressive.

I say use them now and rest them once we clinch. Duke hardly pitched today.

I would like to see Calero effective in October.. Let's hope he gets his stuff together soon.

by Borbass on Sep 20, 2006 10:10 PM PDT reply actions

Street is in the Top 5 in Saves

in the American League.

Not too shabby.

2nd favorite team: WHOEVER IS PLAYING THE GIANTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by ConcordFanSince1968 on Sep 20, 2006 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Street was the wrong move

once Duke entered the game to get the last out, he should have finished. Duke's proven himself, he's more than good enough to finish it. That being said, regardless of the workload, if we're in a position to win tomorrow, use them both if you have to.

A win tomorrow means we only need to take 2 of 7 from Anaheim or 1 of 7 and 2 of 3 from Seattle and that's assuming that Anaheim can sweep Texas.

If we win tomorrow, we're in a position where we could actually let them sweep us this weekend to set up our pitching for the final 7 (not that I'd recommend it or that we'd do it, but it's nice to have the option of sacrificing a game or two). Winning 3 out of 10 isn't that hard, Even KC has done better that for the season.

by DMOAS on Sep 20, 2006 10:14 PM PDT reply actions

The thing about baseball,

is that Yogi was right. It ain't over till it's over. I want our guys to close out the deal against the Angels this weekend. Take it upon themselves to get the job done. Plus, I'll be at the series. I want so much to see the deal go down.

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

by alox on Sep 20, 2006 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Um

I know you're screwing around, but we really can't let them sweep us. If we lose tomorrow and we enter the last ten with a 6 game lead, only to drop the first three, we have then a 3 game lead with 7 to play. We don't want to give them a chance to beat us with a good series down in Anaheim.

We don't need to sweep them this weekend, but we can't be swept. One win should be enough to make it more or less impossible for them to come back.

It seems like we had a 3 game lead with 9 to play in 04, and we managed to lose that.

Go for the jugular, boys!

by Crosbino on Sep 20, 2006 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions

yea, some sophomore slump

for Huston & Swish

Hi, I am closetasfan, and I am a NRAF, and an ANA

by closetasfan on Sep 20, 2006 10:15 PM PDT reply actions

I hope Macha doesn't use Street

tomorrow. If he has to have a closer tomorrow I would prefer he uses Duke.
We have to save one of those guys for the first game against the Angels. As you point out those games are twice as valuable as the Cleveland game.

by china bob on Sep 20, 2006 10:20 PM PDT reply actions

tomorrow's game

anyone from the concord area going to the game tomorrow that could pickup a couple tix for fridays game for me?

by Athletix Man on Sep 20, 2006 10:21 PM PDT reply actions

I think some may have

misunderstood the premise of my Duke/Street question. I'm assuming that if either Duke or Street pitched tomorrow, they simply would not be available on Friday. In other words, the cost of each pitching Tuesday and Wednesday is either that they are unavailable tomorrow OR not available for all Angels games. So it's "pick your poison".

If it were up to me, at this point I'd put Duke and Street on the "not available" list for Thursday. Gaudin the 8th, Calero the 9th if we have the lead. Have your best guns ready for Friday-Sunday. It's simple Math: Those games are twice as important as tomorrow's game.

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:22 PM PDT reply actions

I agree with Nico, except I'd have

Harden -- 1st thru 4th
Halsey -- 5th and 6th
Gaudin -- 6th and 7th (Yes I know they share the 6th)
Kennedy -- 7th and 8th (7th shared with Gaudin)
Calero -- 9th

If Harden can pitch into the 5th it's gravy. I assume he's on a 75 or so pitch limit. If it's out of hand by the 6th, use Witasick, Flores and Sauerbeck

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 20, 2006 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree with WaddellCanseco,

except I'd go with:

Halsey 5th and 6th
Sauerbeck 6th
Witasick 6th
Gaudin 6th--at which point I'd FIRE MACHA NOW for not following WaddellCanseco's plan.

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions

So we're agreed then?

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 20, 2006 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions

60-pitch limit

I believe

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 21, 2006 6:12 AM PDT up reply actions

No sweat

Rich can throw a perfect game in that amount. :)

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 21, 2006 7:08 AM PDT up reply actions

heh

I expect nothing less than a 27-pitch perfect game, with no ball leaving the infield.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 21, 2006 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Hershiser

in "Men at Work" by George Will (?).."Perfect game is 27 ground balls to the shortstop."

Free Clarett Now!

by tresselfan on Sep 21, 2006 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions

sorry, but that was emilio estevez

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 Sep 21, 2006 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah.

They're turning out just fine.

Ha! Got it to work this time. Thanks.

Should be a sweet weekend series. I'll be there Friday!

"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith

by Boonee on Sep 20, 2006 10:22 PM PDT reply actions

Hey Nico,

You should have ended your comments like the old Batman tv show.

"Will Macha be proven wrong in his judgements, or will the A's offense lavish in the cool sun in Oakland and pull out a laugher."

"Tune in next time...only at 12:30 and on the radio."

Frank Thomas is big.

by robber23 on Sep 20, 2006 10:22 PM PDT reply actions

oh thank goodness the A's won....

Ever had one of those days? You know, the type where nothing seems to be going well? Work sucks, you have to stay late, you go to practice and the coach yells at you, people all day pulling you left and right, the world all coming crashing in? And then the voice on the radio, which says "Strike three! A's win 4-3!". Like a beacon in the night, pulling me out of my crappy ass mood. Well, the beer I'm drinking has helped too...

If the A's are going to win everytime I have a crappy day, then I'll have to tell people to annoy me through the end of October....

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 20, 2006 10:23 PM PDT reply actions

Come On Now

Chad Gaudin is capable of getting the Win, Hold and Save.

He's a potential Chuck Norris.

It's It. What is it? aim: encryptthisthat

by Hit4TheCycle on Sep 20, 2006 10:24 PM PDT reply actions

We get Mr. Weaver on Friday.

Any thoughts on our offense throwing up some runs early against this guy?

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

by alox on Sep 20, 2006 10:25 PM PDT reply actions

wait, our offense is going to throw up???

Are they going to Applebee's tomorrow night?

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 20, 2006 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Generally, they relegate that duty to me.

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

by alox on Sep 20, 2006 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions

wouldn't count on it ...

Zito vs. Weaver is an unfavorable matchup -- sorry, Barry -- so to answer Nico's question, go for the win tomorrow. If Friday goes south fast, the silver lining is that Duke and Street get the night off. One of the problems I have with baseball statistics is there's no way to give any credit to losses that are played as maintenance games -- compared with a tough loss where you use your full bullpen, maintenance games can be worthwhile.

by vk on Sep 20, 2006 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Come to think of it,

it's all relative and there's no way that Street or Duke will go into the Angels series with their right arms hanging any lower than K-Rod's.

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Prediction:

Scioscia uses K-Rod for 2/3 of an inning in tomorrow's off-day. And somehow the Angels manage to run into an out.

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Can't believe Lose Chokeles won

they swept the Royals.

Things are all set now for a showdown in the west!

I still believe that things will go the A's way...

Friends don't let friends read HalosHeaven

by BruceBochte on Sep 20, 2006 10:26 PM PDT reply actions

doesn't everyone sweep the royals?

we knew the royals weren't going to provide much help. we'll have to do our own damage this weekend. :)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 20, 2006 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Royals took series from both Sox

this month

Friends don't let friends read HalosHeaven

by BruceBochte on Sep 20, 2006 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions

see, they wasted all their wins

earlier in the month

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 20, 2006 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Kind of like last year,

when the Orioles foolishly wasted all their wins before the All-Star Break.

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions

realistically we only need to beat LAA twice

I see no need to save the relievers for the angels at the cost of possibly losing winnable games against cleveland and seattle. if we can win just one more against cle and seatle. we only need to go 2 and 5 against the angels in the 2 remaining series. furthermore, because of texas' lineup, it's unlikely that they will be swept, meaning that if we can win 2 more against cle and sea, we may only have to go 1 and 6 against LAA. the way i see, any game we win against cle and sea takes pressure of the series' with the angels. using our best to win today is the right call to me. i'd say the same thing tomorrow. our goal should not be to prepare for meaningful games against the angels, it should be to ensure that the games against the angels are meaningless. to me the most reasonable goal (and healthiest outcome) is to clinch next week against seattle. doing so may be possible even if we get swept this weekend (which is unlikely anyway).

Zito: You ever think about the space time continuum?
Huddy: Uh... no.

by mendelbob on Sep 20, 2006 10:28 PM PDT reply actions

I am in agreement here.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

"Clooney... He's up there with um... he's up there with the Congress. He's trying to get everybody... to go over there... and solve that thing." -Sutcliffe

by afansnotes on Sep 20, 2006 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Magic number? 35

Frank is indispensible. Go A's.

Bring on the Long Beach Angels of El Cerrito.

"Meanwhile, Kirk Gibson's a coach with Detroit and I'm in the Hall of Fame.'" - Dennis Eckersley

by El Payo on Sep 20, 2006 10:29 PM PDT reply actions

Loaiza was awesome tonight

How many outs in a row did he get after the second inning? 15 or so? Definitely a great performance.

His theme song in my head is now "Twilight" by the Electric Light Orchestra.

When the lights...go down...in the city...

by senork on Sep 20, 2006 10:37 PM PDT reply actions

ooh, I have an idea!

Let's have Harden pitch all 9 tomorrow! Then, we won't have to use Street OR Duke!

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Sep 20, 2006 10:38 PM PDT reply actions

on a pitch count of 60ish?

That's 6 pitches or so per inning. Sure, he can do that!! :)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 20, 2006 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I think we should use Sauerbeck

as the closer. Not because we would probably win, but just because it would be funny.

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions

That sounds like the A's version of

Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

by AsFanInLA on Sep 20, 2006 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions

No funnier than Arthur Rhodes closing

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Sep 21, 2006 6:26 AM PDT up reply actions

I'll drink to that!

...and so will he!

"It took eight hours...seven-and-a-half to find the heart." -- Steve McCatty on Charlie Finley's heart surgery.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Sep 21, 2006 7:35 AM PDT up reply actions

the fans were clapping and chanting

"Let's go Oakland" on BART coming back from the game tonight. Other passengers were asking us for the game wrap. I think the coliseum will be packed this weekend.

Bradley's intensity in that decisive at bat was radiating out from him at the plate. You could just tell he was going to tie the game. And Frank...was Frank!

by OaklandSi on Sep 20, 2006 10:42 PM PDT reply actions

I really want to clinch at home this

weekend...

Friends don't let friends read HalosHeaven

by BruceBochte on Sep 20, 2006 10:46 PM PDT reply actions

Can someone remind me...

what's the magic number now?

by kvn on Sep 20, 2006 10:46 PM PDT reply actions

FIVE

by OaklandSi on Sep 20, 2006 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions

i like it

by kvn on Sep 20, 2006 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Today's Sesame Street

is brought to you by the number: 5. And by the user: grover.

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Just glad to help the team

The Count is day-to-day with lock jaw.

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

by grover on Sep 21, 2006 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions

I believe

and please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that it's 5 (or so).

When the lights...go down...in the city...

by senork on Sep 20, 2006 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions

113!!!!

Oh wait, that was yesterday.

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Great game all around

Nice to see the A's able to rally when we need it in the 6th and 7th. Also, thanks to the LF drummers in the parking lot who hooked me up with a bottled black 'n' tan before the game!! Go A's, see you on Sunday!!

by mattclif on Sep 20, 2006 10:53 PM PDT reply actions

Tomorrow just as important as Friday's game...

If we win tomorrow, we're up 7 on Ana. If we lose we're up 6. If we do the opposite on Friday, then that puts us at either 6 or 7 depending. Thus tomorrow is just as important as friday.

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

by capper3 on Sep 20, 2006 10:53 PM PDT reply actions

I think you just proved,

rather convincingly, that 1=2, which is going to force a lot of Math books to be rewritten. Well done--

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 Sep 20, 2006 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions

as a veteran of the enron accounting dept, i agree

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 Sep 20, 2006 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Uh....no

Win Thursday, lose Friday: Lead is 6 games, magic number is 4.

Lose Thursday, win Friday, Lead is 7 games, magic number is 3.

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

by dylantravis on Sep 20, 2006 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions

An actual win today is better than a possible win

the next day.

The value of locking in a win today when the next day could be a blowout is worth remembering. And the sooner the stake is in their heart, the better.

by MobiusKlein on Sep 20, 2006 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm retarded..........

I apologize to the human race for that post. Billy Madison anyone?

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

by capper3 on Sep 20, 2006 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Chavvy

i guess we all knew that his hands and leg
were falling off -- but is this a bad time to lose
the left side of the infield? We have an adequate
backup in Scutaro but Perez really scares me in
the postseason.

by oak1 on Sep 20, 2006 11:07 PM PDT reply actions

Take A Win ... Any Win

Nothing is guaranteed in baseball and every win counts.

Who knows if the top of the bullpen will even come into play on Friday?

What if Calero blows it tomorrow and Weaver shuts out the offense while Zito is subpar on Friday?

If it's there, take the win tomorrow ... the magic number will only be four!

by Eck on Sep 20, 2006 11:08 PM PDT reply actions

Did anyone tape tonights game?

by Duke of left field on Sep 20, 2006 11:14 PM PDT reply actions

why...

were you there?

by kvn on Sep 20, 2006 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm always there.

by Duke of left field on Sep 20, 2006 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I know

I sat a few rows behind you on saturday. Unfortunately the drumming wasn't loud enough to drown out the sound of the heckling White Sox fan sitting next to me. SUCH A DICK, that guy!!!

by kvn on Sep 20, 2006 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I sure did!

Just got home myslef, and I always tape the games when I am there. How can I be of service?

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 20, 2006 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Hook me up.

I will provide multiple cocktails in return. I really want to see the intro with High Street.

by Duke of left field on Sep 20, 2006 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions

You mean this...

Do you want the whole game, or just the intro?

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 20, 2006 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions

That would be it.

You rule.

by Duke of left field on Sep 20, 2006 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh, yeah,......

The whole game if you don't mind.

by Duke of left field on Sep 20, 2006 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Not a problem!

I will put it on a tape and get it to you this weekend!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 20, 2006 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Thank you.

by Duke of left field on Sep 20, 2006 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Once Again:

I Do NOT Exist!?!?! :)

"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 21, 2006 7:16 AM PDT up reply actions

who are you?

by theblackpearl on Sep 21, 2006 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions

I'd ask my mother if I had one:

Maybe I'd ask my dad if I had one those either!?!?

"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 21, 2006 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions

Magic Numbers with the village idiot

Okay, help me walk through this...

Our magic number is now 5. Got it.

The Angels don't play tomorrow. If we win, magic number becomes 4. If we lose, it stays at 5?
Let's say we win tomorrow, magic number is 4. If we beat the Angels on Friday, it drops to 2. If the Angels beat us, does it stay at 4?
Let's say we beat the Angels Friday, magic number is 2. If we win on Saturday, we clinch? If we lose Saturday, is the magic number still 2?

Your magic frightens and confuses me...

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 20, 2006 11:20 PM PDT reply actions

Magic!

If we win tomorrow and then win two of three against the Angels this weekend, we clinch.

Every time we beat the Angels, our magic number drops by two. Every time they beat us, the magic number remains the same.

by Crosbino on Sep 20, 2006 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions

don't be afraid

The magic # can't go up, only down. If we win tomorrow, all we must do is take 2 of 3 over the weekend from the Ladies In Red and the division is ours. If we lose tomorrow, we have to sweep them over the weekend to clinch at home on Sunday.

Either way, the Rev will be starring as the Charles Bukowski character in his own psychodrama shortly, trolling the seedy, lonely bars of LA and OC a broken and hateful shell of his formerly haughty self. When I read HH, I get the impression that the Rev and the Angels' fans, in their primordial hatred for us and our team, are feeling like Hitler must have felt watching Jesse Owens take all the gold medals in 1936.

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

by emperor nobody on Sep 20, 2006 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions

lmao

Well, allrighty then! I'm going Saturday AND Sunday, just in case... ;)

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 20, 2006 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Does that mean that in a couple years...

...we can expect Angels' fans to fake a border incident and invade Yorba Linda?

"It took eight hours...seven-and-a-half to find the heart." -- Steve McCatty on Charlie Finley's heart surgery.

by GreenNGoldSooner on Sep 21, 2006 7:39 AM PDT up reply actions

The Rev just needs a ham sandwich

If analagous to the filmed character, Henry Chenowski, Buk was definitely an A's fan. He saw beauty in everything, especially bars full of drunk people. He extolled the virtous life of being drunk. I see Rev more like Eddie the Bartender.

"Some people never go crazy, What truly horrible lives they must live" --Charles Bukowski

by eshock on Sep 21, 2006 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions

Magic numbers made simple

We win, the magic # decreases by 1; Angels lose magic # decreases by 1; if we beat the Angels, since
it's both a loss for the Angels and a win for us, magic # decreases by 2.

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 Sep 21, 2006 3:08 AM PDT up reply actions

Vote No on proposition "Harden"

Im very excited to see harden tomorrow, but with the bullpen in its current state, its just not smart baseball. I say wait a few games, maybe against seattle. We need the bullpen this weekend, you know these upcoming angels games are gonna be tight no matter how well the A's are playing. Best case scenario tomorrow is that harden has 6 10 pitch innings, yeah right, and the mariners still have a shot at the pennant. Worst case, harden has a 20 or 30 pitch first and second, and Macha has to figure out who to cover for 6 or 7 innings. Not smart baseball!

Get better chavy

Go A's

by Asjunkie on Sep 21, 2006 12:52 AM PDT reply actions

Stretch him out for post-season starts

If Harden is going to start in the post-season, we need to start getting him stretched out NOW. By going today, we can give him three starts before the post-season (Cleveland @ home and away vs. Seattle and Anaheim). Also remember that with September callups we have 10-11 guys in the bullpen, several of whom are multi-inning eaters.

Of course, it would be nice if our loveable muppets smacked Sabathia around early so that we could rest the overworked end of our bullpen (Duke, Street, Calero). A combo of Harden, Halsey, Gaudin for the win would be perfect.

by LoveDemAs on Sep 21, 2006 6:58 AM PDT up reply actions

If it goes that bad, then we go to Windsor for 3

isn't Komine up as well? Those 2 should get us 5 innings of 3 run ball, hopefully

by theblackpearl on Sep 21, 2006 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Dearest Statisticians,

My name is Oakland Athletics 2006:

I like to hit the ball on line drives because I believe in myself, I believe in my teammates, and gosh darn, I don't have to do it on my own.

Sincerly,

Small Sample Size

Go A's!

* There is such a thing as, CLUTCH *

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 21, 2006 2:10 AM PDT reply actions

from espn insider

there's an article rating the bullpens of contending teams on how they're operated, with workload and performance taken into consideration.

the short of it is that the twins get an A, tigers an A-, and surprisingly the A's get a C+. The reason for this is that A's relievers tend to make a lot more throws in the bullpen, and the relative "stress" of an outing is not taken into consideration by the coaching staff. For example, the Twins will not use a pitcher the next day if he threw 17 high stress pitches for an inning, whereas a low stress 22 pitch 3 inning guy may go two days in a row. Interesting stuff.

All in all, I just hope our guys can stay healthy so that we can continue to use our bullpen as a strength.

by rhyun on Sep 21, 2006 2:31 AM PDT reply actions

I don't subscribe to Insider

can you give a summary of how they measure intensity and "stress"?

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 Sep 21, 2006 3:40 AM PDT up reply actions

C'mon, aren't you in an intangibles

fantasy league? I took Jeter #1, his leaderships i 8,000

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Sep 21, 2006 6:29 AM PDT up reply actions

leadership is, sorry

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Sep 21, 2006 6:30 AM PDT up reply actions

well,

they say, for example, Calero may have only thrown 50 1/3 innings, which is a modest total. But let's say he threw 2/3 inning today. That doesn't take into consideration all the pitches he's thrown in the bullpen when warming up, and he may have thrown in the pen yesterday getting ready but was not used.
The C+ isn't aimed at the quality of the pen, it's more about the managing of it. They rate Minn. high because all year, they've basically had no one get hurt. We can't say the same with JFK, Duke, Huston all having been on the DL and now Kiko supposedly nursing a sore shoulder.

As I said before, I just want to keep our guns nice and fresh for this final run.

by rhyun on Sep 21, 2006 6:56 AM PDT up reply actions

ESPN

C+ my ass! Thats ESPN for you. I bet you there isnt anyone on baseball tonight that even has a clue that the A's are 25 games over .500. They dont possibly pay enough attention to the A's unless they are being seldom beat by Orange County Angels of Angelton in Angry Aneheim. Ive been watching the A's bullpen all year and they are just fantastic if used right. There are a couple (halsey and witasik), that if you did not factor in, the A's pen would be no. 1 in the league. ESPN has always hated the A's for some reason, and I in return hate ESPN.

by Asjunkie on Sep 21, 2006 3:58 AM PDT up reply actions

Why do the A's throw more in the pen?

Is it because they're asked to continually get up and sit down or because they need more warmup throws to get warmed up? I too would like to know how "stress" is measured.

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 21, 2006 4:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Nice win

Still can't understand why people around here give up in the 4th and 5th inning. 3 straight wins and the division is ours. 3!! That's it!

by sprtsnwyn on Sep 21, 2006 4:36 AM PDT reply actions

game threads

are filled with panic because it's only natural in periods of transition for the more timid element to run for cover.

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 Sep 21, 2006 6:44 AM PDT up reply actions

that's only because we're all gonna die

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 21, 2006 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions

i'm not

every year, the vast majority of people don't die, and every year, i plan on being one of those people.

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 Sep 21, 2006 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Not sure if this will work...

How does one post an image or .gif file?

Gas to Chicago- $23.87 A's/White Sox Tix- $28 Watching the A's whipping the Sox in July 05'- Priceless

by WiscoFan on Sep 21, 2006 5:48 AM PDT reply actions

HTML tutorial, anybody?

Not picking on you, WiscoFan, but we really ought to put up a basic HTML tutorial along with the "ANcillary Terms" FAQ. In this diary alone we've had questions about italics and image posting.

Anyway, to display an image use:

If you're trying to post one of your own pictures, you'll need to throw it up on PhotoBucket or some similar site and then link to it as shown above.

by LoveDemAs on Sep 21, 2006 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions

"AN Glossary" has been updated...

...since the "ANcillary Terms" link was created. So it now contains a link to this comment by Jennifer with several common HTML tags.

(doesn't cover image hosting, though, so we probably do still need a separate little tutorial...)

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 21, 2006 7:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Two seconds.

I was so close. Good morning, Poppy.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 21, 2006 7:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks to Jennifer

There is an HTML tutorial in the ANcillary glossary.

http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2006/9/7/53054/51473

It's about two-thirds of the way down.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 21, 2006 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Two MINUTES, babe!

Good morning, TurnTwo... :)

(and to clarify, the ANcillary Terms link doesn't contain Jennifer's comment, the AN Glossary does)

</glossary-whoring>

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 21, 2006 7:21 AM PDT up reply actions

actually, that's glossary-PIMPING

Very sorry. I'll get back to work now.

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 21, 2006 7:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Damn.

You're right. That's exactly why I shouldn't be at work this early.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 21, 2006 7:45 AM PDT up reply actions

AN is buzzing with anticipatory

excitement this morning.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 21, 2006 7:27 AM PDT reply actions

murmurmurmurmurmurmurmurmurmurmurmur..............

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 21, 2006 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions

SWEET!!!!

i GET TO DITCH SCHOOL TODAY TO GO TO THE GAME!

by iloveoakland on Sep 21, 2006 7:39 AM PDT reply actions

I miss two things

"nice win bitches"

and

oaktoon. where did he disappear to?

Hi, I am closetasfan, and I am a NRAF, and an ANA

by closetasfan on Sep 21, 2006 7:50 AM PDT reply actions

He briefly returned,

and now it appears he is gone again...

by mikeA on Sep 21, 2006 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Indeed he rose, like the Phoenix,

only to disappear like a cybermirage.

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 Sep 21, 2006 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Let's not forget

How huge Milton Bradley was last night. My 6 year old daughter said to me two games ago as we listened to the raido, "Dad, how do you think he came up with Yahtzee?"

Last night, I heard Kenny Mayne in my mind yelling "YAHTZEEEEEE!!!" when Milton jump started things.

www.myspace.com/jeffaugust

by jeffro on Sep 21, 2006 8:21 AM PDT reply actions

Kenny Mayne

one of his classic calls: "that's Bradley's 11th home run...not in this game, that would be a record or something."

best SportsCenter anchor ever

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 21, 2006 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions

What about

Catching the central teams and getting home field? Time to start reassessing our goals. Only 2 games back...

Free Clarett Now!

by tresselfan on Sep 21, 2006 9:30 AM PDT reply actions

Conflicted Desires

Suppose the A's win today..... The A's then need 2 of 3 and they clinch.... On Saturday or Sunday.... i.e. the first or second day of Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the Jewish year. To put it succinctly, I can't watch, listen, or even track it on the web. Why are the A's anti-semitic?

by Bronx A's Fan on Sep 21, 2006 11:00 AM PDT reply actions