DLD 9/29/06 ::: RPS

by eamb on Sep 29, 2006 11:20 AM PDT

How to beat anyone at RPS (Rock Paper Scissors) -- [ht fark].

WE'RE ALL GONNA GET WASTED!!!!

TDIBH

1971 Expos second baseman Ron Hunt is plunked by a pitch for the 50th time of the season establishing a big league record. By comparison, the runner-up in the league, teammate Rusty Staub, will only be hit by a pitch nine times. (Jason Kendall unavailable for comment)

Around the league

Viva El Birdos... lonely little game

the irony. after nearly a full season of skepticism, emphasizing the cardinals' flaws and waving red flags -- their lousy strikeout rate, their negative homerun differential, their imbalanced rotation and misappropriation of roster resources -- after months and months of, in essence, issuing "sell" recommendations on st louis cardinals stock, i come to find that, at the very end, i may have overestimated this team. ...AT RALLY MONDAY!!!

Metstradamus... Operation Shutdown 2.0 [ht deadspin]

Pedro Martinez was signed by the Mets to help get them to the playoffs. Now, everyone else has to get the Mets through the playoffs, as Pedro's left calf (after all the worrying about the right calf) has a torn muscle. So five months after the Mets were looking for a special shoe for Pedro, now they'll need a dolly instead.

Bask in glory until next week when you get all anxious again department

Baseball Prospectus... Postseason Odds

AL West Champions Wild Card Playoffs
Athletics 100.00000 .00000 100.00000

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Comments

OH MY GOD!

OUR DIVISION LEAD IS DOWN TO 5 GAMES!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 11:21 AM PDT reply actions

WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 29, 2006 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

WE'RE ALL GOING TO GET 3rd DECK SEATS!!!!

"VORP? Not a clue what that is. But if it's good, I'll take it!"

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 29, 2006 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions

<gasping for air>

I just cut my lunch short and sprinted my fat ass across our parking lot/office to let you guys know Huston will be on Rome (radio) shortly.

http://2005.xtrasportsradio.com/pages/streaming.html

"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 29, 2006 11:26 AM PDT reply actions

Way to stick that f'n thing out there!

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 29, 2006 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions

I'll type it up if someone misses it.

"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 29, 2006 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

... or save you from having to listen to Rome.

"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 29, 2006 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions

lunch at a "diner"?

clean slate....go for it!

by ak_A on Sep 29, 2006 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions

I lied.

I HATE PEOPLE!

"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 29, 2006 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

I must have missed it.

How did it go?

"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 Sep 29, 2006 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't guess he was on.

I had to actually do work, but only missed a few minutes. I'm guessing he wasn't on. That little bitch.

"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 29, 2006 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Doing work?

What's that like? I haven't done much today.

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 29, 2006 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Ugh.

I'm pretty sure I was rude to people just now. Why couldn't they see I didn't give a damn? The only five minutes of the day I had work to do.... bitches.

"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 29, 2006 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh well.

Anymore you have to be in the Bay area to hear Huston on the radio.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions

The A's and luck

John Donovan on SI about the A's and luck.

While the A's were in Seattle, trying to nail down a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2003, their normally chilled-out general manager was back home in Oakland, taking his lucky drive in his lucky car, pulling into his lucky parking spot near his lucky golf course, waiting for the lucky hour that he could nervously tune into the game on his car's lucky radio, just to see if the A's would win.

And the best part about Billy Beane's twitchy long-distance routine Tuesday night? It worked. The A's whomped the Mariners, 12-3, won the American League West pennant and secured their place in the playoffs.

The article doesn't take the usual "the A's offense sucks, no idea how the A's are winning" position, that so many recent articles have lazily taken.

Kevin Hench on the best rookie pitchers in the AL. Which includes some guys the A's will be facing soon.

9. Boof Bonser, Twins

Despite their torrid July and August, the Twins still entered September fighting for their playoff lives. With Francisco Liriano and Brad Radke on the shelf, Johan Santana appeared to have precious little help carrying Minnesota across the finish line. Enter Boof. All the rookie did was match the surreal Santana pitch for pitch in September, going 4-0 with a 2.20 E.R.A. (with one start remaining) as the Twins clinched a playoff spot.

Including the NL, is this the best rookie pitching class ever?

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 29, 2006 11:30 AM PDT reply actions

you jackin' it?

http://www.deadspin.com/sports/carl-monday/you-jackin-it-204201.php

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 29, 2006 11:36 AM PDT reply actions

I love how

Carl Monday's mark is wearing an Ohio State pullover. Priceless.

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

by eamb on Sep 29, 2006 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions

i was really hoping for a

"stick that f'ing thing out there" response when i posted that...

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 29, 2006 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorry

But that's SO pre-all star break.

-Cindii

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

by eamb on Sep 29, 2006 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Well

I think the phrase "somebody's got a case of the Mondays" just took on a whole new meaning.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Met's should have gotten Zito

According to Kenny Rose....

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6011378

"hunting for fresh meat"

by Masaryk on Sep 29, 2006 11:42 AM PDT reply actions

Neyer

Ben, Oakland: Do you think the A's have a chance this year? With the pesky hitting of Kendall & Kotsay, the power of Swisher & Thomas, a deep bullpen, good starting pitching and great defense, I like there chances.

SportsNation Rob Neyer: I like their chances just fine if Harden keeps upping his pitch count. And they're due a bit of good October luck...

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:09 PM PDT reply actions

More Neyer

Jeff (Arlington): Please answer my question, Rob! Do you feel Bobby Crosby's poor season was due more because of nagging injuries and do you see him bouncing back next year?

SportsNation Rob Neyer: I think he played poorly because he wasn't healthy. But I also think we have to wonder if he'll ever be healthy for long.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:10 PM PDT reply actions

And more Neyer

Ashwin (palo alto): Does Eric Chavez ever become a .320 35 hr player that he was supposed to be

SportsNation Rob Neyer: I do think it'll happen, because Chavez is going to play for a while longer. But consistently, which is what we expected? Nope.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:10 PM PDT reply actions

Not A's related, but Keith Law gives us some hope

for if we face Minny.

Jerami, St. Paul: How amazing was Radke's start last night and can we expect him in game 3?

SportsNation Keith Law: What's amazing about shutting down the Royals? Have you seen the lineup they ran out there? I think Radke will face somewhat tougher competition next week if they use him. I think they're rolling the dice if they use him; they'll need to have Garza ready to come in very early in the game if it's clear that Radke doesn't have it.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:11 PM PDT reply actions

Jerami?? With an I?

What's this world coming to?

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

by eamb on Sep 29, 2006 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions

To what is this world coming ...

... when posters end their sentences with prepositions?

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions

<shakes head>

Outrageous!

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

by eamb on Sep 29, 2006 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

"From now on...

...ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put."

- Winston Churchill

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 29, 2006 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Okay.

How about, "What's the world coming to, bitches?"

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I like how that can be read 2 ways

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Three if you're dyslexic.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions

None if you're an Anaheim fan.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Sep 29, 2006 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe it's a tipo?

Squeak!

by ArakSOT on Sep 29, 2006 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions

the iceberg?

"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 Sep 29, 2006 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Neil?

Except he's dead.

"VORP? Not a clue what that is. But if it's good, I'll take it!"

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 29, 2006 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Law believes the A's are better than people think

but doesn't like Zito going #1...

Zack (San Francisco): Keith, I was wondering what you thought about A's and who is going to pitch the first three games for them?

SportsNation Keith Law: I like this A's club more than I thought I would - I'm about halfway through their playoff preview article. I love Haren and Harden (who looked good the other night), and their lineup isn't as bad as people are making it out to be. The ballpark makes their offense look worse than it is. They also have another great, cheap bullpen. The guy who worries me there is Zito; Macha might give him two starts in a series because he's the Name Guy, but he's no more than their third-best starter.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:12 PM PDT reply actions

thank you keith law!

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 29, 2006 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Do you think, then, that the Law is on our side?

"VORP? Not a clue what that is. But if it's good, I'll take it!"

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 29, 2006 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Jude! Us!

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Pri-est!

Oakland is Screaming for Vengeance.

"there is a method to my madness"- Oaktoon

by SF Geoff on Sep 29, 2006 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions

I fought the Law.

But the Law won.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Sep 29, 2006 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Law responds to a delusional Reds fan

Jesse (dayton, ohio) : Since Reds ownership said they will spend money to win, do you think they have a shot a Barry Zito????

SportsNation Keith Law: None whatsoever. No way Zito goes to a small, Midwestern market. And I think he'll be looking for five years and $14-15 million a year, at least as an asking price, and that will probably knock the Reds right out of it. Oh, and Zito in GABP is a Very Bad Idea.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:15 PM PDT reply actions

Zito's VBI stat...

...is sure to scare some teams away. :P

Rap Cat!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Sep 29, 2006 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Law on Big Frank

Clint (slc, ut): Would you sign Frank Thomas to a 2 year deal?

SportsNation Keith Law: Yes, I would. But I might offer one plus a vesting option first, and see if the market forces me to two.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:15 PM PDT reply actions

More from Law

Todd: (Mlps, MN):: Who would you say has the best bullpen in baseball?

SportsNation Keith Law: Twins. A's have a pretty good one too. And the Tigers' pen can be very good, although I'm not a Todd Jones partisan.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:16 PM PDT reply actions

Uh, no-brainer, dude

Jason (NJ): for the next 5 years....Harden or Prior?

SportsNation Keith Law: You have to go with Harden, don't you? Prior has to pitch before we can really have that discussion.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 29, 2006 12:16 PM PDT reply actions

Scissors.

by mikeA on Sep 29, 2006 12:29 PM PDT reply actions

I counter with

TIGER HAND!

by Zonis on Sep 29, 2006 12:32 PM PDT reply actions

More Caroll

Rich Harden did pretty well in his second start--you could call him the anti-Pedro, assuming you weren't a Mets fan. Harden showed great command, plus velocity, and he did it over his full pitch allotment. He's clearly ready for the playoffs, and the only downside is that he's not extended to a normal starter's workload yet. With Harden healthy and ready, Joe Blanton is pushed to the bullpen for the playoffs, although will likely shadow Harden. For those of you reminding me that a healthy Harden gives the A's three plus starters, I'll buy that after this last start.

by Zonis on Sep 29, 2006 12:34 PM PDT reply actions

But which 3?

by mikeA on Sep 29, 2006 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Duh

Saarloos, Halsey and Witasick.

by Zonis on Sep 29, 2006 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions

No Sauerbeck?

"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 Sep 29, 2006 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

he's the "plus"

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 29, 2006 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions

He's the epitome of the 'plus one'.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Sep 29, 2006 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm not reminding him of that.

I'm reminding im of "Rich Harden is going ot have Tommy John surgery."

I guess he's delayed it until after the playoffs, hmm Will?

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Sep 29, 2006 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Interesting stuff going on with the Mariners

Much angst at both Lookout Landing and USSMariner over the retention of Hargrove.

Some good news for them though in the fact that Ichiro! seems to be happy to be playing center.

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 29, 2006 12:59 PM PDT reply actions

after watching him in the last game ...

... I think we should also seem to be happy with Ichiro! playing center.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions

He's bad...

...I mean really bad, but the fans who should be walking out have Showalter at the helm.

The Rangers will never win with him.

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Sep 29, 2006 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions

I haven't really paid much

attention to the Rangers. Why do you consider Showalter that bad?

Would you consider him worse than Grover? Buddy Bell? Dusty?

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 29, 2006 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Macha?

Squeak!

by ArakSOT on Sep 29, 2006 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Sep 29, 2006 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm curious

Who is your ideal manager?

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 29, 2006 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Bill Lumbergh

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeeeeeeaaah.

Um, yeaaah, just wanted to make sure you knew that, ahhhh, Perez can't hit at all, so uh, yeahhhhh, I'm gonna have to go ahead and ask you to, uh, keep playing third. <knocks on locker twice, sips coffee, walks out of room>

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions

and, ironically ...

... (or not, depending on your perspective) that sounds just like Macha when he's interviewed.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

<stretches suspenders with thumbs>

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

My fantasy team is the Red Swinglines

...and no, I don't have anyone named Milton on it.

Marinerds - a different daily dose of baseblog.

by Deanna on Sep 29, 2006 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Is it game over for Initech?

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Worse than Grover

Worse than Buddy Bell.

Dusty's a different kind of awful, but he earns a pass for not being a complete jerk on top of being incompetent.

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Sep 29, 2006 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions

That seems a tad harsh

Worse than Buddy "PMS" Bell? Worse than the Buddy Bell who said that Andres Blanco has a long way to go before he can improve to become the player that Angel Berroa is? Yes that Angel Berroa.

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 29, 2006 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions

They can't walk out.

It's on page 679 of Showalter's rule book.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions

You know,

Maybe I'm weird, but I just don't see the point in angsting over the manager situation. I don't think Hargrove's the best manager ever, but I'm also in the school of people who thinks the manager doesn't have that much effect on a game -- yeah, he can decide who's out there to win or lose the game, but in the end, it's the players themselves who have to win or lose it.

The real question is, will Jeff pay us all $5 if Hargrove's the manager on opening day 2007?

Marinerds - a different daily dose of baseblog.

by Deanna on Sep 29, 2006 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions

<signs up for 6,000 LL logins>

"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 Sep 29, 2006 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Chavy on A-Rod

Haven't seent this on the board yet. So good! Tell'em Chavy!

From Michael Urban's Baseball Perspectives on MLB.

Speaking of actors, I'm with A's third baseman Eric Chavez, who took issue with A-Rod bringing his name into that recent Sports Illustrated piece by the fine and finely groomed Tommy Verducci. "Sleep in the bed you make," Chavez told the equally fine Pablo Gutierrez of the Sacramento Bee. Amen, Chavvy. You're good people. Kids trust you.

by Leesa on Sep 29, 2006 1:35 PM PDT reply actions

He's right

ARod chose to go with the money, and chose to go to New York (via Texas).

Chavez chose to stay in Oakland where he knew he was happy.

by Zonis on Sep 29, 2006 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

and yet ...

... given his subsequent injuries and offensive performance, I think it's a fair argument that Chavvy, too, is overpaid.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions

But he IS sleeping

in a really nice bed.

In traction. D'OH!

"there is a method to my madness"- Oaktoon

by SF Geoff on Sep 29, 2006 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

He's not exactly poor.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 29, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions

No, but any of us would be hard-pressed

to turn down 252 MM + expectations for 66 MM. That's a really tough choice to make, in my mind, and I can't say that I wouldn't have gone for the 252 MM. (Stupidly, my major life decision was to take $$ + expectations over $$$$. Now why did I do that?)

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Wait, I'm confused.

I think we're agreeing. Or not talking about the same thing. One of the other.

I have no problem with Alex's contract, although I do occasionally get tired of hearing him whine about it. I was referring to Chavez and his contract when I said made my comment. His "staying where he's happy" still resulted in a fat contract. And I don't care how good his defense is, I don't think I can be convinced that he's living up to his price so far. I was thinking more along the lines of Monkeyball above.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 29, 2006 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm generally disagreeing.

Chavez stayed in Oakland and got a fat contract, true. But he could have left Oakland for a fatter contract (he easily would have gotten 6/80 on the open market). I admire him for turning down the potential for more money, even if we're talking about the difference between "obscenely wealthy" and "GDP of Djibouti."

I know that I would have trouble deciding between "rich + place I've known" and "richer + place I don't know."

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Okay, I see what you're saying now.

But in my mind, once you get to the point where we're talking about that much money, I guess I don't have much admiration. IMO, there's very little difference between 60 mil. and 80 mil. It's all more money than you can spend unless you're MC Hammer.

That's why I would be a horrible agent. I'd try to sign all my clients to 10 year, $2 mil. deals.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 29, 2006 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions

MC Hammer is a novice.

Mike Tyson is the real king of psycho-spending.

You would've been a great agent in the '60s, though...

Rap Cat!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Sep 29, 2006 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions

More along the lines of Monkeyball?

You do realize, that's one of the first warning signs!

Squeak!

by ArakSOT on Sep 29, 2006 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions

that, and nacho runs

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I like A-Rod and can't stand

to see him get the grief he's given. But I also agree with Eric Chavez one hundred percent. Sweet dream, Little Alex.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions

i didn't know a-rod said that about chavvy

what a lil bitch!

by gotgreen on Sep 29, 2006 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Chavy can at least admit it when he's sucking.

I like A-Rod, but that wasn't cool. <thumbs down>

"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 29, 2006 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Frowny face.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Brownie face:

"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 29, 2006 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

Your sig provides a very nice caption for the picture.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions

that's actually kinda scary

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions

It's like an

UPICGVQOTM (unintentional, politically incorrect, community guideline violating quote of the month)

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions

You're doin' a heckuva job, sal.

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 29, 2006 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions

shouldn't that be "sally"?

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Short squat Sally ?

"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 Sep 29, 2006 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Christ, what an asshole!

by sslinger on Sep 29, 2006 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions

SI Article

Don't remember the exaxt quote, but A-Rod brought Chavy and Mussina and Giambi all up.

Nice article on the A's
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/john_donovan/09/29/oakland.luck/index.html

by Leesa on Sep 29, 2006 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

The quote

Addressing his feelings on getting booed:

"My agent, Scott Boras, was talking about [Oakland third baseman] Eric Chavez, who's a great player. He's hitting .235. He's got 16 home runs, 43 ribbies? This guy is getting cheered every time he comes up to the plate. If I can look back on 2006 and see I made 25 errors, hit .285 and drove in 125, I mean, has God really been that bad to 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 Sep 29, 2006 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions

i chose to read that ...

... more as an indictment of Yankee fans (and implicit kudos to Oakland fans) than of Chavvy.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree.

The only part that I find a little weird is how dialed in he is to the stats of Eric Chavez.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Boras hooked him up ...

... with one of those Rove/Bush wireless debate gizmos.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Instead of Boras...

Maybe Borat should hook him up instead with the Kazahkstan national baseball team.

"VORP? Not a clue what that is. But if it's good, I'll take it!"

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 29, 2006 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Yessssssss, Bar-ree ...

... you eeesss a-sign-eeng weeth thee gloariuss Kazakh team, uh-yess? End you eesss heff-ing my-uh sees-ter, yesss?

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Chavy must be on his fantasy team.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 29, 2006 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions

yeah

and notice the only stat he conveniently didn't have at the tip of his tongue was errors

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Sep 29, 2006 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions

It's too bad.

Because really, they have a lot in common, judging by the WBC.

Chavez=not Mexican enough
Rodriguez=not Dominican enough

"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 Sep 29, 2006 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions

and both lack clutch and heart!

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions

A-rod may not have a clutch

but he does have a perfectly good handbag.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Sep 29, 2006 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Did you say handbag?

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

by eamb on Sep 29, 2006 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions

oooh

his is waaaaaaay cuter than A-Rod's! Yet another area where he's not living up to his contract ;(

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Sep 30, 2006 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions

and according to Dogfather ....

... I have quite a nice basket myself ...

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions

stop pimiping your basket

it's unseemly

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Sep 30, 2006 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions

It's hard out here for a chimp

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 2, 2006 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Five of eight must be sabermetricians

I'm rooting against OSU in this one.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 1:38 PM PDT reply actions

Interesting.

McCloskey bought the two-bedroom house for $25,500 about a year ago as a rental property

McCloskey, who owns seven rental properties in Stillwater with his brother, was offered $62,000 for the home, or about 2 1/2 times more than he paid for it. But he turned it down.

I've been to Stillwater, and can safely attest to the fact that he will never make that kind of a one-year profit on a house there in six lifetimes.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Looking deeper, it's clear there's one thing....

at the bottom of his refusal to sell a rental home he's owned less than a year.

Could it be, ummm, oh, I don't know...SATAN?!?!

No, it's only greed.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions

A few trade targets

We need to get stronger for 2007, yet cheaper. That can be done by getting rid of some expensive spare parts (Melhuse, Kielty, etc...)

Who should we try for?

Vernon Wells?

or someone cheaper?

Austin Kearns? Brad Wilkerson?

Fourth Outfielder?

Ryan Church? Jeremey Reed?

by Zonis on Sep 29, 2006 1:50 PM PDT reply actions

Vernon Wells

And who the <censored> are we going to trade away for him? Dan Haren? Furthermore, he has made it quite clear that he would really like to play in Texas.

Austin Kearns? Fat chance. Again, we'd be asked for someone like Dan Haren.

Jeremy Reed? Why would we want him?

Ryan Church is nice, though I'm not sure the Nats might want to give him up without a decent prospect in return. And given the state the A's farm system is in...

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 29, 2006 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

I like Reed.

I think Beane should make a play for him in the offseason after 2007. Kotsay's tenure will be coming to a close, and I think Reed still has a lot of potential.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I guess it would't hurt

if the A's pick Reed up after the M's cut him. But I wouldn't want to give up anything for him. At this point he's an Endy Chavez type player. If you pick him up for free and he somehow magically turns into magic beans, great.

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 29, 2006 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions

I do not think it would cost Haren

for 1 Year of Wells.

Wells has no choice if he is traded to Oakland. He can leave after the season is over, but he is not a Free Agent. He also has just 1 year left, so he will not cost a fortune.

Kearns and Church are not in the good graces of the Nats managment right now. Both are disgruntled, and Church in particular seems to be hated by Bowden.

Reed is a great Buy Low guy. He's a gold glove center fielder, and he was a good hitter in the minors. I think he can regain that bat and at least become a decent hitter in the Majors, maybe a .750 OPS guy at least.

The A's farm system might not be brimming with Top Talent, but we have an awful lot of mid range prospects, and we've gotten good guys for mid range prospects before.

And we also have a huge stock of relief pitching. Even crappy relief pitching is in demand, that means that players like Halsey and Witasick might actually be worth something, believe it or not. Witasick could be sold on the premise that his 2005 was his true self and his 2006 was because of injury that he's over with now, and Halsey is a Lefty SP/Long Relief. Even Saarloos has value.

Because remember, crappy 5th starters are being paid $6-7 million.

by Zonis on Sep 29, 2006 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions

By the way

A lot of this is academic at this point because Wells has warmed up greatly to the idea of simply staying in Toronto.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Only a year or not...

Vernon Wells is NOT coming cheap.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 29, 2006 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I like Jeremy Reed too, but

he's really got to fix his swing, even when he isn't doing things like breaking his wrist.

Kotsay's a much better player right now, but Reed's upshot is that he's only 25. The downside is that right now his value is pretty low, and if he does make a comeback in 2007 it'll cost you guys more to get him.

Marinerds - a different daily dose of baseblog.

by Deanna on Sep 29, 2006 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions

This is really fascinating.

The clutchiest of clutch hits, EVER.

This doesn't use a Expected Runs model, nor a Win Probability Added model. It goes straight to the bottom line: change in odds of winning the World Series. Dennis Eckersley makes an unfortunate appearance.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:12 PM PDT reply actions

I'm going to chastise you for mentioning...

the Unmentionable without even clicking on the link.

Maybe in the offseason you can bring that shit up, but to bring it up now, well, that just smells of elderberries.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions

You mean Joe Morgan?

I have to find any research flawed that puts the odds of Byung-Hung Slider giving up a game-ending hit at 2.5%.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Kim was nasty that year.

10 HR in 98 IP, 113 K, 2.94 ERA.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, I know.

But the one on the top ten list came after the Yankees had already abused him earlier in the series.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Ah, I see.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I was assuming he was referring to Gibson,

but you know what happens when you do that, right?

You make an ass out of "u" and "ming".

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions

That's one odd-shaped vase...

Rap Cat!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Sep 29, 2006 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions

wow

That's one of the best baseball articles I've ever read. It's extremely well written, but not in a Ratto-/monkeyball-esque I'm-in-love-with-my-thesaurus way. It clearly and cogently presents a broad variety of data and anecdotes in an accessible way, without dumbing down the contents or overplaying the anecdotal at the expense of the data. It illuminates both intuitive and counterintuitive insights that will be of insight to the insider and the general reader. It respects the expert analysis, while still poking some gentle jabs at the overall sporkishness of the subject and methods. It mixes in some really good emotional and subjective anecdotes -- and actually follows up on the anecdotes with a truly affecting interview with Tony Womack.

That's some Pulitzer-worthy stuff right there. Really. Thanks for that, sal.

Plus, it has this: [Our data] suggests Boston fans lead the league in overestimating their relative importance in the baseball cosmos.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks for the review.

I was guilty of simply skipping to the list. I'll go back and read it now.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions

So what you're saying is

Marco has his work cut out for him.

Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Sep 29, 2006 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Christ, what an asshole.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 29, 2006 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Damon, what a Schilling!

by Zonis on Sep 29, 2006 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions

That may be the best article

I've ever seen on the subject. Just fabulous.

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Sep 29, 2006 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions

a couple of notes

neat article. However, it does use win probability added calculations (and in fact uses the historical data approach that Baby W used to), tweaked to fit our expectations of importance (later innings+, good pitcher+). There is actually a more rigorous way to check how the odds of winning a series change, which I've long wanted to add to good old Baby W.

I can't help but comment on the idea that people are pretty good at noticing the most important plays without math. First, that's generally true as careful fans aren't stupid. Second, if you tweak the formula to fit common expectations, then yes people will be even better at figuring out what's memorable. The most interesting part about winexp to me is when it points out important plays that wouldn't otherwise be noticed.

by Apricot on Sep 30, 2006 1:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Haha...Celebrate on XM 25 right now.....

NIIIIICE.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 29, 2006 3:29 PM PDT reply actions

aka Celebration....

Everyone around the world.......Oaktown!

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 29, 2006 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions

oh geez. come ON, sports illustrated!

Only Oakland A's closer Hudson Street made it to the majors quicker, but Meredith's debut last season for the pitching-starved Red Sox was a disaster.

link

by gotgreen on Sep 29, 2006 3:38 PM PDT reply actions

Awesome!

We get to keep Huddy after all.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions

oh, boy ...

... there's a really bad joke to be made right there, but I ain't a-gonna do it.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2006 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I think I got it anyway.

Cottilion.

"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 Sep 29, 2006 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Is Billy crossbreeding his pitchers again?

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Sep 29, 2006 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Brutal

Don't think this was is exactly part of the DLD but I just heard this on MLB radio.

Sam Betesh was doing his weekly AL West wrap up and they asked him what the "A" stood for when referring to the A's. He said, "August. Not September and definitely not October."

Jeez, I realize your precious Halos are not in the playoffs but how about a little AL West love for the playoffs!

I hope Oakland goes out and is ruthless in the ALDS and makes all these nay-sayers eat crow!!

by Leesa on Sep 29, 2006 3:50 PM PDT reply actions