Open Thread: Spring Training Game 13

by Tyler Bleszinski on Mar 12, 2007 10:43 AM PDT in News

Is number 13 the lucky one for Joe Kennedy? You know, the spring training where his ERA stops climbing towards triple digits and starts heading south? Kennedy and his A's mates travel to Peoria to take on the Seattle Mariners.

Sports psychology is extremely interesting to me. The fact that many people speculate that a guy always steps up his game when he is entering a contract year is one of those long held beliefs that I tend to think is true. So it wasn't surprising to hear Billy Beane and Bob Geren both basically saying that Joe Kennedy pretty much had the fifth spot in the rotation nailed down before camp ever opened in Arizona. Kennedy is likely in his last season with the A's and about to hit unrestricted free agency. The dollar signs are dancing around in Kennedy's head as we speak.

At the same time, I also think there's another aspect to sports psychology that could be coming into play with Kennedy's horrific spring. He should've probably been led to believe that he is in a dogfight between Jason Windor, Brad Halsey and Shane Komine for the fifth spot in the rotation. Athletes, given the nature of what they do for their profession, often perform their best when they hear the knocks of youth at their financially secure door. Competitive nature takes over and you get that extra ounce of focus and concentration that can make the difference between a Kennedy who is painting the corners with his fastball and slider and the one who is hanging sliders and serving up meatball fastballs.

The bottom line is that I know that spring training means nothing and that once Kennedy gets into the regular season and sees that huge green light of cash at the end of the tunnel, he will probably turn it on a notch. But I still think it would've been good if he felt the hot breath of youth on his neck. Windsor hasn't really provided that for Kennedy. Neither has Halsey. Komine had a good start yesterday, but that's the first time that any of the potential number five pitchers has really done anything good. If Kennedy continues to struggle, the chances are that he will still wind up with the fifth spot simply because none of the other potential competitors have shown anything to make Geren, Beane and company to think otherwise. And the fact remains that I still think that once the regular season hits, you will likely see a different Kennedy for the above-mentioned reasons. Hey, it's human nature.

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Comments

I agree with what you're saying, but...

what's the significance of the number 13, exactly?

"When I got injured, I felt disrespected. Waaannnh!" - Mark Kotsay

by FoolshGame22 on Mar 12, 2007 11:20 AM PDT reply actions

Nothing except it's

the A's 13th spring game.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Mar 12, 2007 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions

ahhhh... I didn't think Kennedy was old enough..

to have attended 13 Spring Trainings (even though he's looking like Todd Van Poppel this Spring).

"When I got injured, I felt disrespected. Waaannnh!" - Mark Kotsay

by FoolshGame22 on Mar 12, 2007 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Gameday

Is there a gameday link so those of us who are cheap and won't pay the $15 to the MLB to listen can follow along?

by Threepwood XX on Mar 12, 2007 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions

ESPN the Magazine studied the contract-year thing

in its most recent issue. I don't remember all the details of the little study, but I think they determined that it was pretty much a myth. The whole study seemed off, though. They admitted that there was a small sample size and several outliers. Thank you, Adrian Beltre.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Mar 12, 2007 11:39 AM PDT reply actions

FJM touched on this recently

They said a Princeton study indicated "contract year" spikes in performance were illusory, but that a Baseball Prospectus study suggested a ~10% jump in performance among "prominent free agents" over the last 30 years. I think BP's methodology is suspect though; if an otherwise non-prominent guy suddenly overperforms in his contract year, wouldn't he suddenly become "prominent" and get his spike included on the list? And if an otherwise reasonably-prominent guy flops in his contract year, might he not plummet right of their "prominence" list and get his negative spike excluded?

(Visiting Cubs fan)

by Loon from Left on Mar 12, 2007 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions

Argh...here we go again!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 11:43 AM PDT reply actions

Dang time change!

I now have to go to class instead of being able to listen to the game at 12.

I guess it wouldn't be a bad idear to miss this one.

Kennedy vs Felix or President vs King?

Messenger from King Selig: "This is madness! There's no way this team can compete!" King Billy Beane: "Madness? THIS IS OAKLAND!!!"

by OaktownRajah on Mar 12, 2007 11:49 AM PDT reply actions

Whatever his thinking and motivation ..

.. I hope Joe_K steps it up come start of regular season .. we need him, or somebody, to give us decent outings in the fifth starting spot ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 12:37 PM PDT reply actions

during my one diamond level game

Kennedy was the starter (second half 2005 season). I took advantage of the great seats to watch him closely. His pitching style (aiming to zip into the lower corners, mostly) was effective the first and part of the second time through the lineup. After that, however, his pitches flattened out and were very hittable. (The A's lost that game, lost the lead and couldn't get it back; however, Kotsay's two errors in that game were also a factor.)

As a reliever he has seemed to be much more effective. Of course,I realize that I'm just judging him based on that one game.

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 12:39 PM PDT reply actions

You're not far off ..

.. Kennedy's performance as spot-starter in place of Rich Harden, in August-Sept of '05, wasn't too good ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions

After one time through the batting order

as I recall from his Tampa Bay DRays days, he generally faultered. I used to enjoy watching the games when he was pitching against the Athletics, because (it seemed) just like clockwork, 3rd to 6th inning, the A's would get a crooked number up on the board.
I like him only as a reliever

Rename Fremont to Philadelphia, and all's well with the new stadium location.

by One won lost won on Mar 12, 2007 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Let's not say ST stats mean nothing

because if they did mean nothing, jobs would not be won/lost based on them.

And I don't know about the rest of you, but if Kennedy is sporting an ERA over 20.00 at the end of spring training, I would have him on a very short leash to start the season.

by fadedash on Mar 12, 2007 12:44 PM PDT reply actions

Agreed because we cannot afford ..

.. to fall something like 10 or 15 under at the end of May, like we did in '05 -- just makes the rest of the season an uphill climb.

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow.

Did that radio commercial announcer really just pronounce "Thome" the way it's spelled? Like it rhymes with "home"?

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:02 PM PDT reply actions

is this game on Bay Area radio?

and if so, is it supposed to be on 1550 AM or only on the new FM station (can't remember the number, help appreciated)?

I just turned on 1550 but the game isn't on.

thanks!

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 1:06 PM PDT reply actions

it's on MLB Audio

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions

thanks, Randy, Poppy, others

I guess I'll just have to follow the game thread and Gameday...

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions

No, just the MLB webcast...

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions

seattle has their 'A' team in there ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:06 PM PDT reply actions

stop hitting our players!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 1:08 PM PDT reply actions

mlb radio link?

this one is on mlb radio, and I'm a subscriber, but I've been noodling around mlb.com trying to find the game link, and no f--ing luck. anyone have a direct link - i'm also on hold with mlb currently, I bet AN responds faster

by giambizombie on Mar 12, 2007 1:08 PM PDT reply actions

I bet you're right.

Go to http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/scoreboard/20... and click the "audio" link that's above our scoreboard.

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions

here

http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index...

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions

go here

http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index...

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions

thanks for the help friends

you were far faster than mlb on the phone - i just hung up - though I almost stayed on hold so i could complain

by giambizombie on Mar 12, 2007 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions

nevermind

i finally went thru a few backdoors and found it
mlb.com is such a lousy site, really, really lousy -

by giambizombie on Mar 12, 2007 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Why do all the A's players keep getting hit

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:08 PM PDT reply actions

XMers

it's on Ch. 178 as scheduled! Huzzah!

"San Jose A's of Fremont" is unseemly

by ArakSOT on Mar 12, 2007 1:09 PM PDT reply actions

Piazza is truly an A, now, he hit into a DP

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:11 PM PDT reply actions

hehe ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions

But how are his obliques?

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmmm...not good for Bocachica Wow Wow

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 1:13 PM PDT reply actions

Do we know the lineups?

I think I missed it if Buan said it...

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:13 PM PDT reply actions

Sooooooooo...

who wants to do a play-by-play?

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 1:14 PM PDT reply actions

Not it.

Doing (bad) data entry (badly).

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions

rbi single from jose vidro, 1-0 seattle

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:16 PM PDT reply actions

What the Hell is Kennedy throwing, The A's are

down 2-0 already

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:17 PM PDT reply actions

sexson rbi single 2-0 seattle

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:17 PM PDT reply actions

Kennedy SUCKS!!!!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 1:17 PM PDT reply actions

Come on.

47.98 ERAs are underrated.

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions

ST means nothing?

kennedy sure is doing a good job of throwing nothing.

2-0 m's, 2 men on, 0 outs

by fadedash on Mar 12, 2007 1:17 PM PDT reply actions

I can do a little PXP, if you want...

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 1:17 PM PDT reply actions

Guillen grounds into an around the horn

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:19 PM PDT reply actions

Johjima pops out to DJ, end of 1sr

2-0 Mariners

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:20 PM PDT reply actions

johjima retired, 2-0 seattle after one ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:20 PM PDT reply actions

This looks promising!

by Ray of Lite on Mar 12, 2007 1:21 PM PDT reply actions

Chavy grounds out to 1b

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:23 PM PDT reply actions

chavez out

3-1

dj up.

by Backspin on Mar 12, 2007 1:23 PM PDT reply actions

anybody have the gameday link?

for some reason it seems to be harder to find this spring than it was earlier.

thanks!

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 1:23 PM PDT reply actions

Dj singles into left field

1 on 1 out

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:24 PM PDT reply actions

Buck lines out to RF, 2 out Bocachica

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:25 PM PDT reply actions

Bocachica K''s

2-0 middle of 2nd

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:28 PM PDT reply actions

ANAGRAMS!!

Joe Kennedy:
Keen Joy Den
Ken Need Joy
End Keen Joy
Do Eke Jenny

Those are pretty lame.

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 1:28 PM PDT reply actions

Gameday for those who want it.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2006...

I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time

by athleticscatcher on Mar 12, 2007 1:29 PM PDT reply actions

Eric Chavez:

Chive Craze
I Carve "Chez"
He Vice Czar

His name ain't too good either.

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 1:31 PM PDT reply actions

Bloomquist singles, runner on 1st 2 out, Ichiro u

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:32 PM PDT reply actions

Komine & Hererra optioned to AAA

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 1:34 PM PDT reply actions

Too fast.

For Komine, anyway. Kennedy has done nothing to prove he would be any better as the fifth starter. I guess Windsor's ahead of him in line.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Mar 12, 2007 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Kennedy is not helping his case

Maybe using Windsor would be better. At the very least, he'll get MLB expirience.

by Zonis on Mar 12, 2007 1:34 PM PDT reply actions

Kendall should charge the mound.

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Ichiro singles to lf, runners on 1st and 2nd.

Beltre up.

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:35 PM PDT reply actions

did I just hear that right?

did someone just yell "Yo! Adrian!"

by Zonis on Mar 12, 2007 1:35 PM PDT reply actions

Kennedy

throw some damn strikes.

by sprtsnwyn on Mar 12, 2007 1:36 PM PDT reply actions

Kennedy walks the bases loaded, Curt Young goes

to mound. Maybe he should just pitch, can't be much worse.

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:37 PM PDT reply actions

Ken Korach:

Ho Knacker (It just sounds funny!)
Hear Knock
Hare Knock
Hero Knack
Ark? Heck no!
Ken, Or Hack?

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 1:37 PM PDT reply actions

2 run single, 4-0 Mariners, Kennedy sure is going

to be paid well if he keeps this up.

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:38 PM PDT reply actions

yikes kennedy sucks ..

.. pardon my language ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:38 PM PDT reply actions

Sexson grounds out to Chavy, at the end of 2, 4-0

Seattle

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:40 PM PDT reply actions

Kennedy = not good

Supposed to get 'stretched out' to be a starter. At the current rate, if he goes five, he'll give up 10 runs. Awesome.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 1:40 PM PDT reply actions

That'd be some stretching!

At the current rate, if he goes five, he'll have to throw about seven hundred pitches. Then we won't have to worry about having him in the rotation or the pen.

(Visiting Cubs fan)

by Loon from Left on Mar 12, 2007 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Stretching Kennedy out

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Jim Rome says, "Rack her!"

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Mar 12, 2007 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Furmaniac flies out, 1 down

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:42 PM PDT reply actions

He's repaying Seattle

for last season's generosity.

by Ray of Lite on Mar 12, 2007 1:43 PM PDT reply actions

Curt Young:

Country Rug
Gun Outcry
Uncut Orgy
Gout N U Cry
No Curt Guy
Coy Nut Rug
Uncoy Trug

His name was much more fun.

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 1:43 PM PDT reply actions

Mellilo with a single 1 on 1 out

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:43 PM PDT reply actions

With those 2 runs the last inning, Kennedy saw

his ERA drop from 21.21 to 20.86. How sad is that

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:45 PM PDT reply actions

Kendall grounds into FC, runner on 2nd 2 out

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:46 PM PDT reply actions

Joe Kennedy Sucks:

Dense Jockey Sunk
Seek Second Junkey

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 1:47 PM PDT reply actions

Bradley flies out to Bloomquist, Middle ot 3,

4-0 Mariners

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:49 PM PDT reply actions

Kennedy still throwing BP, Guillen with a leadoff

double

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:51 PM PDT reply actions

Johjima flies out to Buck, I guess the runner

didn't advance. Buan didn't say

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:52 PM PDT reply actions

offer still good for free counseling coupons

@philip -- .. free counseling, Kaiser at Redwood City psych dept has a specialist in anagram addiction .. reputed to have high success rate even with the most dysfunctional patients .. {g} ...

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 1:53 PM PDT reply actions

Reed grounds out to 2nd, 2 out runner on

2nd

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:53 PM PDT reply actions

Anagram Addiction:

A Diatonic Grandma
Among Radiant Acid
Mandarin Goat Acid
Cigar Ad Damnation
Timid Anaconda Rag
Antacid Airman God
Cannot Aid Diagram

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Oops

Obviously, I meant to reply to the above post.

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions

hilarious nevertheless ..

.. I see my little raggin ain't gonna slow ya down, that's GOOD .. {g} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Kennedy stranded the runner at 2nd, end of 4

4-0 Mariners

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:55 PM PDT reply actions

End of 3?

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions

top of 4th I meant

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Piazza flies out to Guillen 1 out

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:59 PM PDT reply actions

Piazza, Chavy and Johnson up in 4th inning

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 1:59 PM PDT reply actions

Chavez singles 1 on 1 out, DJ up

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 1:59 PM PDT reply actions

P-by-P from Peanuts and Johnny Depp .. {g} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:00 PM PDT reply actions

King Felix with 2 singles and HB so far

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:00 PM PDT reply actions

Okay so my posts are always a day late and a

dollar short. Delayed game on gameday.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:01 PM PDT reply actions

you're doin fine charlie brown

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Piazza still at plate on gameday...

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:02 PM PDT reply actions

could be worse, i guess...

we could be rooting for the Giants and Matt Morris:

<pre>

San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Morris 2.0 8 7 4 1 1 0 16.20</ore>

Note: Cubs pitcher, Zambrano, had a double and a triple off of Morris.

Course, Morris still has a lower ERA than Kennedy.

"When I got injured, I felt disrespected. Waaannnh!" - Mark Kotsay

by FoolshGame22 on Mar 12, 2007 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

grrrr...

damn Preview!

"When I got injured, I felt disrespected. Waaannnh!" - Mark Kotsay

by FoolshGame22 on Mar 12, 2007 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Not entirely Morris's fault

Zambrano's the best-hitting pitcher in baseball, and I don't think it's close. He's also in the running for best pitching pitcher in the National League. I'm not too happy about the Cubs' chances, but I do like (Chicago's) big Z.

(Visiting Cubs fan)

by Loon from Left on Mar 12, 2007 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Gameday's broken

It shows a batter with a 0-2 count against Joe Kennedy, and zero men on, and no runs this inning.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

Johnson does what he does best...

He hits into a DP to end the top of 4th inning.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

yup, think it's time for me to work

and catch up with the game later

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:07 PM PDT reply actions

Dang...

Just popped in...is it REALLY that bad???

by curlichick on Mar 12, 2007 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Yep, Kennedy pitching and getting stretched out

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions

mainly because Gameday's broken

and I don't have mlb audio.

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmmmm...

Lots of news on gameday in bottom left hand corner of the screen. Broken ankles and lots of other info being reported along with players playing game at minor facility etc.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:10 PM PDT reply actions

It's oweee day.....

by curlichick on Mar 12, 2007 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions

If any of the AN redesigners are reading this...

New comments automatically show as "shrunk" when the thread reaches 100 comments. Can that number of comments be increased (like to 300 or 400) before the new ones start "shrink"ing?

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 2:13 PM PDT reply actions

agrree'd

also, can we move the comments over to the edge of the screen like it was before? Because it gives the illusion right now that all comments are replies.

by Zonis on Mar 12, 2007 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions

In other words...

Can AN please look exactly like it did before? LOL

(I'm getting used to the "reply illusion" by noting whether or not there's a "[Parent]" on the comment... since only the replies will have that...)

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions

OH MY GOD!?

MACHA IS GOING TO BE A COMMENTATOR ON NESN (RedSox TV)

by Zonis on Mar 12, 2007 2:14 PM PDT reply actions

gag!!!!!

by curlichick on Mar 12, 2007 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions

That really couldn't be funnier.

Not only is that monotone going to be on the air, it's going to be on the air in the most mentally unstable fan setting in the country.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Mar 12, 2007 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe he'll have a hypnotic effect on them.

Calm them down...

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions

"ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ"

by curlichick on Mar 12, 2007 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Either that

Or Macha's going to start dropping f-bombs and talking about what a head case Manny Ramirez is.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Mar 12, 2007 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Great for Macha. Will be able to apply

that Masters Degree in Engineering as an announcer. God, am I cutting down a fellow gentleman with a masters degree. Shame on me.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions

good grief

Bud Selig is the bravest, kindest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.

by ak_A on Mar 12, 2007 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions

sexson hits da bomb!

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:20 PM PDT reply actions

We're all gonna die!!!!!!!

by curlichick on Mar 12, 2007 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Ohhh off of Gaudin. Lost his virginity for the

spring. ERA no longer 0.00.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions

This sucks

And I take personal responsibility for this. I obviously have not done enough anagrams for this game.

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 2:26 PM PDT reply actions

more anagrams hehe ..

.. feed philip's addiction but VERY entertaining ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions

FIRE PHILIP CHRISTY NOW!

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Has not registered on gameday yet. Does that

mean we can hit the back button and change the events that are supposedly happening? Would that not be great way for fans to change the outcome of games. Ha Ha Ha.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:27 PM PDT reply actions

Vodoo-Doll effect ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Voodoo {sp} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Too late Now it is posted

catcher Javy Lopez released by the Rockies from his $1M a year contract. Well, I guess we do not need any more catchers.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:31 PM PDT reply actions

At least

Kennedy's ERA went down like 5, lol

by Cheezombie on Mar 12, 2007 2:33 PM PDT reply actions

No more damage off of Gaudin in the inning.

5-0 Seattle. At least it does not count for anything except spring training.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:34 PM PDT reply actions

RBI double for piazza, 5-1 seattle

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:35 PM PDT reply actions

who did he bring in?

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions

kendall? - can't remember

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Nothing on gameday. Shows still at beginning of

sixth inning.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I also think Kendall...

"Everyone knows about it, but nobody's heard of it. Oh, it exists." ~ Dan Johnson

by Poppy on Mar 12, 2007 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Holy Toledo. A comeback in the works

Could the A's comeback once again to win a spring game? Listening to CNN... the Mayans are going to clean and purge their shrines of George Bush now that he is gone... He represents everything that they do not like. Great Line.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

What about Mel Gibson?

.. {gggg} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions

gameday now says Bradley works a walk

moving Kendall to second...

ugh, Bradley was replaced with Thomas, who promptly gets picked off first

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Though most comebacks are done by the prospects

in ST

Doesn't make our offense look too good

by Cheezombie on Mar 12, 2007 2:43 PM PDT reply actions

Piazza batting, Chuckie $2 picked off first after

inserted as a pinchrunner for
Bradley. Now gameday going.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:45 PM PDT reply actions

Piazza doubles home Kendall

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:46 PM PDT reply actions

and Chavvy strikes out to end inning

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:47 PM PDT reply actions

Flores in to pitch in 7th...

Reed batting for Seattle. Do we want to trade for him??? Lets us see him perform.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:47 PM PDT reply actions

gameday's so late they have Kiko

starting the bottom of the sixth

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions

oops my bad it's Flores

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

They are reading BBG's letter on the Webcast

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 2:47 PM PDT reply actions

Whee! Shout out to me!

I'm honestly curious about both of those questions.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 2:48 PM PDT reply actions

According to Buan...

...hard to ignore Barton's offensive numbers, but he thinks he needs more time in AAA regarding his glove.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

How did you email him?

Do you have his email -- I have a few questions.

"Good or bad, I don't know. This is awesome." ~Nick Swisher

by humdinger on Mar 12, 2007 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions

radio@oaklandathletics.org

at least that's how I emailed him last season. he read the message on the air, and a couple of months later I received 2 very good field level tickets for a September game.

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions

We already have a starter at first base

But Buan...what if we want a different one?

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions

buan said barton is only 21 ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Sooo...

...given the accuracy of a typical Buancast, should we assume Barton's really 12? Or 32?

(Visiting Cubs fan)

by Loon from Left on Mar 12, 2007 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

look for him to start at first

but called up after AS break (so as not to waste a year of eligibility)...and I fully expect DJ to be gone somewhere by then.

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

I meant, start in Sacramento

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree...

...unless DJ absolutely tanks April-June.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I Haven't given up on DJ yet ..

.. see whether he hits better now that his "double-vision" has allegedly cleared up ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

even if he hits well

if Barton's D improves enough in half a season I think DJ is gone. Actually, if he hits he'll probably be easier to trade.

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Looks like a long at bat... Gameday stopped agai

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:48 PM PDT reply actions

let's hope all losses to seattle come in ST ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 2:51 PM PDT reply actions

I would love to see that happen again, but I

doubt we will be that lucky again. May reverse itself this year and we lose em all. Oooooohhhh.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Great....

...according to Buan, Kennedy can struggle quite a bit before being replaced. He is the number 5 starter.

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 2:52 PM PDT reply actions

That IS great.

If that's what Buan said, in reality we just traded Kennedy, Witasick, and Bobby Crosby for Dontrelle Willis.

"Look its either batman or batman and robin not robin w/o batman robin isn't sh@#."--cchefz71

by jeepers on Mar 12, 2007 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions

baseballgirl:

Algebra Bills
Illegal Barbs
Billable Rags
Gila Barbells
Sir Bagel Ball
Is Barbell Gal
Legal Blab, Sir

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 2:58 PM PDT reply actions

This is meant to be

the A's Rally Anagrams!

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Flores gives up 2 singles, but no further damage

in the inning. A's still behind 5-1 going to bottom of the 7th inning.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 2:58 PM PDT reply actions

We're all gonna die:

A renegade I'll own
A leaden Niger owl
Green owned LAA (plus I and L)

"robots with way too much intelligence, this chick, a healthy Eric Gagne..." ~cutthemullet

by LAXile on Mar 12, 2007 3:01 PM PDT reply actions

Green owned LAAIL

(Los Angeles Angels of Inglewood and Laguna)

(Visiting Cubs fan)

by Loon from Left on Mar 12, 2007 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I likey!

"robots with way too much intelligence, this chick, a healthy Eric Gagne..." ~cutthemullet

by LAXile on Mar 12, 2007 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Flores with a second good inning. No damage.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 3:01 PM PDT reply actions

Jeremy Brown hits a HR, with his 1st ST hit

5-2 Seattle

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:03 PM PDT reply actions

jeremy brown a solo shot

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:03 PM PDT reply actions

beaten by four seconds ..

.. by that fleet-footed pirate ship .. {g} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions

was looking under my desk

and hit my head, then read about Brown.....did not believe it!!!???? ha! good for Jeremy!!!!

by curlichick on Mar 12, 2007 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Ron Flores:

For Loners
Loner's Fro

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 3:04 PM PDT reply actions

Brown a HR... SOUNDS GREAT

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 3:04 PM PDT reply actions

Fat catchers rule!

While I'm here:

Bob Geren = beer bong

"robots with way too much intelligence, this chick, a healthy Eric Gagne..." ~cutthemullet

by LAXile on Mar 12, 2007 3:04 PM PDT reply actions

Barton with a base hit

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:05 PM PDT reply actions

donnie murphy base hit

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Murphy with a base hit, Barton advances, how far

Buan won't tell

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:06 PM PDT reply actions

ADVANCED TO 2ND BASE BEFORE THE HR.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Durazo ties it up with a 3 run HR

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:07 PM PDT reply actions

blackpearl you are too damn fast!

.. {ggg} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm an IT guy, I have bandwidth at my disposal.

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Durazo you da man!!

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions

durazo with 3-run bomb!

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:07 PM PDT reply actions

Jeremy Brown with a solo jack!

"Good or bad, I don't know. This is awesome." ~Nick Swisher

by humdinger on Mar 12, 2007 3:08 PM PDT reply actions

RUBY!!!!

Oh Durazo, how I've missed you!!!!

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 3:08 PM PDT reply actions

Buck grounds out, bottom of 8 tied at 5

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:08 PM PDT reply actions

Jeremy Brown!

Enwomb Jerry (?!)
My Reborn Jew (!)
Jeer My Brown (!)
Merry New Job

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 3:09 PM PDT reply actions

second one would be ..

.. Jesus {I think} .. {g} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions

philip_C and LAXile both candidates ..

.. for Anagram Addiction therapy .. {g} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:10 PM PDT reply actions

gameday still on Melillo's AB

in the top of the eighth, so I guess I'll get to relive Brown's solo HR and Durazo's three run bomb to tie it...

by OaklandSi on Mar 12, 2007 3:11 PM PDT reply actions

Careful that you do not change the course

of events by reliving them...

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Mar 12, 2007 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Mario Ramos on the mound, 1st batter Morse

grounds out to Furmaniac

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:11 PM PDT reply actions

Oakland Athletics:

Attack Halos Lined
Halal kitten codas
Hallo, ticked Satan!
Naked coital halts
Lacked halos taint
Stadia ankle cloth

"robots with way too much intelligence, this chick, a healthy Eric Gagne..." ~cutthemullet

by LAXile on Mar 12, 2007 3:12 PM PDT reply actions

X-Rating on 4th anagram! {g} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Ha ha ha

Wonderful.

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions

base hit, 1 on 1 out

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:12 PM PDT reply actions

Erubiel Durazo:

U R Double Zaire
Adieu, Zero Blur
Buried Our Zeal
Zero Lid Bureau

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 3:14 PM PDT reply actions

Don't forget the Spanish ones:

BURILADO ZUREE
BULARIO ZURDEE
ALUDIERE BRUZO
AZULE DERRUBIO
ZUELA DERRUBIO
AZULO DERRUBIE
LUAZO DERRUBIE

translations, anyone?

"robots with way too much intelligence, this chick, a healthy Eric Gagne..." ~cutthemullet

by LAXile on Mar 12, 2007 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Did anyone elses audio stop?

by theblackpearl on Mar 12, 2007 3:16 PM PDT reply actions

mine too

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Grrr...yes

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Switch to Seattle's KOMO

Now we have 6 or 7 months to enjoy, to cheer, cry, and scream both in frustration and happiness. ~china bob

by baseballgirl on Mar 12, 2007 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Too much shrinkage!

I wanna read everyone's post without having to click on it! This sucks.

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 3:17 PM PDT reply actions

just refresh the page again

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Mar 12, 2007 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions

OK

I think I get it now.

by Philip Christy on Mar 12, 2007 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Why, yes...

...I am incredibly slow.

(Visiting Cubs fan)

by Loon from Left on Mar 12, 2007 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Try refreshing the whole screen

I think it only does that when you post a comment (in a 100+ comment thread), and expands everything while preserving the "new" tags when you refresh. (I think.) Not a permanent solution, but a workaround if it works.

(Visiting Cubs fan)

by Loon from Left on Mar 12, 2007 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions